The “/s” indicates sarcasm

The City came in and condemned our apartment. We weren’t the only people that kind of thing has happened to. If you’re interested you can look up “NorthEast Properties MassLive”. MassLive is a news outlet.

It might take a little warm up time but most people are welcoming. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it out here. The amount of trees we have is staggering, especially if you compare it to Southern California. I’m not sure how Mexico is but I imagine it’s similar to Cali.

Keep us updated if you find some good Mexican. My wife is always on the lookout.

That ‘nice’ vs ‘kind’ bit is the perfect description. I was born and raised in Waltham, lived there and Lowell till I was 30 and then moved to Cali for 10 years. Moved back here in 2020. Truth be told, the sense of community here is VASTLY superior to anything I experienced in Southern California.

People do wave (or nod) to each other. We acknowledge one another’s existence. People will pull over and give you the right of way when the street isn’t wide enough for two cars. We wave (not obnoxiously, just pop a hand up from the steering wheel) at each other in acknowledgment. That just doesn’t happen in SoCal.

I’ve had several conversations in the grocery store line. Nothing immense but someone might see something I’m buying and make a comment, with a smile. That doesn’t happen in SoCal.

I just had a buddy of mine come out from Cali. He was dumbstruck because we will give people the right-of-way, when driving (sometimes people do it unsafely or when it’s not appropriate) but I explained it’s like us holding the door open for someone.

True, we’re not in each others faces. We will absolutely respect people’s privacy but overall we treat each other with respect and acknowledge one another’s existence. There are definitely people that are on the other end of the spectrum but overall we have a strong sense of community.

When I first moved back people asked me why. It wasn’t till I moved away that I truly realized how amazing it is out here. That’s not to say SoCal is the dumps, it’s not. There are a lot of great things there but here is someplace special. The sense of community is outstanding and the nature is phenomenal (winters can suck but I wouldn’t trade them again). Maybe my love for New England blinds me to some things but god damn if this isn’t an awesome place.

Casa vallarta and Cancuns in north grafton. My ex and her family were all from Mexico and those were their and my favorites. Lopez market in Marlborough has mangonada and other great drinks and desserts.

The Hispanic population is pretty large so most supermarkets have a decent section towards groceries.

If you have questions about any specifics lmk I can prolly remember more places

Well fuck, thank you

Yes

lol what

Wait, do they have pastor on a spit?

Mexican food options are slowly improving here as more mexican people move here i think. I see reviews for Gala Foods on main St. say there are Mexican products. I haven't checked. You may have to make grocery store trips to other cities in the area and cook your own Mexican favorites to eat the really good stuff. But I'm guessing some of the recommendations you're getting here will help alleviate some cravings.

You may know by now, but lots of people here often call anything and anyone that is Latino or from spanish-speaking origins, Spanish. Some may call you Spanish and also not realize how different Mexican culture and food is from latin-carribean culture and food.

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Not sure what part of the border you are coming from--I lived in San Diego for a long time and the Mexican food here is mostly disappointing but there are some decent options. El Patron and Pepe's are the only places in town that do a proper Cali burrito and it is surprisingly close. Shape is wrong and the tortilla isn't perfect but the ingredients are spot on. They are willing to do SD-style burritos in general (i.e. no rice and beans) you just have to ask; I have yet to try that though. They're also my go-to spots for tacos--good meats, proper toppings if you want (i.e. just cilantro/onions/maybe guac) and decent roja and verde sauces, but the tortillas aren't great. There aren't really good tortillas anywhere in the city.

Birria is a huge thing here and, much like New England IPAs, has completely overtaken the market.

Oh then get that there instead

So sick of the birria everywhere, I just want house-made tortillas and al pastor on a spit

Maybe they're not kind to you because you're an asshole

Well that guy must have loved his job.

Damn.

It’s just been wild out on the roads. Be careful folks. https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2022/10/man-dragged-worcester-officer-with-car-injured-others-in-chase-police-say.html

Marathon Sports in Shrewsbury has a club that meets Tuesdays at 6:30p

Cascades. Green Hill. Rutland. Moore.

Audobon trail on Massasoit st. Is a hidden gem

Ignorant? Interesting. Where exactly did you move from?

I'm pretty sure both are owned by the same person. We do Pepe's takeout almost every Thursday. Fantastic food.

Would second this and recommend purgatory! Not the greatest for a stroller as you need to step up/down large rocks, but really cool place and pet friendly

I'm going to second the Hudson rec. The rail trail is a nice walk and suitable for a stroller. I think Medusa brewing still has their beer garden open (I would check before you depended on it) but they are welcoming to dogs and children, and they have food too. The main spot doesn't allow dogs inside so it would need to be a nice late morning early PM. Not sure what sleep schedule you are on. If it's something like ours (one nap 12ish-2/3) it will be difficult, but if you do a morning nap and an afternoon nap you should be fine.

Just a side note if you're looking for food for yourselves and child do not get the tacos for them, all of the varieties are too spicy for a child. I didn't think they were spicy at all, but my kid (just over a year) and wife thought otherwise. There was pain and lots of drooling, so I would probably order something from rail trail or TC landos and bring it in as they allow outside food (or did).

4-5 hrs is kind of a lot to manage with a kid and dog, I know the Shrewsbury and Northborough libraries are great to bring kids. Lots of stuff to play with along with other kids too!! But one parent would have to take the dog elsewhere while the other one stayed.

Elsworth park in Westborough is great as there is a small playground (more for toddlers-under 10 I would say) and there is a lot of open space for the pup, and a paved track good for strollers. There is also a nice playground in Northborough near the corner of 135 and 20. They have great stuff for lots of kids ages and trails nearby too for the pup.

Dean park in Shrewsbury is similar and a nice stroll too, and you could always order from Dean Park Pizza for a picnic if you wanted.

Unfortunately anything with a pup will need to be outside, which will definitely be challenging.

Those are the common things we do, as I live in Nborough have a small child and dog.

I would appreciate it, I’ll pm you!

Cali-ritos is super authentic. Great birria.