The Umbrella’s “Lizzie” Rock Musical Brings Seasonal Fun

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photo credit: Jim Sabitus

More than 130 years after the grisly unsolved murders that rocked Fall River, Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden finally gets her say in The Umbrella Stage Company’s rousing, ghost-story-meets-rock-concert musical that’s just in time for autumn in Concord and the Halloween season!

Featuring four women fronting a six-piece rock band and delivering a score that epitomizes riot grrrl power, Lizzie has global audiences dancing and raging in their seats.

photo credit: Jim Sabitus

“It’s an amazing story,” shares Director and Choreographer Ilyse Robbins, “with incredible and hard-hitting music, about four women who were all trapped in their own ways by the social constructs of their time. It’s less a biography and more a historical, fictional retelling of Lizzie Borden and the women in her life. Over the course of the show we see them stripping away those constructs, getting to the true-er versions of themselves. In a time when we’re still debating the rights of women, this piece — though it’s so squarely rooted in New England history – feels so universally current. We get to share their journey and cheer these women on as they all take their power into their own hands – literally.”

Characteristically for The Umbrella, the show will be bolstered by a host of fun community and partner activities in Concord Center. The Umbrella has collaborated with the Town of Concord Visitor Center, local restaurants and hotels, the regional Halloween in New England to round out and enhance the theatrical experience.

Select performances will feature additional engagement opportunities for audience members:

  • Seasonal New England-style Dinner & A Show Thursday meals from Nosh Restaurant may be pre-ordered during ticketing for all Thursday night performances
  • A special “Kid(S)care” childcare performance October 22 with teacher-guided Halloween-inspired activities for youth ages 5-12 while caretakers attend the 3PM matinee
  • Talk Backs are scheduled following Sunday matinee performances on October 12 and 29
  • Mobile ax-throwing in partnership with Revolution Ax Throwing will be available on dates TBA!
  • Day-of-show Hospitality Partner discounts from Adelita, Concord’s Colonial Inn, Fiorella’s, Nosh, and Aloft/Element Hotel in Lexington.
  • Themed concessions will be available throughout
  • The Umbrella will promote the Town Visitor Center’s “Women of Concord” and “Concord’s Twilight : Monuments, Memories and Mortality” Walking Tours
  • All tickets include free access to The Umbrella Art Gallery, currently featuring “Zero Toys and Death of Print,” an exhibition of photographs by Concord-based Jordan Kessler from September 29 – November 12

To learn more about Lizzie and The Umbrella Stage Company’s exciting new season, see https://theumbrellaarts.org/Lizzie

Weekend Day Trip: Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School in Hamilton

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Outside allows us to observe social distancing advisories while offering a delightful opportunity for viewers to enjoy a walk among 50 beautiful pieces of art set amidst the 100-acre campus of Pingree School in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.

 

 

To keep everyone safe,  all visitors must wear masks, remain six feet apart from other visitors not in their party, and refrain from touching sculptures or signs. The public is invited to view the exhibit during daylight hours on weekends and during holidays when school is not in session (October 12, and November 25–27).

 

Go here for a free electronic guide and map via the Findful app

 

Pack a picnic and head north…

   

    

Be sure to check out this thought provoking sculpture “Humanity Unravelled” by Concord sculptor, Elisa Adams. 

 

   

Set aside extra time to look carefully at this guitar sculpture (below).

 

 

 

Look closely – what do you see? Can you find the bike pedals or tweezers? Take turns playing “I Spy” with your family / friends – you will be amazed by what objects are used in this sculpture.

 

A special thank you to Concord resident, Hedi Charde, for sending us a few of her photos from her visit!

 

   

 

How many different animal sculptures can you find?

 

 

 

 

   

 

Explore the grounds, including the Pingree Farm at bottom of the hill.

 

Take some time one weekend to see this fresh air, free exhibit – you won’t be disappointed!

 

Weekend Outing Ideas

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ROCKPORT, MA

In just one hour you can get to the charming coastal town of Rockport, Massachusetts where you’ll find scenic views, delightful shops and an abundance of fabulous galleries.

Wear comfortable shoes so you can walk along rocks on the jetty or take steps down to the beach.

 

Work up an appetite and then grab a lobster roll or clam chowder, followed by ice cream or candy at various spots in town.

 

Find our inner artist – visit Motif #1 and see why artists call this fish shack “Motif #1″n i, an inspiration for so many artists over the years. Rockport has an abundance of benches located around harbor which will allow you to sit down and sketch the famous shack or just sit admire the beauty of the harbor.

Motif Number 1, located on Bradley Wharf in Rockport, Massachusetts, is a replica of a former fishing shack well known to students of art and art history as “the most often-painted building in America.” Wikipedia

Read the story behind it in New Englnd Today, Travel

                     

 

Read about more things to do and see in Rockport – such as walking tours, the Headlands, Cape Ann Light Station, Bearskin Neck, Dogtown Tours, Babson Word Rocks, fishing charters, Loblolly Cove, Sandy Bay Historical Society & Museum and much more.

 

BOSTON SEAPORT / FAN PIER

     

In the mood for an urban adventure? How about Boston Seaport / Fan Pier area? If you haven’t been there lately, you’ll be in for a wonderful surprise. There is so much to see and do – day or night and no shortage of delicious dining options.

   

Stroll along Harbor Walk which encircles the 21 acres of Fan Pier.

        

Pop into a Museum  – Take your pick – Institute for Contemporary Art (shown below), Boston Children’s Museum. Boston Fire Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – to name a few…

   

Grab a bite at a fabulous restaurant / cafe or take it to go and enjoy your meal while sitting on one of the hundreds of places to sit along Harbor Walk.

   

You won’t be disappointed. The views can’t be beat!

Apple Picking Season is here!

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Within just 30 minutes from Concord you can find a variety of orchards and all sorts of options for apple picking, cider donuts, farm stands and pumpkin patches.

      

 

Many offer hayrides, mazes, farm animals, pumpkin patches and stores stocked with variety of seasonal merchandise and delicious fresh cider donuts, pies, fruit and cider.

   

Make a day of it – pack a picnic or pick up lunch at some of these spots.

We compiled a list of some PYO spots within a short drive from Concord:

Autumn Hills Orchard, 495 Chicopee Row, Groton

PYO and online shop. There are picnic tables up on the high ridge where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. Trails and paths circle the farm. Walk, pick fruit, enjoy the view!

   

 

Berlin Orchards, 310 Sawyer Hill Road, Berlin

PYO, farm store & wagon rides Monday-Friday. Gorgeous views, perfect picnic spot. Bonus – you may see farm animals.

 

Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard

If you visit on a weekend, you’ll have an option to pick up a bite to eat from one of the visiting food trucks.

     

 

Carver Hill Orchard 101 Brookside Road, Stow

A family run orchard  – visit the farm store for apples, cider donuts, mum plants, pumpkins, ice cream, cider & more!

 

Derby Ridge, 438 Great Rd., Stow

Pick your own, farmstore and donuts Friday-Sunday

 

 

Doe Orchard, 327 Ayer Rd., Westford

 

 

Hill Orchard, 4 Hunt Rd. Westford

Open Saturday & Sunday

   

 

Honeypot Hill Orchard, 138 Sudbury Rd, Stow

Mazes, Hayrides, Pick our Own, Farm Animals

 

Nagog Hill Farm, 74 Nagog Hill Rd., Littleton, 978-486-3835

   

 

Schartner Farm, 279 W. Berlin Rd., Bolton

Open weekends, pyo apples and corn maze, Lion Club makes fresh cider donuts

 

Shelburne Farm, 106 West Acton Road

Warm Cider Donuts made fresh all day every day!
Visit the farm animals, tractor playground, and story walk, PYO apples & pumpkins.

 

Westward Orchards, 178 Mass Ave, Harvard

Pick your own apples & pumpkins. Farmstore – porch & curbside pick-up only now.

Gather up your family & friends, you’ll need some extra hands to carry all those delicious apples you’ll pick!

And start planning the apple pie, apple crumble, apple sauce, caramel apples… you plan to make.

Happy Apple Picking!

 

Day Trip: Blue Bikes around Boston & Cambridge

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Have you tried BlueBikes?

Bluebikes is Metro Boston’s public bike share program, with over 3,000+ bikes and more than 300+ stations across Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, and Somerville. It’s a fun, affordable and convenient transportation option for quick trips around town.

Grab a bike and explore some of these areas:

Single Trip $2.50

Unlimited two hour trips in 24 hour period $10

Annual $99 (best deal for locals or regular riders)

MAP – click on this to see pick-up locations

Make a day of it! Try renting in Seaport at Fan Pier, bike down to Design Center and back up to the Aquarium. So many fabulous spots to eat along the way and the view can’t be beat.

Or how about Arnold Arboretum?

Be sure to make it to Peters Hill for an incredible view of the Boston skyline

Or how about Stony Brook Reservation

How about trying Neoponset River Greenway? You can pick up a BlueBike at the Mattapan T- station which is a 2-minute ride from the trailhead.

If you take the path across the Harvest River Bridge you’ll enjoy incredible views of Boston Harbor and spot all sorts wildlife along the way.

Two Concord residents have used Blue Bikes for these trips:

Trip #1: Pick up bikes at Alewife and take the recreation path through Arlington to its end in Somerville, then biked over to Harvard Square. ALl sorts of dining options there.  Pick up the bike again after lunch and explore area around the Harvard Square and Harvard Campus then return bikes to Alewife.

Trip#2: Drive to Kendall Square and park car, pick up bike in Kendall Square and bike on the Harborwalk to the USS Constitution and further up harbor in Charlestown. Continue biking  down and over the Charles River locks to the North End. Enjoy an outdoor meal at Boston Harbor Hotel outdoor lounge then pick up picks and return them to Kendall Square.

Trip #3:  Drive to Kendall Square, park car and pick up bikes. Bike over to the Science Museum bridge. Either stop at Science Museum for a visit or continue on bikes and pick up the Esplanade path, continue up the Charles River past the Esplanade, B.U., and HBS. Continue to Harvard Square and bike back along the north side of the Charles back to Kendall Square past MIT.  Pick up a yummy outdoor snack from Brothers Market in Kendall Square.

There are so many local attractions to see and no better way to see them than one a bike – no hassle of looking for & paying for parking!

 

 

Day Trip: Hudson for full day of fun

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Start your day with a bike or hike along the Assabet River Rail Trail, 9.2 mile section of the trail is paved and open to the public, with 13 parking lots along the way.

     

The Assabet River Rail Trail, Inc. (ARRT) is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of promoting the creation of a multi-use recreational rail trail passes through the communities of Marlborough, Hudson, Stow, Maynard and Acton. The trail is built along the abandoned rail bed of the former Marlborough Branch RR, which was active between 1853 and 1980.

Try Brunch, Lunch or Dinner at a fabulous spot – The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. in downtown Hudson, 33 Main Street. Be sure to make reservations. Open Sunday – Thursday: 11:30-9Pm, Friday & Saturday: 11:30-10PM.

Read about this wonderful establishment and how they have grown and adapted during the pandemic. Here is a brief description from their website:

Although delicious wood fired flatbread pizza is the champion on our menu it’s just the beginning -we are a family friendly restaurant offering unique spins on new american comfort food classics like burgers, poutine, tacos and mac and cheese to name  a few..  some of our most popular items were developed by thinking about the food we crave and the places we’ve been. We believe food should be fun and approachable for everyone and never, ever too serious. Our friends brew some really creative craft beers.  we have twenty taps and a selection of bottles and cans.

Besides what were cooking in the kitchen and pouring behind the bar we’re proud to tell you that we’re an “open book management” company. Open book management empowers all of our team members to understand how our business works, have a say in how our company is run and share with us when we hit our goals. our team is what makes us special and we hope you feel it when you come visit us.

 

Indoor and patio options available – dining guests will have temperature monitored on arrival.

   

They offer appetizers such as wings, ribs, roasted veggies & calamari, Salads, Bowls, fabulous Flatbreads, Burgers and much more.

The patio is a fabulous spot to enjoy your meal.

 

Cap off your delicious meal with New City Microcreamery Ice Cream, same owner. You can pick up a pint as you leave Rail Trail Flatbread Co. (there is a case in front of store with about a number of flavors) or walk across the street and check out the Microcreamery and pick among all the yummy flavors. We loved the Salted Oreo!

   

Finish off your day – or save for another day… at Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center, 336 Sugar Road, Bolton

Open 7 days a week, 10am-5pm

Come see and learn about animals such as Wallaby, Porcupine, Emu, Armadillos, Skunk, Opossum, alligators, snakes and other small reptiles, mammals, and amphibians!

They offer Daily Live Animal Presentations each day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm with the zookeepers  – during this 25 minute session you will learn about their rescue animals and you even get to touch and interact with them!

A number of tour options, encounters and classes are available such as:

  •  90- minute Private Tour
  • 2 hour guided Extreme Tour for just your group
  • Extreme Tour w/ the Owner, Dr. Ed Laquidara
  • Cat Connection
  • Owl Connection
  • Animal Encounter
  • Reptile Tour
  • Zookeeper for a Day
  • Animal Classes – learn about the fox, owl or cats
  •  Birthday Parties
  •  Summer Special – Book an After Hours Tour for regular prices! 

    Email: Info@AnimalAdventures.net

Have a great day!

Day Trip: Bike along the Nashua River Rail Trail

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Grab your bikes and bikes racks and head to Ayer or Groton.  Park your car (in one of the suggested parking lots below) and explore the great outdoors along this 11 mile bike trail that connects Ayer, MA to Nashua, NH.  The trail is also open to walking, dogwalking (leash) rollerblading and horseback riding. The trail is a former railroad right of way that travels 11 miles through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable. The 10-foot wide paved surface is ideal for cyclists.

Pack a picnic and stop in this lovely meadow in Groton, along the way.

Stop in Pepperell for this fabulous food truck or a scoop of ice cream from Charlotte’s Cozy Kitchen & Rail Trail Ice Cream, just steps from the rail trail.

 

   

View the trail map online

Parking areas for access to the trail are located in Ayer, Groton, and Dunstable.

Ayer Center parking lot

Closed for construction.  For more information visit  https://www.ayer.ma.us/commuter-parking

Groton Center parking (Court Street 10-15 spaces)

Take I-495 north or south to exit 31, then Rte. 119 west approximately seven miles to Groton Center. Take left at Station Ave. to the on-street parking area beside the trail.

Groton Sand Hill Road parking (10-15 gravel spaces)

Take I-495 north or south to exit 31, then Rte. 119 west approximately ten miles. Take a right on Nod Road and right on Sand Hill Road. Follow Sand Hill Road to parking area on the right after crossing rail trail.

Dunstable state line parking (10 gravel spaces)

Take Rte. 3 to Exit 35, then Rte. 113 west beyond Dunstable Center. Take right on Hollis Street to New Hampshire state line. Parking is on the left.

Enjoy!!