By Lauren Koblara

With gasoline prices soaring and time off of work at a premium, the days of hitting the road for a great adventure seem to be a thing of the past. Although a cross country trip seems out of reach, we’re lucky enough to live in Central Massachusetts with hundreds of cool and affordable destinations just a short drive away. Gather your friends, pool your money together for a tank of gas, grab some iced coffees and crank up the tunes. It’s time for the great New England road trip.

Weird and Random

Dogtown Common and the Babson Boulders, Gloucester

A true New England ghost town, Dogtown covers a five square mile area in Central Gloucester and is an abandoned Colonial settlement. The land itself was donated to Gloucester by philanthropist and founder of Babson College Roger Ward Babson. Apparently, when many stonecutters were unemployed during the Great Depression, the quirky do-gooder hired a group of them to etch words and phrases like “Keep out of debt” and “Integrity” onto boulders that were scattered along the trails. Grab a trail map from the local Visitors’ Center and take a hike along the boulder trail. After finding all 23 of Babson’s boulders, you should treat yourself to a fresh seafood dinner in downtown Gloucester. I think Babson would have wanted it that way.

Ether Monument and the Ether Dome, Boston

Bet you didn’t know that the first surgery performed with anesthesia was done at Mass General Hospital in 1868, right in Boston. The lecture hall styled operating room where the surgery was done still stands. The Ether Dome is open to visitors when not in use by the hospital. If seeing the Dome doesn’t completely quench your ether related roadside oddity thirst, you can walk over to the Boston Public Garden’s Ether Monument. That’s right, it’s a big ol’ monument built in homage to this important discovery of medical science ~ and if you’ve ever had your wisdom teeth removed, you know just how great of a discovery it really is.

Giant Chair Monument, Gardner

It was a sad time in American history ~ state against state, brother against brother. Of course, I’m talking about the Big Chair Battle that began in Gardner in 1905. It all started with a 12 foot tall chair that was built in the center of “Chair City,” aka Gardner, MA. The giant chair was the pride of the town until the jealous furniture makers of Thomasville, NC caught wind of the monument and built their own 13 ½ foot chair. Gardner naturally followed up with a 15 ft version in 1928 to reclaim the title, but it was too late. The word was out and soon they not only had Thomasville to contend with, but also towns in Vermont and Tennessee who were jumping in the fray. Finally, in 1976, Gardner fought back with a 20 foot 7 inch tall chair and held the title for over a year. Unfortunately, they were dethroned after that and apparently dropped out of the great chair battle, but you can celebrate Gardner’s persistence by visiting their tallest chair monument. It currently sits on the front lawn of the Helen Mae Sauter Elementary School on Elm St, and is not to be confused with the other giant chair in town (a measly 14 footer at the Wayside Furniture Company).

The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, www.Lizzie-Borden.com

Have a taste for the macabre? Take a whack (pun intended) at the Lizzie Borden House. The house is the site of the infamous gruesome double murder of Andrew and Abby Borden in 1892 and now functions as a bed and breakfast. Unlike most New England B&Bs, the Borden House offers hourly tours of the home and murder scene as well as artifacts involved with the murder case on display. For $12 (or $10 if you bring your college ID) you can view the murder scene, hear all the facts, and form your own opinions as to who the real guilty party is. Was it Lizzie, the daughter of Andrew Borden? Although she was found not guilty, many still believe that she did indeed get away with murder.

America’s Stonehenge, Salem NH, www.stonehengeusa.com

Much like its British namesake, America’s Stonehenge is a grouping of stone constructions made by mysterious ancient people and used as an astrological calendar. Over 4,000 years old, it may be the oldest man-made structure in the United States. America’s Stonehenge is open year round 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and offers a self-guided tour and access to the grounds for the price of a $9.50 admission ticket. The half-mile trail is an easy hike and takes your through the majority of the megalithic site. There is an onsite gift and book shop to wrap up your day. For directions and a list of special astronomical events, visit their website.

Tour and Taste

Samuel Adams Brewery, Boston, www.samadams.com

Fans of Sam Adams will love this tour of the Boston Beer Company. The hour long tour is absolutely free and allows beer enthusiasts to experience the entire brewing process. Educated staff members will guide you through the facility where you can taste the malts and smell the hops that make Samuel Adams an award-winning beer. Be sure to bring your ID if you want to participate in the beer tasting after your tour. Tours operate Tuesday through Saturday at the Jamaica Plain brewery and are on a first come, first served basis. Their website suggests taking the T’s orange line to the Stony Brook stop, as parking in the area is very limited.

Harpoon Brewery, Boston, www.harpoonbrewery.com

Located in Boston’s Seaport District, Harpoon Brewery has been mixing up their craft beers for over 20 years. Tuesday through Saturday you can join one of their complimentary tastings that include a healthy dose of beer knowledge and access to the brew house viewing platform. The tastings last about an hour and you don’t need a reservation. The brewery store offers Harpoon merchandise and freshly brewed beer for purchase. While there is free parking next to the brewery, it is only a half hour walk from South Station and after tasting all those beers you may want to take advantage of public transportation.

Pioneer Brewing Company, Fiskdale, www.hylandbrew.com

If you’re looking for a locally handcrafted beer, look no further than Pioneer Brewing Company. Stein Hall, the on-site bar, is a great place to relax and taste unique beers (like their Hyland Sturbridge Farmhand Ale) while gazing at the game on the flat screen. As an added bonus, Pioneer Brewing Company offers free group tours for 12 or more people on Sundays by reservation. You can stop by Stein Hall from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Nashoba Valley Winery, Bolton, www.nashobawinery.com

Get a unique glimpse into the wine making process at the Nashoba Valley Winery. The winery has been making fruit wines since 1978 and has over 20 varieties including their Blueberry Merlot, Plum wine, and Baldwin Apple wine. Nashoba Valley Winery provides tours of their facilities on weekends from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tours are $6 and are guided by educated staff members. The tour fee also includes a commemorative glass that is yours to keep and will come in handy during the post-tour tasting of 6 varieties of wine samples. The whole experience is definitely a great day for wine experts and novices alike.

Wachusett Brewing Company, Westminster, www.wachusettbrew.com

Founded in 1993 by three WPI graduates, Wachusett Brewing Company creates popular seasonal brews and year ‘round selections that are anything but ordinary. To tour their brewery, you’ll probably want to reserve a spot on one of the Saturday tours. Saturdays are the only day you can take the full tour that runs about 50 minutes. Monday through Friday you can take a condensed tour, but it only lasts 10 minutes. The tours are complimentary and are given hourly between noon and 5 p.m. All tours conclude with a tasting of two beer samples for those with proper ID.

Adventure Bound,

Purgatory Chasm, Sutton, www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm

This unique natural landmark was created over 14,000 years ago by glacial activity at the end of the last Ice Age. Running over a quarter of a mile, Purgatory Chasm is formed between granite walls that scale up to 70 feet tall. It’s a great place for hiking and picnicking and is a hotspot for rock climbers. There are many rock formations worth exploring, most of them with names like “The Coffin,” “Lovers’ Leap,” and “Fat Man’s Misery.” The park is open from dawn until dusk and the picnic area has tables and charcoal grills as well as a pavilion, so you could definitely spend the entire day there. For trail maps and directions to the park, check out the above Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation website.

Bella Via Balloon Company, Worcester, www.bellaviaballoon.com

Since 1978, the Bella Via Balloon Company has promised a “magical voyage” to everyone who boards their professionally piloted, FAA certified Hot Air Balloons. Bella Via is New England’s most commercially experienced full-time balloon company. An unforgettable experience, the ballooning adventure usually lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour and a half and always concludes with the traditional champagne toast. The balloons launch out of Grafton and trips cost $225 per passenger.

Jumptown, Orange, www.jumptown.com

While jumping from an airplane at 13,000 feet might be more than most can handle, there is surely nothing that can match its exhilaration. Jumptown is the first commercial skydiving center in the United States and is housed in a brand new premier hangar and training facility. With experiences for different levels of skill, Jumptown offers everything from tandem jumps for beginners to freefalls for the experienced sky diver. Tandem jumps start around $220 and reservations can be made online. With safety as the first priority, Jumptown only employs “…the most up to date and safest equipment, instructors, and aircraft available” and is licensed with the United States Parachute Association. The Jumptown facility also has a comfortable spectators’ area for those who prefer to view from the side lines, not from 13,000 feet in the air.

Zoar Outdoor, Charlemont, www.zoaroutdoor.com

Zoar Outdoor has an extensive menu of outdoor adventures: rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, biking, and rock climbing. Offering rafting experiences on five rivers in three states, the white water rush is the focal point at Zoar Outdoor. A day of guided white water rafting will cost you an average of $80 and can be enjoyed by rafters of all levels of expertise (or lack thereof). Their website is jam packed with information, event listings, special offers, instructional clinics and adventure packages. Log on for pricing, details, and directions.

Charles River Canoe and Kayak (locations in Newton, Boston, and Natick), www.paddleboston.com

With three locations, Charles River Canoe and Kayak has a lot to offer. Their Boston location is known for its Boston Barbeque Tour which includes an introduction to kayaking session, a guided paddle tour along the Charles, and a catered barbeque dinner upon return, all for $63 per person. The signature tour of the Newton location is the Newton Moonlight Canoe tour. It’s a three-hour guided paddle through the lakes district of the Charles, followed by a snack; it costs $39. Newton also has a selection of ocean kayaking trips that range in level of difficulty and price and take you through various Massachusetts harbors and islands. At the Natick location, canoe and kayak rentals are available for use on Lake Cochituate for $15-$20 per hour.

Sun and Sand

Singing Beach, Manchester

One of the North Shore’s most popular beaches, Singing Beach is a bit of a natural oddity. As its name suggests, while it might not exactly “sing,” something about the sand on Singing Beach creates a squeaking noise as you walk. The beach itself is very clean and is equipped with a snack bar and restrooms. Parking is very limited and at $25 a pop to park plus $5 entry fee, this trip to the beach can run kind of steep. But the seclusion and gorgeous views make it an experience worth having. Since the beach is within walking distance of the MBTA commuter rail, you could also give that a try. Hey, how often do you find a beach with singing sand?

West Dennis Beach, West Dennis

Located in the warmer waters of Nantucket Sound, West Dennis Beach is the most popular beach in the mid-Cape Cod area. Certain spots on the beach get a great deal of wind, making it a favorite among kite flyers and wind surfers, and the ample parking makes it easy to get to. Parking is $15 for the day. There is over a mile of beach to spread your blanket, a concessions stand to grab a cool drink, and a restroom with showers for those who don’t want to bring the sand home with them.

Hampton Beach, Hampton NH, www.hamptonbeach.org

A classic recreation beach, Hampton is a New England institution. With weekly fireworks displays on Wednesdays and a long boardwalk across from the beach with countless shops, restaurants, clubs and arcades, this beach is one big party. The sand can get a bit crowded at peak sun worshipping times, but it’s all part of the experience. There is metered parking along the beach and numerous private lots that offer a full day of parking for around $20. As the sun goes down, most clubs along the strip have live bands or karaoke, not to mention great fresh seafood and ice cold beer.

Misquamicut Beach, Westerly RI, www.misquamicut.org

As Rhode Island’s longest stretch of beach, the seven miles of Misquamicut are the perfect combination of white sands and cool, clear water. There are many different parking choices, both public and private and varying in price. You can find amusement parks, water slides, and golf courses near the beach as well. One of the major perks of Misquamicut? It is 15 minutes away from Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos… just in case your beach day gets rained out.

Salisbury Beach, Salisbury, www.salisburychamber.org

Salisbury is located on the northernmost point of the coast of Massachusetts. The beach is five miles long and is a favorite of families and sunbathers. During the days of June 27^th through the 29^th,Salisbury Beach will be hosting the Sand and Sea Festival with watercross races, fireworks, beachfront concerts and more. Parking around the beach is pretty easy to find, there is both metered and private parking and you can usually park for the day for under $10.

Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester

This beach is really beautiful. It has fine white sand, clean shallow waters, and rock formations in and around the beach area. Walk out along the jetty or sandbars at low tide and explore tidal pools among the rocks. There is also a great view of the quaint Annisquam lighthouse from the beach. Parking at Wingaersheek Beach is a bit pricey, $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. The surrounding town of Gloucester is perfect for an afternoon of window shopping and sightseeing, so why not make a day of it?

Learn as you go

Decordova Sculpture Park, Lincoln, RI, www.decordova.org

The perfect destination for those with a creative edge, the Decordova Sculpture Park is the largest park of its kind in New England and spans over 35 acres of woods and lawns and is the site of an ever-changing exhibit of large scale contemporary American sculpture. Along the grounds of the Decordova estate are the Carriage House (which is now classrooms and art studios) and the mansion (now the museum and gallery.) The park is open to the public from dusk to dawn and entry is free outside of the museum hours of 10-5, and is $12 while the museum is open.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord

Although a cemetery might not sound like a cool place to go, Sleep Hollow Cemetery is a literature lovers’ dream. There is a certain section of the cemetery known as “Author’s Ridge,” where some of America’s greatest writers rest in peace. Henry David Thoreau (1862), Nathaniel Hawthorne (1864), Ralph Waldo Emerson (1882), and Louisa May Alcott (1888) are among some of the most recognizable names you’ll see while strolling along Author’s Ridge. Some other notable people buried here are Daniel Chester French, the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial, and Ephraim Wales Bull, the inventor of the concord grape.

Battleship Cove, Fall River, www.battleshipcove.org

Military and history buffs will feel like kids in a candy store at Battleship Cove, the world’s largest collection of historical naval ships. If you want to know what it’s like to serve on a World War II Navy warship, see submarines up close, learn about PT boats, and discover all there is to know about helicopters, then Battleship Cove is the only place you need to go. For $14 per person, you get the total experience. Be sure to check their website as they offer discounts for many organizations as well as for military members.

Lloyd Center for the Environment, Dartmouth, www.lloydcenter.org

Since green is the new black, why not check out the Lloyd Center for the Environment? The Lloyd Center is dedicated to facilitating “…long term conservation of our natural resources through education and research – and to inspire and empower the citizens to make wise environmental choices.” The center includes an observation deck, aquarium room, and regular wildlife/environmental exhibits as well as many walking trails that wind their way around the grounds. There is no fee for admittance to the Lloyd Center or its grounds, but donations benefiting the center are always welcomed.

Butterfly Place, Westford, www.butterflyplace-ma.com

Inside the 3,100 square foot glass atrium at the Butterfly Place, there are meticulously tended gardens that are specifically chosen and grown in order to provide nectars for the over 500 butterflies living there. There are 50 different species represented from all over the world at the atrium. You can watch the butterflies from inside the atrium or at the observation room window if you prefer. There is a nearby picnic area as well as a gift shop. The Butterfly Place is open seven days a week from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and admission is $9.50 per person.

Sports

Fenway Park Tour, Boston, Boston.Redsox.mlb.com

The definitive experience for any Red Sox fan, the Fenway Park Tour will take you behind the scenes of America’s most beloved ballpark. On the guided tour, you’ll come across the Press Box, the State Street Pavilion Box, the Red Sox Hall of Fame plaques, and the oldest stadium seats in Major League history, not to mention getting up close and personal with the famous Green Monster and hearing all of the history that surrounds Fenway Park and the Red Sox. The cost for this dream tour is $12 per person and the tours are held every hour on the hour between 9 a.m.and 4 p.m. (or 3 ½ hours before game time).

Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, www.hoophall.com

The Basketball Hall of Fame is a completely interactive facility for all things hoops. Shoot three pointers at their virtual exhibits, watch the evolution of the sport from the day of its invention to today, and go behind the scenes and see what happens during a game broadcast. Wear your sneakers if you want to practice your slam dunk at their indoor basketball court. The Hall of Fame is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tickets are $16.99.

McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket RI, www.pawsox.com

A game at McCoy Stadium, home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, is the next best thing to a Boston Red Sox game. The Paw Sox are the Triple-A Affiliate team of the Boston Red Sox, so during any given game you could be cheering on future Major League All Stars. After all, you don’t want to let the summer pass you by without a day at the ballgame. Tickets are surprisingly affordable, with box seats just $10 and general admission just $6. For a complete schedule, team roster, and the online box office, just log on to their website.

The Sports Museum at the TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, www.tdbanknorthgarden.com/sportsmuseum/

Who knew that on Level 5 and 6 of the TD Banknorth Garden there is a treasure trove of sports memorabilia? The Sports Museum preserves and showcases the history of sports in New England. One of the most recent exhibits was “Cementing a Rivalry,” a display of the infamous David Ortiz “Yankee Curse” Red Sox Jersey that was buried in the foundation of Yankee Stadium by a Boston fan. Current exhibits include the original Boston Garden penalty box and Adam Vinatieri’s shoes that kicked the winning field goal during Super Bowl XXXVI. Also on the premises is a large library of photos, videos, and scrapbooks. The museum is open all week from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $6.

F1 Boston, Braintree,

Feel the need for speed? At F1 Boston you can race their European-engineered 6.5 HP Rimo karts on two different tracks. Take part in a practice session before your race and then start your engines! Off of the track, you can test out the true weight of your lead foot on virtual racing simulators like the pros use, take up a cue in the billiard area, or enjoy lunch and a cold one at the Ascari Café that overlooks Track One. Races are $28 plus license fee. Call ahead if you are looking to bring a large group.

Shop ‘til you drop

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, Wrentham, www.premiumoutlets.com/wrentham

With 170 outlet stores with designer names like Banana Republic and J.Crew, the Wrentham Outlets are a shopaholic’s happy place. Bring your friends Visa and MasterCard out for a bit of exercise and enjoy the fact that you won’t be paying full price for anything. Since they’re located conveniently off of I-495 exit 15 and offer tons of free parking and several lunch and dinner options, you’ll find yourself going back to the Outlets again and again.

Kittery Outlets, Kittery ME, www.thekitteryoutlets.com

Called “America’s ‘Maine’ Street for Shopping,” the Kittery Outlets house a huge variety of shops. The newest addition to their roster is the Lucky Brand Jeans store. What might be most impressive part of the Kittery Outlets is the almost 20 different shoe stores. From sneakers to stilettos, if you can’t find it here it probably doesn’t exist. It’s easy to get to the Outlets and you can find directions, not to mention a list of store sales and specials, on their website.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

The historic and exciting Faneuil Hall has been a marketplace for over 250 years. Every year, 18 million people visit the urban market in the heart of Boston. There’s no better place to find all that is Boston ~ merchandise from local colleges, sports memorabilia, Fenway Park beer steins…it’s all here. You can also browse plenty of retail shops like Yankee Candle and Victoria’s Secret. Next door, at the historic Quincy Market, a feast awaits at the Colonnade food hall where countless international foods are there for the tasting. Faneuil Hall is a great way to experience Boston while getting your shop on.

Rockport Galleries and Boutiques, Rockport

Sunshine, sea breeze, gorgeous scenery…and miles of quaint shops and local galleries. Rockport is one of those rare places that seems to have it all. Exploring the charming seaside town is a full day event, so wear your walking shoes and slather on the sunscreen. Whether you’re looking for a bit of window shopping or are in the mood for a spending frenzy, check out the Bearskin Neck and Dock Square areas. Rockport is located along the Cape Ann Coast of Massachusetts and has a rich art community and that makes it a great shopping spot for art collectors and artists alike.

Prime Outlets, Lee, www.primeoutlets.com

When the days of summer start to sizzle, head west to the heart of the Berkshires where the Prime Outlets are waiting for you serious shoppers. The designer shops line the street with some truly eye catching names ~ BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, and Coach to name just a few. The Prime Outlets is also a good place for those of you with fur-babies as they have a pet relaxation area and provide doggie treats and water bowls at Guest Services. You can roam the stores Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Romantic Escape

Newport Cliff Walk, Newport RI, www.newportcliffwalk.com

Wow your significant other by planning a romantic day on the Rhode Island shoreline. The Cliff Walk was the first National Recreation Trail in the United States and takes walkers along a 3 ½ mile trail through the historical Gilded Age mansion district. Pack a lunch and grab one of the benches to enjoy the absolutely breathtaking views. Watch ships pass and the waves crash against the cliffs as you stroll past the inspiring architecture of the mansions and beautifully tended lawns. Maybe even stop in on one of the many mansion tours that are available. Top it off with dinner downtown and you’ve created a day to remember.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, www.towerhillbg.org

Why send her flowers when you can take her to Tower Hill? With a dozen different garden areas and thousands of flowers, Tower Hill Botanic Garden incorporates a floral landscape with various architectural elements to create a truly romantic atmosphere. Three particularly cozy spots to snuggle up to your sweetie are the Secret Garden area, the gazebo at the Wildlife Refuge Pond, and the Temple of Peace in the Inner Park. You can carry in your own lunch or have a seat at the onsite Twigs Café. The Botanic Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is only $10.

Berkshire Horseback Adventures, Lenox, www.berkshirehorseback.net

Berkshire Horseback Adventures provides guided trail rides through Kennedy Park and Lenox Mountain in the scenic Berkshires. On a clear day, riders can see views of the New York Catskill Mountain Range and Vermont Green Mountains off in the distance. In the autumn, the foliage colors the landscape beautifully. The folks at Berkshire Horseback Adventures can help you to create a special scene for anniversaries or proposals as well. Reservations are suggested, especially during the summer months when they are particularly busy. A one hour ride is $50 and a half-day journey is $150; see their website for details and contact information.