“Day-Tripping” listings
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THANKSGIVING DINNER AT PLIMOTH PLANTATION
Celebrate Thanksgiving where it all began. The historic plantation offers several dining options, including a buffet that comes with admission to the museum. You can also visit the Friday after the big day for a 1627-style harvest dinner. Nov. 26. (12/2009)
43 miles south of Boston • 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA
508-746-1622
www.plimothplantation.org -
SALEM, MA
Wish you could be in Salem for Halloween but can't stay until the 31st? Not to worry: This bewitching city celebrates the holiday with "Haunted Happenings" all month long. The fun starts with a grand parade on Oct. 1 and ends with the Hawthorne Hotel's annual costume ball on Oct. 31. (12/2009)
14 miles northeast of Boston
877-725-3662
www.salem.org -
ROCKPORT, MA
Bundle up and stroll the streets of this beautiful seaside village. Make sure to check out Motif #1-a fishing shack on Bearskin Neck wharf- which the city claims is the most popular building in America to paint. (12/2009)
43 miles northeast of Boston
www.rockportusa.com -
LOON MOUNTAIN
Offering spring skiing, deck barbecues, late season celebrations and glorious mountain views, Loon Mountain also features sleigh rides, snowmobiling and an on-site spa. (03/2009)
133 miles north of Boston • 60 Loon Mountain Rd, Lincoln, NH
800-229-5666
www.loonmtn.com -
BERKSHIRES, MA
Everyone thinks it's a summer destination, but winter is the perfect time to visit Williamstown's museums and ski at Jiminy Peak. (02/2009)
130 miles west of Boston
413-743-4500
www.berkshires.org -
NEWBURYPORT, MA
The smallest city in Massachusetts, this historic seaport offers a lively mix of shops (including small boutiques you won't find elsewhere) and a lively pub, The Grog, that's inviting on a winter's day. (01/2009)
38 miles north of Boston
978-462-6680
www.newbury...chamber.org -
CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS
Fabulous, opulent, over the top-and that's how the famous Newport mansions look before they get decked out for the holidays! Ogle the manses in their holiday finery, and maybe catch a concert. (12/2008)
74 miles south of Boston • Newport, RI
www.newportmansions.org -
SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS
Nobody celebrates Halloween like Salem, also known as "Witch City." Events throughout the month include a psychic fair, shipboard ghost story marathon and "Retro Zombie Ball." (10/2008)
16 miles northeast of Boston Salem, MA
877-725-3662
www.hauntedhappenings.org -
QUABBIN RESERVOIR
Take a scenic drive around the largest reservoir in Massachusetts, dotted with more than 60 islands and surrounded by dense forest. Hike the easy-going loop to the Quabbin Summit for sweeping views. (09/2008)
90 miles west of Boston
413-323-7221
www.mass.go...quabbin.htm -
SINGING BEACH
In sticky-hot August, heed the siren song of this North Shore beach and take the commuter rail to Manchester. A 20-minute walk (including an ice cream stop at Captain Dusty's) will get you to the waves. (08/2008)
32 miles north of Boston In Manchesterby- the-Sea, MA
978-526-2019
www.manchester.ma.us -
BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS
A quick cruise to Georges Island brings you to historic Fort Warren, a Civil War barracks that offers guided tours. Bring a picnic or take a water taxi to one of the other islands in this 34-island national park. (07/2008)
12 miles east of Boston • Ferries depart from Christopher Columbus Park
www.nps.gov/boha -
MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
This 1,000-acre park is Revolutionary War central. Follow the walking trail along Battle Road, see the replica of Old North Bridge, and don't miss the cool multimedia show. (06/2008)
20 miles northwest of Boston • 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
978-369-6993
www.nps.gov/mima
