We are visting some friends in Milford, MA for 8 days over the 4th of July. I have searched the web, but can't decide what is the best to see and do? Our friends just moved there, so they don't have a clue either. What states are a must? What towns? What restaurants? We will have a 8 month old with us also. It all looks so beautiful on the web, especially being from NM, I can't seem to decide.

Is this a troll, or are you being vague on purpose?

Milford is indeed pretty, but it's in the middle of noplace; I've lived in MA all my life and had to go to www.mapquest.com to figure out where it was. It's near highways that give you access to Boston, Worcester, and Rhode Island.

Everybody's idea of "musts" is different, as is everyone's idea of good restaurants -- do a search on these boards of things to do in MA and RI, and check the approximate distances on mapquest.com (but don't rely on them for detailed directions).

There is a private zoo in Mendon that your littel one might enjoy: http://www.southwickszoo.com/

Do NOT try to drive into Boston on July 4.

Wel, folks, here we have a nice litle demonstration of Americana -- Weezie, from Out West, is going to New England and wants to visit "states." Jen, who's a New England local, apparently thinks it's a big deal to go 30 miles.

This is a perfect illustration of the differences in regional perceptions about distance! Weezie probably would think nothing of trekking 100 miles. But Weezie has't seen the highways in MA!

Jim-Actually I am traveling 250 miles within my own state this weekend to go to a Bday party and stay one night. You're right, out here it is no big deal. By the way, what is bad about the highways in MA?

Jen-I was vague because I wanted a variety of ideas. Not just the same old touristy spots. We are open to great ideas. As for Milford, it has one BIG draw. A free place to stay.

Thanks for the info, I think?

I'm assuming Jen's "vague" comment was in reference to the title of the thread. It's always recommended to post a more specific title in order to attract attention from people who might have information for you.

Milford is about 28 miles southwest of Boston and it is very easy to get in/out of Boston from there by 495 to the MA Pike. (Once the 4th of July traffic has cleared out) or by taking the commuter rail (Franklin)

Milford also isn't too far from Providence RI where there is also the wonderful Roger Williams Zoo. The next town over is Hopkinton MA (where the Boston Marathon begins) and there ia a lovely state park there with picnic facilitles and a nice beach.

wow,it only took 5 replies for weezie to finally get a polite answer to his question.

Hey, I didn't think I was impolite! I really did think that Weezie's message was impossibly vague -- "what is best to see and do," "What states are a must? What towns? What restaurants?" Since Weezie seems to haev been referring to all of New England, it could hardly have been vaguer! I postd useful tips and even a link, hey!

Is vaguer a word, how about more vague. As long as we are being picky!

The general rule in English is to add "er" to short words and use "more" with long ones. Vaguer is indeed a real word, sorry you haven't heard of it, now quit picking on me please.

I lived in Franklin and worked in Milford for several years. There's plenty to see and do, even though you'll be in the sub-suburbs of Boston, which are likely beyond the realm of all the experts on this forum. Highly recommend "Massachusetts, An Explorer's Guide" and all the Boston tour guides available at your local bookstore. And,there are a zillion website chock full of tips and recommendations, should you wish to peruse them.

Mr. Webster must have missed that word for my dictionary - it "ain't" there.

Here jen-maybe this will help.
VAGUE:

1 a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms <vague accusation> b : not having a precise meaning <vague term of abuse>
2 a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : INDISTINCT <only a vague notion of what's needed>; also : SLIGHT <a vague hint of a thickening waistline> <hasn't the vaguest idea> b : not clearly felt or sensed : somewhat subconscious <a vague longing>
3 : not thinking or expressing one's thoughts clearly or precisely <vague about dates and places>
4 : lacking expression : VACANT
5 : not sharply outlined : HAZY
synonym see OBSCURE
- vague·ly adverb
- vague·ness noun
-more vague-not vaguer