Cheep fun things to do around New England...

[Longgrain]

I have a four day weekend coming up this week, and I'm anxious to get out of the house and maybe do a little road-tripping...

Any suggestions on where I should go and what I should do?

I'm in western MA, so there's a lot I've already done, like the Mohawk trail. I've also been to Conn. many times...

I'm making my plans now...So where should I go?

[WilliamPitt]

1. The Cape in winter

is really interesting. If you're *really* feeling like a road trip, check out Provincetown. It's a long drive, but the off-season hotel rates are very affordable. In the winter, the artists own P-town, along with the Portuguese fishermen.

[Longgrain]

3. Good idea

I'm actually thing of heading out to Mystic Conn. since I've never been there before...and maybe doing some photography.

[Sporadicus]

6. Mystic Is a Great Town!

No shortage of picture-worthy subjects!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. if you're into spirituality,

hope over the border to New Lebanon NY to the Abode of the Message. Situated in an old Shaker community, this modern day community of Sufis live and pray together. I think there's a bookshop. This is where Pir Zia Inayat Khan, head of the Sufi Order International lives. I have had the honor of meeting him twice, and he is a person you won't forget.
For more information, check out

www.theabode.net

[all.of.me]

4. nh and maine coast

i love the beach in winter. i lived there for many years, and when i was feeling cabin fever, i'd head to the beach. it was deserted and beautiful. there is a lot of history around portsmouth, too. when i first moved there in 1973, i spent hours just walking around soaking up the history and architecture, and reading the headstones in the cemeteries, which go back to the 1700s.

(i agree with will pitt, too, about the cape in winter - just wonderful!)

[Sporadicus]

5. Devil's Hopyard

near East Haddam, Connecticut. It's one of my favorite places on earth...waterfalls, fishing, hiking, rock scrambling, tent or RV camping (a bit later...mid-April).

http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/devilshopyard.htm

While in the neighborhood, visit Gillette Castle.

http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/gillettecastle.htm

[Redstone]

12. Too bad the ferry to Gillette Castle is not running until April...

You'd really like that (everyone does).

But we do have lots of eagles around here this time of year...bring binoculars if you come!

Redstone

[ghostsofgiants]

7. You mean cheap

</spelling>

[Longgrain]

8. Sorry I meant Peep!

:7

[DancingBear]

9. Climb Mt. Monadnock - Jaffrey, NH (southern NH)

A very easy (one hour +) walk up the White Arrow trail will get you to the top (3000 feet).

Wonderful views. Be sure to pack chocolate and water - the "official" food for all climbers. :)

[Longgrain]

10. Actually not too far from where I live...

If I stood on the roof of my house I could see both Mt. Monadnok and Mt. Wachusett...

[Redstone]

11. Let's see...you may have already been to some of these

Oddball: There's a Maple Syrup Museum in St. Johnsbury, VT. Also not oddball is the magnificent Athaneum (spelling?) and Fairbanks museum there.

Then go east on Rte. 2 to Lunenburg, see the famous church on the common:


then drop by the library and buy a copy of their 100th Anniversary Cookbook. It's only 15 bucks, and worth every penny:


If you have a suitable vehicle, take Route 2 east out of Lunenburg and continue up Vt 105 (instead of crossing the bridge to Lancaster NH) and take the dirt road up to Granby. Stop by the general store there--the first one that town of 80 people, 10 miles from a paved road, has ever had. Stop in to the church in Granby (it's never locked) and be sure to sign the guestbook:


Continue on about two miles, and see the shed that has license plates for siding:


Hey, you said cheap, and most of this stuff is free.

Redstone

[Longgrain]

13. Of course I could also jump the fence at Whalom

and get some interesting photos from the inside...:7

[Redstone]

14. If you do, I'd like to see them.

I've never been inside there and it looks fascinating. See if you can find the remains of the Wild Mouse ride, OK?

Damn, maybe I should just run up there for a day and go with you. I have a press card, which might lessen the possibility of getting thrown out.

Redstone

[steve2470]

15. no offense, but why don't you go to NYC and party ?

just a thought for a single stud like you :-) Stay in New Jersey, or drive there for the day and walk places.

[Longgrain]

17. I might just take your suggestion

know anyone from the area?

[Ellen Forradalom]

16. Get WillPitt and Matcom drunk

and watch the fun begin!