Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1281965
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 38 SEPTEMBER 2020 FAC E S + P L AC E S R O U T E 1 2 4 , N E W H A M P S H I R E New Hampshire Route 124 is a 28-mile- long east-west highway in southern New Hampshire that runs from Marlborough to the Massachusetts border. Along the way, the road skirts the southern slopes of Mount Monadnock and continues into Sharon. In Sharon, stop and look at the historic marker on the northern side of the road, commemorating the site of a gate that once collected tolls for the third New Hampshire Turnpike, which followed much of the present- day route of NH 124. The road then enters New Ipswich and continues through that town. In New Ipswich, stop to explore the grounds of Barrett House, a grand manse built ca. 1800. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the house is not open for tours at the time of this writing, though that may change by fall. But even if the house is closed to visitors, you may stroll around the property, which, along with the buildings, belongs to Historic New England. The mansion site includes more than 70 acres and boasts perennial gardens, annual gardens, and a Gothic Revival summer house. This building crowns the hillside overlooking PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK the expansive grounds and is an ideal place to rest and take in nature's beauty. M O U N T B AT T I E AU TO R OA D, C A M D E N , M A I N E Renowned for the view of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay from the top of Mount Battie, Camden Hills State Park inspires wonder. The 5,700-acre park treats visitors to 30 miles of hiking trails that range from short and easy to long and moderately strenuous. Or you can drive up Mount Battie in your car, a quick trip that nonetheless provides the same gorgeous views. Once at the summit, you will get a full panoramic view of surrounding lakes, the beautiful wooded hillsides, and the picture- perfect Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. By foot, the hike to the top of Mount Battie will normally take up to two hours. A fee is charged for the drive up to the summit. T H E H I D D E N H I L L S O F W E ST E R N M A S S AC H U S E T TS Between Massachusetts Route 20, known as the Jacob's Ladder Scenic Byway, and Route 2, the famous Mohawk Trail, is one of the loveliest, least-visited parts of the Bay State. On the east side of the Berkshires and west of Springfield are Western Massachusetts has several scenic spots to stop. the towns that the Mass Turnpike left forgotten. One of these is Cummington, home of the William Cullen Bryant Homestead. With serene vistas of the Westfield River Valley, the celebrated poet's home is a testament to his ideal of living mindfully on the land. There is a quintessential red New England barn and, especially beautiful in fall, an elegant allée of maples leading to the main house. Walking under these magnificent old trees glowing with autumn foliage is worth the trip all by itself. R O U T E 7, C O N N E C T I C U T The "secret corner" of Connecticut has rolling hills and lush forests, as well as some of New England's best antiquing destinations. Follow the Housatonic River in western Connecticut for a view of the state's best brightly colored leaves. As you drive through Kent, keep an eye out for the town's two historic covered bridges off of Route 7, which were reconstructed to match the originals from the 1840s. Make a stop at the Iron Mountain Reservation in Kent. Hike the 1.5-mile trail through woodlands and see how many birds you can spot of the 27 species that live there.