Summer's Last Hurrahs: Don't Miss Out! 🌞

Focus on All Things New England! [New England Focus Logo]( The Last Hurrahs of Summer Sponsored by: [MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau]( [A woman and a dog on a paddle board] Hopkinton State Park Courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau As we start thinking about backpacks and school buses, Zoom meetings and commuting, as we give a sigh and leave lazy hot days behind us, make time for a last hurrah, grabbing summer by both hands and wringing the last little bit of joy from it before heading into fall. Here are a few not-to-be-missed end-of-summer trips that make for an easy getaway this August. We culled the best from MetroWest Massachusetts; these are all just 30 minutes from Boston or Worcester, and a short drive from Providence, Hartford, Portland, and more. Get ready to make unforgettable memories! [People watching a one act play] Hopkinton Center for the Arts Courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Trip #1: A Lake, A Play, and A Monkey Spend the day at [Hopkinton State Park](, whose 1,500 wooded acres are crisscrossed by hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails that surround a beautiful lake great for swimming from the beach, fishing, or taking out a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or sailboat from their Boat House. They even have beach wheelchairs available, and picnic areas for groups large and small. Whether you have Fido in tow, a little one in a stroller, or a gang of your bros, there is plenty to do in this stunning park. Once you’ve worn yourself out with a fun day in the sun, head over to [Hopkinton Center for the Arts](, who have a series of fantastic concerts and special events throughout August and September. There for Aug 24-25? Be sure to go to the annual, much-anticipated “[A Play, A Pint, and A Pie](” where they showcase 9 winners of their international one-act-play contest; admission gets you not only the performance, but (you guessed it!) a pint of craft beer or soda, and a meat or vegetarian hand pie for your dinner. Performed in their outdoor amphitheater (or indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate), it’s a great way to say au revoir to summer. [A Spider Monkey looking into the camera] Southwick's Zoo Courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau After a relaxing night at the [Warren Conference Center & Inn](—which is set on a lake and has fire pits where you can roast your own marshmallows—grab breakfast at [The Spoon](, a charming diner with a pretty patio that gets rave reviews for their Eggs Benedict, plus high marks for their gluten-free options. Once full and happy, make the short drive to Mendon’s [Southwick’s Zoo](, the biggest zoo in New England, with over 850 animals in natural habitats. Check out the latest residents, their brand new [Spider Monkeys](. Enjoy bird shows and daily Keeper Talks about conservation and the zoo's animals. Take a pony or camel ride, wander through the aviary, or have special animal encounters where you can meet, touch, and feed giraffes, white rhinos, and two-toed sloths. Hop on a train ride through the North American Wetlands and Forest to spot elk, trumpeter swans, herons, turtles, and ducks. Walk through the 35-acre deer forest and feed the fallow deer. Challenge yourself in the Rainforest Adventure Maze, or learn about how the zoo cares for their animals at the EARTH Discovery Center. For thrill-seekers, there's the Soaring Eagle Zip Line and the Skyfari Sky Ride for awesome views. Don’t miss the new “Within the Wild” Carousel with a variety of carousel animals. Many rides and experiences support animal conservation, so you can feel good about your visit too. End your day at the Savanna Grille for their summer concert series, which also gives you evening access to the park. How’s that for a last hurrah? [Turn Whining into Winning in MetroWest Boston]( Relax with a fabulous drive vacation to celebrate the end of summer! With fun for active kids, creative families, competitive teens, and curious bambinos, explore hidden gems in MetroWest! Plan your adventure with our free Visitors Guide [Plan Your Visit]( SPONSORED [Woman dressed as Rosie the Riveter on a military tank] American Heritage Museum Courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Trip #2: Tanks to Trekkies to Honeybees Explore the [American Heritage Museum](, whose immersive exhibits and unique living history events feature fascinating stories from WWI to today. Built around an astounding collection of one-of-a-kind historic planes, tanks, and automobiles, this museum does a sensational job of bringing history to life. Start your tour in the depths of a WWI trench listening to a nurse’s first-hand account from the Western Front as bombs explode above you, then work your way through the rest of the exhibits with photos, film footage, historical accounts, and video interviews with veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and more. Visit Aug 17-18 for their fantastic [WWII Tank Demonstration Weekend]( to see some of the Museum’s tanks in action on their driving ground, including the M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, and M36 Jackson, plus the M26A1 Pershing Heavy Tank, the largest tank operated by the US during both WWII and the Korean War and one of only two in operational condition in the United States. Captivating historical narration will bring these machines to life, and a lucky few will be able to purchase tickets for tank rides and driving instruction in these historic tanks! Some WWII re-enactor camps with displays will also be set up. Once you’ve experienced all this amazing museum has to offer, head to nearby [Oak Barrel Tavern]( for their signature Bourbon Barbeque Burger, perhaps with a sampling of something from their huge whiskey and bourbon collection on the side. Spend an entertaining night at [The VERVE Hotel Boston Natick, Tapestry Collection by Hilton](, a truly unique property decorated in American pop culture paraphernalia and artwork from the 1960’s through ‘90’s. See album covers over the decades, sci-fi toys from Star Trek’s heyday, and celebrity hairstyles for the ages. On check in, request a tour from the front desk, and they will happily point out to you all the little idiosyncrasies of this fun and funky hotel (don’t miss the Barbie display in the lobby bathroom!). [Boston Honey Beeswax Candles] Boston Honey Company Courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau In the morning, visit Holliston, a little New England town just off the beaten path, with quaint charm and diverse attractions. Explore the downtown's boutiques and coffee shops, then grab your bike and hop on the [Upper Charles Rail Trail](, starting just south of downtown, and ride a few miles further south to [Boston Honey Company](. This family-owned honey farm has a lovely shop stocked full of locally-made products. Browse honey-based soaps, lotions, and other bath essentials. Watch them create beautiful beeswax candles and be sure to visit their honey bar to try different local honey flavors (you’ll be amazed at the variations between them!). Once you've explored their offerings, indulge in a cone from the ice cream stand for a sweet treat to complete your visit. [A view from inside GlenPharmer Distillery] GlenPharmer Distillery Courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Get in one last hurrah with a round of disc golf at Franklin’s [Dacey Field](, whose highly-rated 18-hole course runs past a babbling brook. Whether you’re a hard-core competitor or just in it for the laughs, disc golf is great fun no matter your age or experience level. When you’re done, cap off your trip with a meal and a tasting at [GlenPharmer Distillery,]( where their creative dining menu pairs with (and often uses!) the spirits they distill. Try “Bog” their vodka infused with local cranberries, “GlenQuila” which is—you guessed it—their own tequila barrel-rested for 12 months, or for those spicy personalities, maybe “Bhut” which is vodka infused with locally-grown ghost peppers. On Saturdays, you can even take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how they distill. And now, you can head into fall knowing you did summer justice. MetroWest Massachusetts offers a wealth of hidden treasures and exciting adventures. [Download their free visitors guide]( today to help plan your trip. 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