Five Andover Staycation Ideas for Labor Day Weekend

It's Labor Day weekend. That last long weekend of summer. Many people are taking trips up to the mountains or to the beach. But what if you're staying home? Local 'staycations' can be just as fun.

Here are five suggestions for staycations in Andover. Feel free to add your own in the comments.

1. You can bring the family on a trip back in time, to the roots of their town's history, for free, thanks to the Andover Historical Society. This Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., you can also purchase your own fresh and locally-produced food

2. This 3,500-acre forest -- which crosses over  Andover, North Andover, North Reading and Middleton -- offers hiking trails, rolling hills, several ponds, bike trails and countless breathtaking views.

3. Both a religious festival and a celebration of Italian culture with food, entertainment and games, the Feast draws more than 100,000 people from across New England and takes place on Common and Union Streets in Lawrence, MA starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. Free admission and parking. For more information and a full schedule of events go to:
www.threesaintsinc.org.

4. This local gem offers breathtaking scenery and connection with nature and local history. Families go there to picnic, to check out the pretty flowers and lily ponds, and to walk the grounds and admire the landscaping. And it's free and open to the public.

5. Spa Day: You've made it through another summer with the kids. They're going back to school and you could use a nice rejuvenating reward. Why not treat yourself to a day at a spa? Check out our Patch Directory for local spas and get yourself to the massage table this weekend.

Whatever you and your family are doing this Labor Day weekend, have fun!