Curator’s statement
We homeschooled our kids and love to be intentional with travel. This trip was a great way to introduce them to the Northeast. Traveling outside the US is amazing, but it also really helps to experience various areas within the US to have a well-rounded education. This trip included scenic coastal views, numerous historical sites, government buildings, and the ever-famous Big Apple.
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We flew into the lovely waterfront town of Portland, Maine. It’s a great place to stroll the cobblestone streets, grab (or share!) a lobster roll, eat fresh seafood, and take a ferry over to Peaks Island where there are golf carts and bicycles for exploring the area. From here, we drove to Kennebunkport to find Goat Island Lighthouse and stay at the Kennebunkport Inn. The next day was full with a drive into Boston. We arranged a guided tour of the Freedom Trail, then were off to find the Boston Library, Boston Commons, and the Make Way for Duckling statues in the Public Garden.
Portland, Maine
Boston Public Library
The next day was a full “school day” exploring the Plymouth Plantation with a guided tour and Plymouth Rock, before ending it with ice cream on the beach in Cape Cod. What a way to end a day of learning! Early the next morning, we headed to New York City, but not without stopping by the courthouses in Rhode Island and Connecticut. They’re free to visit and provide a window into our government while seeing these historical, working buildings and all the buzz that takes place inside.
Cape Cod
After all of the scenic and historical sights, it was time to take on NYC! One of my favorite ways to see a big city in a short time and on a budget: the giant hop-on hop-off buses. We went all over the city, and obviously stopped for pizza, bagels, and treats along the way! Even though we are not "big city people," having an understanding of Wall Street and Times Square is important. My personal favorite in NYC is the Staten Island Ferry. It’s free! You also get great views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before flying back home. This type of educational travel really helps kids have a bigger picture for the world around them, and the family memories are priceless!
Staten Island Ferry
Need to know
Side note: If you are a homeschool family, don’t forget to ask for school discounts for tours and museums. You would be surprised how many times we have gotten very good deals or free entry just for asking. Don’t forget your homeschool card! You better believe we counted all of these as school days. What better way to learn than up close and personal? I love planning trips that incorporate education and fun for families!
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Kristel Finns
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