Why You Should Visit Rockport

The town of Rockport has been inhabited since 1680, and while it’s smaller than the neighboring Gloucester, Rockport occupies a fascinating place in New England history. The town was a key spot for granite quarries, which fed into the industrial revolution. However, as the demand for granite slowed in the Great Depression, Rockport became home to a flourishing artists community due to its picturesque landscape, and grew to symbolize the quintessential New England fishing village in modern American art.

We were originally planning to visit Gloucester or Manchester by the Sea for the day but we heard that Rockport was more walkable without a car, so it’s a better destination if you’re arriving by train. All three are beautiful small New England towns on the cape, and you’ll find the same peaceful scenery wherever you go. It was about a 10-15 minute walk from the Rockport train station to the beach, has some of the best seafood spots, and loads of adorable souvenir shops, so it’s hard to beat in terms of accessibility without a vehicle.

Rockport, Gloucester, and Manchester by the Sea are all on the same train line, so in theory, you could make a weekend trip out of it and hit more than one if the weather cooperates and you’re in the mood to explore.

Getting There

By train: Head to Boston’s North Station and hop on the Newbury/Rockport Line commuter rail. It’ll cost you around $26 per person (round-trip) to take the train all the way to the end of the line, but be sure to check the prices before you go to make sure nothing has changed. The entire trip takes a little over an hour and fifteen minutes on the train, and the trains run every 1-2 hours so you have a decent amount of flexibility in when you go.

By car: Once you get out of downtown, it’ll take you about an hour on the Yankee Division Highway (MA-127) to get out to the cape. If you have a car, you’ll have a little more flexibility in exploring the town of Rockport and surrounding areas, but it may be difficult to find parking, especially during the busy summer season.

Things To Do

Eat all the seafood: The best part about being close to the water is the proximity to fresh seafood, in my opinion. When in Rockport, be sure to visit Roy Moore’s Fish Shack or Roy Moore’s Lobster Company, and any other Roy Moore properties, which are the most well-known spots in town to grab a lobster roll.

However, you really can’t go wrong with the fresh, affordable seafood at any of the restaurants in town. We visited Ellen’s Harborside for some classic New England clam chowder and cocktails and found this picturesque view of the harbor.

Take in the sights: Rockport’s most famous landmark is Motif Number 1, one of the most recognizable sites in New England. The red fishing shack was painted by Lester Hornby and many other American artists due to the location and lighting, and it has come to represent New England maritime life. The “most painted building in America” was originally built in 1840, and rebuilt in 1978 after the structure was destroyed in a blizzard.

If you’re interested in learning more about the role Rockport plays in art history, be sure to check out the Rockport Art Association Museum to discover more about the vibrant Cape Ann artist community.

Stroll down Bear Skin Neck, a row of old fishing and lobster shacks that have been restored and are now home to dozens of adorable art galleries, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Once you get to the end of the rocky outcropping, you’ll be met with some incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding harbor, Motif Number 1, and the sea.

On the way, be sure to pop into the Fudgery for some delicious homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, and other yummy treats, and pick up some unique gifts and souvenirs to bring back home.

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If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can spend the whole day lounging at Front Beach. While the water will definitely be cold, even in the summer, due to its protected position in the harbor, the water at Front Beach and the neighboring descriptively-named Back Beach is supposedly warmer than the other public beaches in the area.

If you’re feeling adventurous and the weather cooperates, you can rent a kayak or rowboat and paddle out to the Thatcher Island Twin Lights. Known activity on Thatcher Island dates back to Samuel de Champlain in 1605, and the twin lighthouses were built in 1771 to mark the dangerous Londoner Ledge to caution sailors in the area. The island is protected as a National Historic Landmark and only accessible by non-motorized boats, making it a unique experience and a great opportunity to take in views of Cape Ann from the water.

If you arrived by car, you can head up to Halibut Point State Park to explore the tide pools and catch some incredible views. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Mt. Agamenticus in Maine (81 miles away) and the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire. If you arrived by train, it’s possible to catch the bus from downtown Rockport, although the bus runs infrequently and doesn’t run at all on Sundays. Be sure to check with the Rockport Visitor Information Center for the most up-to-date transit information.

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While the town of Rockport is relatively small, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life in Boston. Peak tourist season in Rockport is during the summer months for obvious reasons, however, if you don’t mind facing the cold, you might just get the town and its picturesque sights all to yourself during the offseason.

Suggested next reading: How To Experience The Best Of Boston On A Tight Budget

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Getting There

The eastern United States is very well-connected in terms of rail, bus, and public transportation, so getting to Boston from anywhere on the east coast is relatively easy. Boston’s Logan Airport and South Station (where you’ll find Amtrak trains and the bus terminal) are both very accessible by public transportation so you’ll be in the city in no time. If you arrive late at night or don’t want to brave Boston’s famous ‘T’ with all of your luggage, you can take an Uber or taxi to your final destination. However, make sure you know where you’re going if you take a taxi (or at least pretend) because the taxi drivers will drive the long way and rip you off if they think you’re from out of town.

Where To Stay

Although it’s definitely possible to do Boston on a budget, it can sometimes be a little bit more difficult when it comes to accommodation—so plan ahead. There are five hostel properties in the city and they will typically run around $50-60/night, excluding taxes and hotel fees. For comparison, you can probably also find an Airbnb around the same price (or less!) or split a hotel room if you’re traveling with a group.

If you’re looking to see the sites, it might be worth finding a place located in central Boston so you’re close to the action. However, if you’re looking to get a better feel for the city, Cambridge and Somerville both have a great quaint New England neighborhood vibe, while still giving you easy access to downtown.

Boston On A Budget: Must-See Attractions

While you do have to pay to enter many of Boston’s most famous attractions, you can walk city’s famous Freedom Trail, either on your own or with a guide to learn about the city’s important role in American history. The Freedom Trail will take you past 16 historical sites, including the Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, the Park Street Church, the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s House, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution. The city of Boston was founded in the year 1630, making it almost 400 years old. It’s impossible to walk around downtown Boston or the surrounding areas without running into yet another historical site with a fascinating story.

If You’re Visiting In Summer

If the weather is warm while you’re visiting, grab a picnic lunch and head to the Boston Public Gardens, the first public garden in the United States. The beautiful park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and is home to Boston’s famous swan boats.

From the public gardens, you can walk or drive across the Longfellow Bridge to get a beautiful view of the sailboats floating up and down the Charles River, as well as a great view of the Boston skyline. Once you get to the other side, you can visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University campuses in Cambridge and soak up some knowledge about the many influential people who got their start on those hallowed grounds.

If you need a spot to cool off and relax after a long day of sightseeing, head to Constitution Beach, a little bit further out from the city, where you can watch airplanes taking off from Boston’s Logan Airport and more ships and sailboats drifting down the Charles River.

And of course, no trip to Boston is complete without a trip to Fenway Park to see the Boston Red Sox play. Tickets to the games may be relatively pricey, depending on who’s playing, but you can also take a tour of the historic stadium outside of game times if you’re interested in baseball or sports history.

If You’re Visiting In The Winter

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Massachusetts can be cold and snowy, to say the least. If you’re visiting in the winter time, you can seek refuge from the cold in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, where you can find delicious food and window shop to your heart’s delight. In December, the entire area will be decorated for the upcoming holidays, and Christmas music fills the air everywhere you turn, making this a great festive stop on your city break.

In addition, Boston is home to many arcade, board game, and other activity-themed bars if you need to get out to escape the cabin fever but aren’t willing to brave the outdoors. Ask around at your hotel or hostel to find the local favorites.

What To Eat And Drink

Massachusetts (and New England in general) is famous for its seafood, so be sure to get some fresh seafood at one of the numerous restaurants along the water. Clam chowder is my personal favorite, but you can find crab, oysters, and a variety of other options up and down the coast.

In addition, you can’t leave Boston without trying some Sam Adams beer, either at the Sam Adams brewery south of the city, or at any of Boston’s numerous bars. There are some great brews that are sold only in the Boston metropolitan area, so be sure to check them out while you’re in town.

And last but not least, check out Mike’s Pastry for some world-famous cannolis and other desserts. The lines will be long, but it will definitely be worth the wait.

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Although it may be much more pleasant to visit Boston in the summertime when you don’t have to trudge through several feet of snow to see all the city has to offer, it’s definitely a delightful experience year-round, and it’s completely do-able doing Boston on a budget.

For more information on Boston click here.

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Friday

3 PM: Wander Church Street

Located right in the middle of downtown Burlington, Church Street is the heart of the city. The pedestrian-only thoroughfare is where locals shop, dine, and gather. During the school year, you’ll notice that many nearby University Of Vermont students study in the street’s coffee shops and cafés meaning the area tends to skew towards a younger, early 20’s crowd, especially on weekends. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, relax, and watch the world go by. Meanwhile, all of that walking will have you working up an appetite.

5 PM: Eat At Spot On The Dock

The Spot On The Dock, or simply just The Spot to locals, has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants in Burlington. Opened for only one year, The Spot On The Dock’s lakeside location on Lake Champlain is hard to beat. It is also the best place to see the sunset behind New York’s Adirondack mountains. The food is on the lighter side as most of the items include some sort of seafood. The drinks are great and over the top. It becomes a lounge at night and is a great place to meet locals and visitors alike.

7 PM: Catch A Lake Monsters Game

If Burlington’s local minor league baseball team is in town, you have to get tickets and go. The tickets will set you back less than $20 for two tickets and it is a great way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Even if you have never seen a baseball game before, you’ll enjoy all the silly antics in between innings. Head back to town early and prepare for your hike the next morning.

Saturday

7:00 AM: Hike Mount Mansfield

This is for outdoor enthusiasts only and be prepared for this difficult but rewarding hike. Mount Mansfield is the tallest peak in the whole state of Vermont at 4,393 feet and is only an hour and a half drive from downtown Burlington. Get up early and beat the crowds since the trail is popular and gets crowded at peak hours (I’d recommend arriving before 8 A.M). The hike along the Sunset Ridge hiking trail takes you through rare alpine tundra vegetation. The view from the top is stunning and overlooks the Stowe skiing mountains. It’s possible to see mountains in New York state and Québec from the top on a clear day. Be sure to wear proper hiking boots and have plenty of water with you. The descent is tough on the knees and is difficult to do in running shoes. Mount Mansfield is a challenging, yet rewarding 5-hour hike and you’ll be ready for a massive brunch by the time you are done.

1 PM: Brunch At Magnolia Bistro

By the time you get back to Burlington, you’ll be starving. Take a walk around the last hour of the Saturday morning farmers market and head into Magnolia Bistro to get brunch. Magnolia was Vermont’s first certified green restaurant, serving only local, organic foods. A win-win that benefits the local community and customer’s stomachs. Their whole menu is delicious, but I’d recommend trying their Banana Bread French Toast. Honestly, it was one of the best French Toast dishes I’ve ever had. It’s so good you might have to come back twice!

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2 PM: Bike Around The South End

If you haven’t had enough physical activity yet and feel like you need to work off brunch, hop on a bike share and explore Burlington’s trendy South End district (not to be confused with South Burlington, locals will correct you!) What was once home to different industrial factories, has now become the cultural and arts hub in Burlington. Starting in 2014, Burlington decided to reinvest in the area and the dividends of their investment are starting to show as more and more people spend time and money in the South End. Stay along the lakefront bike path for some amazing views of the lake and mountains. You’ll run into some beaches along the way so be sure to bring a towel and a swimsuit. If craft beer is your thing, there are breweries galore in the area including the popular Switchback Brewing Company. With so many activities to choose from, it’s easy to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in the South End.

Sunday

10 AM: Walk Along The Colchester Causeway

Considered to be one of the most beautiful bike/walking paths in the US, the Colchester Causeway feels like it could be in Florida or somewhere much more tropical than Vermont. The 10.9-mile trail connects the North End of Burlington with Hero Island (I didn’t know Vermont had islands either before I went.) The breeze feels great out in the open water and offers spectacular views of downtown Burlington and beyond. If you can, try to go at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting.

1 PM: Bolton Potholes

Located an hour away from Burlington in the town of Bolton, the potholes are a natural waterfall. They are a hidden away and can be difficult to find so ask locals where to go if you are lost. It’s a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends and close out a fun summer weekend in Burlington.

Suggested next reading: 10 Alternative Things That You’ll Love About Montréal

The post How To Have The Ultimate Weekend In Burlington, Vermont appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Fenway Park

To non-Americans, baseball probably seems like a boring sport, but to truly understand American culture, especially in Boston where sports is practically a religion, you have to go see a baseball game. Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox, one of the oldest teams in baseball. While you may not understand what’s happening out on the field, in my biased opinion, there’s nothing better than sitting outside on a warm summer day, watching a baseball game with a hot dog and a cold drink. The passionate fans easily rival anything seen at Premier League football matches. You can also take a tour of Fenway, which was built in 1912 and is loaded with history. You’ll quickly understand that most history in Boston has some sort of link back to sports and Fenway is a big part of Boston’s history.

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Freedom Trail

The 2.5-mile trail throughout Boston winds through 16 historical sites that each are unique and have a special place in Boston’s history. The trail was preserved by dedicated citizens in 1951 who believed that the government wasn’t doing enough to preserve Boston’s history. They took it upon themselves to save these sites and set up a trail for locals and visitors. Today, the US’s National Park Service operates the Freedom Trail. Visitors can take a guided tour from 18^th Century reenactors who tell you stories about treason, mobs, fights, and battles that took place at these locations (of course, you can just walk to the sights yourself since many have plaques that recognize their significance). Many of the buildings are from the revolution or from Boston’s founding. While you don’t have to visit all 16 sites, there are a few can’t miss locations. In my opinion, one can’t miss option is the USS Constitution. Commissioned in 1797, the boat was nicknamed, “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 due to the appearance of some cannonballs fired by the British bouncing off of it. Interestingly enough, some of the boat was built by Paul Revere. Another site that is worth the visit is Boston Common, the oldest public park in the US. Built in 1664, Puritans bought the land for their livestock to graze, which was allowed until 1830 when it was converted into a public park. The Freedom Trail is a must do activity if you find yourself in Boston during the summer.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill could easily be considered Boston’s most picturesque neighborhood and seems as if it is stuck in a different time period in the past. With its tree-lined, cobblestone streets with Federal and Victorian-era row houses, its registered as a landmark and historic district by the government. It’s not uncommon to see the area covered with tourists throughout the year who are trying to get the perfect, trendy picture for Instagram. Social media aside, most of the area was constructed in the 17^th Century and was home to some of Boston’s first residents. It is also the area where the American Revolution started in 1775. If you are a history buff, you could practically spend all your time in this area, discovering all of the back streets that Beacon Hill has to offer. For everyone else…well, they might think about how many likes their Instagram picture will get.

Paul Revere House

Speaking of the American Revolution, you can go walk around Paul Revere’s house—the silversmith turned American patriot. It’s a great place to see the inside of an 18^th Century house. It’s hard to imagine anyone living in the extremely cramped quarters, but somehow they made it work. The house was sold before Revere died in 1800 and it served as various different businesses from apartments to a hotel, but the city wanted to pull it down and make way for more modern buildings. In 1902, the great-grandson of Revere decided to purchase the house for $12,000 US (if I had to guess, it is worth a little bit more than that today…) to preserve the house for history’s sake. Revere’s underwent a big restoration and today the museum is operated by the Paul Revere Memorial Association. They did a great job preserving the house and making sure future generations will be able to see what the founding of the US looked like.

Harvard

It’s surprising how Harvard has managed to be thought of as one of the best higher education schools in the world for over 300 years, but it has done just that. People come from all over the world to study at the school, but many visitors come and walk the grounds of Harvard Yard. Harvard is the oldest higher education institute in the United States (it was founded in 1636.) It’s played an important role in the founding of the United States and has some of the country’s best minds walk its halls such as Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Ballmer, John Roberts, and Bill Gates (14 US presidents have received honorary degrees from the university). Even if you are not interested in the history of Harvard, just walking around the school’s ground feels special. It is absolutely stunning in the fall as the leaves are changing and there is a crisp breeze in the air. You can take a guided tour of Harvard, especially great for those that want to see inside the buildings, but anyone can come and walk around the university.

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Suggested next reading: How To Experience The Best Of Boston On A Tight Budget. Or, for somewhere else, why not check out Rhode Island: The Smallest State With The Biggest Heart?

The post Must-Do Things In Boston That Everyone Will Love appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Officially the “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” (the longest state name!), it’s often called “Little Rhody” by those who love it dearly—even though it’s only home to about a million of us.

We sport bumper stickers that say, “I never leave Rhode Island,” and if something is more than a 20-minute drive, it’s a “road trip”. We have wicked state pride, and only one area code. We all know the Block Island Ferry theme song by heart, and we know there’s more to our state than Family Guy suggests. (We say “wicked” a lot, too.)

There is so much packed into such a small space, from nature to small businesses to public spaces to music. We have city life, coastline, wooded trails, islands, even skiing! And bonus–you can easily get anywhere in the state within an hour or so.

Here are six reasons why you should make Rhode Island your next destination:

1. The sense of community.

Since Rhode Island is so small, you can’t really go anywhere without bumping into someone you know or recognize. Six degrees of separation is an overstatement—it’s more like two or three. While this can sometimes feel stifling, it’s also pretty special to have such a close-knit community spanning the entire state.

And no matter where you go, there’s a sense of familiarity even if you’ve never been there before. People are welcoming and open (which can be rare for New England…) and the whole state just feels like your backyard.

2. The local food.

Where to begin? The state has a slew of local traditions particular to Rhode Island alone, and none of it is to be missed.

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There’s Olneyville New York System, a state fixture since the 1930s—order a hot weiner and ask for it “all the way” for one of the best hot dogs of your life. On hot summer days, don’t skip an ice cold Del’s, a frozen lemonade made with chunks of lemon peel (squeeze the cup and drink straight from its edge—never from a straw—if you want to look like a local). Then there’s the official state drink, coffee milk, which is made with cold milk and the famous Autocrat Coffee Syrup (think chocolate milk with a hint of coffee).

Combined with its plethora of food trucks (get a $2 taco from Poco Loco), diners (you can’t miss the one on wheels, Haven Brothers, which sets up next to City Hall until 3AM), and Italian bakeries, Rhode Island’s food scene is a pretty big deal.

3. Over 400 miles of coastline.

That’s right—over 400 miles! Rhode Island’s shoreline on Narragansett Bay seems to stretch on and on, and while the state itself isn’t an island, it does include over 30 of them in its bay.

There’s a beach for everyone, almost literally. Head to Misquamicut for big waves and busy shores. Try Narragansett Town Beach for a picturesque view of the historic Narragansett Towers. Visit the tiny city of Newport for a beach day followed by a night out on the town. If you’re after a quieter summer experience, there are numerous beaches along the bay—try Barrington, Portsmouth, or Wickford. And of course you can’t miss Block Island, with its stunning bluffs, sweet cafes (try Persephone’s Kitchen), and quaint streets—all just a short ferry ride away.

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4. The universities and culture.

Despite being small, Rhode Island is home to nine different colleges and universities, including the Ivy League Brown University. As such, there’s always an influx of new people and never a shortage of things to do.

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Providence is home to Rhode Island School of Design, one of the country’s most prestigious art schools whose alumni include James Franco and Seth MacFarlane. The RISD Museum boasts an impressive collection—and admission is free every Sunday.

There’s always something good on at Providence Performing Arts Center, a gorgeous 1920s theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Johnson and Wales University’s notable culinary program—and the fact that so many alumni continue to cook here in the city—contributes to Rhode Island’s exquisite cuisine. Alumni include Emeril Lagasse and a multitude of reality cooking show winners, so you know it has to be good.

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And you can’t forget Waterfire, the annual public art phenomenon that’s a community art event, urban festival, and performance piece combined. It’s the kind of thing you have to see to believe—imagine 86 sculptures of flickering firelight dotting Providence’s downtown rivers, punctuated by arched bridges and the eerie silhouettes of floating vessels and firetenders. The festival now brings in nearly two million visitors per season, making it a symbol of Providence’s revitalization.

5. The endless things to do outdoors.

“Endless” almost doesn’t do it justice. From farmers markets to music festivals to state parks, Rhode Island is never without an event to get you outside.

The Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival are two of the biggest music events in the state, but there’s so many more opportunities for live music (ones that you have a better chance of getting tickets to, too). There’s the Burnside Music Series And Trinity Beer Garden every Thursday in July and August, the Rhythm and Roots Festival on Labor Day weekend, and a new festival, the Rhode Island Blues Fest, in August.

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Beautiful farmers markets abound across the entire state (and even happen indoors during the winter, too). There are a whopping fifteen state parks in tiny Rhode Island, and each packs its own punch—Colt, Beavertail, and Lincoln Woods State Parks never disappoint. Markets like the Providence Flea happen all summer long, and usually offer live music and delicious food in addition to good shopping. There’s also plenty of opportunity for pick-your-own fruit in the state, like the 2.5 acre Rocky Point Blueberry Farm. (And even in the winter, you can get out for skiing and tubing at Yawgoo Valley!)

6. It’s family friendliness.

Between the beaches, the food, and the endless list of things to do, living in RI is a kid’s dream. And indeed, you see them out and about everywhere—playing at the shore, visiting the zoo, watching a minor league baseball game, dancing along to live music, or checking out Rhode Island’s many local libraries. In fact, the state offers tons of resources for families, like the Rhode Island Family Guide, KidoInfo, and Rhode Island Families in Nature.

In general, anywhere you go in the state will feel welcoming to all, with plenty for kids specifically to enjoy. Rhode Island is not only a supportive place for raising children, but for bringing children to visit as well!

For a state so small, there’s no doubt that it has a lot to offer. Is it really any wonder that Rhode Island is the smallest state with the biggest heart?

Suggested next reading: 8 of Connecticut’s Absolute Best Summer Spots

The post Rhode Island: The Smallest State With The Biggest Heart appeared first on Modern Trekker.

It wasn’t until I got older that I started appreciating the Nutmeg State a little more. Was it quiet, small, and lacking in notoriety? Sure. But was it beautiful, understated, and full of hidden gems? Yes. (Once you get off the highways between Boston and New York, that is.)

I once met a U.S. expat in Thailand who didn’t know where Connecticut was. Once I got over my initial shock at his lack of geographical knowledge, I understood: Connecticut is tiny and lost on the Eastern seaboard. It’s not known for much, it’s often assumed to be a little offshoot of New York, and with picturesque Vermont and New Hampshire right above it, Connecticut is usually not the first destination on a New England road trip.

All of these things may be true, but it’s also true that Connecticut has quite a few underappreciated spots that are noteworthy, especially in summer.

Here are eight of Connecticut’s best summer spots:

1. Coventry Farmers Market

Going on its 15^th season, the Coventry Farmers Market is the state’s largest farmers market, boasting locally grown products in a gorgeous countryside setting.

The market is set on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead, which means a visit to the market doubles as an educational experience at a Connecticut landmark. (Nathan Hale, you might remember, was the American Revolutionary War spy who famously spoke the last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” before being executed by the British.)

With more than 75 vendors, the Coventry Farmers Market makes for the perfect summer Sunday. Grab lunch from one of the many food trucks (don’t miss the best-grilled cheese ever) and settle in on the green for a picnic break after a busy morning of shopping. Each week has its own event theme, such as “Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Allergies, Oh My!” and “Youth Market for Young Artisans & Farmers”—and of course, you can’t miss “Dog Day” in September. With the occasional live music (think bluegrass, country, and folk), this will be a Sunday you won’t forget.

The Coventry Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 11am-2pm, June 3 – October 28. Sign up for their newsletter for up-to-date info on weekly offerings. The Coventry Farmers Market admission is free, however, the Nathan Hale Homestead has entrance fees.

2. Mansfield Drive-in

Summer nights at the drive-in used to be a thing of the past—but not in Connecticut. The tiny town of Mansfield is home to the Mansfield Drive-in, the largest of two drive-in movie theaters left in the state.

Step back into the 1950s and stay for the double feature. A black-and-white cartoon hot dog dances across the screen while you settle in and tune your radio, and the sense of excitement and community among your neighboring cars is palpable. Watch from the coziness of your car or set up camp with folding chairs or blankets. (Don’t forget the bug spray!) With three screens and room for 900 cars, there’s plenty of room (and choices) for everyone.

So, take out the car, play that 50s music along the way, and arrive at Mansfield Drive-in ready for a good old-fashioned night out!

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Pro tips: Come on a Wednesday for family night, when an entire carload is just $20! Pack snacks and drinks to last you the night—or visit the snack bar for goodies like curly fries and slushies.

3. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Looking for a family-friendly beach with calm waves and easy parking? Look no further than Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

A quiet beach on Long Island Sound, Hammonasset offers more than just swimming and sunbathing. Stay overnight at one of its 550 beachside campsites, waking to seabird songs and balmy breezes. You can also visit the newly renovated Meigs Point Nature Center and learn about protecting the local environment and natural resources.

Pro tips: Bypass the busy main parking lot and head to the western end of the beach for fewer crowds and easier parking. After your day in the sun, stop by Ashley’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat and then pop into R.J. Julia, an award-winning independent bookstore.

Hammonasset, a Native American word meaning “where we dig holes in the ground,” is the state’s largest shoreline park and truly a state gem.

4. Two Roads Brewing Company

Fancy a more adult experience? Head over to Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford for a laid-back summer afternoon enjoying some of the best craft beers in the country.

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Named one of the ten best breweries in America in 2017 by Paste Magazine, Two Roads offers a lively tasting room, brewery tours, over 20 beers on tap, and fun events like their Two Roads Lobster Bake and Shore 2 the Pour Beach Run. Bring in your favorite takeout pizza or enjoy food from the food trucks parked outside (all day on weekends). Coming from Metro-North? Two Roads even offers a free shuttle from the Stratford train station to help you visit responsibly.

Two Roads Brewing Company is open Tuesday-Saturday 12-9pm and Sunday-Monday 12-7pm. Admission is free but there is a $5 fee for brewery tours.

5. Bigelow Hollow State Park

One of the best state parks is tucked away in the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut. It might be a more remote part of the state, but it’s worth the drive.

Pack the cooler, the kids, the dog and make a day of it. Sitting adjacent to Nipmuck State Forest—the second largest state forest in Connecticut—Bigelow Hollow is home to miles of hiking trails and the stunning Mashapaug Lake. Leave the parking lot and head north through the woods for a half mile before arriving at this 300-acre lake in the middle of lush green woodland. Claim a picnic table or spread out on one of the many sun-soaked rocks and jump right in. (The very brave can even attempt backpack camping deep in the park.)

With opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and barbecuing, Bigelow Hollow State Park is one of the best in the state.

6. Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz

A Monday night jazz concert in Hartford’s Bushnell Park makes for a perfect summer evening. Started in 1967, these free concerts in July and August bring world-famous musicians and local aspiring artists to downtown Hartford, making it the longest-running free jazz festival in the nation.

Pack a picnic and the lawn chairs and settle in for a peaceful midsummer night. What better way to spruce up a Monday?

Runs every Monday July 9 to August 13. Opening acts perform at 6pm, headliners take the stage at 7:30pm. All concerts are held at the Performance Pavilion at Bushnell Park. In the case of rain, concerts will be held at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church.

7. Lyman Orchards

No trip to Connecticut is complete without a visit to the iconic Lyman Orchards. Covering more than 1100 acres, Lyman Orchards in Middlefield is one of the most popular family attractions in New England.

Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches throughout the summer, and graduate to apples and pears as the summer wanes. Don’t care to pick your own? Buy plenty of fresh produce in the Apple Barrel, their local market. (And don’t miss the apple cider donuts, I’m telling you.)

Lyman Orchards is also set apart by growing Eco Apples, using old-fashioned agricultural methods and minimizing the use of sprays by encouraging naturally occurring controls such as ladybugs. (Pretty cool, right?)

With a golf course, fruit festivals, and a sunflower maze, there’s something for everyone here.

Pick Your Own Orchards are open daily from 8am to 5pm. The Apple Barrel market is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

8. Farmington River Tubing

Last but not least is some of the best summer fun around—tubing down the Farmington River.

A post shared by Emily Jessen (@emilyj47) on Jul 3, 2017 at 5:47pm PDT

There are two ways to do it: Buy a $20 ticket through the Farmington River Tubing outfit that includes a tube rental, life jacket, and shuttle bus ride (with more rules, like no alcohol and the requirement for a personal flotation device). Alternatively, go the DIY route—my personal preference. If you’re going with a group and have more than one car, park one vehicle at the ending point and then make your way up to the start. Come already dressed to swim, snag cheap tubes from a local shop (Ocean State Job Lot is just down the road), and get ready for a ride. Most of the route is peaceful and slow, though there are some spots of rapids.

Pro tip: Bring a cooler and give it its own tube to float in—or better yet, invest in an inflatable cooler! (Don’t forget some rope to attach it to yourself.) Waterproof shoes like Crocs or Tevas are helpful for getting in and out of the rocky riverbanks. Leave towels in the car at the ending point.

So, those were 8 of Connecticut’s best summer spots, know of any more? Let us know in the comments!

Suggested next reading: Fun Learning Adventures Your Kids Will Love In North Carolina & Virginia

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