School is letting out and I hate to think that high gas prices and fuel shortages will make the summer road trip a thing of the past, because there are some worthy reasons to load up the family and take a little drive to a pretty place where the kids might learn something valuable.

Shelburne Farms is one such place. And if you happen to live in New England it's a day trip. The farm's mission is to manage the rural landscape in a way that is environmentally, economically, and culturally sustainable. They run camps for children and countless school programs throughout the year. The farm is a grass-based dairy farm, producing award-winning cheddar cheese. There's a farm store, walking trails, an inn, and a restaurant. It's the kind of place you could easily spend a couple days. They even have a cookbook with recipes featuring local Vermont ingredients.

Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain near Shelburne Vermont, the farm was created in 1886 as a model farm and is now a National Historic Landmark. Landscape architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted, who gave us many of our beloved urban parks and greenways, including Central Park in Manhattan and the most beautiful cemetery ever, Mountain View, in my hometown of Oakland, CA, designed it. For me, that's enough reason to visit if I ever find myself in Vermont with a few hours to spare.

P.S. If you don't own a hybrid yet, you might want to trade in the old gas guzzler before gas gets any more expensive!