Tourist in Your Own Town

I'm currently compiling a 'Day Trip List' and notebook for this coming summer. We love to go boating and enjoy our favorite beach, but sometimes the weather dictates our outdoor enjoyment. I often find myself last minute trying to find a fun activity to do with my family on the perfect vacation day - I often get comments from my husband and kids, "So, what are we going to do today?" Yikes, my mind goes blank and I get frustrated, because I know we have so much fun stuff to do right around us but just don't have the ideas at my fingertips.

Lauri Kaihlanen's paintings of Gloucester, Mass.  A family Favorite destination

This summer will be different. I already have 10 things listed, just like I would have on a family vacation...I decided to have the list of places to visit with addresses, maps already printed out and websites associated with it so we can just GO. The kids and my husband can then pick from the treasure trove of ideas because I've already done my homework! :)

Can you see where I'm going with this?  The last thing I want is any 'frustration' on our 'free' day together! We can get up and EXPLORE!

On top of our list: America's Stonehenge, Eric Carle Museum and Gallery, Freedom Trail, Swan Boats, Kayaking around Thatchers Island and Shelling on Islands off Portland, Maine, Ogunquits Marginal Way and South Boston's SOWA outdoor artisans show. (all of these places are less than 2 hours from our house!)