Spring Break - Day 3

On day three we spent a beautiful morning in Salem! What a difference in the weather from the day before; we ditched the sweaters and sweatshirts and basked in the warmth of the sun.
Posing in front of the statue of Roger Conant, the first settler of Salem! (1626)

One of the reasons we visited Salem was because Savannah had just read "The Crucible" in her English class and really enjoyed it. I had taken a tour of this museum years and years ago on a business trip and thought she might like it. Turned out to be a bust (according to her, it was all information she already knew) but at least the building looks super cool.

After the museum we wandered over to the Witch Trials Memorial.

We're all familiar with the horrific event - in 1692, 14 women and 6 men were accused of being witches, were tried, convicted, and executed. This memorial consists of 20 granite benches, each bench inscribed with the name of the accused as well as the way he or she was executed and the date of execution.

The Burying Point is the oldest cemetery in Salem and among the oldest in the United States. Several of the witchcraft trial magistrates are buried here, including an ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as Simon Bradstreet, one of the original founders of the Puritan community.

Had to give a shout out to Nathaniel Hawthorne while in Salem...

I love Savannah's expression...she's NOT a fan, ha ha!

Strolling through downtown Salem...

and enjoying those first signs of spring.

Noah wasn't in the best of moods as it started to get closer to lunch time and he was even more upset when we told him we weren't taking him to McDonalds.  As we wandered through the streets, a family was trailing not too far behind us and the dad commented that Noah reminded him of his teenager. I got a kick out of it but Noah did NOT! When the family walked ahead of us, Noah said, "It's not any of his business! He should keep out of our conversation!" But fast food was not on my lunch agenda no matter what Noah wanted and ultimately I think he was happy that we ended up at this amazing restaurant!

All of our meals were delicious!

I had the blackened swordfish tacos. Yummy!!!

Our final stop in Salem.

Once again, not a Hawthorne fan.

We didn't do the tour though some day I'd like to but Noah and David were waiting in the car so Savannah and I just took a few pictures and peeked in some windows.

After Salem we headed into Boston, checked in to our hotel, and then decided to walk to our next stop - Harvard. Noah was not particularly happy about our visiting the United States' oldest institution of higher learning so it was a bit tense as we headed over there.

The scenery was beautiful though Noah is still a little unhappy with me at this point. Or scared...

Taking in the view...

to me, this picture screams Harvard!

Taking a little break; we HAD walked quite a ways.

Hangin' with the founder.

What a beautiful campus!

A much needed ice cream break which completely restored energy and all good feelings!

Next stop was the Longfellow House, home of the famous poet, which also served as Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston, July 1775-April 1776.

Unfortunately the house was closed to tours but we were able to walk around and look at the beautiful gardens.

On to Faneuil Hall!

A classic Boston meal - clam chowder...

and a lobster roll. Delicious!!

Some fun shopping...

a quick stop where everybody knows your name...

and taking a sneak peak at some of Boston's historical spots!

Another fantastic day!