My partner and I are celebrating our 9th year together on November 13th. We live in NYC and are looking for fun/ unique things to do in New England on November 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th.

Please send me your suggestions for events or even for little roadtrips to make.

Thank you!

He’s out there multiple times a day blowing his yard, over and over again. Good thing or I might be able to hear my own thoughts. Anyways, Happy Halloween everyone!

I hear that Salem in Mass. is always crowded and packed and it's loud and creepy. Salem, in our state (CT), seems somewhat New Englandy and very peaceful. We bet kids will have a good time trick or treating in Salem with barely annoying noises coming from the other Salem.

I know of other Salems in New Hampshire and beyond.

We currently live out west where we enjoy the great outdoors with minimal tick and mosquito exposure. My family loves hiking, camping, and even being barefoot in the grass.

As we consider a move to New England, I’m curious: will we still find the same joy in outdoor life? Has your outdoor lifestyle been effected by the worsening tick situation? or is it a different experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts

Hello, I'm an aquarist (zookeeper for aquariums) and I want to get tattoos of one animal from each system (like a tank, but can be multiple tanks that share pipes and motors) I have worked on. I want a pretty simple design that is realistic. I have an example but I don'tknow how to add it. I've been searching Instagrams and shops for an artist but at this point it's a bit frustrating. Does anyone know of any artists in southern New England or near Boston/Lowell?

People have told me varying stories

Hi all! I'm a photography student based in Lowell MA, and I'm working on a project where I photograph portraits in nature. I'm looking for somewhere with either very tall grasses (at least waist height) or forest with spread out trees with and minimal growth on the ground (I attached a pic for reference). Some of them will be nude, so I'm also looking for somewhere I'm not likely to run into other people, and I'm willing to drive as far as three hours from Lowell. If anyone has any recommendations, let me know! Thank you so much!!

I've never had Cheddar cheese on apple pie.

I went on Sunday to the very last show that Sammy's Patio in Revere would ever hold. The bill had a few local bands on it before a trio of touring acts played. The reason why I'm posting here is that I'd never heard of the venue before until I got a random FB ad for the show. I was thinking about it, and I'd like to be able to go see local metal bands do their thing and support the scene, but I'm not sure where all they play. I know of Ralph's in Worcester, but that's it. For context, I live in Rochester, NH, so trekking to Worcester frequently is a hike. What other venues are there that I can look at their calendars and plan some shows?

This was yesterday in the woods. I could see snow on many of the 4000’ers.

Mods please take down or let me know if this suitable! I'm a student needing to get 30 people to take my survey in the next 2 hours in order to graduate :') I'm an artist so I'd love to doodle a sketch of your pets in return :3 Here's a little dinosaur sketch I did so u can get an idea of how I can draw :)

If you're 18-28 and from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Connecticut, could you spare 6 minutes for my survey? It's just about how you feel about phone carriers. Please DM and I'll send the link!! :D

https://preview.redd.it/21uvsauk4mxd1.png?width=1050&format=png&auto=webp&s=1df413e8efcad84b9b91e04d6b39ca29eef03af0

I've seen videos online about ice skating on iced forest trails. However every place I find is in Canada. Is there really nothing similar in New England? Any help would be appreciated. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBjUHKGu0yG/?igsh=dDFscmhrbDhiZHZ5 https://www.domaineenchanteur.com/activite/sentiers-glaces/index.htm

Hi everyone! My girlfriend and I, both in our early 30s, are planning a 12-day trip to New England in late May to early June, aiming for a balanced mix of city exploration and nature. This will be our first visit to the U.S., so we’d love any advice to make sure our itinerary is well-paced and realistic.

Preliminary Plan:

• Day 1: Arrive in Boston from Germany (late afternoon).
• Days 2-3: Explore Boston (Freedom Trail, museums, Beacon Hill, and Cambridge).
• Day 4-5: Cape Ann for whale watching day 4 & explore the area day 5 (my partner has always wanted to do this!)
• Day 6: Salem (historic sites and museums).
• Day 7: Drive to White Mountains (explore scenic spots with an overnight stay).
• Day 8: White Mountains (more hikes and scenic exploration, overnight stay nearby—any recommendations?).
• Days 9-10: Open for suggestions! We’re considering another scenic or nature spot to add variety. Thinking of continuing in New Hampshire or venturing into Vermont or Maine. We’d like to be back near Boston by the evening of Day 10.
• Day 11: Flexible day in Boston – open to nearby day trips or relaxing and shopping in the city.
• Day 12: Last day in Boston, depart for Germany in the evening.

Questions:

1. Am I missing any must-see spots that would fit naturally into this route?
2. Where should we spend more or fewer days? For example, would it make sense to spend an extra day in Cape Ann, or should we adjust the time in the White Mountains or New Hampshire, or consider somewhere else?
3. Is the White Mountains area worth visiting in mid-May/early June, or would another destination be a better fit given the season? If so, any alternative nature spots you’d recommend for this time of year?
4. Any advice for a first-time driver in New England? I’m comfortable driving, but I’m mostly used to European roads.
5. What local foods or restaurants do you recommend along our route? :)

Additional Info: We’ll rent a car starting on Day 7 for the nature trips, returning it on the last day in Boston. We’re looking for a good mix of exploration and downtime, so please share any hidden gems or favorite spots for a well-rounded experience!

Thanks so much in advance for your tips and advice! 😊

EDIT: I just wanted to add that I woke up this morning to so many responses and suggestions—thank you all! I’m truly grateful for the input. I hope to end up with a well-balanced plan, but no matter how it turns out, I’m sure we’ll have an amazing experience regardless! 😊

Full article (with pictures and charts) available here.

Summary

The veterinary sedative xylazine ("tranq") is contaminating the supply of illicit opioids, mainly fentanyl, throughout the United States. Currently, the Northeast region of the United States has the highest prevalence of xylazine.

For example, in Massachusetts, the percentage of statewide fentanyl samples testing positive for xylazine was a shockingly high 42% as of early 2024 - one of the highest percentages in the nation, and this parameter is still increasing. The number of fatal ODs involving xylazine is growing across New England, as well.

Note: Fentanyl, and by extension xylazine, have been increasingly found as contaminants in cocaine, ecstasy / Molly, fake "Xanax" bars, and even marijuana being sold in New England; thus, buying street drugs other than dope / heroin carries the risk of unintended exposure to xylazine and fentanyl.

In the early 2000s, the veterinary anesthetic xylazine began to taint illegal drug supplies in Puerto Rico. From there, it spread to the East Coast of the United States, beginning in Philadelphia, where this so-called "tranq" dope attracted an ardent fan base.

At present, xylazine has been found in fentanyl and heroin samples from throughout the continental United States. It is most prevalent in the South and Northeast.

Drug Enforcement Agency statistics indicate that in 2022, 23% of seized fentanyl powder contained xylazine.

Fast Fact #1 - Xylazine is a Veterinary Tranquilizer

Xylazine belongs to a group of chemicals known as phenothiazines.

Significantly, this group of structurally related compounds also includes tricyclic antidepressants and the alpha-adrenergic agonist clonidine, a blood pressure regulator that is used to mitigate the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and anxiety caused by opioid withdrawal.

In veterinary medicine, xylazine is used as a surgical anesthetic for horses, rabbits, and other animals because it produces sedation, muscle relaxation, and analgesia (decreased pain).

Possible medical uses of xylazine for humans were investigated, but its side effects, particularly bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure), were judged to be too severe.

Fast Fact #2 - Xylazine Boosts the Effects of Fentanyl

The vast majority of the xylazine available in the United States is combined with fentanyl in so-called "tranq" dope.

When taken on its own, xylazine is unlikely to be particularly recreational.* However, when mixed with fentanyl, it increases the sedation, respiratory depression, and other effects of fentanyl.

*During college, I injected veterinary xylazine; trip report available here. In addition, I wrote about xylazine hitting the dope supply in my home city in Upstate New York here.

Mixing xylazine with fentanyl causes a "nod" that is much closer to anesthetized unconsciousness than to your average, in-and-out heroin or fentanyl high.

Fast Fact #3 - Xylazine Increases the Chance and Severity of Overdose

Because it increases the respiratory depression and low blood pressure caused by fentanyl, xylazine greatly increases the risk of OD.

Because xylazine is not an opioid, Narcan [naloxone] is not effective in reversing xylazine overdose. However, Narcan should still be administered in cases of suspected OD because the majority of xylazine in the U.S. is sold in combination with illicit fentanyl powder and pills.

There is no approved antidote or reversal agent for xylazine overdose; treatment consists of supportive care involving mechanical ventilation in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Fast Fact #4 - Xylazine Causes Skin Sores That Can Lead to Sepsis and Amputation

For reasons that are not yet understood, in some users, xylazine causes widespread skin lesions that appear 24 to 48 hours after first use.

These ulcers begin as pea- to penny-sized, semicircular lesions found on the arms, legs, face, and other areas (see pic below). They grow rapidly for as long as xylazine is ingested, and they have a tendency to become infected.

Infection of the ulcers can lead to sepsis, in which bacteria spread to the blood, causing multi-organ-system damage and death.

The rate of amputations is very high in xylazine users relative to users of fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit opioids not mixed with xylazine.

Once the user stops ingesting xylazine, the ulcers gradually disappear over a period of days to weeks (so long as infection is resolved and they are kept clean to promote healing).

However, the sores can cause significant, long-term scarring.

Important Note: These xylazine sores are not related to route of administration. They appear whether the xylazine is snorted, injected, or smoked.

Harm Reduction / Risk Mitigation Strategies

If you are using fentanyl in the United States in 2024, it is very likely that at least some of the dope that you are snorting or injecting contains xylazine.

It is imperative that you obtain test strips for xylazine, which are available for free from a variety of government divisions / agencies as well as nonprofit groups.

In New York State, for example, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) will send you xylazine test strips for free (order form here; Narcan [naloxone] and other harm reduction supplies are available as well).

If you have recently ingested what you believe to be tranq dope and have even a single sore anywhere on your body, you need to go to a doctor and obtain a broad-spectrum antibiotic immediately. It is quite possible that life and limb depend upon it.

Carpe Diem Before There Isn't Any Diem Left To Carpe

The wave of fatal xylazine-fentanyl overdoses that the U.S. is currently experiencing is reminiscent of the period in 2015-2016 when fentanyl began replacing heroin in the U.S. illicit opioid supply, as a result of which addicts were dropping like flies.

There has never been a better time to get clean and sober - while you still have all four limbs and haven't sustained severe brain damage from an OD!

Use the resources below to find a 12-Step meeting and / or an opioid maintenance treatment provider.

As always, feel free to use the "Contact" form or Instagram (concreteconfessional) to reach me with questions.

Buprenorphine and Methadone Provider Directories

Find a Sublocade treatment provider (injectable buprenorphine)

*Brixadi is another injectable formulation that you might want to look into

SAMSHA's Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator

*In certain states, you might be able to obtain buprenorphine by e-consultation. I recommend avoiding this whenever possible because A) these doctors tend to be more expensive, and B) I have heard about too much sketchiness tied to these providers. Very few ethical clinicians are willing to dole out buprenorphine without seeing you face-to-face and drug testing you randomly.

Zubsolv find a doctor (sublingual buprenorphine)

SAMHSA Opioid Treatment Program Directory

*Includes methadone clinic listings

12-Step Meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous [AA] and Narcotics Anonymous [NA])

Intherooms.com has daily, digital meetings at many different times and with many different foci / themes throughout the week.

The official meeting listings for your area are best found by Googling the nearest town or city or the name of the region that you live in plus "AA meetings" or "NA meetings" (so, I use the Syracuse AA Intergroup website and the Heart of New York page on the Northern NY NA site). 

Intherooms.com has a meeting directory, as well.

Alternatively, you can call your state's addiction treatment division for help finding 12-Step and SMART Recovery meetings.

In New York State, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) has a helpline that will help you to connect with treatment resources (1-877-8-HOPENY).

Stay safe and keep your heads up!

Probably not interesting but just wanted to share that lol. So good