City life is tiring and Boston is no exception. A short day trip to a different place can boost your spirits and rejuvenate your soul. Here are a few day trip ideas for people living in Boston. These, however, can be useful to those who want to spend a few weeks in Boston and surrounding areas.
Go to Concord, the oldest European-settled town in New England. Commemorate the first victory in the American Revolutionary war (19 April 1775) and relive the past in the Minuteman National Park. This pretty little town is 20 miles west of Boston. Take the Route 2A and follow the signs “Battle Road”. The British troops took this route to search for illegal accumulation of arms. Visit The Wayside and Orchard House, homes of Louisa May Alcott and the Ralph Waldo Emerson’s house.
Minuteman National Park is open from 9:00AM to 5:00 PM in summer and there is $5 entrance fee for The Wayside.
Eat at the Colonial Inn at the center of the town or Helen’s at 17 Main Street.
Go to Martha’s Vineyard, a vacation island fit for presidents. The island has three main settlements. Vineyard Haven is the port and commercial center. Oak Bluffs is decorated with Victorian Gingerbread houses. Edgartown is the main tourist attraction. Take a sightseeing tour, hike, bike or relax on a beach. Visit the Chicama Vineyard and Winery and Massachusetts State Lobster Hatchery, the oldest operating lobster hatchery in the world. The island’s most important annual event is Regatta and Around-the-Island Race held on a weekend in late July.
The Lobster hatchery is open through Monday to Friday from 1 to 3PM. Admission is free.
Eat at the Edgartown Inn or Artcliff at Vineyard Haven.
Go to Water Country at Portsmouth, NH and spend a day splashing water and enjoy some of the thrilling rides. Adventure River, the ΒΌ mile river ride, Thunder Falls and Wild Canyon, Dragon’s Den and Whirlpool are some of its rides. Ollie Octopus, Pirates lagoon and Tahiti Tree house are kid’s only rides.
Standard Price is $37.99 for adults (above 48″). Those under 48″ pay $24.99. The park is open from June 11th at 10:00 AM. Park is not open every day and closing hours vary. Check before you go.
Eat at Coastal Grill or Fried Dough inside the park.
Visit Water Fire Providence, a unique work of art by Barnaby Evans on the three rivers downtown Providence, RI. Over eighty sparkling bonfires are lit on the water and the spectacle is to be enjoyed through all your senses as the aromas of burning wood mingle with the enchanting music and the sparks of fire.
The Bonfires are lit on specific dates. Check schedule before going. This summer full fire will be lit first on May 28th.
Eat at Waterplace Restaurant and Lounge.
Go to Loon Mountains at Lincoln and enjoy a day at the mountains skiing in winter/spring. In summer ride a gondola, go to the Adventure Center and choose from adventures like Bungee jumping, trampoline, climbing wall, mountain biking or ziplining.
A summer weekend adventure begins 28th May and daily fun starts on June 25th.
Eat at Woodstock Inn Brewery.
Sources: Boston Travel
US National parks
Frommer’s Boston