July 4th Celebrations

We spent some time away from the computer so this post is what we did over the 4th of July weekend---

We took a break from sightseeing and joined family and friends in Manchester, MA. Our daughter and son-in-law joined us at his parent's home for a New England 4th of July. Our wonderful hosts treated us to a clam boil. We learned that the boil is more commonly done in Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island and that it is different from the clambake. Wherever it's from--it was very yummy! Fresh clams, Portuguese sausage, corn, potatoes and onions simmered for hours in pots that sat over charcoal on the patio. It was a great meal and a fun time .

One of the other activities we attended was the Gloucester, MA 4th of July parade. Held on the 3rd of July it's official title is the "Fishtown Horribles Parade". Apparently it is intended to be a horrible local parade. It was --well, pretty horrible--quirky local talent. We had fun with that . Then we drove back to Manchester and caught the fireworks set off over the beach. They were really nice. No Independence Day is complete without fireworks!

On the 4th we took our chairs out to the street and attended Manchester's 4th of July Parade. They had a wonderful mix of fire trucks (old and new) from the local towns, bands (local as well as a drum and bugle Corp from Illinois), political figures and commercial floats. There were some re-enactors marching as MA militia units (Revolutionary War) and doing musket firing. It really brings home that this area of the country was settled so long ago. Manchester itself was settled in the 1600's! It is a wonderful little coastal town.

Later on the 4th, we drove to Rockport, another lovely coastal town. It is full of cute shops and galleries--someplace one could spend lots of time looking around. It is situated on a picturesque harbor with lots of photographic scenes that Jim had fun with.

Our Independence Day meal was at a great little local seafood restaurant on Ipswich Bay. We ate outdoors (despite the bugs) and had really fresh, delicious seafood to go along with the beautiful views and great family visiting. We would have never found such a neat place if it had not been for our great hosts--many thanks to them for a very memorable 4th of July. New England is a great place to celebrate our country's birthday.