Looking to add pizzazz to a car ride home from a weekend getaway? Energize your journey with a rest stop adventure or two. Make the trip home a daycation of its own.

I’ve always wanted to visit the New England Carousel Museum, but for years I didn’t.

When I was looking for places to stop, I spotted that there was a community meal scheduled there. This was a chance to view the collection for an hour, stretch my legs and share a meal with new friends.

It was late Sunday afternoon and there...