Lynn, Lynn City of Win!!

Greetings and Salutations!

First off, let me say thank you for taking the time to visit my new blog. This is the beginning of what should be a fun and engaging series.

For those of you who are unaware, I am a graduate of Salem State University and the recipient of a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography. I also worked for the Census Bureau from 2007-2010, so as you can tell, the world’s beautiful and vast locations are an important aspect of my life.

In this blog, I’ll be mixing my own personal opinions on current events as well as using my skills as a Geographer and avid lover of the state of Massachusetts to highlight areas (landmarks, parks, restaurants, ect.) that I think are worth you (the reader) going out of your way to visit.

Since this is my first entry, I thought it would only be fitting to highlight two enjoyable spots from my hometown of Lynn, Massachusetts. Yes, I am from the city of Lynn, and while it does indeed have a bad rap, I like to think that it has bright future with endless possibilities.
Let’s get started!

This week’s locations are Lynn Beach aka the Lynn Shore Reservation and Tacos Lupita.
On their own, these places are time well spent. However, I’ll explain why they’re a one-two combo that cannot be passed up.

Stretching about 3 miles, Lynn Beach will doubt fill that hole in your life when it’s 80 and humid. The water, refreshing and delightful is actually made up of two beaches – Long Beach and King's Beach. They’re free to the public and can be used for whatever summer activity your heart desires, (just no nudity, the police are not fond of this…) There’s also a public boat ramp for those looking to take advantage of Lynn Harbor. For the record: the views of the Boston Skyline at night are nothing less than spectacular.

For you exercise enthusiasts, there’s a flat trail available year round which spans three communities (Nahant, Lynn and Swampscott).

In recent years we’ve seen massive improvements to the quality of the water in Lynn Beach and an overall improvement to the reservation. The recent reconstruction of the Nahant Rotary was a very important project to improve access help make a vital connection to Nahant better for everyone.

A group called The Friends of Lynn-Nahant Beach, (http://www.lynn-nahantbeach.org/index.html) have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible experience via fundraising events, beach cleanups and more recently, sponsoring a very popular summer concert series at Red Rock Park, (Thursday nights during the summer).

If you haven't been to Lynn Beach, you should strongly consider coming down for a swim, or walk along the beach or visit on a Thursday night for fantastic local music. Part Two!

Now let’s be honest. Everybody loves food. It’s essential to our survival! Are you tired of fast food? Do you not feel like cooking, but want something that’s still great tasting with minimal impact on your bank account? I have the place for you.

One of the best things about living in a great city such as Lynn is that it is incredibly diverse. Our community is represented from dozens of different countries, and so it’s only natural for that to flood over to our dining/hospitality scene. One of the more popular/best locations in this city for authentic Mexican food is Tacos Lupita (129 Munroe St, Lynn, MA 01901).

tacos lupita

Starting off as a smaller, takeout centric location, their reputation quickly outgrew them as they were forced to open a second location down the street which has enough seats for a small party. Note: They still maintain the first location.

It’s hard not to feel like you’re in a special location when you’re instantly greeted by an outgoing server. Some restaurants are all business, Tacos Lupitas makes you feel important. Upon being seated, it’s impossible not to take notice of the colorful décor, lively art and the energetic Latin music. They earn a perfect score when it comes to providing a relaxing atmosphere.

You know how most restaurants won’t even give you a complimentary basket of bread anymore? Tacos Lupita has your covered from the start. They serve you fresh tortilla chips and real (not Americanized) salsa. It’s not chunky, but spicy in a good way.

The drinks are unique. They offer the very popular Hispanic fruit soda Jarritos .http://www.jarritos.com/ I highly recommend the lime if you’re looking to quench your thirst. If that’s not your thing, they also have glass bottles of Mexican Coke. This is the same Coke that we all know and love, but made with real sugar.

The menu features all the Mexican food regulars like Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas and Fajitas as well as less common stuff such as Huaraches http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huarache_(food)  and Mulitas. http://www.hispanickitchen.com/profiles/blogs/l-a-style-mulitas  When you’re done figuring which of those you’d like, the next decision is what kind of meat your cravings desire. They offer Chicken, Steak, Pork or even Chorizo (pork sausage). Every bit of what you request is cooked to order and more importantly, it’s all fresh.

My go to meal is Carne Asada (steak) in either a Quesadilla or Burrito. As a man who has eaten at various places in my thirty-two years, let me state this, their name might encompass a taco, but it’s their steak which keeps me coming back. The flavor is plentiful and it’s cooked perfectly. It will bring your taste buds to level’s you’ve never experienced.

Overall, their prices are reasonable and the service is great.

So next time you are looking for some good and authentic Mexican food or you find yourself in downtown Lynn looking for Lunch, Tacos Lupita is the place to go.

Well, until next week, I bid you adieu.
Jack