Newburyport, MA

Hopped on the commuter rail and made my way to Newburyport, MA today.  I am doing my best to get out and explore this corner of the globe, I currently call home. 

 

When I arrived in Newburyport I was disappointed that the commuter rail station was not located downtown, as I had read on the internet. Wandering around the station and parking lot I eventually saw a phone number for a taxi service-which unfortunately did not work-Damnit!  Thankful that I decided to upgrade to smart phone a few months back, I was able to use my maps feature and realized town was approx. 1mi away.  So... I started walking...

 

 The walk ended up being quite pleasant.  The recent rains we've had here in New England has made everything exceptionally green.

 Couldn't figure out if George had any special connection to Newburyport, or if he just gets a statue cause he's George

 A nice lake with walking path.  Any guesses on what the statue is on top of the fountain?

 

Originally settled in 1635, Newburyport population is currently around 20,000.

 The downtown area is packed with artsy shops, boutiques, and restaurants. 

 Cute walkway in the downtown area.  I loved the green and flowers.

 Because of the rain there were very few people wandering about.

 Not sure what these stones are for.  I'm assuming that people use them to take a moment and rest their feet when it isn't pouring.

 I thought this statue was fun

 It was nice to be able to duck into a shop to escape the rain on occasion.  I enjoyed a nice cup of tea at "Angie's Coffee Shop".  Love it when there are independent coffeehouses and not just Starbucks.  Reminds me of Flag

 Also treated myself to some of the lotion testers and body scrub at "Soak" Oh man, my hands feel amazing! Wondering if I should have bit the bullet and bought some.

Hmmm, is that building allowed to be green.  How rebellious.

 Whoever is in charge of these window planters is doing a wonderful job.  Although mother nature is definitely doing her part to help.

Newburyport is considered to be the birthplace of the USCG (US Coast Guard) Est. in 1790 and the US oldest, continuous maritime service. 

A monument for the Coast Guard

How have I not made friends with anyone with a boat? Seriously?!

I love the water and all the boats. 

Went to the Custom House Maritime Museum.  They had some interesting photographs, shipwreck logs and various other information about Maritime History. They are currently working on a book from the excerpts from Elizabeth Bray's journal.  A woman who, in the 1850's, traveled the seas with her husband and journaled about her adventures and how much she loved them.  I think we may have been friends : )

 Was happy to discover a bus to take me back to the commuter rail station.  This is the bus station stop.  Wow, even it is beautiful. 

 

Had a wonderful time.  Am planning on venturing back when the weather is nicer.  I really want to see Plum Island.  Wish it could be this weekend when they are having a lobster and music festival.