Meet Zack Lamothe | writer, editor, podcast host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zack Lamothe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zack, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creativity has always played an important role in my life. Initially it was playing music that was my passion. As I got older it has shifted to writing. At the same time travel was ingrained in my life from an early age. Through my website and podcast, Backyard Road Trips and my five books, I am able to merge the two into a creative outlet which focuses on travel but also provides ample opportunity for me to keep learning as I am often exposed to new and interesting information through these mediums.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My writing merges my years traveling and exploring with the writing thus creating an artistic outlet for me. I am most proud that I have been able to within ten years, author five books, create my own travel website and co-host a podcast, all dealing with what I love and what I call “meaningful travel on the local level”. I got where I am today by realizing that even though I was working at a career job, I still needed a creative outlet. The easiness ebbs and flows as the projects I have been working on do as well. I’m still learning lessons as I have had to learn website building, marketing and public speaking skills which were all new to me. I would like readers to be able to access the website, Backyard Road Trips as a resource for planning their own day trip and vacation itineraries. Check out the index of the website for a state by state guide, with a heavy emphasis on New England.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s take a tourist town like Plymouth, Massachusetts. Of course, most visitors take in the historic sites such as Plimoth Patuxet and the Mayflower II ship but there is so much more to the town. With Plymouth’s proximity to Boston and Cape Cod, I would recommend day trips to each of those during a week-long stay. But for this itinerary, let’s stay focused on America’s Hometown.

For a town the size of Plymouth, there are several surprisingly excellent restaurants. Try a gastropub or hip eatery such as Dillon’s Local, The Tasty or Cork and Table. If you’re looking for seafood, Wood’s always fits the bill. Try 42 Degrees North, East Bay Grill or Tavern on the Wharf in less of a fish shack setting for great seafood options.

Plymouth has many drinking options including six current breweries Mayflower, Independent Fermentations, Second Wind, LlamaNama Beer Lab, Sour Not Sorry, Untold, and coming soon, Vitamin Sea. There are two wineries and a distillery. In addition, bars like Speedwell Tavern and New World Tavern are known for their beer selections. Or try an utterly amazing cocktail at Honey Baby. For a taste of “old” England, try Shelly’s Tea Room. Or find the fixings for a picnic at Plimoth General Store. Kogi for sushi or Star of Siam for Thai are both recommended.

Sure, you should check out the historic sites but make sure to view the National Monument to the Forefathers, the largest freestanding granite statue in the nation. Head to the beach- Long Beach, White Horse Beach or even Nelson Park. Hit the trails at Myles Standish State Forest, Center Hill Preserve or Ellisville State Park. Grab coffee at Leyden Street Coffee or pick up beans to roast at Speedwell Coffee. Try excellent Italian food at Tuscany Tavern or Café Strega.

Talk to a Pilgrim as they lead tours of the historic sites. Speak to indigenous people at Plimoth Patuxet or see Pilgrim artifacts at the Pilgrim Hall Museum. See the small manufacturing museum at Cordage Park. Plymouth is also home to many festivals and events, if you’re visiting around the 4th of July or Thanksgiving, there are numerous festivities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely my family needs a shout out for being so flexible for letting me keep up this creative pursuit. My wife and even my three boys accompany me at times. Even having to pause typical family-friendly activities on vacation to check out a backyard road trip.

Website: www.backyardroadtrips.com

Instagram: @backyardroadtrips

Twitter: @backydroadtrips

Facebook: facebook.com/backyardroadtrips

Image Credits
photo of me and oysters- Adam Mannar b and w photo of me – Jocelyn Moschella photo of me and my son- Jaclyn Lamothe photo of the landscape – Jim Wheeler