"Old Port City Now Ethnic Enclave" Chelsea by atufft

Chelsea Travel Guide: 6 reviews and 24 photos

Central Chelsea, MA with bridge background

New England Produce Market

The New England Produce Market isn't a quaint farmer's market as one might imagine, but rather a vast array of commercial unloading docks and refrigerated warehouses that receive and distribute to Boston the produce grown as far away as Florida, California, and beyond. Some imported tropical fruits come to the seaport and arrive here in refrigerated containers, but most produce arrives in refrigerated trailers hauled by over-the-road truckers. I'm such a trucker, and regularly haul lettuce, broccoli, spinach, artichokes, bell peppers, carrots, and many other crops grown in the great agricultural valleys of California--Salinas, Central, and Coachella Valleys to be precise. I'll arrive at midnight and get unload shortly thereafter. But, sometimes I arrive early, park the truck, and walk into downtown Chelsea.

Chelsea is older than Boston, but its history is mostly one of belonging to Boston as a neglected inner urban suburb. This was the birthplace of Horatio Alger. The city has faced two tragic fires and financial receivership by the state. According to Wikipedia, at 1.8 sq mi., and with a population of 35,000, Chelsea is the both the smallest and most densely populated city in Massachusetts. The town has numerous residential highrise neighborhoods within walking distance of the port and produce market, and a heavy police and fire fighter presence downtown. But, for truckers brought to the market, Chelsea provides access to the city of Boston by bus, and an ample supply of mostly Hispanic restaurants. For everyone, there are a number of historical buildings and monuments worth noting.

Last visit to Chelsea: Jun 2010
Intro Updated Mar 19, 2011
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Reviews (6)

Broadway Avenue Things to Do (6)

Not much has changed since the early 20th century along Broadway. Some brick businesses still have store fronts and... more travel advice

Soldiers Monument to Spanish American War - Chelsea

Chelsea War Memorials Things to Do (6)

In the City Hall Lawn and just across the street from the City Hall are numerous memorials. The largest and most... more travel advice

The Old Firehouse and other buildings Things to Do (6)

The Chelsea Fire Alarm Headquarters has a memorial in front to all firefighters who died during the several great... more travel advice

J Mahoney Rest Area Things to Do (6)

Also located along Broadway, is a square Google Earth names as J Mahoney Rest Area. Here there are several bronzes... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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Thestumps Apr 13, 2013 at 6:08 AM

Did Chelsea look anything like this on my video?......"A Dark Alley" - Chelsea Video by Thestumps
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Thestumps Apr 13, 2013 at 6:06 AM

Sad sad place. Chelsea? Why did you go there? So many nice places in MA besides Chelsea slums. I had roots there I know.
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Bevinlaguna Mar 13, 2011 at 10:08 AM

Hi Alan: I am virtual touring through your travels. I appreciate your graphic reviews and photos. It allows us to experience towns we have never seen and motivates us to include those areas in our vacation treks. Keep it up! Love Bev (Laguna Beach)