For those of us lucky enough to stay in the great city of Boston this summer, it is a wonderful opportunity to explore some areas outside of the city that you might not get a chance to during the school year. You will need a car (or a friend with one) to go to most of these places, but they are worth the gas money!
Noanet Woodlands
Noanet Woodlands is in Dover, MA, and is only about 10 miles from the city. It is the perfect place to get some fresh air and exercise with walking trails stretching over 17 miles of forest. During the spring and summer there are fields of wildflowers and the woodland’s four ponds are full of turtles and frogs. You can even trek up to the highest peak and catch a view of Boston below.
Singing Beach
For an idyllic New England beach day, you don’t necessarily have to go to the Cape. In fact, Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea (about an hour from Boston) is a gorgeous spot to spend the day tanning and swimming. The stretch of sand is only about half a mile long, but you don’t have to deal with the crowds or the costs of going to the Cape.
Walden Pond
For the true Thoreau fan, this summer destination is a must! It is about 30 miles outside of the city in Concord, MA. The beautiful landscape makes it the perfect place to walk and reflect (because BC kids love reflection) and in the summer the pond is warm enough to become a swimming destination.
Salem
I know every Mass kid will groan at this suggestion after his or her many field trips to this historic spot, but for all of us non-New Englanders Salem is a very interesting place! What is great about the location is that you can take a ferry from Boston Harbor there. Once in Salem, there is obviously the museum and historic areas, and during the summer they have jazz bands play in the city’s downtown.
Of course, there are plenty of other trips you can take around New England, especially now that the weather is beautiful and the beaches are open. So if you are here this summer, don’t get too caught up in the city life; explore everything the area has to offer!
Photo sources:
https://thejunglefever.wordpress.com/page/16/
http://garylincoff.com/?page_id=1748
http://kupeesh.com/lifestyle/travel/salem-beyond-witches-w1-min-video-postcard/
http://bostonhikes.blogspot.com/2009/06/moderate-hike-through-caryl-park-and.html