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Haverhill by numbers

Categories: downtown
May 6th, 2010 by

Haverhill has its own establishment naming convention blossoming downtown. That is, there seems to be a higher concentration of businesses named after the service they offer plus the address of their location than anywhere else I’ve ever visited. Here are a few examples:

Salon at 13 Wingate St.

Keon's- at 105 Washington St.

Lounge 59 - 59 Washington St.

And this revelation led me to wander around for a couple hours just looking for really cool numbers.

Haverhill TV and Appliance

Makeshift 44 - Merrimack St.

1st floor, municipal parking garage

Downtown Haverhill Pro Tip:  If you’re ever on the Merrimack St. end of downtown and feel a deuce coming on, there’s a very special place you can go…

Number 2: both literally and figuratively

Conversely, If you ever want to be sure your visit downtown does NOT include having to look at piles of human excrement (and I won’t even get into the tighty-formerly-whities we found) you’re best to avoid the rear right stairwell in the parking garage.

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Wheeeeere’s the Bepp?

Categories: downtown shopping
May 5th, 2010 by

Tonight we went for a stroll around downtown, to witness the inception of so many Hangovers de Mayo. As we ambled down Merrimack St. I was suddenly struck with a terrible sense of foreboding. Something was amiss- I could just feel it. I glanced across the street for a comforting landmark and…

WHAT THE!? THEY TOOK  DOWN THE BEPPERS SIGN!

The end of an error- R.I.P. Beppers

Oh, snap! And to think, just the other day I was reading about the would-be gentrification of the local web. What if that idea went one step further and the local web actually gentrified the city? Could what has happened here be a direct result of Chris blogging about sub-par produce?

In reality, judging from the new lettering in the window, it looks like the shop just changed ownership and some new signage is in order. But, maybe I’ll let Chris sweat this one out a little.

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Half Nelson, full Nelson, Willie Nelson

Categories: downtown events
May 4th, 2010 by

Okay, first, for an enhanced blog experience, go here and start this post-appropriate little ditty. Nice, huh? I thought so.

Having come of age during the height of Hulkamania, some of my fondest childhood memories involve pro wrestling. For example, I’d race my Huffy Sweet Thunder up the block every time I heard the distant jingle of the Mister Softee truck just to get my grubby hands on a WWF Superstars ice cream bar before they sold out.  (Somehow, I remember forever being stuck with the George “The Animal” Steele bar. Sigh!)

But, I digress…

This past Sunday, unbeknownst to the now-somewhat-adult me,  KidsFest 2010 took place downtown, and one of the highlights was…you guessed it…a real live pro wrestling demonstration!

The Championship Wrestling Association was grappling away right in the Haverhill Bank parking lot on Merrimack St! I could have met the new CWA Heavyweight Champion Corporal Gunz, “The Granite State Destroyer”! Unbelievable bummer!

Luckily, our friend A.A.S. on Flickr was there and caught a few choice shots of the action:

The six man tag team: a veritable pastiche of sick wrestling moves.

How about we zoom right in on the main event?

"He's robed in garments strictly for another age"

Considering how hot and muggy it was Sunday, I am uber impressed by how cool these guys look. And I’m not just talking about those sweet zebra-striped spandex, either. Rawr!

Hopefully these guys will make another appearance soon. Did anyone else catch the action? How was it?

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This May Day: Come for the beer, stay for the schnitzel

Categories: downtown events food
April 29th, 2010 by

Photo by Hudson Valley Slim on Flickr

This Saturday, May 1, Haverhill Brewery is hosting its very first May Day celebration. (Hopefully you remembered to pick your lederhosen up from the dry cleaners after Octoberfest.)

Here are the details, straight from the TAP:

“Starting at 11:30 AM we’re going German for the day-all German-style ales and lagers on tap and cask, great traditional German food specials and playing new and classic German music! No admission, just come down and clink steins with the brewers and all your friends. Make sure to come down early as some of these beers will definitely run out!

German beers on tap:
Beerstand Berlinerweiss
Smoked Pilsner
Gestalt
Scapegoat Bock
Last Stop Lager
Friedrich’s Munich Dunkel

German beers on cask:
Vienna Lager
Biergarten Maibock

German food specials:
Rouladen
Bratwurst and Knockwurst
Wiener-schnitzel
Sauerbraten
German Chocolate Cake”

It’s supposed to be a warm and sorta-sunny afternoon on Saturday, so good luck snagging a spot on the coveted deck. Check out the Facebook invite and see if there’s someone you can trick into saving you a seat!

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Brilliant Bradford vs. Hueful Haverhill

Categories: bRADford downtown graffiti and street art
April 25th, 2010 by

It’s time I gave my home base of Bradford a little love.  Sure, sure, we’re officially “a former town,” and now exist only as a neighborhood within greater Haverhill. But, we still cling to our small town dreams, even managing to hold on to our very own zip code and exit off of 495.

Bradford is the sleepier, suburban side of Haverhill.  I love the mix of cozy bungalows, farm houses, and victorian homes (often on the same street), and the fact that a few streets still retain the old fashioned street lamps.

I moved here with my husband so we could have a house with a yard and a dog that we could walk through a quiet neighborhood, and happily, it’s mission accomplished. Yesterday the weather was so nice we spent most of the day enjoying all three of those things, and I brought along my camera to document some of  the colorful things we encountered along the way.

Close-up of some purple porch pansies.

Bucket of tulips: no witty caption required.

Then I rounded the corner and, Oh, wow! It looks like one of THE SHOES has retired to my neighborhood! Pretty cool, and definitely colorful. I wonder what it’s doing hanging out in Bradford next to a pile of trash?

City ordinance: all giant fiberglass shoe waste must be taken to Primrose St.

And just so the downtown won’t get jealous, here are a few more urban colorful spots we’ve encountered on our weekend walks.

Um, aren't you going to tag "excuse me?"

King Newman

Haverhill Rainbow

I’m really digging this rainbow, affixed to the wall along the river behind Merrimack St. Those are some pretty groovy clouds. What do you suppose is at the other end?

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Try a slice of one man’s dream: Romano’s

Categories: downtown food haverhillebrities
April 23rd, 2010 by

On Wednesday night I was on Primrose Street picking up some new comic books when I noticed the following sign:

Romano's "dares to be different."

I just had to find out for the people of Haverhill – just how daring and different is Romano’s?  So, we put together a set of questions and sent them off to co-owner Robert Greatorex.

Robert Greatorex* gave his left forearm so you could have delicious pizza. (*not actually Robert Greatorex)

1. Being next to the Comic Book Palace – are you extra busy on Wednesday when new comics come out?

Yes. We see the same people every week from the Comic Book Palace on Wednesdays.  I never knew that many people read comics.

2. I’ve heard there’s a PBJ Chicken Wing in town – any plans for a PBJ Pizza?

Funny you ask – I had PBJ pizza in Disney years ago and we have made it several times at the store, it is delicious!!!!!!

3. What do you guys mean when you say you ‘dare to be different?’

We are willing to try different things: new pizzas all the time – even a chocolate pizza. We even made a sloppy joe pizza one night.

4. So, then what separates Romano’s from the other pizza places in town?

Mainly the cheese we use. It is Grande cheese, which is the best mozzarella you can buy. It is pricey – but it is worth it!!!!

Pizza as still life.

5. What is the state of pizza in Haverhill today?

Very competetive, lots of pizza places to choose from.  So, we must consistently make a great product to keep the customers coming in the door.

6. How late are you open on the weekends?

Friday and Saturday open until 10pm, and on Sundays we close at 8pm.

7. What’s Ray Romano like in real life?

Honestly, I dont know, I bet he is a blast though.

8. What made you guys want to get into the pizza business?

I have been doing this since I was 20 – I love it. So, I decided to take a chance and open one of my own.

9. Can I get a free pizza?

YES you can , but only 1 , business is business – LOL.

It's about to get REAL.

10. Who would win in a fight between the Domino’s Noid and Papa John?

I say the Noid takes out Papa John and makes him tapout.


11. Any chance you would name a pizza ‘The Haverhill Fever?’

I’ve given this some though, and yes – how does buffalo chicken and jalepenos sound?

———–

And with that – Haverhill Fever and Romano’s are proud to announce that you can now order a HAVERHILL FEVER pizza at Romano’s! Starting tonight!

It features buffalo chicken, spicy banana peppers, red pepper flakes, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It will be sure to get your temperature to rise.

As Robert said: ‘Try it if you dare!’

Give Romano’s a call tonight and try out this tasty new pie – 978-373-9906.

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Not a newsflash: Tacos Lupita is amazing.

Categories: downtown food
April 21st, 2010 by

I’ve been doing a lot of important research for the blog these days, in the form of wandering down to Tacos Lupita and completely demolishing a chicken burrito in the most unlady-like manner possible. (Short of lying down on the counter and having them ladle the ingredients directly into my mouth. Can’t say I haven’t daydreamed, though.)

Tacos Lupita, 194 River St. Haverhill

I figured eventually, I’d have some sort of epiphany while stuffing my face, and be able to encapsulate the Tacos Lupita experience in a way that had never been done before.

I mean, what can I really say about this place that hasn’t already been Yelped or blogged? Best burritos this side of San Francisco? Said. Inexpensive, fresh, and delicious? Stated. Holy cow, there’s a party in my mouth and everyone’s putting their keys in a bowl? Exclaimed. (Okay, maybe that last one is an Amanda original, but don’t tell me you haven’t thought it.)

There’s simply no way I can  express in words the downright ambrosial experience of biting into a Tacos Lupita burrito that at this point wouldn’t seem totally cliché.

So instead, here’s an animated gif:

NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM

(PS- can we all chip in and throw a few more five star reviews Tacos Lupita‘s way? I can’t believe they only get four just because this guy prefers Chipotle’s.  Laaaame.)

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More back alley shenanigans

Categories: being cool downtown the mighty merrimack
April 20th, 2010 by

Apparently, Jeremiah True, the guy who lives under the 125 bridge, and I aren’t the only ones who like to hang out in the service corridor behind Merrimack St. Aimee (Nascartrophywifey on flickr) has been spending some time back there too, and she and her friends echo my sentiments exactly:

"Don't tell her she can't do it."

Aimee et al had a pretty sweet looking weekend in the ‘verill while I was out of town- and I have to say, I’m more than a little envious of the sweet  mugs they snagged (at Jennie’s?). Ah well, even though they yoinked the choice thrift store treasure from my ‘hood, I’m happy to see some fun-loving people coming to visit.

And, maybe this whole Haverhill Fever Back Alley Riverwalk idea has some traction. What do you think, guys?

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Welfare Records: Rocking on River St.

Categories: downtown music shopping
April 16th, 2010 by

Okay, I’ll admit it- I still call music shops “record stores.” But really, when was the last time you saw more than a handful of vinyl for sale anywhere?

Today’s record stores are few and far between, but Haverhill is lucky enough to be home of one of the best around. So, in honor of National Record Store Day tomorrow, we thought we should show you around Welfare Records, located at 58 River St.

Welfare Records

Welfare Records, 58 River St. Haverhill, MA

Not a ton of light makes it in through the windows, most of which are postered over or full of merchandise, but that’s perfect. You WANT to get sealed off from the rest of the world in a place like this. All sense of time and space is irrelevant when you’re getting lost in the bins.

I stepped inside and was immediately whisked back to my early college radio days. I found an old Beat Happening EP and actually hugged it. (then paid for and made off with it- sorry!)

Inside Welfare Records

Inside Welfare Records

If you’re of the punk persuasion, hanker for a hunka hardcore, or are ridin’ the new wave, there’s plenty here to keep you occupied.  Worried you’ll never be able to sufficiently browse with your favorite mopey indie rocker in tow? NO problem- there’s a respectable little indie section, too, as well as jazz, disco, rock and Oi!

My favorite section? One I have never seen in any other record store. One that only needs to be seen to be believed. I give you…THE ODD STUFF SECTION.

Odd Stuff!

I don’t want to give too much away here…you’ll have to come and see for yourself. In the meantime, take in the tantalizing subcategories and know that there’s something for everyone.

And hey, all you hardcore fans should be sure to stop by tomorrow, National Record Store Day, and grab one of 75 limited edition recordings of Fucked Up, taped on reel to reel, live in Toronto. 14 tracks for only 15 bucks.

Welfare Records is open Noon – 8pm everyday, and there’s also an online shop and a MySpace page, so there’s no excuse not to check ’em out!

(If, god forbid, you don’t have a record player, they do sell a few cds and tapes, too.)

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Under the bridge and on the edge.

Categories: downtown graffiti and street art the mighty merrimack
April 12th, 2010 by

I can’t decide if this is utter insanity, or a brilliant security maneuver. I guess if you’re in a position to have to bed down under a bridge, why not situate yourself next to a GIANT SINKHOLE? If someone comes to bother you in the night, chances are high the earth will swallow them whole.

I’m not sure if this would really work for me, personally. I toss and turn a lot.

(Photo taken underneath the 125 bridge)

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