While there’s nothing wrong with the good ol’ Valley, sometimes you just have to get away. And that trip over to Hawaii isn’t always in the budget. Here are a few ideas for some day trips that are a couple of hours drive away.
Located on the upper west side of Connecticut, this park is fabulous for a day of picnicking while enjoying the sounds and sights of a waterfall. Just the view from the parking lot is an impressive three-tier waterfall. A stream runs between the parking lot and a huge picnic area with grills, picnic tables, and views of the falls. Children fished and played in the stream the whole time I was there. A red covered bridge provides access over the stream to the picnic area and path to the waterfall.
Of course, the experience doesn’t end here. There are walking paths and lookouts going up along the falls. Each new lookout bring into view more and more tiers of the waterfall. Making it to the top is like seeing the grand finale of a fireworks display. This is a must-see waterfall.
Salem, or Witch City, which is what they call themselves, oozes of history and lore.
Witch tourist attractions to visit include the Witch Museum, Witch House, a statue of Elizabeth Montgomery from “Bewitched,” and a witch memorial at Proctors Ledge dedicated to all the witches that died on the gallows — it reminds us how cruel people can be.
For the first-timer, I suggest taking one of the many walking tours to give you the history and help narrow your focus of where you want to explore further.
Important movies to see before going are “The Crucible,” “House of the Seven Gables,” and “Hocus Pocus.” You’ll thank me later.
While most know Salem for its witches and ghosts, there’s more to see. There is an amusement park, House of the Seven Gables, a Maritime Museum, a Pirate Museum and it’s home to America’s oldest candy company. Have fun — there will be plenty of people with you in spirit.
The word “springs” in Saratoga Springs is legit. Bring empty containers to fill with water from any of the area springs. We got ours from the spring at Saratoga Spa State Park. The free park, which allows dogs and has miles of the most maintained walking trails I’ve ever walked, also contains a geyser, automobile museum, dance museum, performing arts center, a spa, golf course, and The Gideon Putnam. The Gideon Putnam is lavish hotel named for a founder of Saratoga Springs who was born in Sutton, Massachusetts.
There is so much to look at and experience just in the park that I’m surprised I somehow I pulled myself away. But, oh, the downtown does not disappoint. The first thing I noticed was how clean it is. There is every type of shop you could possibly think of and I thought the prices were great. I’m thinking of planning a trip specific for holiday shopping. The architecture has little details making it special but not overstated. All the restaurants but one allow dogs in their outdoor eating areas.
Saratoga Springs surrounds a great portion of Saratoga Lake. We found this cute multi-level cool free park called Waterfront Park. Dogs are allowed, and there are grills, picnic tables, and access to the lake.
North Adams surprised me with many things to enjoy. The city seems to revolve around the Mass MoCA, one of the largest museums of contemporary art and performing art in the whole Country. Don Gummer (Meryl Streep’s husband) has an installation called Split Rock hanging across the street from the entrance with a lane named after it, Split Rock Lane. See the suspended hanging rock and know you have arrived.
Natural Bridge State Park blew my mind — we are so lucky to have this amazing and beautiful place so close. The Natural Bridge is the only natural white marble arch in the country. It is over 13,000 years old with a 60-foot gorge running under it and — most remarkable from a personal standpoint — I walked on it without a single worry of falling to my death. Right around the corner in the park is a man-made white marble dam and an abandoned quarry.
While you are in town, you might as well take a walk to see Cascade Falls. Park at the YMCA and follow the signs to The Cascade Trail. The entire walk will take about an hour and a half.
Wigwam Western Summit is up by the hairpin turn on the Mohawk trail. At Wigwam’s you can enjoy a fresh-pressed coffee or a cold brew and many of the tasty treats along with the view. In addition, they have cabin rentals so you can stay over and continue to enjoy the gorgeous view.
King Richards Faire is the largest and longest-running Renaissance fair in all of New England. This is the 38th year a woods in Carver will become the place to frolic and flaunt 14th to 17th century attire. Don’t have any? The popular 18th-century kilt is definitely considered close enough. Wear whatever, no one will kick you out. For extra fun, they have themed events on weekends from a cleavage contest, vow renewal, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and even a Men in Kilts contest. Gates are open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through Oct. 20. For more information visit kingrichardsfaire.net.
Follow along with Michelle Pontbriant’s travel adventures at facebook.com/laineyandmichelle.