Venture Out: Three Adventures Minutes Away from Reading

Revisit your younger days when you hopped in the car, started the engine and drove off in search of something fun. Here are three unique options for you, depending on how far you want to drive. Visit one, or visit all of them. How far will you go?

Salem—20 Minutes Away

Hop in the car and head to Salem. I'll disclose that I'm a former resident of this unique little city before I tell you it's a worthwhile place to visit on any given weekend.

The photos included above show one of the many that the city offers with no charge—just show up at the right place and the right time.

Other demonstrations I've stumbled upon live included a glee club performing pop songs and a man escaping from a straight jacket. Salem is not a destination that requires a plan. Just show up, wander, and enjoy.

Boston—30 Minutes Away (Including Parking)

The map will tell you that Boston is just a short jaunt away, but the logistics of finding a place to put your car tends to lengthen the process of beginning your visit.

While Boston also makes an excellent wandering city, you can't possibly hope to see alll of it in a single day. So, you should have a plan.

For an easy, interesting visit, take a look at the in Beacon Hill.

Portsmouth, N.H.—60 Minutes Away

During the summer, you need little incentive to go to a beach town, but Portsmouth offers more than that. Go early in the day, take in the surf and soak up the rays, but stay into the vening to enjoy the city's .

Of course, every beach town has its boardwalk, and Portsmouth has a that could be worth your time.