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Fun in the Sun: New England Summer Day Trips

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

Summer is upon us, and even though you will probably be at a job or internship, you need something to do on your time off. If you find yourself feeling bored over the summer, grab some friends and head out on a day trip! Massachusetts and the rest of New England are great places to explore in the summer months, and have destinations and activities to please a wide range of interests. Here are some great places that you should check out:

Nubble Light

One of my favorite summer day trip destinations. Located in York, Maine (about 1 hour north of Boston), this is a really pretty spot where you can enjoy the scenery, take pictures with your friends, and have a nice meal at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Newport Mansions

Don’t let your brain go to mush in the summer. The Newport Mansions let you take a walk through history; there’s so much to explore. You can also take a stroll down the area’s famed Cliff Walk and poke around downtown Newport.

Outdoor Outlet Malls

Shopping spree! Outdoor outlet malls are a great place to go when you want to spend that hard earned paycheck but still get to be outdoors. Depending on how far you want to travel, there are outlets in Wrentham, Massachusetts, Merrimack, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine. It is a nice change of pace from the typical shopping mall.

Mount Monadnock

Looking for a more active summer adventure? Go for a hike. There are so many places to go in Massachusetts and the New England area. Mount Monadnock is just one of many popular hiking destinations.

Tower Hill Botanical Garden

Explore gorgeous gardens, right here in Massachusetts. Take a leisurely stroll through beautifully maintained gardens and enjoy the scenery.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Every Collegiette’s BFFs, Ben and Jerry! This one is a bit further away, depending on where you are from. Learn about the history of the company, take a tour of the factory where the well-known ice cream is made, and try some of your favorite flavors. Vermont is a beautiful state; you should check out the nearby areas as long as you are there.

Newburyport/Plum Island

A Massachusetts town with beaches, little shops, and restaurants that make this the perfect summer day trip destination.

There is so much to do in New England, go out and explore the area! You might be surprised.

Photo Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 67, 8.

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Allie Bush

U Mass Amherst

Senior Communication Major at UMass Amherst
Contributors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst