In My Footsteps: Trip 54: The 3 Bridgewater Towns, Mass.

In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 54: The 3 Bridgewater Towns, Massachusetts

June 3, 2010

            Unlike many cities and towns whose smaller villages are considered part of the larger town, such as South Dennis and East Dennis being part of the town of Dennis, the three Bridgewater towns are each a separate entity.  East, West, and Bridgewater proper are all connected despite being different towns; I have decided to wrap them all into one article.

            That being said, the separate incorporations are not what drew me to pay a visit to these three towns.  My father’s side of my family has the vast majority of its roots in East Bridgewater, while the allure of paranormal activity at Hockomock Swamp in West Bridgewater was too much to pass up.

            I began my visit to the three Bridgewaters at the Beaver Cemetery in East Bridgewater.  One of my major interests on these trips is that of history.  Normally it is history of a town or famous person that I have no connection with.  However, in the case of East Bridgewater and Beaver Cemetery the history is all my own.  It is in Beaver Cemetery where I was able to find the graves of my great grandparents and my second great-grandparents as well as numerous great aunts and uncles. 

            Having done quite a bit of research on my own family tree in the recent months it was somewhat surreal to actually stand before the markers of some of these long since departed relatives.  The cemetery itself is small and on a rural intersection which made it very peaceful and quiet; a perfect setting to envelop myself in thought.  Not wanting my entire day to be spent in a cemetery I moved on in East Bridgewater.

            In keeping my eyes open as I drove I discovered a moss covered stone along Pleasant Street, not far from Beaver Cemetery.  It marks the site of an early Iron Works site in East Bridgewater(left).  The years marked on the stone are 1760-1887 and the site is along a creek bed that seemed to be quite dry.  I have done my research and have had trouble finding any sort of information about just what did lay on the spot marked by the East Bridgewater Bicentennial Commission in 1976.  That is something I would like to find out for myself someday.

Keeping with the theme of keeping my eyes open for places as I drove near the Town Hall I discovered a small but beautiful little green wedged like a triangle between three streets(left).  The green had a gazebo and an impressive World War II monument at the east end.  As with Saugus in my last article, the Town Hall in East Bridgewater stood out because of its different colors.  I can only describe them as salmon and periwinkle, it made the building look closer to a doll house than an official government spot.  I enjoyed the colors though, let me make that clear, I wish more towns experimented the way Saugus and East Bridgewater have.

Normally the historical societies of towns are located inside centuries old buildings.  In the case of West Bridgewater not only was this spot an historic site, it was also located next to a small farm loaded with cows out for a graze.  The Reverend James Keith House(right) is packed with history.  Built in 1662 it was the home of the first minister of what was then Old Bridgewater, James Keith.  The area on which the house was built was a colonial outpost and garrison.  This was important because it was in this very house where in 1676 the wife and son of King Philip, also known as Metacom, were held during King Philip’s War.  The Keith House is recognized as the oldest parsonage, or rectory, in America.

After leaving the Keith House and the adorable cows I headed for a more serious and sinister area.  Hockomock Swamp in West Bridgewater is the stuff of legend.  The 6,000 acre wetland was a strategic area for Metacom to launch attacks on nearby settlements during King Philip’s War but that is only scratching the surface of why the Hockomock name is so well known.

Coming from the Native American word meaning ‘where the spirits dwell’ Hockomock is seen by many as the site of strange occurrences to this day.  This has earned the area the nickname the ‘Bridgewater Triangle.’  Sightings of UFO’s, bigfoot, ‘black helicopters,’ and thunderbirds have been reported in this area.  Despite these possibilities I headed down to the swamp not expecting anything out of the ordinary. 

I will admit though that as I drove down a bumpy dirt road that carried me into the swamp the bright sun was quickly replaced with an eerie fog which gave me pause about my expedition momentarily.  I drove as far as I could and then walked from there.  The swamp area that I experienced was lush and green and filled with insects(left).  The only odd noises came from scattering birds that heard me coming but were out of sight from me.  Eventually the insects got the better of me before I got more than a mile into the quiet of the swamp and I was forced to retreat.  Although it would have been neat to see or hear something I could not explain I will admit that I am glad I did not.

Though separated into three completely independent towns East, West, and Bridgewater proper are all parts of one beautiful whole.  Having the opportunity to pay respect to some dearly departed relative in East Bridgewater and also getting to take a walk in the ‘Bridgewater Triangle’ made the trip one to remember.  Since they are all connected I highly recommend taking a day and visiting all three of the Bridgewater towns, it is well worth it.  Have fun and happy traveling!

Directions:  Keith House:  From I-495 west take Exit 7A for Rt. 24 north.  Take Exit 16A for Rt. 106, turn right at N. Elm St.  Continue onto Charles St., turn left at River St., Keith House is #223.

            Hockomock Swamp:  From I-495 west take Exit 7A for Rt. 24 north.  Take Exit 16A for Rt. 106, turn left at N. Elm St.  Turn right at Grant Street, right at Copeland St., turn right after .3 miles, and a quick right to lead you around a cemetery, go straight and at the end is the entrance.

References: Hockomock Swamp - Boston.com

            Old Bridgewater Historical Society

            Bridgewater, Ma. - Official Site

In My Footsteps: Trip 53: Saugus, Mass.

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In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 53: Saugus, Mass.

May 20, 2010

            Though the North Shore is primarily known for its tremendous stretches of scenic, rocky, coastline, there are a few places away from the coast that are just as beautiful and need to be taken in.  Saugus is just one such place. 

            Located just to the west of Lynn, Saugus is rich with history at every turn.  Saugus, the Nipmuck Indian name for the area thought to mean ‘great,’ originally included the future towns of Swampscott, Lynn, Nahant, Lynnfield, Reading, and Wakefield.  The present-day Saugus was incorporated as a town in 1815 with agriculture as its main industry.  However, the main historic site in Saugus shows that this town was built on a much different industry.

            The Saugus Iron Works(left) was the first iron works in America, in operation from 1646-1668 it is now an historic site and museum.  This place is filled with tremendous views; the Saugus River flows behind the site with the main building set on a hill overlooking the river.  I found it quite ironic that the entirety of the Iron Works site looked like something from the Olde English countryside, the irony being that those who originally built and worked here were English colonists.  On this sunny day it was easy to take my time and get lost in each of the buildings which are filled with replicas of the original tools used.

            The Iron Works House, the large black building seen as you enter through the gates, is the only piece of architecture from the 17^th century on the grounds.  That building was erected around 1680, or about ten years after the Iron Works ceased operations.  The rest of the structures are recreations based on the findings of archaeologist Roland Robbins during his dig on the site from 1948 to 1953.  There is so much to explore here but even sitting on a bench taking in the scenery is a great way to spend some time.

            When entering Saugus I made it a point to seek out their town hall as I do with most of the places I visit.  As I have said, the buildings themselves are usually beautiful old structures and the surrounding grounds typically are well groomed and dotted with monuments or statues.  What I found particularly fascinating about Saugus’ Town Hall(right) even more than the structure itself was the colors.  Rather than the typical neutral colors like white or grey, the Saugus Town Hall is a combination of a dull-yellow and brown.  This town hall, the second one built in the town in 1875, despite its elegant beauty and rich colors was a sore spot that nearly tore the town apart. 

            When the Town Hall was constructed in 1875 it put Saugus in a $50,000 debt.  This was the main catalyst for the neighborhood of East Saugus to attempt to become separated from Saugus and annexed to the city of Lynn.  Unfortunately for the prospective people of East Saugus they were unable to get a bill in both the House and the Senate.  It was not a complete failure though as $5,000 was appropriated for new water pipes to be laid in East Saugus.

            After leaving the Town Hall area I headed for the Boardman House(right) on Howard Street.  This house is very unique, not just for the central chimney which sticks up through the middle of the roof.  Built in 1692 for joiner, a type of carpenter who does not use nails, William Boardman, the house has been untouched in design since the early 1700’s.  The only change occurred early in the house’s existence when a lean-to was added to the back of the house around 1696.  This change gives the house the look of a classic New England ‘salt box,’ even though theoretically it is not.  The house has five fireplaces, an outhouse in the backyard, and is owned by Historic New England.  The Boardman House can be toured from June through mid-October.

            The final place I visited was the beautiful Breakheart Reservation, a 640-acre forest located in Saugus and neighboring Wakefield.  There is a bike trail which leads to a freshwater beach at Pearce Lake only a mile from the lot where I parked.  The dirt trails lead to views of the Saugus River(left) as well as views of Boston and nearby areas from any of the seven high rocky hills.  I did not get to any of the huge rocky hills but I did have an experience on a smaller rock.

            While walking along the Saugus River I noticed a rock face stretching over forty feet up that ended up above the tree line.  There were no paths to get up to the clearing so I decided to scale the hill through the trees, rocks, and brush.  When I finally reached the top I was rewarded with an unbelievable view.  Before me was downtown Saugus while rolling green hills went on as far as I could see.  However, that was nothing compared to what was waiting behind me.

            After shooting a few shots of the landscape in front of me I turned around and was face to face with a young buck no more than ten yards away(right).  I stayed still and got some shots and a video of him, but then he began wagging his white tail and gave a defiant snort which made me wonder if mating season was still ongoing.  After a few minutes of waiting to see what his move was I decided to play it safe and I retreated down the rocky hill.  That experience in and of itself made the trip worthwhile, but obviously not everyone will get to see a deer as closely as I did.  Breakheart Reservation will definitely fill your soul with the sights, sounds, and scents of untouched nature, deer or no deer.

            The town of Saugus holds a different scope of sights than the typical North Shore town.  I suppose that is because it is not technically on the North Shore.  The Saugus Iron Works and Breakheart Reservation are two spots that definitely need to be visited as they are the definition of the historical and natural beauty that I strive to find in my trips.  Saugus has them both.  Have fun and happy traveling!




My first book, In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide, is now available at SchifferBooks.com, and Amazon.com, soon to be in stores everywhere!  Follow me on Twitter!

Directions:  Saugus Iron Works:  From Rt. 1 North take Main Street Saugus exit.  Follow National Park signs east through Saugus Center to the Iron Works.  Along the way you will pass the Town Hall.

            Breakheart Reservation:  From Rt. 1 North take Lynn Fells Parkway exit, follow for a short way, turn right onto Forest Street, entrance to the park is right after Kasabuski Rink.

References:  Dept. of Conservation - Breakheart Reservation

            Town of Saugus - Official Site

            Saugus Iron Works

            Historic New England - Boardman House   

In My Footsteps: Trip 52: Nahant, Mass.

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In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 52: Nahant, Mass.

May 20, 2010

            Most of the places I have visited I have been excited to see, some more than others.  Then there are places that make a trip by being even better than expected.  Still, there have been very few places that I have been very excited to see and then have been even better than expected.  Nahant is one of the few places that hit it on both counts.  It is a true one in a million place to visit.  I have been telling all I know about my love affair with this place since I visited, now it is time to bring you folks in as well.

            Barely more than a mile wide at its greatest, and connected to the mainland by a strip of land a little wider than a two-lane road, Nahant packs a lot of beautiful sites into a very small area.  The name ‘Nahant’ comes from the Native American word meaning ‘the point,’ or ‘almost an island.’  Settled in 1630 and originally used by people from neighboring Lynn to graze cattle Nahant only had three homes on its 1.2 square miles as late as 1800.  Now mainly a residential area Nahant began mostly as a summer retreat.  The first hotel was built here in 1802 and some of the first amusement parks were built here during the late 19^th century.  Being a residential community now I believe is what helps make Nahant a one in a million place.

            The first spot I wanted to see was actually the furthest point away from the entrance to Nahant.  Swallow Cave(above, top), located at the end of the road of the same name, is a bit out of the way but its story was what captured my imagination.  The cave itself is said to be haunted by a fortune teller from Salem named Witch Wonderful.  Legend has it that during King Philip’s War in 1675 forty Native Americans canoed from Cape Cod and raided Lynn.  The settlers fought back and pushed the Natives out to Nahant where they eventually lost them. 

The settlers consulted Witch Wonderful and she informed them that these Natives were hiding out in the area now known as Swallow Cave.  She also helped convince the Natives to surrender without bloodshed.  The haunting comes from the fact that Witch Wonderful predicted her own death no more than two weeks later.  She was buried atop a hill overlooking the cave and her ghost is said to be seen walking the rocks and the shore.

I did not see any signs of ghosts when I visited the cave area but it was an incredible sight.  A hard climb, the view from on top of the cave is tremendous as you can see across Broad Sound to the Boston skyline(above, bottom).  This is where I got my looks down into the cave where the tide was filling it with water.  I definitely suggest checking the tides before attempting to enter the narrow cave opening as even a little water makes the rocks slippery and dangerous.

Nearly every spot in Nahant has a view of the ocean so finding a beach or park with access to the water is not hard.  However, there are a few spots that stood out above the rest.  East Point(right) located on Nahant Road is a perfect example of this as this park used to be a coastal artillery site during World War II.  The rocks jutting out on the left and right make you feel like you’re in a bowl with the classic North Shore waves funneling their way inside.  There are a few benches and a small parking area that allow you to sit and enjoy the sights, sounds, and even smells of the shore.  This spot is also right next to the Marine Science Center of Northeastern University.

On the other side of Nahant, not very far, sits Nahant Harbor(left) and Dorothy Cove.  Despite the small size of the town I found it amusing that there is still a golf course located there.  Kelly Green Golf Course is small but still just the fact that Nahant has one at all is pretty neat.  There is a parking lot for the golf course that can be used for Nahant Harbor and Dorothy Cove.  I stood up on the retaining wall and enjoyed the sound of the waves pulling the loose rocks toward the ocean, it reminded me of the sound of marbles being juggled about in one’s hand.  It was a very soothing sound and a soothing place.

On the way out of Nahant there are a few more great places to stop and see.  First is the even smaller neighborhood known as Little Nahant.  It is no more than a few roads sticking out to the east of Nahant Road but it is slightly elevated above the surrounding areas which gives some great views of the northern section of Nahant as well as Egg Rock located off shore.

Finally there is Nahant Beach(right) which runs along Nahant Road as you enter, or exit, the town.  It runs northeast into Lynn Shore which was covered in my Lynn article.  The beach has a great view of Lynn and Nahant Bay while the nearly mile long parking lot means there is almost always a spot open.  As if to put an exclamation point on the trip there is even a Dunkin’ Donuts Café located in the parking lot of Nahant Beach.   

What was more impressive than the specific sights to see in Nahant was the overall vibe that this tiny landmass has.  It was this vibe that left the biggest impact on me.  Although connected by a narrow strip of land driving out to Nahant is as close as you can get to driving to and island.  Once you pass the ‘Welcome to Nahant’ sign it is like being in a different world.  Every street, every beach, every park is worth seeing, and with only 1.2 square miles of land you can see it all.  I put Nahant one an entirely different level of places to see, there is no reason not to visit this town.  If you don’t go anywhere else I have been do yourself a favor and take in Nahant, you will not be disappointed.  Have fun and happy traveling!

To view a short video of my time in Nahant click here: In My Footsteps: Nahant, Mass.  

My first book, In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide, is now available from Schiffer Books!

Directions:  Nahant: From Rt. 3 north take Exit 20B to merge onto I-93 north.  Take Exit 20 toward Logan Airport.  Merge onto I-90 east, continue onto Rt. 1A north, at rotary take 2^nd exit to remain on Rt. 1A north.  Continue onto Lynnway, at rotary take 1^st exit onto Nahant Rd.  From here Nahant Beach is on left, Swallow Cave is on Swallow Cave Rd., East Point is at the end of Nahant Road, Nahant Harbor is along Willow Rd.

References:  Strange New England - Swallow Cave

            Nahant.org - Official Site

            Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation

In My Footsteps: Trip 51: Lynn, Mass.

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In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 51: Lynn, Mass.

May 20, 2010

            Named for the seaport of King’s Lynn in England, the town of Lynn is every bit North Shore.  Located only twelve short miles from Boston this one-time industrial center is now known more for its shore and conservation areas.  Initially Lynn’s land encompassed the future towns of Reading, Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant before Lynn itself was incorporated in 1850. 

When I mentioned that Lynn was an industrial center that is an understatement.  Lynn Shoe manufacturers, led by Charles Coffin and Silas Barton, actually invested in the early electric industry.  They invested in the Thomson-Houston Electric Company in 1883.  This company ended up merging with the Edison Electric Company in Schenectady, New York.  This merger became General Electric in 1892; the first two G.E. plants were in Lynn and Schenectady.  Yes, it is a fact, General Electric has its roots in Lynn.

A beautiful spot to begin in Lynn is known simply as Lynn Common(above, left).  It is a sweetly shaded slice of green among the whirring streets and buildings.  It sort of reminded me of Central Park in New York City on a much smaller scale.  Central Park is an escape from Manhattan’s busy streets.  Standing in the center of Lynn Common you can still see and hear all of the city noise but yet you feel a bit disconnected.  There are benches in the shade as well as a sidewalk that runs around the length of the common; there were plenty of people jogging on this day.

Another thing that Lynn is known for, or should be known for, is the incredible views of the surrounding areas from two spots.  The first spot is called High Rock Tower(left) and is located on Circuit Avenue.  The tower itself is eighty-five feet tall with the elevation of the hill pushing the top of the tower to an amazing 200 feet above sea level.  From here it is easy to see neighboring Nahant, Egg Rock, and Boston, along with the downtown area of Lynn almost directly below.(below)   

The park where High Rock Tower is located is a beautiful wide-open stretch of green with a few large boulders like much of the North Shore is known for.  There is also a small playground where children can play. 

In addition to having connections to General Electric’s roots Lynn is also home to the second largest municipal park in the country: The Lynn Woods Reservation.  Founded in 1881 and weighing in at an incredible 2,200 acres Lynn Woods is equipped with more than thirty miles of trails for hiking, bike riding in the summer, and horseback riding.  There are a few active reservoirs that act as ponds for some great scenic views but there was a spot similar to High Rock Tower that I hoped to see.

Simply called the Stone Tower(left), and located at the top of the surprisingly-steep Burrill Hill, this spot is another place to get a greater view of what lies around you.  Going into Lynn Woods I was not sure of the exact location of the Stone Tower, luckily it is less than a mile walk through the trails.  Unfortunately it was not open on this day so my views of the surrounding land had to come courtesy of the outside landing about twenty-feet off the ground.  The surrounding green hills were a breathtaking sight, while the skyline of Boston was a bit obscured by some foliage.  I am sure the view is much better when seen from the top of the forty-eight foot tower.

The final spot I visited in Lynn was a spot typical of the North Shore.  The coastal area, known as Lynn Shore(right), is an amazing recreation area running more than two miles and extended south out to Nahant.  I arrived as the tide was rolling in toward the ten foot high retaining wall running along the street; it made for some inspiring sights of the waves crashing on the rocks.  There are a few areas specifically for looking over Nahant Bay, Egg Rock, and Nahant itself.  Nahant will be covered in my next article. 

I was able to find one stairway leading down to the sand where I was able to be eye level with the crashing waves.  It was a neat sight as the waves were small in the distance and gradually grew as they approached.  I was at a safe distance but the sea birds looking for food got splashed constantly.  There were many people walking and running along the wall taking in the beautiful day and scenery.  It was a perfect end to my visit to Lynn as it finished with the more typical idea I have when I think of the North Shore.

Lynn represents much of what the North Shore is all about, but then has a completely different side more closely matching a big city.  General Electric can trace its roots back to this small city which in and of itself is cause for an article.  Beyond that are the two stone towers with amazing views: High Rock Tower and the Stone Tower at the Lynn Woods Reservation.

After seeing those sights you can end the day at the perfect location along the ocean.  Watching the waves crash on the rocks at Lynn Shore was soothing and allowed me to rewind my mind back through my trip and enjoy it all over again.  I highly recommend paying the city of Lynn a visit, there is no limit to what you can see here.  Have fun and happy traveling!


My first book, In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide, is now available at SchifferBooks.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Amazon.com, soon to be in stores everywhere!  Follow me on Twitter!

Directions: Lynn Woods Reservation:  From Rt. 3 heading north take Exit 20B to merge onto I-93, take Exit 37A to merge onto I-95 north.  Take Exit 44B for Rt. 129 east, at rotary take 2^nd exit to stay on Rt. 129, turn right at Great Woods Rd.  Follow it to the end, this parking area is closest to Stone Tower.

High Rock Tower:  From Rt. 3 heading north take Exit 20B to merge onto I-93, take Exit 20 toward Logan Airport, merge onto I-90 east.  Continue to Rt. 1-A north, slight left at Rt. 60 west.  At rotary take 2^nd exit for Rt. 107 north.  Turn right at Chestnut St.  Tower is on right.

Lynn Shore:  From Rt. 3 heading north take Exit 20B to merge onto I-93, take Exit 20 toward Logan Airport, merge onto I-90 east.  Continue to Rt. 1-A north, at rotary take 2^nd exit for Rt. 1-A north.  Continue onto Lynnway, at rotary take 1^st exit onto Nahant Rd., make a U-Turn at Wilson Rd. 

References: City of Lynn - Official Site

            Friends of Lynn Woods

            History of High Rock Tower - North Shore Comm. College

            Lynn Shores - DCR

In My Footsteps: Trip 50: Revere, Mass.

In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 50: Revere, Mass.

May 20, 2010

            A beautiful beach and good food, they are what makes warm summer days memorable.  When the beach is the country’s oldest public beach and the food comes from an immensely popular institution it makes the trip an all-time classic.  That is what I had hoped for when I journeyed just out of the shadow of Boston and into Revere.  The beginning of the North Shore, Revere is not quite the same as the towns further away from the city, but it fits right in none the less.

            My journey in Revere began as many of my trips do, at the Town or City Hall(right).  My GPS designates town halls as the ‘center’ of any town and that is where it leads me.  The first inhabitants of Revere were Native Americans of the Pawtucket Tribe, known as the Rumney Marsh Indians.  Originally known as North Chelsea, the town took its current name from the legendary Patriot Paul Revere in 1871.  Though definitely not as large as Boston when I walked along the sidewalks of Revere I could feel the city just waiting to bust out.  It was a feeling that is hard to describe, you would have to be there and you would understand.

            Keeping with the theme of the first inhabitants of Revere I paid a visit to the Rumney Marsh Burying Ground(right) on Butler Street.  The land was originally owned by Samuel Cole as part of his farm until 1654.  Eventually the land was accepted as a burial ground by vote of the townspeople although the first recorded burial took place in 1693.  The grounds include graves of original inhabitants of Revere, veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War.  The last recorded burial in the Rumney Marsh Burial Grounds took place in 1929; a Mr. Lewis Bullard, born in 1837.  The grounds itself have a sort of quiet serenity befitting such a sacred area.  The trees give shade to nearly all of the graves and it does not seem out of place at all in the residential neighborhood in which it lies.  

            Revere is also home to the Wonderland Dog Track.  Opened in 1935, this attraction now only offers simulcast of races due to a ban on dog racing in Massachusetts as of the first of this year.  There has been talk of partnering with the neighboring Suffolk Downs horse track to build a casino on the site.  I did not stop in to gamble but I did notice quite a few who did during the time I was in the area.  However, this spot was only a temporary stop on my way to the main attraction of this town.

            Revere Beach(left), the country’s oldest public beach, is known throughout the state and New England region to say the least.  First established in 1896, this stretch of sand has some incredible views of the neighboring North Shore communities.  Weighing in at about three miles in length, Revere Beach is a seemingly endless sandy escape from the hustle of Boston’s city life.  Still, even with the incredible size of the beach it is very easy for it to get crowded in the summer with the shear volume of folks who come to relax and enjoy the sun.

            I had a personal reason attached to my enjoyment of this landmark area as well.  My grandmother, on my mother’s side, was born in a house along Revere Beach more than eighty years ago.  I had a desire to find this house and document it for her but sadly with three miles of structures facing the beach it was next to impossible to find the exact one; especially since my grandmother was not sure where it was located.  This did not dampen my trip one bit as looking for the house did give me the chance to see the entirety of Revere Beach by default.

            Although I did not find my grandmother’s birth house I was able to find and enjoy another local landmark situated on Revere Beach.  Kelly’s Roast Beef(right), established in 1951, is the originator of the roast beef sandwich.  It is amazing to me to think that before Kelly’s nobody had thought of making and selling such a sandwich.  The location on Revere Beach is the original with its walkup service window still in operation.  There are five other locations as well all located not too far from Boston.  People come from far and wide to experience this staple of the North Shore; I am a perfect example.  The fine folks working there did not seem the least bit surprised when I told them I had come nearly a hundred miles to try their roast beef. 

            Of course I had the Original Roast Beef sandwich with some fries.  Sitting on the beach and eating Kelly’s was a perfect way to wrap up my time in Revere.  Even on this day, well before Memorial Day, the beach was teeming with people, young and old, out to enjoy a beautiful spring day.

            Though sitting in the shadow of Boston’s skyline, Revere is a different animal all together.  It has areas that look and feel like a city, but then it also has areas filled with historic homes.  It is filled with a bustling center much like Boston, and then you head toward the water and are face to face with one of the most famous beaches in the country.  It can be said that Revere is a great mix of city and seaside; a great starting point for the North Shore.  Come and see Revere Beach and stay for a great meal at Kelly’s Roast Beef, I highly recommend it.  Have fun and happy traveling!

Directions:  Rumney Marsh Burying Ground:  From Rt. 3 heading north take Exit 20B to merge onto I-93, take Exit 20 toward Logan Airport.  Merge onto I-90 E, continue onto Rt. 1A north, take a slight left at Rt. 60 West.  Take left at first cross street for Rt. 1A south, continue onto Beach St., turn left at Harris St., take 2^nd right onto Butler St.  Burying Ground is on the left.

            Revere Beach/Kelly’s Roast Beef:  From Rt. 3 heading north take Exit 20B to merge onto I-93, take Exit 20 toward Logan Airport.  Merge onto I-90 E, continue onto Rt. 1A north, take 2^nd exit at rotary for N Shore Rd.  Turn right at Oak Island St., turn left at Revere Beach Blvd.  Kelly’s Roast Beef is at 410 Revere Beach Blvd.

References: Kelly's Roast Beef

            Revere Beach.com

            Revere.org - Official Page

            Revere History.org