The lumbering bus inched around the sharp turn in the highway, and all of a sudden, there it was… the New York City Skyline. The twinkling lights reflected off the Hudson, and the Empire State Building regally stood watch over the city. I was in awe. In just a few short hours (and a reasonable fare) I had left my week of midterms in Boston behind me, and was ready for my weekend away with my friends.
For many of us, Boston is all that we see for months at a time. Although I appreciate our Gothic architecture and Harry Potter-like library, after a while the beautiful buildings begin to mock the students with their promise of academic pain. Everyone gets a little stir crazy at some point, and you know it’s time to leave when you want to scream if just one more person asks you on your way into Mac if you want to donate your meal plan points to their cause.
Those who live close might take this opportunity to make the journey home for a relaxing weekend in their own bed. However, this may not completely satisfy your adventurous appetite, and for us out-of-staters, may not even be in the realm of possibility. If this is the case, its time to plan a road trip!
Our location in the heart of New England provides us with the opportunity to step outside the Massachusetts border and be somewhere completely new in a few short hours. When BC becomes suffocating, take a weekend to go somewhere that you may not have otherwise visited.
First step: When considering possible destinations, think about with who/where you plan on staying. This past weekend my friends and I took a bus to New York, and my friend who goes to NYU graciously allowed us to stay in her apartment. It was so much fun, and as an added bonus, free!
Second step: Make sure you are planning pretty far in advance, and consult your travel-mates about the weekend that would work best. It just so happened this past weekend that we all got done with our midterms, so it wouldn’t be a big deal to skip doing homework for a couple of days.
Third step: Arguably the most important, pick your destination! If you have a car on campus, that certainly widens your options. But for those of you relying on public transportation, fear not! Most of New England is extremely accessible (and relatively cheap) by public transport. Here are some of my favorite New England destinations that will make for an amazing road trip:
New York City (by bus or train): Looking for a taste of true city life? There’s no better place to go than NYC. There’s really nothing else I can say about this amazing city except that if you haven’t gone, you need to go.
Providence, RI (bus or train): The state of Rhode Island may be small, but it has a lot to offer. Thayer Street is a quainter version of Newbury, with shops and restaurants abounding. Have any friends at Brown? This is the perfect place for you!
Newport, RI (easiest by car): This quaint town is perfect for weekend explorations. The Mansions are definitely on the to-do list while in Newport, and even just walking around by the water is absolutely beautiful. Newport would provide a rejuvenating and relaxing getaway for those searching for relief from the fast-paced city life.
Philadelphia, PA (Bus or train): Can you say Hershey’s Factory?! Although it’s technically in the city of Hershey, it’s accessible nonetheless. Chocolate should be enough of a motivation to head to PA, but if for some very odd reason it isn’t, Philly is loaded with historical sites and tours. Speaking of tours… don’t be scared to take a ghost tour! They are extremely fun, especially with a group of your closest friends.
Vermont and Maine (car or bus): These states are definitely on the map as well (pun intended). Take a trip to Waterbury, VT and tour the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory! Even just taking the drive up to Vermont is gorgeous, with its hidden lakes and beautiful trees. Sitting in Casco Bay, Portland is the largest city in Maine and is a wonderful destination. With its cobblestone streets in the Old Port section of the city and its gorgeous location on the water, you won’t be disappointed.
Understanding that a road trip isn’t practical for everyone, it’s really important to escape the pressures of campus for some time. Take a day to explore parts of Boston that you haven’t previously seen! Head to the North End, and get dessert from somewhere that’s not Mike’s Pastry (but don’t get me wrong, they have the BEST cannolis). Or, if a whole weekend is too much time to be away with your busy schedule, take a day trip to the Cape! Trust me, after some time away with your closest friends, you will feel rejuvenated and chock full of new experiences and stories to tell when you return.
Photo Sources:
http://newconstructionmanhattan.com/condos-near-landmarks/times-square
http://www.etraveltrips.com/blog/traveling-to-providence-rhode-island/
http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2009/03/newport-rhode-island-enjoy-by-sea-and.html
http://hellomotor.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/new-my-trip-to-portland-maine/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60795-Philadelphia_Pennsylvania-Vacations.html