Boston! Six nearby places to get rid of the smell of work! 2

🏰 More Boston Day Trips: Coastal Estates, Mountain Thrills, and Walden’s Serenity Looking to extend your Boston adventures? These three spots—from a Little Women-worthy estate to Thoreau’s iconic pond—offer something for history buffs, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. 🌿 4. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate: A European-Style Escape by the Sea Just 1 hour from Boston by car, this coastal estate feels plucked from a period drama (it even starred in Little Women). Why visit? Wander through manicured gardens dotted with fountains and statues, then stroll through wooded paths that open to sweeping ocean views. The lawns roll gently toward the water, making it perfect for picnics or sunset walks. Bonus: Nearby Crane Beach is a stunner—soft sand, calm waves, and dunes that stretch for miles. Pair a (estate) tour with a beach afternoon for the full experience. Details: 🎫 Tickets: $20 📍 290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938 ⛰️ 5. Gunstock Mountain Resort: Summer Adventures (No Skiing Required) Swap winter slopes for summer thrills at this New Hampshire resort, 1 hour 45 minutes from Boston. What to do: Zip-line through treetops, ride the open-air gondola for panoramic mountain views, or tackle the mountain coaster—a gravity-fueled ride where you control the speed with a hand lever. It’s equal parts scenic and exciting. For outdoorsy types: Rent a mountain bike and hit the trails, or hike to the summit for postcard-worthy vistas. Details: 🎫 Prices: $50 for zip-lining; $30 for a full-day mountain bike pass 📍 719 Cherry Valley Rd, Gilford, NH 03249 🌊 6. Walden Pond: Thoreau’s Legacy in Nature Made famous by Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, this tranquil pond is a 30-minute drive from Boston—a haven for anyone craving quiet. Why go? Swim in the crystal-clear water, paddle a kayak, hike the 1.7-mile trail around the pond, or simply sit and read (channel your inner Thoreau). It’s a literal “escape from the city” as described in the book. Pro tip: Arrive early on weekends to snag parking—this spot gets busy! Details: 🅿️ Parking: $30 per car (visitors); $5 per person (residents, cyclists) 📍 915 Walden St, Concord, MA 01742 From literary history to heart-pounding rides, these spots prove Boston’s surroundings are as diverse as they are beautiful. Grab your car keys (or a bike!) and explore—you won’t regret it. #BostonEscapes #NewEnglandSummer #OutdoorAdventures