in the POD - goin' back to Massachusetts.....

 

Wells State Park

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There are 31 state parks in MA that allow camping. We have been huge fans of Horseneck Beach State Park in Westport, MA and have repeatedly gone there over the years. However, this past month we tried out 2 new parks and have been enamored with each one!  Both beautiful - and each totally different from the last. It has kind of made me re-imagine some travel plans ..... we do not, necessarily, need to always plan extended trips. We could do lots of mini road trips to more local places - exploring those spots much closer to home. 

We had a family wedding to attend in Salisbury, MA - at the same farm that Ty and Amy got married at 6 years ago! So we booked a few nites at Salisbury Beach State Park. Located at the southern end of Salisbury Beach where the Merrimack River empties into the Atlantic, the campground is HUGE with over 400 sites and is, by far, the largest campground we have ever stayed in. That said, although a bit "sardined" in, the camp was well maintained and the access to the beach - both on the ocean and river sides - were easy to access and provided for wonderful walking and views.

along the Merrimack River

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We wandered around downtown Salisbury - an old beach town and summer tourist destination. Your typical pizza stand, arcades, cotton candy kind of place. We watched as various "getting ready for the season" projects were being undertaken - a fresh coat of paint here and there, repairs on the downtown merry-go-round. 

We ended up having lunch at a gorgeous spot overlooking the ocean - Seaglass Oceanside . Tuna poke and steamed mussels. Perfect.

sky, surf and sand on the Atlantic

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Later that day and the next we walked the oceanside and river beaches. 

And for the wedding we actually had to look presentable - for the first time in 15 months!!! 

wedding day!

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The following week we headed to Wells State Park in Sturbridge, MA for a 4 day stay. With over 1,400 acres this park has 60 sites - some of which overlook Walker Pond, and 10 miles of hiking trails. Our site was perched on a small hill overlooking the pond. Every camping spot was situated for privacy and you truly felt alone .......

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settling in

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down by the pond

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hiking one of the trails

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This was a pristine campground and each spot was perfect in its own way. Could easily return here gain and again ....... except we DO have 28 more state parks to check out!