by Pat Fox

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 09, 2008

Boston has so much to offer that it is hard to think of leaving, but everyone needs a change of scenery once in a while. So whether you are a Boston resident or just visiting, here are 5 weekend getaways that will round out your New England experience and are less than a tank of gas away.

First, if it's summer, leave your car behind and take one of the fast ferries from downtown Boston to MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown. It's a short 90 minute ride that will take you to one of the most interesting artists' communities in the United States, right at the tip of Cape Cod.

Provincetown was the first landing place for the Pilgrims so there is lots of history including a pirate museum with relics from a real pirate ship and a town museum at the base of the Pilgrim Monument. Take a short hike to the top of this monument for a beautiful view of the water and the outer cape.

In addition to soaking up some history, enjoy the wonderful restaurants, the eclectic shopping and the art galleries, and spend some time sitting in front of town hall watching the people. Between the street performers and the drag queens, there is always something entertaining in sight. If you can spend the weekend, don't miss a sunset at Herring Cove Beach. Once you experience the light of a sunset you will understand why this town
attracts so many artists.

For your next weekend getaway, head south to Newport Rhode Island. In Newport you can stay in a hotel right on the harbor and enjoy the view of all of the spectacular sailboats, including some of the 12 meters that have raced in the America's Cup. Everything you want to see will be a short walk or drive from your hotel. Newport has magnificent mansions that you can tour while you dream of a different way of life. Plan to park your car and walk along
the Cliff Walk to view the beautiful Rhode Island coast.

There are plenty of small, fun restaurants with great food and live entertainment right in town. There are also several wineries a short ride away. Stop in the visitors' center for help with information and to buy tickets to the mansions.

Martha's Vineyard is another destination to put on your short list. Drive from Boston to either Woods Hole or Hyannis and take a short ferry ride over to the island. You will either land in Vineyard Haven, a town of interesting shops a short walk from the dock or you will land in Oak Bluffs which is a slightly larger town. In Oak Bluffs don't miss the oldest carousel still in operation in the United States and plan

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