One-Tank Getaways

By Sandra J. Marsian
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations, AAA Pioneer Valley
Special to PRIME

Don't let gas prices put your summer vacation on hold. As Massachusetts residents we are fortunate to be in the center of it all, with quick and easy access to wonderful "one tank" drive trip destinations, all making for exceptional vacation options for a long weekend or a week long getaway.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, a seaside village located a mere 80 miles away, possesses many local attractions including Mystic Seaport, an authentic 19th century seafaring village featuring maritime galleries, historic tall ships, a children's museum and much more. Nearby Mystic Aquarium houses many sea creatures to discover and new exhibits to explore. Adjacent to the aquarium property is Mistick Village, 60 quaint 19th century-style shops featuring a variety of items including Italian baked goods, Irish novelties, wine & cheese, toys, ice cream, lawn ornaments, and other unique offerings.
Just across the street you can also do some outlet shopping. Don't leave Mystic without crossing the drawbridge to downtown. Whether you are looking for great restaurants, homemade ice cream, unique boutiques, or wanting to absorb the surroundings of a quintessential New England seaman's town, downtown Mystic fits the bill.

And there's more
Mystic also makes a great home base for an extended vacation.
Explore the area wine trail and visit Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, CT. A lovely afternoon can be spent walking the grounds with a loaf of bread, some cheese and a bottle of their wine to savor at a picnic table nestled in the vineyard. Participate in a tour or a tasting.
You can also splash in the water and play in the sugar sand beach of Ocean State Park in New London, CT, offering a nature trail, an Olympic-size pool and a number of ways to quench your thirst and grab bite to eat along their 1/2 mile long boardwalk.
Many hotels in Mystic also offer shuttles to Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Resort Casino, (both just 20 minutes away), each providing a wide ranges of gaming excitement, entertainment, nightclubs, children's activities, spa services, great shopping and outstanding eateries.

Coastal Maine

Visiting Ogunquit, Kennebunkport and Portland
Ogunquit, Maine, once called "beautiful place by the sea" by the Abenaki Indians lies just 158 miles to the north, making it a wonderful home base when traveling the coastal route of Maine. Ogunquit is not only home to oceanfront accommodations, restaurants and shops, but is lined by The "Marginal Way". This mile-long footpath is a popular place for a stroll and leads to Perkins Cove, a working harbor dotted with jewelry stores, art galleries and restaurants. Located at Perkins Cove is Barnacle Billy's Dock where you can sail aboard a number of affordable scenic and theme cruises including lobstering, whale-watching and lighthouse cruises. Ogunquit Playhouse's summer theater offers various plays and musicals throughout the summer. Make time for a delicious breakfast at Amore Breakfast and choose from favorites like Lobster Benedict or Black or Blue French Toast (made from homemade lemon bread stuffed with cream cheese, with either whole blackberry or blueberry topping). Indulge in a delicious martini by the outdoor fire pit or savor dinner and the live music inside at the BeachFire Bar & Grille.
And, you can easily convert your long weekend into a week-long adventure. Antique stores abound as you take a jaunt down U. S. Route 1 on your way to Kennebunkport, Maine, located just eleven miles away. Established in 1622, Kennebunkport is home to numerous seaside estates along Ocean Avenue, from which you can see the famous "Bush Compound" located on Walker's Point peninsula. Rich with tradition and history, landscaped with rolling hills and its close proximity to Goose Rock's Beach makes this a nice place to stop on your coastal adventure.
Portland, Maine is 38 miles from Ogunquit and is a vibrant metropolitan area that juts out into Casco Bay. While in Maine, decide to put the car in park and use your own steam to kayak, bicycle, watch the sailboats in Portland Harbor or enjoy a gallery or sunset cruise on the bay. Culinary tours, brewery tours and history tours are all available making your time spent here amply filled.

Lake George & Saratoga, New York

A trip of 140 miles from Western Mass will take you to the village of Lake George, located at the southern end of the 32-mile long lake. A total of 365 islands surround the lake, 92 of which have been developed for camping. The Lake is the center of entertainment sporting steamboat, speedboat and cruise boat rides, parasailing, public beaches and horse-drawn carriages. Relax with a good book on Million Dollar Beach, catch a movie at the drive-in movie theater, or take in a different perspective of the lake from the overlooking crest at Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. Kick it up a notch with a day at Six Flags Great Escape amusement park.
Add Saratoga, New York, to your trip with a journey of just 32 miles. Don't miss live thoroughbred racing at the famed Saratoga Race Course.

For more ideas
Looking for other great ideas for summer drive trips? Visit www.AAA.com/drivetips for suggested destinations, equipped with descriptions and directions in one convenient place!