We'll be in the Boston area for a family event the weekend of April 9-10 and don't feel like sightseeing in Boston. Any ideas if we extend our stay a day (or two or three)? We like to photograph picturesque towns and nature and enjoy moderate hikes.

How would Cape Cod be at that time of year?

Try driving south along route 3A. There will be several nice towns to visit. Cohasset, Hingham, Scituate, Marshfield. Cohasset has the old "Square" white churches etc, very New England. Route 3a is the old "Cape Route." it will take you right to the Canal. A nice brisk walk on the canal will get the blood flowing. Then head over the bridge and continue down 6a on the Cape. There will be a nice Italian restaurant on your right "Amare's." Excellent food and atmosphere!

Well it should be OK for hiking with jackets unless the tons of snow we have right now has not melted yet.

Take Thoid’s suggestion and drive along route 6A, This will take you through several village centers where you can take pictures of many sea-captain homes and other historical buildings.

Follow any of the signs for bayside beaches and trails that you can walk.
Route 6A is also full of bookstores, giftshops, inns, restaurants and sights all the way to Orleans.

Thanks for the ideas. If we didn't go toward Cape Cod, do you have any other suggestions? We'll be staying in Waltham.

You could go to Lexington/Concord. Very beautiful and of course historic. It's the weekend before Patriot's Day weekend so they may be practicing for the battle reenactment. Lowell is interesting. You could take a canal tour and photograph the old mills. The weather will be iffy. We had a Red Sox game canceled on us one year due to snow on April 16th. Also spent one Easter at the beach because it was so warm and beautiful. Have fun!

Lorraine, I agree with Shaz. Concord and Lexington are a must - and you are so near staying in Waltham. Salem and Marblehead are also very interesting - not that far on the North Shore following Route 128.

Enjoy your stay in Boston!