As the August issue of FMC magazine arrives in readers’ hands or digital devices, FMCA’s 94th International Convention takes place in West Springfield, Massachusetts. This month, the discussion topic pays tribute to this beautiful and interesting part of the United States:
Do you have a favorite New England attraction or travel stop to recommend?
Just a couple hours’ drive from FMCA’s August 3-6 convention in West Springfield, Massachusetts, is the beautiful 3,000-acre Harold Parker State Forest and Lorraine Park Campground in Andover, Massachusetts. Our visit to this campground, offering easy access to historic Boston and surroundings, exceeded expectations. There are no electric or sewer connections on its spacious campsites, but most of them have a water faucet next to the road that can be reached with a long hose. Pressure exceeds 100 psi, so use a regulator.
Swimming, boating, fishing, playgrounds, basketball courts, hot showers, a large group site, and a dump station at the entrance are among the park’s many amenities. The rangers were unfailingly friendly, helpful, and courteous during our stay. Our guests and their car were warmly welcomed without extra charges. For boating and fishing enthusiasts, the lakes are idyllic. Hiking and biking trails abound. Rates are $20 per night for out-of-state visitors and $17 for Massachusetts residents.
Lewis & Nancy Edge, F426797
Princeton, New Jersey
In this wonderful country of ours, there are a great many attractions to visit, but none more interesting than the one in Plymouth, Massachusetts: Plimoth Plantation. Located on Route 3A, Plimoth Plantation is a village from right out of 1627, in the new England. As you walk into the front gates of this village, the world as you know it changes. Yes, this is a true village with people in character of that time period. Each member has a tale to tell about life during that time, with answers that will fascinate you. Re-enactors wear dress from the period and talk in the language, sharing thoughts about religious beliefs, child rearing, gardening methods, and cooking. At certain times of the day, the entire village is called to discuss an issue that has come before the village. Descendants of American Indians make canoes and talk about native life in the 1600s. Animals and crops are from that time period. Visitors see how hard life was for our forefathers.
Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:oo p.m. daily, and guests can watch a film about the plantation that was produced by The Travel Channel. Patuxet Cafe offers a range of food from colonial and native cultures, as well as modern foods and snacks. Free RV and bus parking is available by the barn out back.
Leave your RV and hop aboard a public bus to see the Mayflower II, the rock, and downtown Plymouth. Buses run to and from the planation every day except Sunday. Information about prices and activities is available at www.plimoth.org
Richard & Phyllis Cicchetti, F387705
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Future questions
1. Suggest fun spots to explore or activities to enjoy with young RVers aboard.
2. Describe a great Mexican restaurant you’ve enjoyed during your travels.