EDITOR'S NOTE Last July, I wrote about gas prices hovering around $3 a gallon. This July, gas prices are already over $4 a gallon. Families are definitely feeling it at the pump. Summer typically means vacation, weekend getaways, and lots of day trips for families! But studies and polls are showing families are curtailing, if not changing, vacation plans as gas prices are rising and the economy is slowing. A May 2008 USA Today/Gallup Poll found a majority of Americans who plan to travel this summer are changing their plans because of the rise in gas prices. Survey respondents, who were not cancelling plans, were opting instead to stay closer to home. Inside this issue is the magazine's 9th Annual Day Trip & Weekend Getaway Guide. Typically during the summer months, Bay State Parent magazine publishes a Summer Travel Guide, highlighting family-friendly vacation ideas across America. Due to rising gas prices we tightened our focus to just Masachusetts for our Day Trip Guide this month. Award-winning writer Susan Spencer crafted two articles on Cape Cod, one of the best vacation spots in America. The first article offers 15 family-friendly things to do on upper, mid, & lower Cape. (Read her article on page 46.) The second article proves all of Cape Cod is a stage with a wrap-up of 7 kid-friendly theatres. (Review it beginning on page 32.) Award-winning writers James Lang and Matt Roberts continue their day trip series (part 2 of a 4-part series) with a look at what Western Massachusetts has to offer families. There is more to do in the Berkshires than any family could do in a day. Read the guys' account of their day with their wives and combined 8 children - yes I did say 8 kids - on page 36. Two major exhibits opened last month in Massachusetts that should not be missed this summer. First, there is no need to waste gas and travel to Cooperstown, N.Y. to experience the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. Instead head to the Museum of Science, which is hosting the Baseball As America exhibit through Sept 1. This is the 15th and final stop in the national tour, which began in 2002. Explore the historical, cultural, and social aspects of the 500-plus artifact exhibit as well as try out the handson scientific exhibits specifically created for this one stop of the national tour by the Museum of Science on page 28. As we all know, it can be sunny, hot, humid, and over 90 degrees one moment and then dark skies, hail, and torrential rain the next moment on any given July day. The Zula Patrol exhibit and planetarium show at the EcoTarium in Worcester is the perfect way to teach a young child about weather and why meteorologists, always say they love New England weather. Based on the popular PBS-TV show, the exhibit is geared for children from preschool through second grade. Read freelance writer Lisa Littlewood's review of the exhibit on page 42. Finally, as you travel, I want to remind you that Bay State Parent magazine is never more than a computer away. Our brand doesn't stop with our award-winning print publication. There is no need to worry if you find yourself in Lenox for the week or Hyannis for the weekend and you left your issue at home. The entire magazine - each article and every calendar event listing - is online at www.baystateparent.com Our Web site also features articles and contests that are available exclusively online. (For example, Independence Day celebrations and events are online only.) And last month, there were more than a dozen contests to enter. Check out the giveaway offerings this month at http://www.baystateparent.com/common/contests.html While online also visit Bay State Parent's blog at www.baystateparent.blogspot.com. There you will find dozens of bonus calendar listings that miss the print edition deadline, product safety recalls, and up-to-theminute news and studies. Consider registering your e-mail address to receive an e-newsletter of daily blog postings. Enjoy the summer and Happy 4th of July! Susan Scully Petroni editor@baystateparent.com