Reflecting back on my hometown - Medford, Massachusetts - offers some perspective and understanding to the notion that I have fallen madly in love with my current home in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.❤️
Massachusetts and Arkansas, as different as they are, also have some notable similarities -
both states have contributed significantly to American Arts and Culture.
both have also been important centers for artists, performing artists, music and opera, museums, poetry and writing.
In addition, from two different perspectives, both states have unique alignment with Native Americans.
Outdoor events and athletic events are abundant in both states.
Faith, spirituality and religion are ingrained in the lifestyle and culture in both states.
Autumn piques the interest of visitors and provides a natural picturesque backdrop in both states.
Arkansas and Massachusetts are both uniquely immersed in water and surrounded by mountains.
Arkansas and Massachusetts are drenched in American history and also have components of mystery, ghosts and other-worldliness.
Massachusetts
One of the original 13 colonies and one of the six New England states, Massachusetts (officially called a commonwealth) is known for being the landing place of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims. English explorer and colonist John Smith named the state for the Massachuset tribe. Boston, the state capital, was a hotbed of activity, including the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, during the American Revolution. In addition to its revolutionary spirit, the state is known for sparking the American Industrial Revolution with the growth of textile mills in Lowell, and for its large Irish-American population. Massachusetts was an early center of the Transcendentalist movement, which emphasized intuition, emotion, human individuality and a deeper connection with nature. A core belief of transcendentalism is in the inherent goodness of people and nature. Adherents believe that society and its institutions have corrupted the purity of the individual, and they have faith that people are at their best when truly self-reliant and independent.
Arkansas
... with the city of Little Rock as its capital, Arkansas is a state situated in the southeastern region of the United States of America. The geographical terrain of the state ranges from mountainous regions to densely forested lands, which makes it the 29th largest in terms of area. The state is rich in heritage and culture which is reflected in its museums, theaters, restaurants and other venues. The state was once referred to as ‘The Land Of Opportunity’ but is now often called ‘The Natural State’. Many distinguished individuals were born out of the state of Arkansas and have gone on to contributing significantly to the country on an international front. One of the most prominent individuals who was born is Arkansas has to be the former president, Bill Clinton. The state has produced various notable musicians such as Ne-Yo, the eight time Grammy Award winner Al Green, and the incredible Johnny Cash.
For the purpose of this blog-post, I'd like to draw attention to what was my early stomping ground. Although my family resided in the city of Medford, Massachusetts, I spent much of my time in four main surrounding areas that make up what is locally known as Greater Boston - Medford, Somerville, Cambridge and Boston proper. Because of Greater Boston's well-known contributions, this area extends far beyond the cities mentioned here.
Greater Boston and Eureka Springs, as different as they are, also have some notable similarities -
Let's take a pictorial journey of these similarities:
Homes and Residences
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Faith, Spirituality and Religion
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Holiday and Special Event Parades
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Diversity
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Picturesque Autumn
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Arts and Culture
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Athletes Unite
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Performing Arts
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Americana and Patriotism
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Immersed in Water
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Native American Connection
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Mountains
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Mysteries and Haunts
Greater Boston, Massachusetts (Salem)
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Unique Places to Stay
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Drenched in History
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Culinary delights
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Snow
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
...and of course...
People
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
❤️Home is where the heart is.❤️
"The Connection Series" is a blog-series that features viewpoints from the personal opinion of John-Michael Scurio, a local resident of Eureka Springs, creator, owner of this blog - www.iloveureka.com. This blog-series is dedicated to the nostalgic connections and tugs between John-Michael's current beloved home, Eureka Springs, Arkansas and his childhood hometown, Medford, Massachusetts. Please enjoy!