Massachusetts: A Return to My Roots
After years of living away from home, this year marked the most time I’ve spent back in Massachusetts. With two weeks in June and another week in November, it was the perfect opportunity to revisit old haunts and explore some new ones. From the Cape to Fenway Park, and even discovering a new place to call my “home away from home,” these moments truly reminded me why I love this state.
The Cape was where I spent most of my childhood summers, so this trip was especially significant—it was the first time I had returned in about five years. The memories of those summers flooded back as I rediscovered the beauty of the region and experienced it through fresh eyes.
Fenway Park – The Heart of Boston
No trip back home would be complete without a visit to Fenway Park. I went there essentially straight from the airport, eager to soak in the atmosphere of one of the most iconic ballparks in the world. The energy at Fenway, combined with the nostalgia of being back in the city, was something I had been missing for years.
Cape Cod – Sunrise, Seafood, and Adventure
Three days spent on the Cape were filled with some of the most memorable moments of the year. The highlight was an early morning at the Sandwich Boardwalk, where I caught one of the most stunning sunrises I’ve seen in years. It came after a 3 a.m. wake-up call, on just a couple of hours of sleep, but the moment was absolutely worth it. The light was soft, and the stillness of the water created the perfect scene for reflection.
The freshest seafood I’ve tasted in years was another standout. From swordfish to fish and chips, and of course, oysters, the local fare never disappoints. The flavors of the Cape are unmatched, and I couldn't get enough of them.
Another memorable experience came the same day as the sunrise, when I set out for a sunset hike in Provincetown. I was hoping to find the elusive dune shacks, but as the sun started to dip, I realized I might not make it in time for the best light. So, I turned my hike into a jog. Despite the rush, the light was magical, and being out in the dunes, chasing the sunset, made it all worth it.
Nauset Light – Moody Coastal Conditions
Nauset Light offered a different side of the Cape—moody and dramatic. The coastal conditions made for some striking photos, with the light cutting through the mist and the landscape drenched in a muted palette. The moodiness of the scene felt like a reminder of how beautiful the Cape can be, even when the weather isn't ideal.
Westport – My New Home Away From Home
The last stop on my Massachusetts journey was Westport, my new “home away from home.” The town has become a place of peace and solace, and I’ve already come to love its quiet charm. I had the chance to explore the area in the spring and caught a beautiful sunset that perfectly summed up the tranquility of Westport. It’s a place I know I’ll return to again and again.
My time back in Massachusetts this year was a much-needed reminder of the beauty of the place I grew up. From sunrises on the Cape to sunsets in Westport, and all the moments in between, it felt good to be back among the familiar landscapes and the people who make this state so special.