Friday, June 5, 2026

June 4th 2026: Hiking in Bolton and Food in Berlin and West Boylston

 Today, I started out with a hike at the Ballville Trails in Bolton, where I path I took from ~53 Sawyer Road to find the pond here is shown below in pink.


Some open meadows here,



but the water body itself wasn't much to speak of.


From here, we headed to the Berlin side of the Highland Commons shopping area, first checking out the new Ramen Haven,


getting the Signature Tonkotsu Ramen (A rich tonkotsu broth with smooth, hearty flavor. Served with corn, black fungus, bamboo shoots, half soft-soiled egg, scallions, nori, chashu belly, and red chili strips)

which was not bad, especially the pork belly.

Next, we went to the Playa Bowls location here, this time getting the Purple Mermaid Smoothie (Playa Pitaya® Base, banana, pineapple, vanilla protein, blue spirulina, coconut milk & coco whip), although the only picture I was able to take of it was after it was almost finished.

The last place we went to today wase Froze Zone in West Boylston,



getting the Fruity Pebbles flavor.
Wish the little one hadn't chosen this weird flavor, with soggy cereal in it to boot.




Thursday, June 4, 2026

Recommended Places to Visit: Bolton

Recreation
Wineries
Nashoba Valley Winery
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road
Recommended Dishes:
Bolton Orchards Sparkling Apple Cider
Shibby Italian Ciabatta
Turkey Club
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chocolate on Chocolate
Vanilla Bean

Museums
Bolton Historical Society
676 Main Street

Animal Adventures
336 Sugar Road


Water Bodies
West Pond
27 Long Hill Road


Parks

Town Common
717 Main Street



Golf
The International Golf Club and Resort
159 Ballville Road


Farms
149 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Apple Cider Donut


Beaches
Little Pond
Hudson Road between Main Street and Mill Road


Hiking
Recommended:

Morse Sawmill Dam
159 Forbush Mill Road

40 Forbush Mill Road

Bower Springs
Flanagan Road


Fyfeshire Conservation Area
499 Wattaquadock Hill Road

Bolton Flats
Main Street, 42.457524, -71.648896

Bolton Overlook
92 Wattaquadock Hill Road

Danforth Conservation Area
Danforth Lane

Rattlesnake Hill
Danforth Lane

Randall Vinger
441 Berlin Road


Tried:
Powder House
663 Main Street

Vaughn Hills
Green Road near Bare Hill Road

Welch Pond
376 Wattaquadock Hill Road

Wilder Pond
978 Main Street

Annie Moore
98 Annie Moore Road

Northwoods
6 Ledgewood Circle

Zink Trail
44 Corn Road

Gould White
End of Randall Road

Ballville Trails
53 Sawyer Road


Architecture
Places of Worship
Trinity Church
14 Wattaquadock Hill Road

First Parish of Bolton
673 Main Street


Schools
Florence Sawyer School
100 Mechanic Street

Nashoba Regional High School
12 Green Road

Emerson School
50 Mechanic Street


Town Facilities
Public Library
738 Main Street


Restaurants
Recommended:
Cafes
Bolton Bean
626 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Loaded Baked Potato Salad


Tried:
Italian
Fotini's
544 Wattaquadock Hill Road
Recommended Dishes:
Homemade Clam Chowder
Fresh Haddock
Butternut Squash Ravioli


Dessert
Colonial Candies
47 Sugar Road
Recommended Dishes:
Dark Raspberry Fudge Truffle
Caramel Pecan


Western
J's Restaurant
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road
Recommended Dishes:
Azule
Antique Orchard Apple Salad
Pork Belly
Sticky Toffee Pudding
House Smoked Statler Chicken Breast

Slater's
356 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza
Beef Brisket
Spicy Wings

The Fireplace Room
159 Ballville Road
Recommended Dishes:
Bucatini and Meatballs
Short Rib Benedict


Sunday, May 31, 2026

May 31st 2026: NU Chicken, Worcester

 Today, before class, we decided to check out NU Chicken, a new fast food place that has taken over from BT's in Worcester. Pretty much the same decor with some changes.

We got the Chocolate Crunch (frozen custard with house made cookies, cacao nibs and topped with whipped cream and superfood fudge drizzle)
and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich (served on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, honey drizzle and moonboy sauce, with French Fries (fried in beef tallow with sea salt) and Lemonade).

Pretty tasty and crispy, definitely bringing my other half back for another try.


Saturday, May 30, 2026

May 30th 2026: Lunch at NU Kitchen, Worcester

 Today, after the little one's performance at the Worcester State University in Worcester,


 we decided to have lunch at NU Kitchen located nearby, this time getting the Strawberry Experience Waffle (Housemade waffle topped with fresh strawberries, toasted coconut, superfood fudge drizzle, and housemade strawberry jam. Served with local maple syrup),

the Steak and Eggs Breakfast (Two sunny side eggs with seared Angus steak, cheesy breakfast potatoes, fresh spinach, seared cherry tomatoes, and spicy Calabrian chili sauce.),
and the Turkey Avocado Grilled Flatbread Sandwich (Turkey, avocado, spinach, mozzarella, pickled onion, and preserved lemon mayo in a grilled flatbread.)
I must say, the steak was absolutely delicious, definitely one of the best steak and eggs dishes to date.




Thursday, May 28, 2026

Recommended Places to Visit: Lexington

Recreation
Farms
Wilson Farm
10 Pleasant Street


Events
Lex Play Tunes


Water Bodies
Potter Pond
Potter Pond


Movies
Lexington Venue
1794 Massachusetts Avenue


Parks
Emery Park
Depot Square and Massachusetts Avenue

100 Lincoln Street


Museums
National Heritage Museum
33 Marrett Road


Beaches
The Old Reservoir
458 Marrett Road


Hiking
Recommended:
Whipple Hill
Winchester Drive near Russell Road

Parker Meadow
Hancock Street near Coolidge Avenue

North Street Pits
North Street and Adams Street

Arlington's Great Meadows
End of Sheila Road

Chiesa Farm
54 Adams Street

Tried:
Paint Mine
140 Grove Street

Poor Farm
199 Hill Street

Willard's Woods
63 North Street

Turning Mill Pond
End of Tidd Circle

Lower Vine Brook
End of Utica Street

Sutherland Woods
End of Sutherland Road

West Farm Conservation Area
Oak Street near Bruce Road


Architecture
Monuments
Lexington Battle Green
Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street

Hastings Park
Massachusetts Avenue and Worthen Road

Town Clock
Massachusetts Avenue and Depot Square



Places of Worship
Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston
149 Spring Street

Temple Emunah
9 Piper Road

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish
21 Follen Road

Community of Christ
1386 Massachusetts Avenue

Follen Community Church
755 Massachusetts Avenue

First Baptist Church
1580 Massachusetts Avenue

Hancock United Church of Christ
1912 Massachusetts Avenue

First Parish Church
7 Harrington Road

Church of Our Redeemer
6 Meriam Street

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
17 Meriam Street

St. Brigid Parish
2001 Massachusetts Avenue

Grace Chapel
59 Worthen Road

Pilgrim Congregational Church
55 Coolidge Avenue

Countryside Bible Chapel
480 Lowell Street

St. Paul Evangelical Church
451 Lowell Street

Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road

Lexington United Methodist Church
2600 Massachusetts Avenue


Schools
Lexington Christian Academy
48 Bartlett Avenue

Harrington Elementary School
328 Lowell Street

Fiske Elementary School
55 Adams Street

20 Pelham Road


55 Middleby Road

7 Crosby Road

251 Waltham Street

9 Philip Road


Commercial Buildings
Brookhaven at Lexington
1010 Waltham Street

10 Pelham Road


Town Facilities
Cary Memorial Library
1874 Massachusetts Avenue

Fire Department
45 Bedford Street

10 Lincoln Street

482 Bedford Street


Historical Buildings
Supreme Council, 33°
33 Marrett Road

Cary Memorial Building
1605 Massachusetts Avenue

Old Depot
13 Depot Square

The Old Belfry
Massachusetts Avenue and Clarke Street

Marrett Square Mall
315 Marrett Road


Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Thai
1710 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Indonesian Fried Rice
Hawaiian Fried Rice
Pad Thai Noodle
Thai Iced Tea Pop
Khao Soi Salmon


Western
Via Lago
1845 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Pan Seared Sea Scallops
The Porky Egg Roll-Up
Roast Beef
Local Grown Zucchini and Parmesan Risotto
Cookies and Cream
Banana Walnut Bread

Artistry on the Green
2027 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Chocolate Bombe
Watercress Vichyssoise
Warm Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Seared Sea Scallops


Korean
Dabin
10 Muzzey Street
Recommended Dishes:
Toban Yaki
Sam Sek Jun
Soft Tofu Geegae
Fish Egg Nabe


Indian
Royal India Bistro
7 Meriam Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Lamb Korma
Strawberry Lassi
Kabuli Channa 
Thali

Khushboo Indian Restaurant (closed)
1709 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Lamb Masala Dosa
Lamb Dilrooba
Plain Naan


French
46 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Chocolate Almond Croissant
Vegan Chocolate Cake


Japanese
Daikanyama (chain)
43 Waltham Street
Recommended Dishes:
Sake Ochazuke
Green Tea Crepe Cake
Ginger Ice Cream
Sunny Maki
Ebi Chili


Chinese
Taipei Gourmet
211 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Steamed Mini Juicy Buns
Oyster Pancake
Braised Lion Heads
Spinach with Rice Noodle
Seafood Noodle Soup
Soy Milk
Fish Fillet with Soft Tofu


Yangtze River Restaurant
25 Depot Square
Recommended Dishes:
Dimsum buffet

1709 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Mimosa
Beijing Pan Seared Noodles
Pot Roast Pork with Scallion Pancake

Formosa Taipei
315 Marrett Road
Recommended Dishes:
Spicy Noodles in Soup with Beef Sirloin
Braised Pork with Steamed Buns
Sweet Soy Milk 
Sweet Custard with Peanut and Ginger Sauce
Black Tea Bubble Tea


Deli
Wicked Bagel
171 Massachusetts Avenue


Dessert
Sweet Thyme Bakery
1837 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Chocolate Mousse Cup
Caramel Pecan Tart
Key Lime Tart
Green Tea Cake

Cake.
1628 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
RED CARPET
CHOCOLATE MADNESS
MIDNIGHT DELIGHT
CLOUDS OVER CHOCOLATE
For Goodness Cake
KARAT TOPPED
MOCHA EXPRESS
BLACK TIE AFFAIR
BERRIES and GOLD
Minuteman
Milk and Cookies

Tres Petite Creperie
1707 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Orange Juice
Citron Crepe


Tried:
Indian
Bollywood Cafe
135 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Mango Lassi
Nariyal Soup
Haderabadi Mirch Aur Baingan


Chinese
Ruyi Restaurant
27 Waltham Street
Recommended Dishes:
French Maki
Lobster Kaiyaki
Szechuan Lamb


Italian
Nick's Place
197 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Ranch Pizza
Honey BBQ Steak Tip Sub
Ziti Shrimp Alfredo
Pastrami Sub


Dessert
Rancatore's Ice Cream and Yogurt
1752 Massachusetts Avenue

Fruitee Yogurt
1707 Massachusetts Avenue

Starbuck's (chain)
1729 Massachusetts Avenue

Royal Pastry Shop
317 Marrett Road
Recommended Dishes:
Chocolate Cheesecake

Recommended Places to Visit: Lincoln

Recreation
Water Bodies
Flint's Pond
70 Sandy Pond Road

Todd Pond
80 Todd Pond Road


Parks
Museums
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
51 Sandy Pond Road


Hiking
Recommended:
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
208 South Great Road

Twin Pond
2 Twin Pond Lane

Osborne Farm
End of Page Farm Road

Pine Hill
229 Sandy Pond Road

Stony Brook
123 Tower Road

Farrar Pond
23 South Great Road

Tried:
Mount Misery
59 South Great Road

Codman East
End of Woods End Road

Codman South
Codman Road and Lincoln Road

Beaver Pond
123 Tower Road

Van Leer
42 Old Sudbury Road

Silver Hill Bog
11 Silver Hill Road

Stony Brook South
South Great Road

Pigeon Hill
57 Conant Road

Stonehedge
32 Stonehedge Road

Umbrello
170 Tower Road
289 South Great Road

Longmeadow Field
70 Old Sudbury Road

Adams Woods
End of Old Concord Road

Dean Condit
240 Concord Road

Wheeler Farm
98 Bedford Road

Baker Bridge Fields
72 Baker Bridge Road

Ricci Farm
135 North Great Road

Flint Fields
88 Lexington Road

Fernald Woods
101 Tower Road

Snider Pond
73 Lincoln Road

Pierce House/Pierce Park
17 Weston Road


Architecture
Monuments
Ponyhenge
48 Old Sudbury Road

Lincoln Cemetery
98 Lexington Road


Places of Worship

First Parish in Lincoln
14 Bedford Road


Town Facilities
Public Library
3 Bedford Road

Town Hall
16 Lincoln Road

Council on Aging
15 Bedford Road


Historical Buildings
Codman House
36 Codman Road




Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Deli
145 Lincoln Road
Recommended Dishes:
Golden Turmeric Latte
Matcha Tea Latte
Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich


French
AKA Bistro
145 Lincoln Road 
Recommended Dishes:
Hamachi Sashimi
Foie Gras Torchon
Confit de Canard
Char de L'Artique
Creme Brulee
Chocolate Ganache

May 28th 2026: Hiking in Lincoln and Horses in Lexington

 Today, we started out in the town of Lincoln, getting a bite from Twisted Tree Cafe,



getting the Golden Turmeric Latte (Oat milk blended with turmeric, spices and a light touch of honey), the Matcha Tea Latte (Locally sourced MEM Tea matcha with your choice of steamed milk, lightly sweetened),

and the Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich (fresh chicken salad with celery, cashews, green onion, cilantro, dried cranberries, and a yellow curry aioli, topped with arugula on a braided seeded roll).

Good combination of flavors in the sandwich.

From here, I went to Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in town to check out the viewpoints I missed the last time I was here. The path I took this time around is shown below in pink.

Nice views from the various viewpoints, although a little disorienting in the fields.





From here, I headed into Lexington,
Lexington Arts and Crafts Society


stumbling onto the horses from Riding Through History.
Lexie the Artful Equine

Inn at Hastings Park

Peace, Love and Music

Landmarks

Illumi-neigh-ted

Ed-Broidery

Call to Arms
Later in the day, dinner was at Brown Rice Thai Cuisine in West Boylston,
this time getting the Coconut Curry Mussels (mussels simmered in light red curry coconut milk sauce, fresh basil, French toast),
the See You in Kale (a healthy combination of pad see-u and the super green vegetable kale stir fried and seasoned with light sauce, egg and tofu),

and the Sweet Thai Dessert Sampler (Thong Yip (pinched egg yolk), Thong Yod (golden egg yolk drops), Foy Thong (golden egg yolk threads) and Coconut Custard).

The dessert tasted a little off because of the strong rose flavor, but otherwise not a bad meal at all. With that, an end to an eventful day of hiking in Lincoln and Horses in Lexington.