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Ieatflowers68 OP t1_je6tzna wrote

Reply to comment by twowrist in Just an average Brit looking for advice on a solo holiday in Boston. by Ieatflowers68

Ah nice one. Yeah I definitely would venture outside of just the city of Boston itself given I have the time to do so.
Salem is a good shout. I studied a module on Middle Ages Witchcraft in England whilst at university, so would be interesting to know more about the witch trials going on across the pond around the same time.
I'll definitely give Concord a visit too.

Lowell is another great shout - thanks for that. I would definitely give a tour of the mills a go, if that was something they offered.

And yeah you're right jumper = sweater.

Thanks for the insightful comment!

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twowrist t1_je6ww5b wrote

At Lowell, the Park itself is free, meaning you can go through the mills and museum at your own pace. But you can also take a guided tour, which isn’t free and we found very good. There’s more info, plus you’re guaranteed that they’ll fire up whatever equipment they can. Typically that will include a handful of the looms out of dozens, which are loud enough for them to hand out ear plugs. I can’t imagine what having the entire floor of looms running would be or how anyone working there didn’t go deaf. There’s at least one other building on the tour where they fire up one of the water-powered wheels. Plus the tour goes on the trolley instead of having to walk.

It’s about a mile from the commuter rail station. I’ve never walked it, but imagine it’s walkable, and certainly cab/Uber/Lyft should be doable. There are also some nice restaurants in Lowell.

I forgot to mention: pay attention to the commuter rail schedules. All of these trips are opposite the usual commuter traffic, so they’re not going to be frequent and the last one of the day can be early.

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Ieatflowers68 OP t1_je70adn wrote

Fascinating! I'll definitely look at doing one of the guided tours then.

>I can’t imagine what having the entire floor of looms running would be or how anyone working there didn’t go deaf

Absolutely. I watched a video on the HistoryHit Youtube channel the other day about mill work life in the north of England and it sounded like a grim existence. Terribly long working hours in unsafe conditions. Hardly a break in the day. Machines whirring all around you and making a racket. Honestly makes you grateful for the world we live in now, despite all its flaws.

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>It’s about a mile from the commuter rail station. I’ve never walked it, but imagine it’s walkable, and certainly cab/Uber/Lyft should be doable.

Noted. I'll bring my running shoes!

>I forgot to mention: pay attention to the commuter rail schedules. All of these trips are opposite the usual commuter traffic, so they’re not going to be frequent and the last one of the day can be early.

Ah that's helpful to know. I wouldn't want to get stranded out of town.

Thanks again.

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