Summer Day Trips from Boston: Escaping to New England's Charms
Destination: Boston, Massachusetts
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- Cape Cod
- Overview: Cape Cod, a slender peninsula extending into the Atlantic, beckons with its serene beaches, quaint villages, and idyllic lighthouses. Start your day early at Provincetown, known for its vibrant art scene and picturesque harbor, before strolling along the Commercial Street filled with charming boutiques and galleries. Don't miss the iconic Race Point Beach for a swim or a leisurely sunset walk.
- Duration: Full Day
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Lunch Recommendation: Enjoy fresh seafood at The Lobster Pot in Provincetown.
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Salem
- Overview: Step back in time to explore Salem's rich history and its infamous witch trials of 1692. Begin at The Salem Witch Museum to understand the context behind the hysteria, followed by a visit to The House of the Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne's inspiration for his classic novel. Wandering through the historic streets reveals charming architecture and a vibrant arts community.
- Duration: 4-5 Hours
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Must-Try Food: Stop by Red’s Sandwich Shop for a hearty lunch.
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Martha's Vineyard
- Overview: Accessible via a scenic ferry ride from Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard offers a serene escape with its pristine beaches, rolling hills, and colorful gingerbread cottages. Spend the day in Edgartown, known for its elegant white clapboard houses and boutique shopping, or venture to Aquinnah for breathtaking views of the clay cliffs.
- Duration: Full Day
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Notable Eatery: Grab lunch at The Black Dog Tavern, an island institution.
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Lexington and Concord
- Overview: Immerse yourself in the birthplace of American liberty. Start at Lexington Battle Green, where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired. Continue to Concord's Minute Man National Historical Park, retracing the route of Paul Revere's ride and exploring the Old North Bridge. Both towns offer a glimpse into colonial life and are dotted with museums and historic homes.
- Duration: 5-6 Hours
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Local Delicacy: Savor traditional New England fare at Concord's Colonial Inn.
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Newport, Rhode Island
- Overview: Newport flaunts opulent Gilded Age mansions overlooking the Atlantic. Take a guided tour of The Breakers or Marble House for a taste of extravagance from a bygone era. Stroll along the Cliff Walk for ocean views paired with mansion-peeping, and enjoy the quaint downtown area filled with shops and eateries.
- Duration: Full Day
- Gourmet Experience: Dine at the White Horse Tavern, one of America's oldest operating taverns.