INTERESTING
The entire world has been on pause for months and people are getting anxious to go out and roam free. Slowly we are getting there but some precautions must still be taken. As the days pass and we are getting closer to summer, vacations are usually on our minds. The vacations we had planned are probably not recommended at this time. You can try a virtual vacation at home, but who wants to stay in the house. We have all been indoors for weeks.
What can you do now while still staying safe throughout the summer??
Adapting a positive attitude and thinking outside the box might find you an adventure you otherwise would not have discovered. Look how creative everyone became during quarantine. All of us can apply that same creativity while planning summer activities and trips. Even if it’s spending most of your time in the car with your family (yikes!). Remember you still have to think about safety with some pre-planning on your part. Try to learn to enjoy the small things in life while still making amazing memories.
The following options focused on outings that can be done in a day-- vacationing throughout New England. If you desire multiple days in a row, research on hotel availability will have to be done before heading out.
New England has many options to cater to all tastes. Start with a place you have always wanted to try and check out the local surroundings while you are there. Most places will be providing take-out or outside dining to continue to practice social distancing. Find an area park or other scenic location to eat outside.
Make a day of it and choose a different place the following week to discover different restaurants/eateries.
Take a walk at the Cliff Walk in Newport or discover downtown Newport on foot. This idea can apply to any waterfront area such as Mystic, CT or Cape Cod, MA.
There are many local areas that do not require you to leave the state. You get the idea--walk around different places to discover hidden gems.
There are many options to choose from if avoiding big crowds. Check out a different beach weekly if that is your thing. Just make sure to research parking availability and entry fees before heading out. After the beach, stop at a local ice cream shop for a delicious treat.
Beach options: South Shore Beach, Charlestown Town Beach, Easton’s Beach, Narragansett Town Beach and Napatree Point
Ice cream shop options: Brickley’s(Narragansett), Gray’s(Bristol),
Daily Scoop(Barrington), Sprinkles(Newport)
There are so many local establishments; make an adventure out of trying a number of them.
(Maybe not all at once!)
Seriously pick a trail that interests you and go on a hike, long or short. New England has many trails to choose from and easy access by car. New Hampshire sounds far but it really is within driving distance and the hike can be completed in a day.
Local trails:
Ell Pond Preserve Trailhead -Hopkinton; Aquidneck Land Trust -Middletown
Chase Farm -Lincoln (this is a nice and easy nature walk)
5. Shop in the great outdoors
Find an outdoor Farmers Market or open air shopping mall that you would like to try. There are also many farms in the area that include a market on the farm to purchase goods. You can still make an adventure out of shopping especially if you combine a number of locations on the same day.
Farmers Markets: Hope Street Farmers Market (Providence), South Kingstown Farmers Market (Kingston), SouthCoast Open Air Market (Somerset, MA), Fisherman's Memorial Park (Narrangansett)
Open air mall: Garden City Center(RI), Wrentham Village Premium Outlets(MA),
Kittery Premium Outlets(ME), Clinton Crossings Premium Outlets(CT)
Local Farms: Harvest Acres Farm(Richmond), Confreda Greenhouse and Farms (Cranston, RI), Phantom Farms (Cumberland)
Providence, Boston, or New York. You get the idea! With a little planning choose certain sites to see and start your city adventure.
You can take a local drive or a longer one to discover more. Many areas can be accessed within a day and you will be surprised what you will find. While on your drive, discover a new local winery or brewery where you can stop and make a purchase.
Closer Options: Point Judith Lighthouse (Narragansett), Watch Hill Lighthouse (Westerly), Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery (West Greenwich)
Other Options: Kent Falls State Park-Kent, CT (2 hrs, 38 mins)
Portland Head Lighthouse-Cape Elizabeth, ME (2 hrs, 41mins)
Salem-Salem, MA (1 hr, 20min)
New England is rich with American history that can be fun to explore and at the same time receive an educational experience.
Freedom Trail-Boston, MA; Plymoth Plantation-Plymouth, MA;
Mohawk Trail-Western, MA
Also mentioned previously with historical significance: Newport, RI and Mystic, CT
We are surrounded by water and no need for a beach trip to enjoy it. Go fishing, take your kayak out, or have a picnic by a lake. You can also enjoy inland activities like camping or have a backyard barbecue if you do not want to drive anywhere. Enjoy a ‘stay-cation’ at home if that is more your style (especially if you have a pool).
Combine multiple suggestions like take-out, shopping, walking tours, history and a new town/city all in the same day to have an all around adventure.
Do not over think it! Think of something you would like to do and find a way to do it safely.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ADVENTURE AND ENJOY YOURSELVES!!
Portland Head Lighthouse - Portland, ME
Ell Pond Preserve Trailhead - Hopkinton, RI
K
Kent Falls State Park - Kent, CT
