Road Trip Close to Home with News12 - June!
Road Trip Close to Home: Your Adventure Guide
This week’s Road Trip Close to Home invites you to explore unique destinations just a short drive away. Whether you're seeking spring blooms, hands-on creativity, or a dose of nostalgia, this roundup offers something for everyone.
Planting Fields Arboretum – Oyster Bay, NY
Celebrate the season at this beautifully preserved 400-acre estate filled with vibrant gardens, walking trails, and historic architecture. The Main and Camellia Greenhouses are open for self-guided exploration, while guided tours of Coe Hall offer a glimpse into early 20th-century estate living.
Location: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY
Hours: Greenhouses open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Wednesday–Monday); Coe Hall guided tours available 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday–Sunday
Flavor Labs – Norwood, NJ
A fun and interactive kitchen experience where food lovers of all ages can get creative. Flavor Labs offers cooking classes and workshops that turn everyday meals into memorable experiences, with plenty of opportunities to learn new skills in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
Location: 514 Livingston Street, Norwood, NJ
Mini Retro Revival Museum – Bridgeport, CT
Dive into a wave of nostalgia at this museum dedicated to all things retro. From VHS tapes and classic toys to vintage pop culture, this quirky spot offers a fun trip down memory lane for visitors of all ages.
Location: 305 Knowlton Street, Bridgeport, CT
MiniTown Café & Play – Fairfield, CT
Designed for young kids and their caregivers, MiniTown is a creative indoor play space modeled after a miniature town. With a cozy café attached, it’s a great stop for imaginative play and a relaxing coffee break.
Location: 500 Kings Highway East, Fairfield, CT
Hours: Monday–Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Jomart Chocolates – Brooklyn, NY
For sweet tooths, this family-owned chocolate shop is a must-visit. Offering handmade chocolates and nostalgic treats since 1946, Jomart is known for its quality confections and old-school charm.
Location: 2917 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY
More to Explore:
Celtic Valley Carriage & Farm – Middletown, NY
Absolute Adele at Broad Brook Opera House
Rooftop at Pier 17 Concert Series – NYC
9/11 Memorial & Museum – NYC
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” at Marquis Theatre – NYC
Kites for Kids – Local park events
Whether you're planning a full day out or just a quick weekend escape, these destinations make it easy to explore, relax, and recharge—without going far from home.
