Monday, November 11, 2024

November 11th 2024: Afternoon Hike at The Desert Natural Area, Marlborough

 Today, after passing through Hudson, 


Intel Field

WestRidge Condominiums
We went on a hike at The Desert Natural Area in Marlborough, where the path we took from 1126 Concord Road through the forest is shown below in pink.

Nothing much to see here though, and the water body here was dry as well.

Oh well, better hike next time.

Recommmended Places to Visit: Hudson

Recreation
Biking
Assabet River Rail Trail
14 Wilkins Street


Water Bodies
Bruces Pond
~164 Apsley Road


Schools
Mary O'Malley CHAPS Academy
127 Forest Avenue


Parks
Wood Park
Park Street and Rutland Street

Tripp Pond/Lamson Park
65 Green Street

92 Technology Drive


Roller-Skating
Roller Kingdom
5 Highland Park Avenue


Museums


Shopping Malls
Highland Commons Shopping Mall
Coolidge Street and Highland Common Road East

Cabela's (chain)
44 Highland Common


Hiking
Tried:
Danforth Falls Conservation Area
Lincoln Street near Bradford Road

Waterfalls
Assabet River
Washington Street near South Street


Beaches
Centennial Beach
Sebago Road


Architecture
Monuments
Liberty Park
~5 Washington Street

Memorial
Central Street and Lincoln Street


Places of Worship
First United Methodist Church
34 Felton Street

St. Michael's Parish
21 Manning Street

Carmel Mar Thoma Church
467 River Street

Grace Baptist Church
363 River Street

First Federated Church
200 Central Street

St. Luke's Episcopal Church
5 Washington Street

Unitarian Church of Hudson and Marlborough
80 Main Street


Historical Buildings
Old Building
15 Broad Street

Hudson Portuguese Club
13 Port Street

43 Broad Street


Commercial Buildings
Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home
50 Central Street

End of WestRidge Road


Schools
119 Broad Street



Town Facilities
Town Hall
78 Main Street

Fire Department
296 Cox Street

Fire Department #2
1 Washington Street

Massachusetts Army National Guard
35 Washington Street

3 Washington Street

155 Apsley Street

911 Municipal Drive


Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Latin American
Taco Gato
111 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Varlet
Maduros
Carnitas al Oregano
Corn Salad
Beef Empanada
Steak Fries
Burger Aplastado
Tostada Pork Belly


Western
Amaia Martini Bar
176 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Moroccan Lamb Tips
Bacalhau Cakes
Apple Cider French Onion Soup
Pumpkin Tiramisu

Less Than Greater Than
28 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Duck Cassoulet
Summer Vegetable Salmoriglio

Wild Hare
43 Broad Street
Recommended Dishes:
Matcha Latte
Mushroom Toast
Wagyu Sloppy Joe
Savory Popcorn
Strawberry Parfait
Benedict in a Hole
Pork Belly Sammie
Wild Hair of the Dog
Caffe Latte

Rail Trail Flatbread Company
33 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Spiced Pear 
Cubano
Gorg and Squash 
BLT
Steak and Cheese
Frozen Watermelon Cooler
Nuggets
Short Rib Benedict
Honey Beet
Lamb Jam

Harvest Cafe
40 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Shrimp Quesadillas
Hot Chocolate
Pumpkin Risotto Benedict
Bacon, Cheddar and Tomato Quiche
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Orange Soy Braised Pork Ribs
Kahlua Brownie Sundae

Chloe Bistro
23 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Apple Walnut Dumpling
Meatloaf
Crispy Pork Shank

 
Dessert
Hudson Sweet Boutique
25 South Street
Recommended Dishes:
Key Lime Pie

Silva's Bakery
140 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Pasteis de Nata

45 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Tropic Nut Latte
Orchard Crepe

New City Microcreamery (chain)
28 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Vegan Chocolate Avocado
Vegan Strawberry
Lime Avocado


Portuguese
Old School House Pub and Restaurant
17 School Street
Recommended Dishes:
Grilled Limpets
Salmon on Portuguese Clay
Molotof
Fig Cheesecake
Octopus Vinaigrette Salad
Iscas de Figado
Small Steak w/ Egg, Fries & Rice
Littlenecks Bulhão Pato 


Japanese
Feng Sushi and Grill
191 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Dragon Bomb Roll
Shrimp Mango Roll


Tried:
Breakfast
51 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Beef and Cheese Bagel Sandwich


Food Truck
VeeBop's
33 Gates Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Despicable Me Minion
Frozen Birthday Cake Dessert Bar


Portuguese
Riverview Restaurant
13 Port Street
Recommended Dishes:
Bife a Micaelense
Mandioca
Portuguese Fries


Dessert
Vintage Cafe
246 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Raspberry Strudel

Crumbl Cookies (chain)
3 Highland Commons W
Recommended Dishes:
Milk Chocolate Chip

43 Broad Street
Recommended Dishes:
The Hidden Bunny Smoothie


Italian
Sofia Ristorante
158 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Beef Fagottini


Brazilian
111 Apsley Street
Recommended Dishes:
X-Tudo Burger


Western

40 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Kith Royale
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Fried Cauliflower
Kid's Fish and Chips
Mixed Berry Sorbet
Strawberry Shortcake

Finnegan's Pub
25 South Street
Recommended Dishes:
Finnegan's Wings

FreshWing
246 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
X-Large Wings
Zesty Orange
Sesame Ginger
Mild Buffalo

Checkerboards Restaurant and Bar
10 Technology Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Pastrami and Cheese

Welly's Restaurant (chain)
23 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Kid's Fish and Chips
Santa Fe Salad
Strawberry Pomegranate Mimosa
Crispy Chicken Eggs Benedict
Chocolate Lava Cake

KFC/Taco Bell (chain)
282 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
KFC Tenders
Cantina Chicken Quesadilla Meal

Horseshoe Pub
29 South Street
Recommended Dishes:
Pub Chicken Wings
Zesty Shrimp Scampi
The Gardner

Recommended Places to Visit: Marlborough

Recreation
Beer/Wine Making
Strange Brew
416 Boston Post Road East


Kids
219 Forest Street


Biking

Assabet River Rail Trail
Lincoln Street and Highland Street


Bowling
Apex Entertainment Center
21 Apex Drive


Water Bodies
Fort Meadow Reservoir
Bolton Street near Blaiswood Avenue

Hager Pond
~694 Boston Post Road East


Golf
Marlborough Country Club
200 Concord Road


Museums

Marlborough Historical Society
377 Elm Street


Beaches
Memorial Beach
671 Hosmer Street


Parks
Ghiloni Park
239 Concord Road

Artemas Ward Park
57 Orchard Street

45 Jefferson Street


Hiking
Recommended:
Cider Knoll Conservation Land
Stow Road near Simpson Road

Jericho Hill Recreational Area
496 Brigham Street

Williams Lake
45 Williams Street

Tried:
Sheep Falls Brook
End of Sasseville Way

The Grove Conservation Land
Bolton Street near Blaiswood Avenue

Holt's Grove
431 Bolton Street

1126 Concord Road




Flip Circus


Shopping Malls
Solomon Pond Mall
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard


Architecture
Monuments
John Brown Bell
Main Street and Bolton Street

Brigham Park
West Main Street and Mechanic Street

Centennial Park
South Bolton Street and Grange Boulevard

Large Wooden Praying Mantis
231 Lakeside Road


Places of Worship

537 Bolton Street


Schools
Goldfish Swim School (chain)
43 Apex Drive

80 Foley Road


Town Facilities
Town Hall
140 Main Street

Council on Aging
40 New Street


District Court
45 Williams Street

Fire Station 2
98 Pleasant Street

Public Library
35 West Main Street

Fire Department
215 Maple Street

Yawkey Sports Training Center
512 Forest Street

Navin Arena
451 Bolton Street


Commercial Buildings
Marlborough Savings Bank
81 Grange Boulevard

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel
181 Boston Post Road West

Hilton Garden Inn Marlborough
170 Forest Street


Dams
Tyler Dam
193 Robin Hill Street


Historical Buildings
Franklin D. Walker Building
255 Main Street

Old West Meeting House
86 Pleasant Street

Old St. Ann's Church
Lincoln Street and Gibbon Street

Old Victoria Building
277 Main Street

Stephen W. Gersh Insurance Inc
9 Monument Avenue

Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Thai
Chez Siam
280 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Fish Chowder Thai Style
Coconut Custard
Chez Siam Roast Duck


Thairiffic
128 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Roti Canai
Takoyaki
Soft Shell Crab Mango Avocado Curry

Up to Me Thai Kitchen
547 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Kapow
Miso Ramen

Breakfast
Big Apple Restaurant
331 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Big Apple Melt

Villatoro Cafe and Restaurant
353 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Adobo Pork Chops
Hot Chocolate
El Benedicto
Apple Crisp


Seafood
Fish Restaurant and Bar
29 South Bolton Street
Recommended Dishes:
Crab Cakes
Crispy Duck Breast
Cinnamon Bacon Beignets


Western
Eastside Grille
200 Concord Road
Recommended Dishes:
Ice Cream Sundae
Chicken Inferno

141 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
The Caniac Combo

170 Forest Street
Recommended Dishes:
BLVD Slaw Burger

All Star Bar and Grill
181 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Portabella Panini
Grilled Salmon Salad
Portabella and Spinach Ravioli
Strawberry Tiramisu

Stephen Anthony's Restaurant
999 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Pan Seared Crab Cakes
Papa's Pesto
Strawberry Shortcake

110 Grill (chain)
115 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Short Rib Flatbread
Lamb Meatball Sliders

Fanz Sports Grille
757 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Philly Cheese Steak Eggrolls
Spicy Fried Pickle Chips
Bourbon Steak Tips

Wildwood Steakhouse
189 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Ranch Sirloin Tips

Chill Kitchen and Bar
416 Boston Post Rd E
Recommended Dishes:
Ribeye
Artichoke Fritters

Kennedy's Pub
247 Maple Street
Recommended Dishes:
Pub Popover
Cheesy Tots
 
The Fix Burger Bar (chain)
139 Lakeside Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Pistachio Cheesecake
The Spartan
Boss Wings


Deli
Hot Table Panini (chain)
90D Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Swiss Steak Mushroom Melt


187 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Egg Souffle


Indian
Tandoori Grill (closed)
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Kheer
Plain Naan
Chicken Masala
Raita
Vegetable Pakora
Papadum
Coconut Soup
Tandoori Chicken
Began Bharta
Chicken Kadai
Mutter Paneer
Chana Masala
Chicken Masala

132 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Unda Biryani
Paneer Tikka Pasta
Bombay Chicken Pizza


Japanese
1009 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Miso Soup
Kirin Ichiban
Any 2 Roll Combo
Shrimp Tempura
Shrimp Tempura Roll
Spicy Salmon Roll
Singapore Noodles
Cherry Blossom Cake

22 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken Katsu Curry Fries
Brothless Ramen
Golden Pork Bao


197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Takoyaki
Tonkotsu Ramen
Chicken Karaage
Shoyu Ramen
Ducky Ramen
Tan Tan Ramen
Super Hot Lava Ramen
Grilled Salmon Miso Ramen
Miso Ramen
Chashu Rice Bowl

Latin American
Lalo's Mexican Kitchen (chain)
460 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Quesadilla

197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Agave Chimichangas
Elotes Callejeros


Italian

Sorento's Italian Gourmet (closed)
128 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Portbella and Spinach
Seafood Risotto

Linguine's Italian Eatery
350 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Roasted Vegetable Ravioli
Ricotta Pie

Allora Ristorante (closed)
139 Lakeside Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Lobster Chowder

Olive Garden (chain)
728 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Lasagna Fresca with Shrimp
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberries


Tried:
Thai
Ruby Thai Kitchen (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Pad Thai


Vietnamese
An Nam Vietnamese Grill
222 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Banh Mi Lemongrass Pork
Noodle Salad Garlic Chili Grilled Shrimp
Tofu Garlic Noodles
An Choi Fries
An Nam Bowl
Dark Brown Sugar Milk Tea
Sea Salt Cream Mousse Iced Coffee


Italian
Lake Williams Pizza
270 West Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
X-Tudo Burger
Romeo and Juliet Pizza
Churros

J&J Pizza Express (chain)
601 Donald J Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza

Clockwork Pizza
19 Maple Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hawaiian Special Pizza
Broccoli and Cheese Bites

Classic Pizza II
90 Broad Street
Recommended Dishes:
Portuguese Pizza
Brazilian Pizza

The Plum Tomato
547 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Meat Lovers Pizza
Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese

Pleasant Pizza
166 Pleasant Street
Recommended Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza
Ham Pizza

Evviva Trattoria (chain)
142 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Mushroom Risotto
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Roasted Harvest
Sauteed Mussels
Build a Pasta Bowl
Tiramisu
Shrimp, Clam and Mussels Fra Diavolo
Balsamic Braised Short Rib
Italian Street Fries
Cranberry Mule


Deli
Nick's Roast Beef and Deli
636 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Roast Beef Sandwich

Church Street Sandwich Company
162 Church Street
Recommended Dishes:
Reuben

Jersey Mike's Subs (chain)
42 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Chipotle Cheese Steak

The Coffee Loft
406 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hawaiian Grilled Cheese


Dessert
Fruitti Yogurt (chain)
262 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Eurotart
Raspberry
Watermelon
Hawaiian Pineapple

601 Donald J Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Happiness Cup

187 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Strawberry

199 Lakeside Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Kiwi Watermelon Refresher
French Cruller

Dunkin' Donuts (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Cranberry Orange Muffin
Hash Browns
Pumpkin Munchkin
Glazed Munchkin
Chocolate Glazed Munchkin

Starbucks (chain)
90 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Chai Tea Latte
Pineapple Cloud Cake

601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Mango Smoothie

Smoothie King (chain)
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Strawberry Bluegurt Blitz


Latin American
Zarape
514 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Caldo de Res

La Tapatia Taqueria
388 Boston Post Road
Recommended Dishes:
Tripa Taco
Shrimp Taco
Cueritos Tostado
Shreeded Beef Sope

601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
El Pastor Quesadilla
Burrito Bowl


Brazilian
Pruller Restaurant
33 Maple Street
Recommended Dishes:
Caldo de Res

581 Boston Post Road East

Brazilian Steak Grill
416 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Buffet

Labaredas Brazilian BBQ
500 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Buffet

Brasileirinho Bakery and Restaurant
168 Boston Post Road East

67 Mechanic Street
Recommended Dishes:
Coxinha


Breakfast
Jake's Restaurant and Coffee Shop
30 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hot Chocolate
Jake's Benedict

Main Street Cafe
182 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Steak Tip, Mushroom and Cheese Grapper


Chinese
China Taste
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Egg Roll
Pork Fried Rice
General Tso's Chicken

Silk Road Bistro
150 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
General Tso's Chicken
Fried Rice
BBQ Spare Ribs


Western
Friendly's (chain)
157 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Lemon Pepper Fish
Lobster Roll
2 Double Sliders
 Kids Original Fribble® Milk Shake
Banana Split Sundae

Burger King (chain)
601 Donald J Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
6 pc Nuggets

265 Lakeside Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Hand Cut Choice New York Sirloin

ProteinHouse (chain)
90 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
The Sexy
PH Protein Pancake Combo
Spicy Thai Chicken Wrap
Green Monster
Thai Monster
Aloha

Arby's (chain, closed)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Loaded Curly Fries

Auntie Anne's (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Mini Pretzel Dogs
Strawberry Smoothie
Original Pretzel Nuggets

Westender Restaurant and Bar
493 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Maryland Lump Crab Cakes
One Pound Little Necks 
 
Bolton Street Tavern
587 Bolton Street
Recommended Dishes:
Potachoes
Crock of Chili Con Carni
Mixed Marinated Grill 

Welly's (chain)
153 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Montreal Burger

Sully's First Edition Pub (closed)
11 Florence Street
Recommended Dishes:
Baked Stuffed Scallops

Pit Stop Tavern
21 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Hawaiian Burger
House Made Potato Chips

Wendy's (chain)
176 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Italian Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich

McDonald's (chain)
155 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
4 pc. McNuggets Happy Meal
Bacon McDouble
McFlurry® with M&M'S® Candies
Peanut Butter Crunch McFlurry

Firefly's
350 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Po' Boy


Indian
Aunty G's Ice Cream and Indian Fusion
72 Hosmer Street
Recommended Dishes:
Gol Gappe
Chicken Chaat
Thandai
Mango Ice Cream

Saffron Restaurant and Bar
493 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Chetinadu
Onion Kulcha

Mirchi Nation
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Shahi Paneer
Mushroom 65
Shrimp Masala
Andhra Chicken Curry
Gulab Jamun
Tawa Chicken Tikka
Coconut Pudding
Papad
Biryani Noodles
Goat Dum Biryani
Chicken Tikka Masala
Butter Naan
Vankaya Tomato
Varuval Banana
Murgh Soup
Chicken Pepper Fry
Neyyi Pongal

Japanese
Fuji Steak House (closed)
200 Boston Post Road East

Ginger Garden
200 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Yu Shiang Eggplant
Tatsuta-Age

Mosaka
58 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Signature Roll
Dragon Roll
Stir Fried Yakisoba


Okami (closed)
58 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Peanut Avocado Roll
Miso Soup
Spicy Escolar Tuna Roll

Japan One
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Banana Mania Maki

Sarku Japan (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Beef and Shrimp Teriyaki

Saturday, November 9, 2024

November 9th 2024: Churrascaria Tropeiro's Grill, Worcester

Today for dinner, I decided to check out the new Brazilian restaurant in Worcester that has taken the place of Terra Brasilis, Churrascaria Tropeiro's Grill. 



This place has another location in Dartmouth. Really nice inside.


The buffet was excellent with interesting stuff like grilled cheese with honey.

Definitely will be back again someday.




November 2nd 2024: Randomness in Boxborough, Littleton and Worcester

 After spending some time at the Nashoba Valley ISI Skating School in Boxborough,


we decided to grab a bite from Oscar's Burritos Mexican Restaurant nearby,

getting the Hot Dog Quesadilla (a crispy 10" flour tortilla, with melted cheddar cheese, sliced hot dog, rice and beans)
and the Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Nothing special unfortunately.

From here, we decided to go for a hike at Newtown Hill in Littleton, this time going to look for the marsh pond here, by taking the path shown below in pink.


The map above is slightly off in terms of where the trails are, with our path actually being on the yellow and blue trails to get to the marsh pond. Decent views here though.


Of course, while here you just have to go up to the water tower for the view from there.
From here, we headed to dinner at Mint Kitchen and Bar in Worcester, getting the Hanoi Sticky Rice (chinese sausage, egg, dried shrimp, BBQ pork, served with sticky rice),
the Pho Tai, Bo Vien (beef noodle soup with rare eye round beef, meatballs)

and the Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef broth, thick noodles, sliced beef, cha lua, spare rib served with chili sate).

The food was not bad, although the noodles for the Bun Bo Hue were soggy. Oh well.




Saturday, November 2, 2024

Recommended Places to Visit: Boxborough

Recreation
Water Bodies
Cisco
500 Beaver Brook Road

Flagg Hill Pond
Windermere Road near Flagg Hill Road


Ice Skating
Nashoba Valley ISI Skating School
34 Massachusetts Avenue


Parks

Flerra Meadows
Stow Road near Chester Road




Hiking
Tried:
Middle Road near Hill Road

End of Swanson Road

Flagg Hill Conservation Area
Windermere Road, 42.468318, -71.502520


Architecture 
Places of Worship
United Church of Christ
723 Massachusetts Avenue


Town Facilities
Town Hall
29 Middle Road


Restaurants 
Tried:
Latin American

Oscar's Burritos Mexican Restaurant
34 Massachusetts Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Hot Dog Quesadilla