There is nothing better than an Ocean State summer, jam-packed with things to do and places to eat, drink, and stay at nearly every exit. Of course, with looser schedules, it’s the perfect time for hitting the open road, but with gas prices outrageously high, keeping it within New England is a best bet for maximizing funds for fun!
Using the Rhode Island State House as your starting point, here are places worth filling the tank for, sure to be enjoyed by all ages.
Canobie Lake Park: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why travel to Hershey Park when Canobie Lake Park is close enough for a day trip? For thrill-seekers, there are myriad rides, and for those missing wooden coasters (remember Rocky Point and Lincoln Park, Fall River?), they’ve got the Yankee Cannonball (circa 1936). For antique carousel enthusiasts, there’s a 1902 Looff/Dentzel with a Wurlitzer-style organ, and for those who seek serenity while others ride the rides, enjoy a 20-minute scenic journey aboard the Blue Heron Lake Cruise. Tasty hand-held foods and treats like fried dough, lemonade, and ice cream complete the day. Canobie.com
Hilton Mystic: 50 minutes
At less than an hour away from most points in Rhode Island, it might seem unnecessary to book a room, but Hilton Mystic’s proximity to both Mystic Village and Mystic Aquarium across the street, scrumptious dining at onsite restaurant The IRONS, and ongoing activities (crafts, character meet-and-greets, concerts), deem it worthwhile. Overnight accommodations make it possible to take the kids to the “dive-in” movie at the indoor pool before bathtime, or enjoy sitting by the fire pits in the courtyard after finishing your iron cookie skillet chocolate chip cookie. Hilton.com
Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club: 1 hour, 40 minutes
When people think of Cape Cod, it’s often towns like Hyannis, Chatham, and Provincetown that come to mind, but Brewster is filled with charm, and the aptly named Ocean Edge puts you right there. Aside from many amenities and activities (wellness retreats like floating sound baths), the property offers easy access – and bike rentals – to traverse the Cape Cod Rail Trail: 25 paved miles through six towns. There are also kayak and SUP board rentals, golfing at a Nicklaus Design course, a spa, and onsite dining. Don’t miss The Beach Bar overlooking the Brewster Flats. Nearby, the main road is lined with independent shops like Brewster Bookstore, and art galleries. OceanEdge.com
Martha’s Vineyard is 125 square miles in total and has six towns: Aquinnah (formerly known as Gay Head), Chilmark, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, and Oak Bluffs. To get there, you’ll need to take a boat or plane. From Quonset, the Vineyard Fast Ferry takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. Other ferry options that depart from MA include Falmouth, Hyannis, New Bedford, and Woods Hole. Skip bringing the car and get a Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus pass instead. If you want to plan your visit around an event, be sure to visit MVY.com and book any recommended reservations in advance.
Poland Spring Resort: 3 hours
To comprehend the scope of Poland Spring Resort, imagine five Magic Kingdoms, but this is Maine so instead of a monorail and castle, there are views of the White Mountains. Across 500 lush acres, guests staying at one of the three inns or 12 private cottages can spend their days at the Donald Ross 18-hole championship golf course, hiking, playing pickleball, tennis, disc golf, or mini golf, or swimming in the outdoor pool. For quiet afternoons, wander the historic 1893 Maine State Building and the 1906 Poland Spring Bottling Museum, or browse the pro shop and gift shop. Dining options include a chef-made all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, meals at Mel’s Hilltop, and an ice cream shop. Watch for special events and concerts at the gazebo. PolandSpringResort.com
Hotel Vermont: 4 hours, 30 minutes
If you’re looking to experience the Green Mountain State, Hotel Vermont has assembled packages to help travelers do just that. The Vermont Parks Forever package hosts guests in one of three Vermont State Park-inspired rooms, and amenities include access to complimentary state park passes for each person on your reservation, and a locally made s’mores kit. This July, Hotel Vermont will host their second annual Cherry Street Social on July 9, a one-day celebration of all the small businesses on Cherry Street, culminating in a fun party on Hotel Vermont’s Brick Terrace with food and music. HotelVT.com
AAA: The auto association has an online gas calculator to help drivers plan fuel cost based on miles, MPG, and gallons needed. GasPrices.AAA.com
Gas Buddy: Along with a range of tools, this top-rated app helps users find the best gas prices quickly. GasBuddy.com
Visit New England: Since 1996, this family-run website has been a go-to for finding everything from lodgings to points-of-interest and more. Useful for turning pit stops into detour destinations.
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