Finally finding some time after resting to do my writing. The bike shop experience was a little sweaty in the hot weather, and while we were outside working on our bikes, not only did the wife of the mechanic go get us an iced coffee and an ice cream, she later made us care packages with an energy gel and a bunch of electrolyte tablets. Looking inside, it would seem this shop has been the home of a pro-level team for a long time, so I imagine they have a lot of these things on hand, but it was still very nice.
My wheel repair went well, the bumps and wobbles straightening out with the spoke repair. Bryce had them look at his front wheel, which had a different problem. He took a look at it, and after some consideration he said it was a "maintenance challenge" and proceeded to pull out a lot of wrenches. Bryce gleaned that the hub of the wheel needed tightening, and he did not have the correct wrenches to deal with this decidedly north american model. But he did have ones that were close enough and with some effort he managed to make it better to ride. After all was said and done we asked how much for the repairs and he tells us that he's a volunteer for the day, that this is his son's shop and he's just hanging out for the day because it's a holiday! We were flabbergasted but again he would not take any payment. We talked with him a bunch and he told us that he's in his 70's and attributes his good health to his biking, which he proudly states he's been doing for over 60 years now. We said he was an inspiration and said our goodbyes.
We were lucky to get the repairs done so quick, as it gave us just enough time to hit up the aquarium. We needed to ride just 12km to get there, and a nice tunnel took us through a mountain range instead of us having to go over it. I was tired, the stress of the string of repairs really getting to me. But we arrived with an hour and a half til closing and got to see the aquarium which was a big white building tucked up against sea cliffs on the sea of Japan. I felt instantly more at ease, the temperature feeling more moderate by the water, which was calm as the day went on.
The aquarium was lovely, with an obvious focus on jellyfish. I don't usually like aquariums or zoos due to what appears to be inadequate facilities for the inhabitants, but jellyfish in a tank? I don't think jellyfish care, or have the ability to care. This is like having a series of terrariums in my mind, jellyfish are one step above insects in my mind. And jellies they had, loads and loads of jellies, some on the larger side and lots of teeny tiny ones that almost can't be seen at all without magnification. They really do look like little automatons, just wiggling around. The tanks were all very tastefully lit, highlighting UV reactive cells, long streaming tendrils (that I'm sure have a proper name), and rainbow shimmering reflective cells that look deceptively like teeny tiny LEDs on little ridges. The prime attraction was the dream theatre, a dark room with a 5m tall tank circulating with hundreds or thousands of jellies and lit with a dreamy blue and purple light. We saw posters of famous artists performing in front of the jellyfish tank, the theatre being aptly named.
We missed out on the jellyfish ramen noodles, it being a bit too late in the day, but we did get to enjoy the late day views from on top of the aquarium. Why did we ever leave the ocean? Flat roads, sunsets unmarred by dumb terrain, beaches. It's the best. I love beaches. Looking at the map, we'd have to cover 120km to get to Akita to take the ferry to hokkaido, so we decided to cover some ground while we still had light so as to not overload the next day should something happen. On we went. We zoomed past pastel-lit beaches, seeing folks sitting in pairs, waiting for the sunset. We've seen people stop right on highways if they have a good view of the sunset. We had no such time to enjoy it today.
An hour or so later, we covered 20km to Sakata. Bryce wanted fried chicken for dinner, so we went to a takeout place and got way too much chicken for the two of us to eat. It can be hard to tell what you're getting, as one piece of karaage can be anything from a morsel to a meal, in this case we had more of a meal per piece along with rice and cabbage. We got some drinks from a vending machine and ate the food by a river, watching the water go by as the light faded. For once, we couldn't finish all the food, which was a shock. I always finish the food. Good job, random chicken place, you win this round.
I found a big empty looking beach in the middle of nowhere on the map about 10km north of our position, so we prepared to set out for a night ride. Rain was in the forecast for the next morning, which meant we needed a private place that we wouldn't be bothered for an extended time during daylight hours. And we'd need to reduce our kilometers for the next day as we'd probably have to bike some of it in the rain, which sucks. As we were biking through the city, we happened upon a summer festival, people filling the streets. The usual assortment of festival treats didn't steal our attention, but I stopped for a moment to examine a line of white painted ladies in front of a stage that were talking turns talking about something or another. If only we had the time to watch the performance!
We instead used our valuable time biking to a convenience store to one again get water, food, and some canned coffee for the next morning. Always an exciting time. We left the city, things now fully dark. The highway was not the best, lots of cracks and parts filled in with patches, and my focus wasn't the best. Obstructions become much harder to see in the light of a headlight, even harder to see when you have to use the dimmest setting as the headlamp always seems to be close to dying. My body bitched that it was the wrong time of day to be biking, I should already be setting up camp and kicking back, not pressing for an extra 10km.
We did eventually make it to the beach intact, if a bit worn out, rolling down a sandy road until we had to push our bikes over dune-encrusted paths. Nobody here except a handful of night fishers, but they only care about fish. We pushed our bikes along the beach until we found a lonely pair of shelters for picnics and began setting up there. It seemed like a good spot, and we could tie up the tarp for extra rain protection. Giant wind fences on the beach would help with any gusts coming off the sea, but we weren't expecting a lot of wind anyways. Feeling like I'd have extra time in the morning, I got to sleep instead, feeling more tired than ever.
I slept very long, clearly the need for sleep piling up on me. We got to bed a little later than I wanted, but it was indeed raining when I woke in the morning, so I went back to sleep and luckily got a few more hours. We discovered in the morning light that we were not the only ones to think highly of the shelters, with little ants crawling all over the outside of the tent. Not a big deal, but a little unnerving considering we haven't always been perfect about getting the zippers all the way closed. We had some breakfast in bed (which inevitably led to a spilled coffee) and read for a little bit, but debates about getting going started pretty quickly. The rain didn't look like it was going to let up, which meant we were going to have to get going or risk riding at night again.
It was late in the morning when we were ready to go, rain gear donned and our spirits as high as they would be all day. We had 95km to ride, half a day to do it, and we were already soaked. On we went. Rice planting is in full swing now, everywhere we go there's farmers hurredly planting thousands of tiny sprouts in prepared fields. Early on there was a bit of a roadside attraction in the form of a curiously coloured pond, which we dutifully checked out. The pond was indeed a brilliant blue green colour and very clear, like the water of some onsens we've seen. Reading a sign, the pond was the source of the little rivers nearby and the water was extremely cold which kept it from fouling.
As we rode, the mist rising off the hills looked like smoke. We hoped the rain would turn to just mist soon. Wiping my face for the hundredth time, we slowly pedaled on. Rain pants tug on my skin, making knee pain feel more prominent. We bike slower too, I think the water on the road is just harder to bike on. Feels like slow motion compared to fair weather riding. After 30km, I needed to stop and get some real food in me, I found a mandarin restaurant serving spicy ramen, which sounded perfect for a cold, stiff day like this. We left our dripping rain gear outside where it might get slightly dryer simply by gravity, and went in, still sorta dripping anyways.
Inside, the restaurant was filled to the brim with knickknacks and collectables and was bright and cheery despite the weather outside. I found a place to plug in my headlamp and we both ordered big bowls of spicy soup and colas for the sugar and caffeine boost we'd need to keep going. The soup was flavorful and delicious, with a ground pork that was sweet instead of savoury. Last time I made sweet pork it was kinda gross so it was neat to have a sweet pork that wasn't bad. I ate my whole bowl, needing all the calories I could get, and settled down a bit to check the radar for the area.
As can be expected for the coast, the weather was temperamental. It was good we got going, as the section behind us was being hammered, while we could expect a bit of a reprieve from the rain as we moved forward. That was about as good as we could hope for and with the clock striking 2 (and playing a song) in the restaurant, we departed.
The sky brightening a bit from a dreary grey to a less dreary grey, our moods lifted for a while while our jackets dried off in the breeze. The sights were beautiful, in a desolate sort of way. Something about staring off into seemingly infinite ocean is unsettling to me. The evergreens on rocky spits in the ocean reminded us of the west coast trail, a few unbothered sections of coast here and there revealing what this land is supposed to look like under all the concrete pylons and coast management techniques Japan loves.
After an hour, I began having some real issues. My heart rate had spiked, my vision was a little odd, and I was starting to not feel well. Not good. I drank a bunch of water, which helped, but eventually my body decided the spicy ramen was too oily and spicy for my guts and I went to destroy a convenience store. I felt better after, but I really should know better by now. There's so much oil in the cooking here though, it's hard to avoid sometimes.
We kept riding, now with no rain gear and keeping up a respectable pace. We went on a desolate road, giant windmills standing guard on the coast overlooking fields of windburnt trees all bent away from the water. Looks like this coast gets absolutely hammered by the wind, maybe I shouldn't complain too much about the rain if it's not windy as well. Things were looking up, our pace put us on schedule to arrive at 6, well before dark which put us in better spirits. Better spirits until Bryce's tire blew out.
Pulling apart the tire layers, incredulous that the so-called "flatless" tires would fail us now, we found a shard of black glass stabbed straight through the thickest part of the tire and a centimeter into the tube section. Well there's no bike tire on earth that can survive that, that one's just bad luck. We felt a little better about that as we set about replacing it. At least with the new rim Bryce had it was much less of a fight to get the tire on and off to replace the tube. Getting the bead to set was a pain, Bryce cycled the tube pressure three times and we even soaped the edge to get it to budge. It seemed good enough to me, but the rim of the tire definitely seemed a little inconsistent. The rain starting again, we debated what we should do, I argued that if he was careful and avoided bumps the bead might set itself and we didn't have any other techniques we could try. He wasn't able to pull the tire over any more and my hands were too weak to be of much help. We were wet and cold by this point, so Bryce agreed with this and we remounted and got moving. We could always take the train if we had to, but that wasn't an option we wanted to do just yet.
I was in the rear and I could immediately see and hear something was wrong with Bryce's bike, even though I was focused on the tire bead to see if it was setting properly. It looked like his front and back tires were tracking different paths and one or both seemed to be leaning? I know the front tire had a hub issue so I thought maybe they're just a bit off but after a while I called a halt as it looked just too messed up not to try reseating the axle. While we were redoing the rear axle, we discovered that a bolt holding the rear pannier rack was close to coming out altogether, the source of the terrible rattling I've been hearing for weeks now! That was a relief to fix, and the wheel seemed to be sitting better. Now we were quite a bit later, projections looking more like 7 o'clock and getting dark by the time we got to the city.
The sky was getting lighter, but it was the sun starting to sink below the cloud layer, signaling the end of the day and the last of our riding light. I was so tired by this point, bone tired. The rain makes every kilometer feel like two, I was sneezing again, feeling sad. Lots of harsh feelings were welling up, life starting to roar back into focus as all the things I pushed away for the past year demanded answers right now. I tried my best to file away the petitions as I could, but mostly I just tried to keep my head up as my mood sunk lower with the sun. My sinuses decided they'd had enough and shut down, making my head feel like it was a size too big. In the last light of the day we got to Akita, the end of our Tohoku adventure. The kindness of the people we met saved us from finding the whole region cursed.
I demanded burgers and fries to lift my soggy mood, nothing in my tool box keeping me happy. Luckily there was a good looking place near our hotel to try and it was a countertop kinda place. We went in to find a fully charming establishment full of locals and a pair of chefs working the counter. I was feeling just awful but Bryce had a good time interacting with people. Everyone was very curious about the two colourful and very wet foreigners who had wandered in after parking very large and heavy bikes. I joined in on the answers, having the better language skills whenever Bryce couldn't parse what was being asked, but I was more focused on the pile of fries and the chili burger I ordered. People were flabbergasted that we came all the way from the southern end of the country, the chefs assuming we must have come from Tokyo instead. Some of the other patrons started rattling off Canadians they knew, with Justin Bieber ("Justinoo Beeberu!") and Celine Dion topping the list. I ordered a BLT sandwich as I was still starving even after a whole meal. The chef brought over a bottle of nice sake to have as a toast to the brave travellers, which I had to refuse as I would like to recover from this cold sometime this century. There's so much booze that it's hard not to here.
To alleviate the embarrassment of having to refuse the booze, he offered me a ginger ale instead, which I graciously accepted. The other chef laughed as they pulled out a bottle "Canada Dry" she said, to the laughter of the bar. Taste of home in a strange place. I polished off my BLT (and considered a second) and while I'm sure Bryce could have spent all evening taking free shots of excellent sake with the bartender, we had to be up early, so we said our goodbyes and waved as we wheeled our bikes into the dark city. I left in a good mood, but tired as hell. Bryce was positivity beaming from the fun interactions, and the four drinks he had. The hotel was nearby, so it wasn't too hard. A parking attendant ushered us to a spot near the guardhouse, and we locked up there. He asked us when we were thinking of getting the bikes the next day, and when we said 430 in the morning he was a little taken aback. He understood that the ferry was early but that was too early for him.
The hotel room was nice enough, but all I wanted was a bath and sleep. There were bath salts at the front desk and we took turns soaking in the tub. I wasted no time, doing my thing, arranging my clothes for the morning, setting an alarm and going to sleep. 415 would be just around the corner.

Went to Peru this April for a bucket list trip and as it is also on a lot of other people’s lists, I thought I’d share our experiences doing a full Belmond tour (hotels, private guides, museum/site/MP tickets, transportation). When researching for the trip, I had seen plenty of reviews on the individual properties but not much on their “journeys” so hopefully this is exhaustive but not too exhausting. Usually I plan my own trips and like to do a mix of properties rather than stay with one brand, but since we wanted to stay at the various Belmond offerings, it made sense to us to just do the package.
4 travelers (2 couples, all in our thirties)
Time frame: Eight days in April including international travel, booked in February (so short notice)
Day 1: Arrived in Lima late at night. Word of caution at the baggage claim - we knew we were meeting our Belmond rep and had been sent a diagram of where to meet him, which was a good thing, as there are people trawling the baggage claim that will say they are from the various hotels and try to take your luggage out for you (for a tip). They’re not officially associated with the hotel, so use their service at your own risk! Once we met our rep, we were promptly whisked away in a comfortable sprinter van complete with water and snacks, as would be the case for the rest of the trip, and our guide gave a good overview of the city on the way to the hotel, the Belmond Miraflores.
The hotel sits right on the water and is what I would call a classic “city hotel.” Beautiful flower arrangements in the lobby, where we were sat with welcome pisco sours for check in. Stayed in an Ocean View Junior Suite which was comfortable but nothing crazy memorable.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel rooftop restaurant. The small pool area is there as well. Great views over the coast. Food was a mix of a short a la carte menu and plenty of buffet options. Service was efficient and very friendly. Post breakfast, we were met in the lobby by our tour guide and driver for the day. Saw multiple sites including the Plaza Mayor, Archbishop’s Palace, the Santo Domingo Convent, and pre-Incan ruins. The best part was definitely the Larco museum. It’s excellently curated, the outdoor space is beautiful, and the exhibits are fascinating (and unique - erotic ceramics???). Appreciated having a guide to take us through the highlights, as sometimes it’s easy to get “museum-ed out” but I could have easily spent more time there. Hopped back to the hotel for a light late lunch. The restaurant downstairs has excellent ceviche. Spent a few hours relaxing and enjoying the view before Maido for dinner. The food is great, the wine pairing and intro of said wines was a bit perfunctory.
Day 3: Breakfast was again delicious and the waiters packed us to go parcels of coca/mint tea leaves for our trip to Cusco. Belmond took care of booking our flight on Latam and we were walked through right up to security. Once we landed and before we really felt the altitude, we were met by our driver and guide for the next few days and whisked away towards the Sacred Valley. Again, plenty of water and snacks on board, wifi, and coca candy for the altitude. Made a stop at Sulca Textiles, which is a small community collective of weavers with a museum of stunning wall weavings, a store with real baby alpaca items (not “maybe alpaca”), and a chance to see and feed the alpacas, llamas, and guacanos! Very memorable for sure and the best spot to load up on gifts. Stopped for a few more photo ops on the way to the Rio Sagrado. The Sacred Valley is filled with expansive, ever changing views and Hugo entertained and educated us on the long history and culture of the area.
The Rio Sagrado is a small, quiet sanctuary that is almost blink and miss the entrance right off the main road. Again we were greeted with a welcome drink and cool towels. The hotel is not big but there are some terraces and they will happily golf cart you around if you need (or in our case, our luggage). Stayed in a Garden Junior Suite. Room had a small balcony area with yoga mat available and while there was no tub, there was a large walk in shower. There is a small bar and quiet restaurant on site. Emphasis on quiet - it was the smallest of all the hotels on the trip, but the food quality was certainly up to par. They warm the beds at turndown with llama water bottles, a very cute touch.
Day 4: Breakfast here seems to alternate between a la carte plus buffet vs strictly a la carte. Hugo met us at our pre-discussed time and off we went to visit Ollantaytambo. There’s a colorful market there that is nice for photos and if you want classic souvenir trinkets but the site itself is the star. The streets there are narrow and crowded and our driver navigated them with ease. Hugo hiked with us to the very top and impressed up with his knowledge and insight. We’re also not stuffy people and he easily navigated both our interest in the culture and also our often bad jokes (with worse ones of his own 😂). For lunch we were treated to a local restaurant up in the mountains where we were the only ones there! I don’t think we would have otherwise found the place but it was a veritable feast that we got to enjoy with our now friends. Post lunch, more impressive tours of Maras and Moray. If you don’t get to go to Central in Lima, Virgilio’s other restaurant Mil is right next to Moray. Back to hotel for relaxing at the bar with drinks and cards and then early dinner…MP was waiting!
Day 5: Did I mention you get to feed the baby alpacas at breakfast? After this must do, we were off back to Ollantaytambo to the train station. If you’re not like us and book reasonably ahead of time, the Belmond Hiram Bingham stops right at the Rio Sagrado and picks you up from there. We took the Vistadome. As you would guess from the name, there’s plenty of windows that stretch above you to take in the Andean views. There’s an open observatory car at the end as well complete with live entertainment. The trip goes by quickly and Hugo came with us on the train. There are luggage restrictions so we left our big bags with our driver, who would bring them to Cusco for us. At the station in Aguas Calientes, the Santuary Lodge has people to take your bags ahead of you, and then you take the bus up to MP proper. Here Hugo worked his magic (he seemed to know people everywhere) and managed to get us on the bus before a huge wedding party. Yes it’s a public bus, but it’s perfectly comfortable and air conditioned. Arrived at the entrance to MP and wow, the Sanctuary Lodge really is RIGHT THERE. They take you to the garden to check in (welcome drinks, towels, the whole enchilada), and you marvel at where you are. The gardens are beautiful and absolutely filled with hummingbirds! Rooms weren’t quite ready so we had the buffet lunch at the hotel. Plenty of choices here. They came and found us at lunch to tell us our rooms were ready. Stayed in a Deluxe Terrace Room. The rooms are…not large and had a tiny bit of a damp smell (this is such a minor thing) but were well stocked (raincoats, souvenir water bottles, bug spray, lotions, massage oils, plenty of snacks and drinks - meals and minibasnacks included here).
Once we had time to freshen up, it was time to see Machu Picchu! Photos don’t do it justice and you will want a guide to get the most out of your experience. Hugo made the site come to life and this time of year, it did not feel crowded at all going later in the day. It also started drizzling when we were leaving, and it was perfect getting to duck right into the hotel, steps away. There’s nothing besides the hotel there so relax at the restaurant bar, have a spa visit, and get ready for dinner. It seemed most everyone there had changed out of hiking gear. Personally, dinner was well executed if the flavors were not my favorite. Take it with a grain of salt as they obviously have to bring everything up from the town.
Day 6: Woke up early to hike Huayna Picchu. The best views of MP were at this time. Hugo hiked “the stairs of death” with us (not nearly as bad as it sounds if you don’t have an extreme fear of heights) and played personal photographer. It’s a very worthwhile hike to get to see MP from a different angle. We got back right at check out time and the hotel was kind enough to let us change/shower in our own room rather than have to use their separate change/shower area. We did another circuit of MP after lunch and then just hung out with Hugo over drinks. The biggest perk of staying at Sanctuary Lodge is having multiple chances to see MP. While it’s beautiful on a gloomy day with the clouds suspended amongst the mountain peaks, it would be sad to travel all that way and never see it while it’s sunny. And weather changes quickly in the mountains!
Had a long bit of travel back through the Sacred Valley by train (if you were only to do the Hiram Bingham one way, it may be better to do it on the way back as it’s nighttime and you can’t enjoy the views), then picked up by car and off all the way back to Cusco.
Stayed at the Palacio Nazarenas in a Studio Suite and it was the best of all the Belmond properties! Right next door to the Belmond Monasterio. It has beautiful courtyard spaces everywhere you look and the rooms are the largest here. They pump oxygen in to help with the altitude. Large bathroom with soaking tub and separate spacious walk in shower. Studio suites have a sitting area inside and a small patio area outside overlooking a courtyard. Large bottles of rum and pisco are included. Got in super late so ordered room service which was delicious.
Day 7: Breakfast was combo buffet and a la carte. Fresh juices and plenty of local produce. The restaurant Mauka overlooks the pristine royal blue pool and it’s a picture perfect setting. Lots of touring around Cusco this day, seeing the main square and cathedral, multiple important sites like Sacsayhuaman, and Quenqo. Hugo really shined here - besides helping us understand the significance of the sites, he knew we were sad about not seeing a vicunya so we did an impromptu stop at another weaving center to see two of the few non-wild vicunyas. He also had arranged “a farewell surprise” for us and one of our party hadn’t been feeling well that day. Hugo checked on him all during our tours and arranged for our driver to pick him up so we could all share one last farewell drink. The Palacio is a gem and I would happily spend many more days here! When we got back to the hotel post shopping and tearful farewells (we actually still keep in touch), we had a personal patio side pisco sour making class with one of the fantastic butlers and enjoyed one of my favorite meals of the trip at Mauka. Pricey, but very very good.
Day 8: Off to Lima again, where we had a long layover, the same Belmond rep who met us initially helped settle us in for the wait before the long trip home!
Belmond Bellini perks (through a TA, they don’t have a personal reward program): Usually $100 hotel credit everywhere we stayed, potential for room upgrades, breakfast every day, welcome note/chocolate. Also a $500 voucher to use for another Belmond trip
Will be looking to do a trip back to Peru at some point to see the Nazca Lines and Lake Titicaca and will not hesitate to use Belmond again, especially to get a few extra days of R&R at the Palacio.
TLDR: If you’re going to Peru for the first time and want to do it chubby luxe, the Belmonds certainly fit the bill and the package deal is worth it for the convenience and the quality of the guides. You won’t have to worry about a thing.
If you’ve read this far, hope this helps and happy travels!

Best Things to Do in Taunton Ma Welcome to Taunton, Massachusetts! We've got the inside scoop on the best things to do in our vibrant city.From exploring nature at Massasoit State Park to uncovering history at the Old Colony History Museum, there's something for everyone.Get ready for endless entertainment at ForeKicks and Taunton Antiques Center. Whether you're into sports or shopping, these places have got you covered.If you're looking for some charm, head over to Taunton Green, our historic town square. It's the perfect place to relax, shop, and soak up the atmosphere.And don't forget to visit Bristol County Agricultural High School for a unique agricultural experience. They offer a variety of programs and events that showcase the importance of agriculture.So join us as we dive into all that Taunton has to offer!Key TakeawaysMassasoit State Park: Offers a wooded landscape with recreational activities for all seasons, including designated campgrounds and playgrounds.Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge: Provides miles of hiking trails in a picturesque environment, ideal for couples and romantic outings.Taunton Green: Historic town square surrounded by shops and restaurants, hosts community events and festivals, offering a charming and vibrant atmosphere.Bristol County Agricultural High School: Vocational high school focusing on agriculture, featuring a working farm and animal exhibits, hosts agricultural events and fairs, providing a unique learning experience for visitors.Parks and Outdoor ActivitiesLet's explore the parks and outdoor activities in Taunton, MA. Taunton is blessed with a variety of natural landscapes and recreational spaces that offer something for everyone. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a camping aficionado, or simply looking to enjoy some time outdoors, Taunton has got you covered.One of the highlights of Taunton's outdoor offerings is Massasoit State Park. Encompassing over 1,200 acres, this park is a haven for outdoor lovers. It boasts a beautiful wooded landscape, perfect for nature trails and wildlife sightings. You can hike through the park's trails and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings while spotting birds, deer, and other wildlife. Massasoit State Park also offers designated campgrounds, where you can set up your tent and enjoy a night under the stars. If you're visiting with children, the park has playground facilities that will keep them entertained for hours.Another gem in Taunton is the Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge, also known as Boyden Park. This refuge offers miles of hiking trails, providing a picturesque environment for couples and romantic outings. As you walk through the trails, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this refuge home.Taunton River is another natural treasure that offers a range of outdoor activities. The scenic river flows through the city and is ideal for boating and fishing. You can rent a kayak or a canoe and explore the tranquil waters while enjoying the picturesque views. Taunton River is also surrounded by parks and nature trails, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with family and friends.In Taunton, you'll find that nature is never too far away. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, Taunton's parks and outdoor activities have got it all. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to embrace the freedom that comes with exploring Taunton's natural wonders.Museums and Historical SitesWe can explore the fascinating museums and historical sites in Taunton, MA, such as the Old Colony History Museum and the Taunton Public Library.The Old Colony History Museum is housed in a historical red-brick building constructed in 1852. Inside, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of Taunton through interactive exhibits and displays of historical artifacts. The museum offers several galleries and interactive programs, providing a unique and engaging experience for all visitors. From temporary exhibits that showcase specific aspects of Taunton's history to permanent displays that highlight the city's past, there's always something new to discover at the Old Colony History Museum. Additionally, the museum conducts educational programs and lectures, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of Taunton and its significance.Another must-visit location is the Taunton Public Library. Constructed in 1903, this architectural gem features Beaux-Arts design and offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. While the library is a great place to unwind with a book, it also houses a collection of historical artifacts and documents related to Taunton's past. Visitors can explore the library's archives and discover the city's rich history through the materials on display. The Taunton Public Library isn't only a hub of knowledge but also a gateway to the city's history.Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about Taunton's past, the museums and historical sites in the city offer a wealth of information and experiences. With interactive exhibits and displays of historical artifacts, the Old Colony History Museum and the Taunton Public Library provide an engaging and educational journey through Taunton's history. So, grab your curiosity and embark on a journey to discover the stories and treasures that make Taunton a truly remarkable place.Entertainment and Recreation CentersWe often enjoy visiting the entertainment and recreation centers in Taunton, MA for a fun and exciting time. Taunton offers a variety of indoor activities and fitness facilities that cater to all ages and interests.One notable center is ForeKicks, a spectacular sports complex that provides both indoor and outdoor facilities. Inside, you'll find a state-of-the-art fitness center where you can work up a sweat and stay active. They also have sports courts for basketball, volleyball, and soccer, allowing you to engage in friendly competitions with friends or family. If you're in the mood for some adrenaline-pumping fun, ForeKicks also features a thrilling laser tag arena where you can battle it out with your friends.In addition to ForeKicks, Taunton Antiques Center is another great option for indoor entertainment. This antique mall and flea market spans four floors, offering a wide variety of items for reasonable rates. Whether you're an avid collector or simply enjoy browsing through unique artifacts, you'll find something that catches your eye here. The center provides an aesthetically pleasing setting where you can spend hours exploring and discovering hidden treasures.After enjoying the entertainment and recreation centers, a visit to Taunton Green is a must. This historic town square is surrounded by charming shops and restaurants, and it regularly hosts community events and festivals. You can relax in the park benches or enjoy the lively atmosphere around the gazebo. Taunton Green is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the vibrant spirit of the community.With plenty of indoor activities and fitness facilities, Taunton, MA offers a diverse range of options for entertainment and recreation. After enjoying these centers, it's time to explore the town square and community events that Taunton has to offer.Town Square and Community EventsFortunately, Taunton Green is a vibrant and charming town square that regularly hosts community events and festivals. This bustling hub of activity is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the sense of community that Taunton has to offer.Here are some of the highlights of the town square and its community events:Community Festivals and Celebrations:The Green is the epicenter of many community festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Taunton Lights Festival during the holiday season. This event showcases dazzling light displays, live music, and festive activities for all ages.The annual Summer Concert Series brings together local musicians and performers to entertain the crowd with a variety of music genres. From jazz and blues to rock and pop, there's something for everyone to enjoy.The Taunton Farmers Market is held regularly at the Green, offering fresh produce, homemade goods, and artisanal products from local vendors. It's a great opportunity to support local businesses and sample the best of what the region has to offer.Local Food and Dining Options at Town Square Events:During community events at Taunton Green, you'll find a wide array of food vendors offering delicious and diverse cuisines. From classic New England seafood to international flavors, there's something to satisfy every craving.Many local restaurants and cafes also set up pop-up stalls, allowing you to sample their signature dishes right in the heart of the town square. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food, gourmet treats, or exotic flavors, you'll find it all here.Interactive Activities and Entertainment:In addition to the festivals and food, Taunton Green hosts various interactive activities and entertainment options for visitors of all ages. From face painting and balloon artists for the kids to live performances and art displays, there's always something happening to keep you entertained.Educational and Agricultural SitesOne of the best things to do in Taunton, MA is to visit the Bristol County Agricultural High School. This unique educational institution offers a range of programs and workshops that provide a hands-on learning experience for visitors. In addition to the educational offerings, the school also boasts a working farm and animal exhibits, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in agriculture and animal care.To give you a clearer picture of what Bristol County Agricultural High School has to offer, here is a table summarizing its key features:Bristol County Agricultural High SchoolA Unique Learning ExperienceAgricultural Events and FairsEducational Workshops and ProgramsAnimal ExhibitsAt Bristol County Agricultural High School, you can participate in educational programs and workshops that cover a wide range of agricultural topics. From learning about sustainable farming practices to understanding animal husbandry, these programs provide valuable knowledge for anyone interested in the field.One of the highlights of visiting the school is the opportunity to explore a working farm. You can witness firsthand the daily operations of a farm, interact with farm animals, and learn about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.The school also hosts agricultural events and fairs throughout the year, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant agricultural community of Taunton. These events showcase the best of local produce, livestock competitions, and agricultural innovations.Whether you have a passion for agriculture or simply want to learn more about it, a visit to Bristol County Agricultural High School is a must. With its unique learning experience, educational workshops and programs, and fascinating animal exhibits, it is an educational and enjoyable destination for all.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Are Some Popular Restaurants or Dining Options Near Taunton's Town Square?Popular restaurants and dining options near Taunton's town square offer a variety of delicious choices. From cozy cafes to elegant bistros, there's something for everyone's taste buds.Whether you're in the mood for mouthwatering seafood, savory steaks, or flavorful vegetarian options, these restaurants have you covered.With their inviting atmospheres and friendly service, these dining establishments are the perfect places to gather with friends and family for a memorable meal in Taunton.Are There Any Special Events or Festivals Held at Massasoit State Park Throughout the Year?Special events at Massasoit State Park are a highlight throughout the year. From music festivals to nature walks, there's always something happening.The park's breathtaking landscape makes it the perfect venue for outdoor events. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.Whether you're a nature lover or looking for a fun day out, Massasoit State Park offers a variety of special events that are sure to entertain and inspire.Can You Provide Recommendations for Nearby Hotels That Are Pet-Friendly?Sure, we can provide recommendations for nearby pet-friendly hotels in Taunton, MA. Some options to consider are:Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Middleboro RaynhamQuality Inn Raynham TauntonResidence Inn by Marriott Boston Brockton/EastonRodeway Inn Middleboro-PlymouthThese hotels offer comfortable accommodations for you and your furry friends.As for restaurants near Taunton's town square, there are several great options to choose from, providing a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.Are There Any Specific Exhibits or Programs Offered at the Old Colony History Museum for Children?At the Old Colony History Museum, children can explore exciting exhibits and participate in engaging programs that bring history to life. From interactive displays to hands-on activities, there's something for every young learner to enjoy.They can learn about the rich history of Taunton through educational programs and workshops tailored specifically for children. The museum offers a unique and immersive experience that will ignite their curiosity and leave them with a lasting appreciation for the past.Is There a Fee to Enter the Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge, or Is It Free for Visitors?There is no fee to enter the Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge. It's free for visitors to explore and enjoy the picturesque environment and miles of hiking trails.The refuge is also accessible, with ADA-accessible facilities available. It's a great destination for couples and romantic outings, offering a serene and natural setting.ConclusionIn conclusion, Taunton, Massachusetts offers a plethora of attractions and activities for all types of visitors.From the serene beauty of Massasoit State Park to the captivating history of the Old Colony History Museum, there's something for everyone to enjoy.Taunton is like a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered and cherished, just like a rare and precious diamond in a sea of ordinary stones.So come and explore all that Taunton has to offer, and create unforgettable memories in this vibrant city.

I made my own clan and cat descriptions when I was like 12 years old which was around 13 years ago now, but I still think I did a pretty good job on them! So much so that I’ve had it saved all this time. I put it into a Word document and scanned it into my iPad. I have a pretty big imagination and always have, so I even came up with my own stories for a few of them! :) I hope you enjoy!