Hannah and I have been doing the college visit thing lately. So far we’ve found one school we both really like and one school we both really hate. I’m not naming names but I will say that the one we hated was close to historic Salem and once we left the school we decided to salvage the day by visiting The House of Seven Gables.
The grounds are beautiful and it was a very interesting tour. We had to go up a hidden staircase behind a fireplace, and we stood on one of the oldest wooden floors in America. Just being in a dwelling that old is really awesome, I think, but getting to enjoy it with my girl makes it even better.
I figure these sorts of days are dwindling for us and I want to make the most of them. So, to top it all off we had lunch at Sonic. It’s the first one in our area and I have to say, while certainly not healthy, it definitely was delicious.
Especially the chocolate malt.
Salem can be lots of fun this time of year – heading there Saturday night. It can get very crowded – but it is so much fun!
Can’t wait!
I wish I could extend the college visits just a little longer so I could get more of that precious one on one time with Anders.
I haven’t been to Salem in years, but I remember that staircase behind the fireplace very well. It made a huge impression on my 10 year old self.
I hope Hannah is bouncing back well today. So good of you two to turn that day around with some fun.
Sounds like a fun day. I love slushes at Sonic.
Is she looking at my alma mater? If so, alumni can write two letters of recommendation per year for candidates… they don’t say they get pushed to the front of the pack, but you know how that goes.
Salem is such an interesting city. Too bad the college wasn’t up to snuff.
I love Salem in October – and NOT on a weekend. I lalso ove the house of Seven Gables, even though I didn’t love the book. Have fun with the girl time, I think it only gets better as they get older!
I’m so jealous — the closest Sonic to me is in Fredericksburg, VA which is at least a 90 minute drive from me. And it is a very ugly 90 minutes.
Thank goodness I got a Sonic fix in Oklahoma City last weekend!
We visited Salem several years ago and were, um, surprised at the overwhelming Halloween decor – a bit like Christmas couldn’t restrain itself and had to do SOMETHING early. We went to the maritime museum, but would have loved the House of Seven Gables, had we realized it was there (it was sort of a side trip on a long trip).
Hey when did Sonic come to New England? I swear I live under a rock.
The fact that you are driving to see colleges sounds like she doesn’t plan to wander too far away. Thats a good thing.
Enjoy the together time while you can. It’s sad that it has to come to an end – sort of. I mean, you will always get your together time, but I don’t think it is the same when they become young adults on their own. I am not looking forward to it.
Good luck on the search!
Oh, I miss my North Shore (and my 1739 house). Love Salem as long as it’s not Halloween and can’t wait to take the kids to the House of the Seven Gables. Luckily, we have a few years before college visits (and then, hopefully, they’ll choose Columbia or Barnard, as Nick’s a Columbia prof). Best of luck with the college search!
You got to see *the* house of seven gables? How Hawthornian! (I’m a wee bit jealous, did work on NH in grad school but have never seen his Salem.) Oh, the combined fun and frustration of college visits, but it sounds like you both have a clear head about you, and you’ll know/feel when you find just the right place.
We get our Sonic fix when we go down to NC to drop off and ppick up the girls from camp. There are none near us but it’s just as well because it’s lethal.
I had such a hard time reading the House of Seven Gables. It sounds like visiting the house would be much more enjoyable.
Sounds like the perfect day! I’ve never been to the Gables, but someday would love to 🙂 And Sonic? I *love* Sonic … we go all the time when we visit my best friend in Texas. They are definitely da bomb!!!
SONIC!!!! Oh sure, House of Seven Gables, blah, blah, blah, but SONIC!!! Where is it, on Route 1? Must go!
Looks like a fun day for the both of you. 🙂
I’ve been to Salem a couple of times, but haven’t made it inside the House of Seven Gables. Must try that some time. The flowers are beautiful!
You know, for the many (MANY!) times I’ve been to Salem, I have yet to go to House of. It always seemed like the place where they would have filmed that old Don Knots movie The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. (And now I want to see that movie again!)
Ooh, we just got a Sonic in my area too – I’m addicted to their cherry limeade.
I’m glad you had a great day. Believe it or not, you are creating great memories for the two of you.
I love old buildings and I’m sure that house was fabulous! I’m so glad you and Hanna had a good time. We have a Sonic here, but I rarely eat there. It is a yummy treat when we do though.
I don’t think I’ve ever been there, although I have been to the Witch Museum. Have you ever been to the Garrison House in Chelmsford? They have the oldest one of something too, but I forget what. Maybe more than one thing.
Oh, that college thing! Such fun. Your girl is soooo pretty.
We got a Sonic in town last summer. Tempting. . . mighty tempting. Sometimes those “drive-by” college visits turn out to be the best —- at least, in terms of mom-kid time! We’re winding down our visits now. Polishing up that essay . . .
Haven’t seen a Sonic since I moved here from Tennessee! Sorry to hear the college was not so good – but, at least you got to do a little sight-seeing!
Child needs a hat. ;^)
I hope she’s feeling better today. Ya know, we have a Sonic, but I have yet to find it. Maybe we’ll do that tomorrow.
That certainly is a great way to wrap up a day checking out a choice that does not work.
I don’t know Hannah (of course) but perhaps she’d like to look at Hampshire College? My daughter just started there this fall as a transfer student and seems to really like it. It’s….different. But cool.
First…what is “Sonic”?
Next, I have a few moments wondering where the steering wheel was. I really have been in Japan too long!
Salem this time of year must be so much fun. I miss the college visit days so much. Have fun with them!!!
Hannah is looking ever so grown up. You are right that these days go fast during senior year. I’m glad you are gathering great memories.
Some of the best times I’ve had with my DD in the last year have been on college visits. I’m glad you had a good time.
By the way, if you visit University of Wisconsin- Madison don’t miss the ‘made on campus’ Babcock ice cream. Yum.
mmm…Sonic. Jealous (a billionty!) ;o)
the mocha chip java chiller is killer.
What a fun day! And Sonic? We have ’em everywhere here and we love eating there! You must try the fried mozzarella sticks sometime {swoon} with a cherry limeade.