At only 35 minutes from our wedding venue, Boston, Massachusetts hosts popular activities like walking the Freedom Trail, taking a duck boat tour of the harbor, listening to a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert, or trying Boston cuisine.

About a 35 minute drive from the wedding venue, Hampton beach is a popular ocean beach destination during the summers. Visitors enjoy walking the sandy coastline, trying New England seafood and wading in the ocean. Summer crowds can make it difficult to find parking, but you can reserve parking at the website above in advance of your visit. North Carolinians, beware, because even though the ocean water will be at its warmest in August (water temps in the upper 60’s), it will still be cold according to most NC standards. ;)

Observe the beautiful rocky coast of Maine and the spot where John and Heather started dating in February of 2024! At an hour northeast of the wedding venue, Ogunquit is well worth the drive. Just watch out for peak season crowds!

At 2 hours from the wedding destination, the New Hampshire White Mountains enrich the soul by exhibiting God's glory. The Kancamagus highway provides a free excursion with many scenic pull-offs and hiking spots. Other area tourist destinations include the Franconia Notch, Clark’s Trading Post, Loon Mountain and the Granite State Railway to take a scenic train ride through the mountains.

New England poet Robert Frost’s home is located in Derry NH, the town where Heather currently lives. His home, now a state historic site, is open for guided tours and self-guided roaming to read some of Frost's poems and observe the beautiful New England scenery.

Whale watching north of Boston is a neat way to see more of the New England coastline and ocean wildlife. In fact, the Cape Ann Whale Watch guarantees a sighting on their trips! Tours are about 3-4 hours and are available in the mornings and afternoon. See the website for pricing and more information!

Adoniram Judson, an 1800s missionary to Burma, and many other missionaries started their journey praying around this rock at the old Andover Theological Seminary. Judson and his colleagues dedicated their lives to further the gospel to lands where Jesus has not yet been proclaimed. The rock, nestled near a small pond at Philip's Academy in Andover, MA, sports a memorial to the men who lived and died for Christ's sake. Use the website link for best directions to Missionary Rock.

We visited the rock on John’s first visit to Heather in February, 2023.

George Whitefield, one of the Great Awakening's most influential preachers, led many to accept Christ as their savior, changing America's spiritual landscape. His primary church, located in Newburyport, MA, is a monument to Christ's work in the 1700s. Newburyport, a beautiful coastal city in northern MA, holds a special place in Heather's heart as she entered the world less than a mile from Whitefield's church. Her childhood memories include seeing Whitefield's pulpit, reading his letters, and paging through his Bible. Tours are made by appointment only at least one week in advance.

One of New England’s favorite amusement parks, Canobie Lake Park is located less than 15 minutes from the wedding venue! Upon visiting, you can enjoy New England themed rides such as the Boston Tea Party and Yankee Cannonball, as well as many other rides and food options. Visitors should be prepared to get wet at the park, though, since there are many water rides, so it is recommend to wear water-resistant clothes that dry quickly.