Day in Boston with Teens

buildings in boston

If you live in New England and have a teen that loves theater, then Boston is the perfect destination for a getaway.  Plays, musicals, bands… Boston has it all! Here is an itinerary for an amazing day in Boston with teens:

Check In

First stop is to drop off your bags at Kimpton Nine Zero hotel.  This boutique hotel has it all…gorgeous rooms, elegant charm, and one of the most desirable locations in the heart of Boston. I recommend a City Skyline 2 Queen Beds room.  The room has personal touches that give it historic charm while keeping modern amenities. (Check out a review of our stay!)

sitting area in a hotel room

Look at the stunning view we had!

sunset of Boston skyline

New England Aquarium

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New England Aquarium

colorful fish at at New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium

(Boston, Massachusetts)

As soon as you walk through the doors of the New England Aquarium, you leave the busy streets of Boston and are transported to a world under the sea. Beneath the dim lights you are surrounded by the calls of penguins and the shadows of the large fish swimming in the center tank.

Our favorite animals live outside of the aquarium and even if you choose not to go in, take some time to visit with the adorable Atlantic harbor seals.  They are seriously the cutest little guys and they are so curious that they come right up to the tank to peek at you.  Look at this sweet face!

harbor seal at New England Aquarium

Now let me show you around the aquarium.

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House of Seven Gables

House of Seven Gables

Salem, Massachusetts

If you are in Salem, MA, and want to get away from all the talk about witches, The House of the Seven Gables may be the destination for you.  This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. You’ll have an expert guide that is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject.  Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t.  It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.

House of Seven Gables

What do you see during your visit?

Let me show you a peek at some of the rooms you’ll view:

Make sure you go outside an look at the view of the harbor.

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A Visit to Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option.  It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:

Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India

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Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Quechee, Vermont

While I was in Vermont, I wanted to get outside as much as possible, and the 47 acres of VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) was the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air.

First stop…Forest Canopy Walk

I love great views but I hate heights, so I sometimes miss out.  Not at VINS…their Forest Canopy Walk let me experience being eye level to the treetops without the fear. At some points I was over 50 feet in the air, and I loved every minute of it! Ok…so I was a little nervous at first because sections of the walk are on metal grates that you can see through…but I got used to it.  What I like best about the canopy walk is all generations can do it together.

There are several platforms you can walk up to throughout the walk.  Take some time to enjoy the statues.

The Eagle’s Nest was awesome!

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Touch of New England

There is nowhere I’d rather live than New England! Fall foliage bursting with color, majestic mountains, rugged coastlines, and quaint family farms are just a few snapshots of our region.  However, it is more than that…it’s a feeling of old world charm. It’s sorta like living in a Hallmark Christmas movie…lol.  New England is a magical place filled with local small businesses that create premium, unique products. Touch of New England is a subscription box that will make you feel like you’re traveling here without leaving your home.

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

They say it best: “When you can’t go there yourself, let us send you a touch of the New England culture, delivered right to your door.” Since many people are not able to travel right now, it’s a wonderful way to “explore” the area without leaving your home. You’ll enjoy quality products from the region, while supporting the artisans and businesses who make New England unique.  I love that their standards are high. If they don’t love a product, they won’t include it in their box.

WHAT COMES IN EACH BOX?

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Wolfe Neck Center (Fall Visit)

Wolfe Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment

Wolfe Neck is a nonprofit farm with 626 oceanfront acres and 4 miles of Casco Bay shoreline that is open to the public every day. A few years back I was given a tour of the farm.  Take a peek at my post about it.

This fall, I decided to bring my bike to the farm and spend a relaxing morning riding along its gorgeous views of the coast, visiting the animals, and breathing in that coastal air!

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Snug Harbor Farm

In autumn, I love stopping in to different farms to enjoy the gifts of living in New England.  Apple picking, pumpkins, hay rides, corn mazes, farm stand… I can’t get enough! Lately I’ve been spending one day a week visiting a farm nearby.  It’s the perfect way to get outside for some fresh air, walk around in nature, and ok, ok…it doesn’t hurt that lots of farms have cider donuts.

This week I’ll be showcasing some of my favorite farms I’ve been to lately.  Enjoy!

Snug Harbor Farm

Kennebunkport, Maine

Snug Harbor Farm features five greenhouses, nurseries,

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Our Top 10 Favorite Fall Activities in New England

  There’s no place as cozy as autumn in New England.  For the next few months it’s all about crisp leaves, comfy sweaters, dark nail polish, lattes, and pulling out my UGGs.  (Yes…I’m aware of how ugly they are, but is there anything more comfortable?) It’s the perfect time to slow down, unwind from out fast-paced summer, and enjoy the simple things. 

Here are our top 10 activities for fall:

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2 Day Itinerary for a Solo Getaway to Stowe, Vermont

The start of the school year has gone off with a bang…theater rehearsals, soccer practice, homework, tests, and even a fractured foot for one of my kiddos.  October was looking to be even more crazy, so I was thrilled to  head to Vermont for a little relaxation. My tires practically burned as a sped off with my music blasting for my three-hour drive to one of my favorite states.  I love autumn in New England and was thrilled to see that the leaves were just starting their dazzling display of colors. 

Let me show you how to spend 2 perfect days in Stowe, Vermont…

Day 1: (Mine was a Sunday)

Your first stop is to Cold Hollow Cider Mill. There is an explosion on your senses as you walk through the door.  There are so many locally-made products that you won’t know where to look first.  I loved that they have a beehive there enclosed in glass (pic) and you can actually buy honey that is produced by these bees.  I can’t wait to taste some.

  Since it is a cider mill, you have to taste their warm cider donuts.  What?  It’s not like you have a choice…lol! Head on over to their Apple Core Luncheonette and Brew.  Try the “Vermont To the Core” (bacon, apple slices, cheddar and apple jelly) and a glass of their hard cider, Barn Dance. (You may want to pick up some cans or a growler to bring home!)

If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, drive to the Stowe Farmer’s Market that takes place from 10:30-3:00.  Everything is made local…soap, dips, cheese, wooden trays, pottery, wine, honey, jewelry…endless! There is even live music.

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