As the facilitator of the Wanderlust Book Discussion Group, it’s no surprise I’m a big fan of travel both local and far-flung. As a book-lover, I’m also a fan of literary travel. Not necessarily traveling by book (though you already know I’m a huge fan of that). I’m talking about visiting places with literary connections. I’ve been to literary sites as close as The House of the Seven Gables and as far-flung as Edinburgh, Scotland, (the *entire city* is a UNESCO World-Heritage site for literature; my kind of place!). It’s a particular passion of mine to get my geek on in places were great authors have lived or that have inspired some of my favorite books.
We’re very fortunate here in Massachusetts to have many literary connections and places that have preserved (or are in the process of preserving) the sites where some of our state’s great literary magic have happened. Which basically means that during the summer, “staycations” are within easy reach and there’s no dearth of options to choose from. Here are some options should you like to take a road trip to some of our awesome literary sites:
A mere train ride away lies the statue commemorating Robert McCloskey’s immortal tale inspired by true events in the Boston Public Gardens. This is a great, free way to spend part or all of a day and maybe make some duckling friends of your own.
Walden Pond
The site of Henry David Thoreau’s experiment in simplified living in a tiny-house, long before it became the rage on HGTV and where he composed much of his eponymous book.
A short ride North, this relatively new commemorative park celebrates one of the most famous Beatniks and Lowell, MA native. You can also pay your respects to the “On the Road” author at the Edsom Cemetery, where he’s buried.
Edward Gorey holds a place in my heart for being the illustrator of the John Bellairs books I so loved as a child and for being a cat lover. His illustrations are still widely seen (most notably on Masterpiece Mystery) and his house is now a well-maintained museum on Cape Cod.
Further west, you’ll find the reclusive poet’s home no longer closed off. It is open to the public as a museum, (which has put its manuscripts of Dickinson’s poetry online!) and the gardens are being restored to their former glory with heirloom varieties that were grown by the Dickinsons.
Here at the South Branch, we offer several Massachsetts and New England travel guides so that even if your travel tastes don’t trend towards the literary the way mine do, you’re sure to find something locally to enjoy these warm summer days:
Inns and Adventures by Michael J. Tougias and Alison O’Leary
Tougias is best known for his historical writings such as Ten Hours Till Dawn and So Close to Home, but he has co-authored this New England guide with travel writer O’Leary to find some great hikes and out-of-the way inns that are worth the trip. We had O’Leary come to the South Branch to talk about this book last September and believe me when I tell you, she knows her stuff. Anyone who enjoys hiking, the outdoors or resting in a cozy B&B is bound to find some great nuggets of info here that will get them packing the car.
Off the Beaten Path: Massachusetts by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Stillman Rogers
This guide is as-advertised, offering locations that are hidden gems amidst even some of the most popular, well-known areas. Broken down by sections of the State (North Shore, South Shore, Pioneer Valley, Cape Cod, etc.), this book is also easy to plan from so you won’t be looking at hidden gems on opposite ends of the state on the same page.
50 Great Bed & Breakfasts and Inns: New England by Susan Sulich
All hail Susan Sulich who had the brilliant idea to find fantastic B&Bs across New England and not only put information about why they’re great into a book, she also found out what dishes they’re famous for and put those recipes in the book. This is perfect companion to discover a great getaway and have a fantastic memento to remind you of your trip that you can make over and over again. They say sense memory creates the strongest recall, so you’re sure to make some delicious memories with this book.
Main Streets and Back Roads of New England by Susan Sloane, Chris Stirling and the Chronicle Staff
The perennially popular TV show Chronicle published a book a while back based on their popular segment: Main Streets & Back Roads. What resulted was this compendium of people and places distinct and worth visiting in their own unique ways.
Till next week, dear readers, whether the weekend takes you far afield or only as far as your favorite reading spot, I hope you enjoy it!