A scrapbooked photo collage titled 'Northeast Journeys & Long Weekends' featuring five polaroids: a calm New England lake, Niagara Falls in New York, a quaint historical scene at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, a small teardrop camping trailer in the woods, and the Boston skyline over the water, decorated with autumn leaves and travel doodles

Make The Most Of Summer: There is plenty left!

Yeah, yeah, I know! In my last post, I was complaining about the heat, the bugs, the humidity, and all that jazz.

I still don’t like any of those things, and I am more than ready for fall to arrive. But I’ve never been one to wish my life away, and I’m always telling everyone else not to do it either!

So, let’s talk about the rest of summer, that sweet overlap where summer blends into fall, and how we can make the absolute best of it.

My youngest is starting college the end of August and living at home. She will have three-day weekends. With Labor Day and Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day weekends at four days! We are planning some really nice semi-local trips. Using either hotels or the camper depending on the place.

Some Things On Our 2026 Trip List

Boston, MA

Rich history, dynamic art, incredible food, and timeless old-world charm – Boston truly has it all. No matter what brings you to the city, you’ll never run out of things to see and do.

Check out Boston’s official site HERE

The Boston skyline at dusk.

Cape Ann, MA

From Gloucester’s working harbor and Rockport’s iconic art scene to Essex’s legendary fried clams and Manchester-by-the-Sea’s pristine shores – Cape Ann captures the very best of coastal New England.

Take a look HERE

A collage of images of Cape Ann, MA

Old Sturbridge Village, MA

Welcome to 1830. Old Sturbridge Village isn’t just a museum; it’s a meticulously preserved, 200-acre time capsule that transports you to a rural New England town in the early 19th century. From the moments you hear the rhythm of the blacksmith’s hammer to the moment you smell the woodsmoke from the hearth, every detail has been curated to tell the story of early American life.

Explore more than 40 original antique buildings—including the iconic Meetinghouse, the busy Gristmill, and the welcoming Asa Knight country store—all set against a rolling, wooded landscape. More importantly, meet the people who live here. The Village’s costumed historians don’t “act”—they live. They are artisans, farmers, and community members who will show you exactly how wool was spun, how barrels were cooped, and how a community thrived. It is a peaceful, inspiring, and truly immersive journey into our shared past. Old Sturbridge Village is especially nice in the Fall.

Find out more HERE

A lady wearing 1830's clothing sweeping her sidewalk in the village

Niagara Falls, NY

The Niagara region—straddling the border between New York and Ontario, Canada—is a dramatic mix of natural wonder, industrial history, and vibrant city culture.

At the heart of the area sits Niagara Falls, where over six million cubic feet of water thunder over the crest line every minute during peak hours. The landmark is split into three distinct waterfalls: the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side, and the massive Horseshoe Falls, which curves across the international border.

The U.S. Side: Niagara Falls, NY & Buffalo

On the American side, Niagara Falls, New York offers an up-close, nature-first experience. Niagara Falls State Park—the oldest state park in the U.S.—allows visitors to walk right alongside the rushing rapids. Attractions like the Cave of the Winds put you directly at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls on the Hurricane Deck, while Goat Island provides peaceful walking paths and panoramic views.

Just 17 miles south lies Buffalo, New York, the region’s cultural and economic anchor. Known for its architectural heritage (including Frank Lloyd Wright landmarks), a booming waterfront at Canalside, a passionate sports fanbase, and its iconic Buffalo wings, the city balances Rust Belt industrial grit with a lively modern revival.

The Canadian Side: Ontario

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge brings you into Niagara Falls, Ontario, which offers the premier direct head-on view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. The Canadian side is bustling with energy, featuring the colorful entertainment strip of Clifton Hill, high-rise hotels overlooking the gorge, and two major casinos.

Just a short drive north along the scenic Niagara Parkway sits Niagara-on-the-Lake, a quiet 19th-century town nestled in the heart of Ontario’s wine country, world-famous for its ice wine, boutique shops, and theater festival.

Together, the cross-border region blends the roaring power of the Great Lakes with rich history, making it one of the most dynamic regions in eastern North America.

Learn more HERE

The rushing waters of Niagara Falls.

These are just a few of the places we would like to go. Let me know how you are filling the rest of your summer and what you are doing to celebrate Fall!


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