Your child’s first assignment of the new school year is to write an essay on what he or she did this summer. So what material does he or she have to draw on? Where have you ventured to this summer? Did you do Disney? Camp in Colorado? Or stroll along the Riverwalk in San Antonio? Or, were you a victim of high gas prices and skyrocketing airfares and stuck close to home this season?
A family vacation doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan accordingly. To save money take the short drive to visit some of the more popular regional tourist spots in your neck of the woods. Not only will it alleviate summer boredom, but you’ll also help your kids make memories they can share in that back-to-school essay.
If you live in Boston consider taking the 2-hour drive to Cape Cod. You can spend the day exploring the sand dunes, bike along the seashore, enjoy a clambake at the beach, and still be home to let the dog out before bed. Don’t forget to visit the local ice cream shops and the legendary seafood shacks that serve up some of the best fried clam rolls in the world.
If you are more interested in filling your stomach than your gas tank then head to the Big D. The southern city is chock full of restaurants that feature everything from ribs and brisket to tamales and tacos… and the best part is that they are within walking distance of each other so you can park your car and stroll from eatery to delicious eatery. If you go don’t miss local favorites such as barbecued oysters and duck tamales. Head to Sonny Bryan’s, a local smokehouse that has been featured on TV’s Food Network, for a Texas-sized portion of brisket and sausages. For a taste of Tex-Mex mosey over to one of a dozen local restaurants and dig into massive enchiladas and mile-high meaty tostadas.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota
Sure, the area is known for housing one of the world’s largest malls, but who wants to be cooped up indoors when the weather is so nice outdoors (winter usually lasts seven months in these parts). The region boasts thousands of gorgeous lakes and green areas perfect for families looking to bond with each other in nature. You can hike, fish, kayak or canoe in the popular Kettle River. Don’t leave the area without touring the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a green space that winds through Minneapolis.
Related Articles: