Another training class kicks off on Monday at our global headquarters here in Andover, MA. If you are one of those attending keep reading as I am about to give you the inside scoop on what to do while you are in town.
Where should I eat? One of our favorite places for lunch, Thai Sweet Basil, is right down the road and it makes delicious Pad Thai. There are several chain restaurants in the area including but not limited to: Bertucci's, Chili's, Longhorn's,Not Your Average Joes (my fav), Ninety Nine and Texas Road House. There is a great Italian place called Salvatore's but that is where we usually go together, hint hint. Have a sweet tooth? There is a great frozen yogurt place in town called Orange Leaf.
What should I do? Andover, MA is 25 Miles north of Boston. If you have time I would definitely try to make it down to the city. Not comfortable driving? Not to worry there is a train from Andover to Boston. There is always a lot going on in the city, but one of my favorite things to do is walking around on a nice day in Faneuil Hall. This area has shopping and restaurants; best of all you can walk to the North End and get a cannoli. There is a battle between two pastry shops in the North End: Modern and Mike's. Personally, I prefer Mike's but I'd be curious to hear which one is your favorite.
If the weather doesn't hold out, there are several museums but one of my favorites is The Isabella Gardner Museum. It's small but rich with information and beauty. Not into art? Check out The Science Museum!
Salem, MA is about 18 miles east of Andover and is most known as the site of the Salem witchcraft trials if 1692(which didn't technically happen in Salem at all). Salem is a beautiful coastal town with a deep history. It's a great place to walk around and take in the historic architecture or grab a bite to eat. You are visiting the perfect time of year for the "Haunted Happenings" in town. There are a variety of haunted houses and spooky walking tours for your choosing.
Looking for some shopping? The Burlington Mall is about 20 miles southwest of Andover and has a lot to offer from major department stores: Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Macy's and SearsLush, Michael Kors, Ecco and The Art of Shaving. Get hungry while you shop? There are several restaurants located inside the mall including: Johnny Rockets, Cheesecake Factory and Legal Sea Foods. Up for watching a game on TV? Located right outside the mall is Tavern in the Square where you can grab a bite to eat, a beer to drink and a TV to watch.
It is also the perfect time to take a look at the beautiful New England fall foliage. Whether you choose to do a driving tour of the foliage or simply look outside of our 7th floor office, you are sure to be blown away by the beautiful yellows, reds and oranges. Another seasonal activity is apple picking. Lucky for you Smolak Farms is pretty close to us and I highly recommend their cider doughnuts with a cup of piping hot apple cider.
I hope to see you around next week and be sure to let me know your favorite activities while you visit.