As much as the thrill of adventure is finding new backyard road trips to keep exploring, sometimes I enjoy an old favorite. Whether it is destinations literally in my own backyard of Plymouth, Massachusetts, in my hometown of Norwich, Connecticut, or farther afield, these are some of the most visited backyard road trips that my family and I keep going back to. From nature preserves to museums, these ideas run the gamut from a quick jaunt to an all-day activity.
Plymouth
Two of my most visited backyard road trips in Plymouth involve food, well actually ice cream (which I believe is one of the four major food groups). The first is the iconic Bramhall’s Country Store. This place is just so cool. It is a country store located in the quaint Chiltonville section of Plymouth. Open seasonally, the walk-up window serves ice cream, tacos, and lobster rolls, pretty much all one needs for a balanced diet. They also sell seasonal produce, including corn, pumpkins, and other veggies. They even host beer gardens in the warmer months. It is open seasonally from late spring through the fall.
Another Plymouth favorite is Peaceful Meadows. Peaceful Meadows quite honestly makes some of the most excellent ice cream around. Although their farm is located in Whitman, another town on the South Shore, the Plymouth branch is my go-to. It is located inside Village Landing, a conglomeration of boutiques and restaurants on the waterfront. Some of my favorite flavors include Cappuccino Chunk, Black Raspberry Chip, and of course, their frappes. They are open year-round. Both Bramhall’s and Peaceful Meadows are destinations we always bring out-of-towners to.
South Shore
One of the most visited backyard road trips on the South Shore outside of Plymouth that my family enjoys is an adventure at Willow Brook Farm in Pembroke. A property managed by the Wildlands Trust, this is a perfect hike for little legs. The preserve consists of two loop hikes that both have their own merits. One has a larger number of boardwalks to explore while the other’s highlight is the climbable fire tower. An added bonus is the little library. It’s pretty magical to give and receive a book while hiking in the woods. Venture here any time of the year. We typically go a few times a year.
Norwich, CT
When I go back home to Norwich, there is so much that I like to do. One destination that is an absolute must is the Lowthorpe Meadows and the Old Burying Ground in Norwichtown. Sure, it’s right across the street from where I grew up, but it has so much opportunity for exploration. As a child, I’d get lost in here for hours just like my kiddos do today. The grounds of the Samuel Huntington Estate include cool features such as marble lions and bridges over streams. The meadow has trails crisscrossing through it and the burial ground is a tangible walk through Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. Journey here any time in any season, as I go at least once every few months.
Stowe, Vermont
As much as we like to adventure to novel destinations, certainly one of the most visited backyard road trips is to Stowe, Vermont. Fun fact, the rec path was actually the first backyard road trip on this website! The rec path is the coolest trail of this kind around. Spanning the west branch of the Little River, wooden bridges cross back and forth over this freshwater stream. Situated at the base of the mountains, another great feature for kids is that the path is flat and paved. It is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. My suggestion for the best time to visit would be late spring through late fall.
A dinner destination for the whole family in Stowe has to be the Von Trapp Bierhall. Feast on a bit of the old country with pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel galore while sipping on this brewery’s famous lagers. The food is authentic, the views are stunning, and the vibe is jovial (and no one cares too much if one of the kids decides to be loud). Dine outside or in, either way, it’s a treat. This is owned by the Trapp Family, of The Sound of Music fame who also operate their namesake lodge just down the road. Visit year-round. We visit Stowe on average two or three times a year.
White Mountains
As much as I’m a Green Mountains guy, the White Mountains have as strong an allure. Although scaling the Whites is out of the question with my little guys, outdoor activities are still in the cards. One of my favorite easy walks is the Willey House, which is located in Crawford Notch. Driving on Route 302 through these mountains is worth the price of admission alone. Here was the site of the Willey family home, which tragically was crushed under an avalanche many years ago. Today the park is an easy walk along the banks of a crystal clear pond with rising mountains all around. Another favorite is the Basin located in Franconia Notch State Park. The rushing water of the Pemigewasset River cascades over rocks, creating dramatic views on a hike that is perfect even for a child. These treks are better in warmer weather.
Hungry after hiking? Check out Schilling Beer Company located in the industrial Littleton, New Hampshire. Schilling makes excellent beer, like Von Trapp, and specializes in lagers (although their sister brand, Resilience, has the ales covered). Their brewery area is sprawling with a restaurant, tap room, and outdoor dining, all in the same complex which looks over the Ammonoosuc River. Try a salad, a pizza, and a flight of beer. Afterward, take a walk over the adjoining covered bridge for a true New England experience. Visit anytime! The White Mountains trip has become an annual adventure.
Philadelphia
The furthest destination in our most visited backyard road trips has become a new favorite, and it’s Philadelphia! Unlike the trips to the country to northern New England, Philly is certainly the opposite. Unlike New York though, (and even Boston for that matter) the City of Brotherly Love is relatively easy to drive in and out of. It’s become my son Danny’s number one most visited backyard road trip. Among his favorites is the Franklin Institute, the city’s science museum. Located in a stately building, exhibits here include a journey through a gigantic model human heart, a planetarium, and a sports exhibit. This is a fun year-round destination.
Another Philly-area must for kids is Sesame Place. This is a fun amusement park that is aimed at younger visitors with its Muppet-based characters. The rides though are still fun for older kids as well. They range from kiddie rides to roller coasters to water rides. It is located in Langhorne, about 45 minutes north of downtown Philly. Try this in the warmer weather for the water rides.
While you’re in Philadelphia, you MUST grab at least one meal at the Reading Terminal Market. My choice for you: Miller’s Twist soft pretzels. Sure this city is a foodie town known for its cheese steaks and hoagies but for me, it’s the pretzels. Grab a bunch and freeze what you don’t eat fresh. Warm ‘em in the oven and bring back that Philly magic a few weeks later, they’re almost as good. We try to get to Philly for this backyard road trip annually.
Most Visited Backyard Road Trips
If you’d like to visit the whole Backyard Road Trips collection, make sure to check out the index, which categorizes the adventures by state and/or topic. What’s your favorite Backyard Road Trip? Leave a comment!
