Welcome summer! As New Englanders, we know these few short months of good weather will be gone as quickly as they came and it is important to get outside and enjoy it while you can. There’s nothing better than spending these warm days with family and friends, enjoying a host of activities Massachusetts and our neighboring states have to offer. I recently took part in the New England Walk for Burn Awareness at Castle Island. I took my 6 yearold grandson with me and we had a wonderful time. It was an easy two mile walk around the castle with beautiful views of the water and the city skyline. With all the work that has been done recently to clean up Boston Harbor, the Castle Island beaches are the perfect place to enjoy a beach day without having to travel very far. After our walk, we stopped at Sullivan’s, the long standing “snack bar†on the island, where we enjoyed a lobster roll and some French fries. It was a lovely day trip that was also easily accessible.
Another favorite escape of mine is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. With over 100 miles of trails, there is something for everyone to experience. One of my favorite hikes is the hike to Zealand Falls. The Zealand Trail is rated as an easy to moderate hike, and after a quick 2.5 miles, you arrive at the majestic falls. The trail is smooth and flat, lending itself to hikers of all ages. In fact, I was able to take my then 5 and 3 year-old grandsons on this trail last summer and they enjoyed every minute of the walk. The White Mountains are less than a two hour drive from the Boston metro area, and once you arrive you feel like you’ve been transported to a different world. With all the trees, streams, and lakes, the trails in the White Mountains offers a cool relief from the heat of the city.
But one of the best destinations in my opinion is right here in our own backyards, the beautiful Minuteman National Park. We all know the park, most noted for housing the Lexington Green, but don’t forget the multitude of other attractions there. Take advantage of The Battle Road Trail, a five mile biking and walking trail that runs throughout the park. A trip to the North Bridge where you can hear about the opening battle of the American Revolution and experience first-hand accounts of the battlefield is also not to be missed. Having gone back to Minuteman National Park a handful of times, I realize it’s a place I never tire of. I encourage you and your families to set aside time this summer to enjoy these, and the many other
attractions our state and its neighbors have to offer. For a full list of activities in Massachusetts visit www.massvacation.com. And while organizing and going on group outings is a wonderful way to spend your summer vacation, don’t overlook the simple joys of relaxing at
your home, reading a great book, and taking in these warm days with friends and family. Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a wonderful summer.
Senator Donnelly represents the Fourth Middlesex District in the Massachusetts State Senate. He currently serves as Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. If you would like to contact Senator Donnelly or his staff, they can be reached at their State House office by calling 617- 722-1432.
