Summer means sunshine, beaches, and a three-month-long vacation – or does it? It’s been years since many of us have had the freedom to do absolutely nothing – or absolutely everything – in the summer. With work, internships, school, and the other miscellaneous responsibilities college can bring, it’s hard to actually enjoy our summer vacations for what they really are: vacations! What’s a collegiette™ to do? Take weekend trips, of course! So here it is, ladies: the ultimate list of weekend getaways that will rejuvenate you for the following week without draining your bank account.
Destination: Cape Cod, Mass.
Easy to Go From: Boston, Mass.; Albany, N.Y.; New York, N.Y.; Providence, R.I.; Portsmouth, N.H.; Augusta, Maine; Montpelier, Vt.; Hartford, Conn. … or anywhere in New England!
Why: For all you New Englanders out there (or for those of you who are honorary New Englanders for the summer), don’t end your summer without making a trip to the Cape. As a native Bostonian, I’ve spent many a summer on Cape Cod’s beautiful shores. The Cape is a great choice for a collegiette™ because, unlike its island neighbors Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, it can be much more affordable. Obviously, it depends on where in the Cape you want to visit (Chatham is probably too steep for a collegiette’s™ budget), but some of the younger, more vibrant areas can be found in Falmouth and Provincetown, which happen to be on completely different ends of the Cape.
What to do: Aside from laying on the beach, check out the free concerts from the Citizens Bank Summer Concert Series, five days a week in eight different towns, and the old-fashioned drive-in movie theaters (Wellfleet has a great drive-in). HC contributing writer Alaine Perconti, who is planning her own weekend trip to the Cape with her friends. So what are you waiting for?
What to Bring: Don’t forget your bathing suit … and maybe a few of your preppiest polos.
When to Go: The Atlantic Ocean is pretty frigid in June and the beginning of July, but it gets a little less icy by the end of July and August. If you decide to go for the Fourth of July – which can be fun with the many parades and firework displays to choose from – just be aware that this is when the Cape is at its busiest, so plan ahead.
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Destination: Montauk, N.Y.
Easy to Go From: New York, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Boston, Mass.; Hartford, Conn.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Portsmouth, N.H.; Montpelier, Vt.; Providence, R.I.; Newark, N.J.
Why: Montauk is thought of as the beachier, less crowded Hampton. No, really. Located on the tip of Long Island, Montauk is known for its iconic lighthouse, beautiful beaches, fishing, surfing and artistic community.
What to Do: Enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. Like many summer getaways, Montauk has plenty of beaches, but it’s unique in that it has more history, culture and well-preserved natural resources than most places. The beaches are an obvious must-see, particularly the Ditch Plains. If you really want to experience picturesque sand dunes with the undisrupted, soothing sound of crashing waves, head over to Hither Hills State Park. The state park is about as close to nature as you can get in Montauk – no running water, no electricity, just a nearby convenience store for essentials. Of course, a trip to Montauk isn’t complete without seeing the famous Montauk Point Lighthouse. Make sure to bring a camera for the views!
What to Bring: A camera and typical beach gear. If you’re up for a night beneath the stars, bring camping supplies: a tent, bug spray, sweats, sleeping bags, flashlights, etc.
When to Go: Summer, like most beach towns, is the most crowded time for Montauk, so many visitors opt to go in the fall or winter. Try to go as early or as late in the summer as you can.
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Destination: Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Easy to Go From: New York, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Boston, Mass.; Hartford, Conn.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Portsmouth, N.H.; Montpelier, Vt.; Providence, R.I.; Newark, N.J.
Why: Adriana Vetrano, HC’s former Skidmore Campus Correspondent, reps her college’s town: “I recommend Saratoga Springs, N.Y. I spent the last four years in this quaint town upstate where I attended Skidmore College. What really sets it apart, though, is the summer track season. Every summer, Saratoga hosts some of the most traditional horse races in the country.”
What to Do: Watch the races! If you need a break from the horses, though, be sure to check out the nearby mineral spring, the Big Red Spring, that’s located on the racecourse’s picnic grounds. If you want more, you can always check out the Saratoga Spa State Park, where spa treatments are still held in the Roosevelt Baths.
What to Bring: Pack the biggest hat and cutest dress you own, and make the most of your weekend at the races!
When to Go: The races start in late July and end on Labor Day, so don’t miss out by going in June.
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Destination: Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Easy to Go From: Charleston, S.C.; Baltimore, Md.; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; Raleigh, N.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Richmond, Va.
Why: Myrtle Beach has it all: the convenience of a major tourist destination with the beauty of paradise. As a tourist hotspot, there are tons of cheap deals and free events to ease your financial woes. Since it tends to be a pretty lively place, there’s always something to do, somewhere to go and someone to meet. If that’s not enough to convince you to go, Myrtle Beach won a 2011 Traveler’s Choice®Award from Trip Advisor. Sometimes you just have to trust the experts.
What to Do: There are 60 miles of beaches, what else do you need to do? If you need a change of scenery, though, then the Ocean Boulevard Hot Summer Nights Weekly Events are a must. From June 1st to September 29th, there are free events in Plyler Park on the boardwalk, such as the live concert series every Thursday and Saturday and fireworks every Wednesday. Did I mention that they’re free?
What to Bring: A bathing suit! Don’t forget your beach essentials: a good book or magazine, sunglasses and sunscreen. Light dresses and shorts are also a must.
When to Go: Avoid July and the beginning of August, when Myrtle Beach is at its busiest and most expensive. Try for June, the end of August or the beginning of September.
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Destination: Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
Easy to Go From: St. Louis, Mo.; Kansas City, Mo.; Chicago, Ill.; Wichita, Kan.; Tulsa, Okla.; Memphis, Tenn.; Dallas, Texas; Omaha, Neb.; Des Moines, Iowa; Denver, Colo.; Lincoln, Neb.; Little Rock, Ark.
Why: What has beauty, activities, serenity and an active social scene? The Lake of the Ozarks. It also just happens to be one of the most affordable weekend getaways out there: you can rent a house for around $200 a night with a big group of your friends (the more people, the less you pay) or just bring a tent and set up camp!
What to Do: Camping, float trips, hiking, biking, s’mores and more are commonplace in the Ozarks. The surrounding forests and over a thousand miles of shoreline help to make the area as tranquil and beautiful as it is. If tranquility isn’t what you’re looking for, just wait. The Ozarks also happens to be home to one of the craziest party spots in the nation: Party Cove (no, I didn’t make up that name). Party Cove, officially known as Anderson Hollow Cove, attracts thousands of revelers each year during summer weekends. Enjoy the scenery and the trails, and get a little wild. But don’t forget to visit the castle, built by Robert Snyder in the early 1900s, for the best views of the lake!
What to Bring: Bug spray! A bathing suit, sunscreen, sneakers, and clothes that you don’t care about … You’re in the woods; chances are you’ll get dirty!
When to Go: Whenever, but if you want to experience Party Cove at its craziest, then go for July Fourth.
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Destination: Laguna Beach, Calif.
Easy to Go From: Los Angeles, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Las Vegas, Nev.; San Francisco, Calif.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Fresno, Calif.; Tucson, Ariz.
Why: The rumors are true: it’s absolutely and irrefutably stunning. Take it from Rachel Mandelbaum, Wash. U. ’12, Laguna Beach is worth a visit: “It’s so relaxing and low key. There are great little boutiques and hidden beaches surrounded by cliffs and bluffs. When my friends and I go, we love to just hang out on the beach and wander into some of the cute art galleries.” Beaches galore, reliably beautiful weather and some great food (Mexican and seafood are a must have) – what else could you ask for from a vacation spot?
What to Do: Laguna Beach also won a 2011 Traveler’s Choice®Award from Trip Advisor for its beaches, which is no surprise because Laguna Beach is in no short supply of sun and sand. Some of the best beaches to try are Table Rock Beach, 1,000 Steps Beach (don’t let the name scare you off), Crystal Cove State Park and, of course, Laguna Beach. When the sunbathing gets to be too much, head over to the Laguna Canyon Winery for a wine tasting. The tasting room is only open in the daytime – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday – so don’t miss out.
What to Bring: A floppy hat and lots and lots of sunscreen. The sun is pretty strong by the Mexican border, so don’t damage your skin by leaving it unprotected.
When to Go: Anytime, but just like most tourist hotspots, the middle of the summer will be the busiest.
Now get ready, get packing, and go!
Sources
College women from all over the country
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