travelogue: visiting the beautiful north shore - part 1: where to stay

most people immediately think of a few specific things when they think of the boston area: paul revere, the red sox, beans....that sort of thing. well, we here at the annex have decided to start a new series of travelouges that will open up some of the finer, lesser-known attributes of this wonderful part of the country. but, we want to stay away from the touristy duck-boat tours and museums that tend be crowded and overwhelming and will, instead, focus on some of the wonderful areas just north of the city. specifically, the saugus/peabody corridor of route 1.

enjoy.


overview: lodging along route 1 is plentiful. quaint, locally owned establishments dot the area like a field of glistening sunflowers. frugal travelers will want to stay away from more high-end places like the james motel and the colonial traveler motor court which are situated just a little too close to some of the more posh and uppity areas of malden. instead, focus on some of the gems hidden in plain view along lovely route 1.

here are some of our top picks:

1) chisholm's motor inn

don't let the fact that it looks exactly like the creepy motel in the john cusack movie, identity, deter you from the charms of this wonderful place. it has a jacuzzi AND a hot tub. and it's easy to get a room here. i've driven by it hundreds of times in the years i've lived here and it ALWAYS has vacancy. how's THAT for convenience?

but it's really this hotel's proximity to route 1 mini-golf ("home of the orange dinosaur" - watch for a feature in future installments) that makes this a truly worthwhile experience.


2) fern's deluxe motels

you want privacy? you got privacy.

this charming stop located just steps from chisholm's motor inn boasts world-famous, semi-private bungelows. all outfitted with free HBO and unparalleled comfort.

check with the front desk upon arrival and inquire about the "new room" (just don't ask what happened in the "old room") or see if you qualify for one of their classic "owrates."

complimentary rodent traps available by request.


3) new englander motor court

though technically not along the corridor (it's located on adjacent, and equally spectacular route 99) and though in the same, upscale neighborhood as the motels in the overview, the new englander simply HAD to be included on our list due to one, unavoidable fact...this editor LOVES motor courts.

maybe it's just that this particular establishment reminds me of some of the grand palaces (note: not THE grand palace) in missouri's scenic branson highlands of my youth.

or maybe, it's just because who doesn't love a good continental breakfast?



if the high-paced action of saugus is too much for you to truly relax and enjoy your trip...OR if you are just feeling a bit amorous and romantic, we suggest you make your way up route 1 to lovely peabody (pronounced "PEE-buhdy") and to...

4) mario's motor inn

share a tender moment with the one you love in one of mario's heart-shaped jacuzzis, or "luv tubs." weary travelers will also find the choice of "regular" or "round" beds refreshing following a hard day of perusing west peabody's many wonderful and eclectic boutiques.

mario's caters to a wide variety of customers so this is an ideal choice for those who enjoy people watching.

and there is no better way to take your mind off of trying to figure out why those hypodermic needles were in the parking lot than losing yourself in the warm glow of color television.

the annex's efforts to contact the management to investigate whether new ownership would affect the beloved charm of this classic new england establishment were not returned.





we hope you found this helpful. stay tuned for future editions that will outline the many fine dining and entertainment options along one of america's most beautiful and historic stretches of roadway.