My friend Lainey and I are in the middle of a “photo safari” visiting every city and town in Massachusetts, taking photos along the way. This column talks about some of our favorites. This month: Carver.
Carver, Massachusetts, known for cranberry bogs, is about 45 miles southeast of Boston. From mid-September to mid-November the bogs turn a crimson color at harvest time and make a beautiful addition to leaf peeping itineraries.
An archaeological survey has proof that the area was inhabited by humans 10,000 years ago at a site called Annasnappet Pond. The very oldest human burial in the state was found in a small knoll in the southeast end of the pond. The burial took place 7,570 years ago.
King Richards Faire claims to be the largest and longest running Renaissance Fair in all of New England. This was the 38th year and the woods in Carver is the place to frolic and flaunt 14th to 17th century attire. Don’t have any? The popular 18th century kilt is definitely considered close enough. Wear whatever, no one will kick you out. For extra fun they have themed weekends from cleavage contest, vow renewal, Game of Thorns, Harry Potter and even a Men in Kilts contest. It is always open on Labor Day and Columbus Day. Check out their website at kingrichardsfaire.net
Ellis D. Atwood — note the initials EDA — built a railroad on his 1,800-acre cranberry plantation. He bought locomotives and cars from defunct railroads to haul supplies and cranberries to and from the bogs. An operation to see, he soon began charging visitors five cents a ride, and it became the tourist attraction “Edaville.” It has changed hands many times since then, but today it is known as Edaville Family Theme Park. It features 28 amusement rides, Dino Land and Thomas Land. Dino Land has life-size dinosaurs and real-life paleontologists. Thomas Land is based on the British children’s series “Thomas and Friends” — Thomas is a blue engine with a face — and is the only Thomas Land in the USA. Edaville is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through this weekend featuring a Not-So-Spooky Halloween. Beginning November 15, the park is illuminated with 17 million lights and is open every day but Thanksgiving and Christmas for their Christmas Festival of Lights with unlimited train rides.
Myles Standish State Forest is the largest open space and largest publicly owned four season recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts at 12,000 acres. It has 15 miles of bike trails, 13 miles of hiking trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails, snowmobile, cross country ski, fish, paddle, swim, camp, hunt, among cranberry bog, kettle ponds and a whole lot of pine trees.
If you have a dog, check out The Dog Mall, 174 Plymouth Street. It has an indoor pool set up for dog dock diving, swimming, lessons, training, fitness and therapy. There is an Air Dog club with events and competitions and you don’t need to be a member to participate.
Savery’s Avenue, which runs along Main Street (Route 58), was the first divided highway in the United States. It was opened to the public in 1860 by William Savery, a prominent man of the area. The trees were left in the middle and on the edges for shade and ornament for man and beast. Coming in 2020 the historical Leyden Cottage that William Savery built in 1850 will be open for events and overnight accommodations.
Michelle Pontbriant works in the Gazette’s circulation department. Follow along with her photo safari at facebook.com/laineyandmichelle.