We descended on Salem, Cape Ann and Boston (MA) for what we have alternately called Our Most Fabulous Trip, or our Northeast Trip.  I think Our Most Fabulous Trip conjures up Wayne’s World.  Party on, Garth.

When I say “we”, I don’t mean the proverbial Brad and Karen.  This time we are actually traveling with others!  Can you imagine?  What were THEY thinking?  People will be driving by and saying, “Did you see those four Airstreams with those old coots and their hot wives?”  What’s next?  I’ll be posting about playing Bingo at the VFW.  Alas, we are traveling with a posse, and we are already having an awful lot of laughs.

We begin at one of our most favorite campgrounds – Winter Island.  This campground is probably more marina than campground as it sits right on Salem Harbor.  With water on just about all sides and a short walk to the Willows (an old amusement area that still operates), this place is perfect.

The Willows in Salem is a favorite destination as well.  While more a neighborhood than anything, there is an arcade, a number of places to eat (think pizza, Chinese food, ice cream), and of course an abundance if Willow trees.

Wanting to see more of the area, we took a road trip throughout Cape Ann, which is part of the north shore of Boston and includes Manchester-By-The-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport and Essex.  If you are unfamiliar with Cape Ann, think of it historically as the summer playground for Boston’s rich and famous, and the home to a significant part of the eastern seaboard fishing fleet.  Today it is largely bedroom communities to Boston, but also one of the prettiest places you could find.

We spent a day in Salem, which is a beautiful town but has a somewhat sordid history with its persecution of so-called witches.  But there are some great places to visit, including the House of Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum.

Speaking of Cape Ann, we took our friends to our favorite seafood haunt – Woodman’s, in Essex, MA.  Always the best.

Wanting to see a little bit of Boston, we took the ferry in to Boston for a day.  Even though we are biased, most people who have been to Boston would agree it is one of the most beautiful, historic, and easily walkable cities in this country.   A few pictures, including the Freedom Trail, a fabulous meal at the Union Oyster House, and a visit for pastries in the North End.

Stay tuned for more of Bill and Ted’s excellent adventures!