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GETTING THERE :
Sure , you could drive to Boston , but copious amounts of tolls from Baltimore northward — not to mention soaring gas prices — make it an unappealing option . Non-stop flights can be found for a reasonable price from all three D . C-area airports , along with Richmond and Norfolk .
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COURSES |
established in 1895 . You might not have more fun than a couple loops around Chatham .
And if you find yourself on Martha ’ s Vineyard , make some time to see Farm Neck Golf Club . Designed by Geoffrey Cornish , Bill Robinson and Patrick Mulligan , the course was carved into a beautiful peninsula of farmland on the eastern edge of the Island abutting Vineyard Sound . But if you ’ re looking for a course famous for a fun and easy-going vibe look no further than Royal & Ancient Chappaquiddick Links — aka Royal Chappy . It ’ s like playing golf in your backyard , if your backyard was an island in the Atlantic Ocean .
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New Hampshire / Maine
If you ’ re willing to venture even further north to escape the sweltering summer season , there are even more great courses in New Hampshire and Maine .
To get the full Granite State experience , seek out Breakfast Hill Golf Club . Another Brian Silva original , this course is on the shorter side but full of charm and a bit of quirk . With plenty of natural granite rock outcroppings there ’ s a chance your golf ball might bounce off into an interesting direction
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. One such hole is a semi-blind par 3 17th hole with a huge outcropping 40 yards in front of the green .
Maybe the best kept secret in New England is Cape Arundel Golf Club . If you can manage to find one of the public tee times it is like stepping back in time to play a course with some of the best green complexes anywhere . Originally a 9-holer designed by Alexander Findlay in 1900 , the club brought in Walter Travis to expand the course from 9 to 18 holes — truly a feat considering the property is less than 90 acres . While the course is very short by modern standards ( 5,900 yards ), there ’ s something to say about not worrying about hitting long irons or hybrids into par 4s all day .
Wherever you decide to venture in New England , there are plenty of cool courses to play while staying cooler . And don ’ t forget the lobster rolls !
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FUN DIVERSIONS IN …
Boston :
History buffs will love The Freedom Trail , a 2.5-mile walk that connects 16 nationally significant historic sites , including Boston Common , the Massachusetts State House , Old South Meeting Site , Boston Massacre Site , and more . thefreedomtrail . org
Cape Cod / Martha ’ s Vineyard :
Nature lover ? Visit the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge on Chappaquiddick Island . Explore a magnificent barrier beach with a sandy shoreline , expansive salt marsh , beautiful salt pond , and unique colony of hardy red cedars . thetrustees . org / place / capepoge-wildlife-refuge
New Hampshire / Maine :
Acadia National Park should be on everyone ’ s bucket list , but it ’ s a good three hours north and east of Portland , which is already two hours from Boston as it is . Sticking closer to town ? An afternoon of shopping , sightseeing and dining in Portland ’ s Old Port is worth your time . Check out cobblestone streets , red-bricked buildings , charming boutiques , trendy restaurants and fishing piers — and of course — don ’ t forget to indulge in a fresh lobster roll . visitportland . com
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