Not quite sure where to go this summer with your family or friends? Here are my two favorite locations that I would revisit every single summer (and I do)!
Boston, Massachusetts
Activities are endless in this bustling city! Spend a couple of days in the city and a few on Cape Cod, and you have had the best of both worlds: city and beach.
How to Get Here
Flights into Boston are easy. Every major airline flies here: American, Delta, United, and Southwest. I have heard that you find the best-priced fare 6-8 weeks prior to your preferred travel date.
Where to Stay
Hotels are aplenty in Boston! I’ve personally stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Boston and the Intercontinental Boston. The Ritz-Carlton is located near the Boston Common & Public Garden: which is a 50-acre large park in central Boston. The pond in the Public Garden has boat rides, and a carousel is located inside Boston Common. The Intercontinental hotel is located near the Boston Harbor. I love this hotel for its proximity to the Boston Children’s Museum. This is by far the best children’s museum in America! When I went to Boston in 2016, I went to the Children’s Museum two days in a row because there is so much to do and see for little children! The New England Aquarium is also not far from the Intercontinental.
Summer Activities in Boston Proper:
- Catch a ball game at Fenway. Hands down the best baseball park in America (sorry Yankees!) Stay until the seventh inning when they sing “Sweet Caroline!” Oh, the nostalgia!
- Go shopping on Newbury Street! Does shopping need an explanation? All your favorite brands on one cute, quaint street.
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This Museum is incredible. Words cannot describe the expanse of this space. There is just too much to see in one day!
Take a Trip to the Cape
If you decide to rent a car while in Boston, take a trip to the Cape. Here are my favorite towns, resorts and beaches:
Chatham
This is the most adorable seaside town. In the summer, Hydrangeas are as big as basketballs! Lush green lawns meet the ocean, and every home is adorned with painted Cedar Shingle siding. Walk down Main Street for boutique shopping and delicious seafood. Check out Chatham Squires for a wicked lobster roll. Stay at Chatham Bars Inn for beachfront accommodations and high-end amenities.
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham
Picture high cliffs/dunes that lead down to a dark emerald ocean. I love this beach for its “local” feel. Park in the public parking and bring your own towels (and a cooler full of beverages). This is the spot to relax, read a book, and look for ocean wildlife.
Let’s Head to the West for My Next Favorite Summer Spot!
If you’re heading to Colorado this summer for your family vacation, then add this to your stop!
Glamping at Piney River Ranch
This secluded piece of Heaven is located 12 miles from Vail (disclaimer: takes 45 minutes by car because it is a back-country gravel road). It is open June 21 to late September. Stay in a cozy, lakefront cabin, with bunk beds and a full bed. This option is perfect for families. Or stay in a “glamp” tent, with a queen bed and two twin beds.
There are no kitchen, bathroom, or shower amenities in any of these accommodations. It is simply a finer way to camp. There are shared bathrooms and a wood-burning stove/grill/fire pit. However, arrive early and have the best-smoked BBQ at the local restaurant on site. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I like to arrive early morning, and take my kids hiking or canoeing, then eat late lunch at the restaurant. Then, I check into my cabin or tent and have snacks and s’mores throughout the evening as we enjoy the beautiful sunset and great outdoors.No cell service here. Witness an incredible sunset, followed by the most spectacular star display deep into the night.
The Ranch also offers daily horseback trail rides. Experience the backcountry views no better way! Visit www.pineyriverranch.com to book your glamping stay!
Other Colorado adventures to add to this:
- Visit Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park.
- Stay in Breckenridge for activities such as the Alpine Slide and Gold Runner Coaster.
- Day trip to Bond, Colorado for rafting at Rancho Del Rio. Rent a single or double ducky raft and enjoy class 1 and 2 rapids. This is easy rafting for 7 years old and up.