Notes From the Road

Today’s adventure took me to Central Massachusetts to Clinton & Boylston. My intended goal was to visit the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, which I did of course, but along the way I wanted to soak up the charm of this area. The rolling hills and quaint towns made the drive out there worth it already, but along the way I discovered a cafe and music store hybrid called: The Melody Maker, Coffee & Guitar. I was able to chat with the owner, Zach, and it was clear right away that this place and it’s owner had such character! Zach had spent a better part of his career in the culinary and hospitality industry, but during the pandemic with extra time on his hands he got really into guitar restoration. This passion project where he combined his skills and interests, and filled a void in the community, has really turned into something beautiful and successful. To the point where they are moving to a bigger location in Downtown Clinton come April. Looking at the array of guitars on the wall I asked him what his favorite guitar was and he brought me over to show me one that he said “looks like it was dragged behind a truck but it’s a beauty” and I absolutely agreed. On my way to my car I glanced at the sign that read: “Best bagels in Mass” and thought that I would just have to be back.

After a mocha from The Melody Maker, I headed through Clinton and into Boylston toward the New England Botanic Garden. Many sites around the country, like museums, gardens, etc. allow you to be eligible for discounts if you have a library card, EBT, or if you are student (to name a few). I have been able to visit many museums this year alone using Library Museum Passes. After accessing my discounted ticket, and being told by the staff that I should definitely check out all the orchids currently blooming, I went to explore. They have two large indoor garden rooms with an outdoor winter garden in the middle, and the orchids were in fact beautiful. Outside they have trails that lead to Tower Hill where you can see a view of the river and hills below, sculptures, a Wildlife Refuge Pond, and I’m sure even more in the summer. Overall, this trip was a great little escape and only cost me: $7.4o total.