"As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was about to happen" - Winnie the Pooh
Taking a summer holiday in July has become our family's tradition. The timing feels especially right for us after the school year has wound down and summer is in full swing.
This year our summer holiday plans began to take shape when we decided to choose a vacation destination that would include us seeing an MLB game. A check of the MLB schedule confirmed that our Toronto Blue Jays were playing in Boston in mid July. It couldn't be more perfect. Not only would my nine-year old son's dream come true to see the "Green Monster", but I would get to reconnect with family I hadn't visited since I was twelve years old. The Jays vs Red Sox tickets were purchased for the evening of Monday July 15, and just like that summer holiday planing was officially underway!
In full planning mode, we began to plot the drive from Toronto to Boston. The driving time of close to ten hours seemed a bit daunting with the kids. We needed a mid-way destination between Toronto and Boston to break up the road trip. As a family of baseball enthusiasts it was an easy choice to make. We would stop in Cooperstown NY, the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. We also wanted to incorporate some beach time into our summer trip. Cape Cod being so close to Boston made it an ideal choice. Cooperstown, Boston, and Cape Cod here we come!
Cooperstown NY
Our first impression of this small town with a rich baseball history began with our stay at The Cooper Inn. The inn was incredibly family friendly, undeniably quaint, and walking distance from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
After checking in, we had an incredible meal at Mel's at 22. Although it has a great kids' menu, we all chose to feast on the mussels and mac and cheese. The mussels were incredible and the mac and cheese blew us away. It is made with brie, cheddar, Parmesan, and a crumb-topping. We added lobster for good measure. Mel's at 22 is a popular spot, with an eclectic ambiance. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the friendly atmosphere.
We went straight to the Baseball Hall of Fame after dinner. The advantage of going later in the evening was avoiding the crowds and the ability to use our tickets again for the following day. My son was blown away by the history and soaked in as much information as possible during our evening visit, while picking out what he wanted to go back to visit for the following day.
Boston MA
The excitement leading up to our Boston visit centered around our family reunion and going to Fenway Park. In between these two main events we found lots of fun things to do.
We stayed at Copley Square Hotel in Back Bay. It was the ideal location to be walking distance of shops, restaurants and the attractions we wanted to visit. This included our favourite breakfast destination Thinking Cup.
Boston Duck Tours was a great way to see Boston and learn about it's history. Kids were thrilled when they were invited to take the wheel!
On our way to Boston Commons and Public Garden.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace had it all - shopping, food and entertainment. We stopped to enjoy the Red Trouser Show with an added treat of having our son invited into the act! He was chosen from the crowd to be part of the act and made $10! This was immediately spent on candy and gum for him and his sister.
The tour of Fenway Park was incredible. It included getting to walk the Green Monster and also watch the players warm up. My son was thrilled when the 3rd base coach from the Jays tossed him a ball!
Cheering our Jays on in this stunning ballpark.
Cape Cod MA
Dennis Port was the final destination in our holiday. We all were looking forward to some beach time to slow down the pace and Dennis Port did not disappoint.
We are a foodie family and so dining choices are always central to our holiday experience. Sharing some of the highlights of the Cape Cod fare we feasted on.
Scenic view in Harwich.
"Life's a wave, catch it." - Author Unknown
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