Ah, the perfect trifecta: exploring parks, devouring pizza, and enjoying the company of my son Miles and his furry best friend Neptune. It’s like a recipe for an epic adventure! Maybe even a series of posts. So grab your walking shoes, bring your appetite for both adventure and pizza toppings, and get ready to follow along on our day filled with laughter, nature, and some seriously delicious slices!
First up: Fort McClary in Kittery ME. We went here back in May. I checked out the website beforehand and it said, “Nope, we’re not open yet!” But lo and behold, when I got there, the gates were flung wide open. It’s like a surprise party for visitors! You can visit this place any time of the year. Just make sure to park your car on the main road during the off season. Because parking inside might cause some mysterious seasonal shenanigans!
Our grand hiking plans took an unexpected turn when we found ourselves face-to-face with what can only be described as nature’s obstacle course. The poor trails were in dire need of some serious TLC. It looked like a tree-tastrophy had occurred, with fallen trees and uprooted roots scattered everywhere. But fear not, adventurous souls! Despite this treacherous terrain, there was still plenty more to explore and conquer. The wilderness was just testing our commitment to the great outdoors!
So, the main event here is this badass fort that has been standing strong for a whopping 275 years! It’s named after Major Andrew McClary, a New Hampshire hero who kicked some serious butt in the Revolutionary War before meeting his unfortunate demise at the Battle of Bunker Hill. This fortress has seen some action and was even used as recently as World War I. Talk about staying power!
This site is a sight to behold! You get to soak in the mesmerizing view of the Piscataqua River and catch a glimpse of the majestic Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the distance. We had a blast exploring this place – scaling the walls of the fort, ascending up to the observation tower like true adventurers, and even venturing down into the magazine building where all that ammo was stashed. It’s safe to say we had a blast! Neptune wasn’t exactly thrilled about venturing into any tunnels. However, he still managed to have a whale of a time!
The fort’s historical importance hits you right in the feels, and the views are majestic AF. Plus, if you have a furry pal who enjoys history (or at least pretending to), they’ll have a pawsome time too.
Seriously, go visit Fort McClary ASAP before your time-traveling Delorean runs out of plutonium! Trust me, the park has plenty to offer, from picnics and people-watching to chasing squirrels and mastering the art of cloud-gazing. It’s a place where time seems to fly by as you embrace your inner child and soak in nature’s wonders.
After all that exploring, we worked up an appetite big enough to rival a pack of hungry wolves! So, we made a beeline for AJ’s Wood Fire Pizza. It’s conveniently located just a short distance away from the park, making it the perfect spot to satisfy our hunger pangs. We had the foresight to call ahead and order our pizza to go, but if you’re feeling fancy or just want some chill time, they also have a cozy indoor seating area and a lovely patio. Oh, and did I mention they offer delivery? So even if you’re too lazy (or worn out from all that adventuring) to leave your accommodation, you can still enjoy their scrumptious pizzas in the comfort of your own lair.
Travel Turtles 