Unemployed and Need a Vacation? Here's 12 Free Day Trips in New England

From About.com with some edits and additions from Dan...

Unemployed or stressing about money, but still need to get away this Summer?  Plan a budget vacation or an affordable day trip with this guide to the 12 best free things to do in New England.  What are your personal suggestions for places folks could get away to?

1. The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail-a two-and-a-half-mile walking tour that connects 16 significant Boston landmarks-is not only one of Boston's must-see attractions,
it's a free journey into history. Simply follow the painted or bricked
red line, and you'll be immersed in the rich Revolutionary-era history
that is preserved within this modern city. Walking the Freedom Trail is
a fabulous free way to explore Boston, and interior access to the
trail's featured sites is also free with just three exceptions: the
Paul Revere House, the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House.

2. U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum and USS Nautilus

Peer
into a periscope, see a replica of the world's first submarine, watch
films about submarines of yesterday and today, pretend to take a
submarine's controls... and that's all before you venture aboard the
USS Nautilus for a free audio tour. Nautilus was the
first nuclear-powered submarine and the first vessel to travel 20,000
leagues under the sea, and it's now open free to the public year-round.
Located on the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut, just off Interstate
95, the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum
also exhibits a fascinating collection of submarine artifacts. There's
something for everyone, from Naval history enthusiasts to
five-year-olds (my daughter had a ball here), so plan a visit to this
often overlooked free attraction.

3. Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the Clydesdale Hamlet

The
Budweiser Clydesdales are the beverage industry's most recognizable
mascots, and you can meet these famous horses by visiting the Clydesdale Hamlet at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery
in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Whether or not you decide to take a free
brewery tour, you are welcome to visit the Clydesdales at their
picturesque stables on the property, which are open free to the public
year-round. But if you're 21 or over, you may find it hard to resist
taking the tour when I tell you that it concludes with free beer
samples.

4. Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel

If you own a dog or have ever loved a dog, put Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel
in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the top of your list of free things to do
in New England. Take your dog along if you can. Whether or not you make
your pup sit in a pew, his prayers will be answered when he discovers
the nature trails, swimming ponds and other delights of the 400 scenic
acres that surround the chapel on Dog Mountain. I adore this scenic
spot, with its lovingly crafted chapel and art gallery: Please don't
tell my cat.

5. Yankee Candle

The Yankee Candle flagship store
in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, is the Disney World of candles. You
can literally lose yourself for hours in its winding, cavernous
showrooms and among its tantalizing scents. Of course, the good folks
at Yankee Candle hope your visit will cost you something. Consider
yourself warned that it may be impossible to avoid purchasing a votive
or two at minimum: Yankee candles come in wonderful, scents and they
make ideal gifts. If you have tremendous willpower, however, you'll
find this retail complex a visually enthralling and very entertaining
free place to browse.

6. Yale University

Want to get into Yale free? It's entirely possible... as long as you don't need a degree! Yale University
in New Haven, Connecticut, is a remarkable cultural attraction that you
really should visit. Here's why: Not only can you take a free guided tour of this historic New England campus, you can view magnificent works of art and changing exhibits at the Yale Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art absolutely free and even attend one of the Yale School of Music's nearly 300 annual performances. Most concerts are... you guessed it... free!

7. The Cliff Walk

Here's a free attraction that's no secret. Strolling along the Cliff Walk
is the most popular thing to do in Newport, Rhode Island, a lovely and
historic city that welcomes about 3 million visitors annually. This
3.5-mile pathway by the sea is one of New England's most spectacular
walks. It affords views of both Newport's legendary mansions and the
restless and magnificent ocean they overlook.

8. Cathedral of the Pines

Cathedral of the Pines
is one of New England's most moving and spiritual places. Situated on a
secluded hilltop amidst spindly, fragrant pines with glorious Grand
Monadnock Mountain as its backdrop, this nondenominational sanctuary in
Rindge, New Hampshire, is a place to reflect, to give thanks for
nature's beauty, to honor those who have served America and to worship
in whatever way suits you... all without opening your wallet.

9. Eartha

Eartha
is truly a wonder (in addition to being a Guinness World Record
holder), and you can visit her free of charge the next time you're in
Yarmouth, Maine. What on Earth is Eartha?
I'm glad you asked. Eartha is the world's largest revolving/rotating
globe, a three-story replica of our planet that is on display
year-round at the home of her creator: the DeLorme map company. It took
DeLorme employees two years to create this giant, computer-controlled
globe, which revolves on a specially designed cantilever arm and
rotates on an axis.

10. Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory

The Cape Cod Potato Chip Company has been making its signature kettle-cooked chips in Hyannis, Massachusetts, since 1980. Free factory tours
are available weekdays at Cape Cod Potato Chip, and kids will
especially love seeing how America's favorite snack food is made.
You'll even get a free sample of crunchy, delicious Cape Cod Potato
Chips when you complete your tour.

11.  Catch a Concert or Free Friday Flick at the Hatch Shell

A great night out for a family, or bring a picnic blanket and camp under the stars.  From free concerts, to the July4th celebration, the Hatch shell is a great getaway.11. Catch a Concert or Free Friday Flick at the Hatch Shell.

Here's the Friday Flicks schedule

June 19 - Tale of Despereaux (83 min)
July 10 - Kung Fu Panda (92 min)
July 17 - Get Smart (110 min)
July 24 - Madagascar 2 (89 min)
July 31 - Mama Mia (108 min)
Aug 7 - Star Wars:The Clone Wars (98 min)
Aug 14 - Inkheart (106 min)
Aug 21 - Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (122 min)
Aug 28 - Iron Man (126 min)

12.  Baxter State Park

One of the great wilderness locations in New England at over 200,000 square acres.  This is a great destination to see black bears, great horned owls, moose, and some of the cleanest lakes anywhere.  Gov. Baxter's requirement that the land "Shall forever be kept and remain in the Natural Wild State" makes it one of the few places in the Northeast where you can really find wilderness.