It may not be the sunny, tropical destination you have in mind for spring break, but the northeast region of the United States has more to see than you might expect. Whether you’re staying overnight somewhere or just driving through, there are plenty of hidden gems and roadside attractions to keep you entertained. The northeast is also home to some dazzling landscapes, from the rolling hills of Vermont to the seaside backdrops of New Jersey. Sightseer or beachgoer, foodie or shopaholic, there’s something for every travel personality. So gas up the car, order your Dunkin’, and pack your bags — time to head to the Atlantic.
To get the scoop on where to go, we asked writers from four different Her Campus chapters in the northeast to send us the must-see spots in their cities. As a lifelong Massachusetts resident myself, I also feel inclined to share my favorite northeast destination with you: Salem. If you’re huge into Halloween, like me, you need to add Salem to the top of your travel bucket list. (Just avoid it in October — you’ll never find parking.) Jaho Coffee Roaster and Wicked Good Books are my absolute top comfort places, if comfort places are even a thing. Plus, the town has such a rich history and plenty of unique stores for you to explore. But enough about me and my love for Salem — let’s hear what other HC chapters had to say about the road trip pit stops you should make in the northeast.
- New York, NY: Spend golden hour at Battery Park.
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“Battery Park is one of the most beautiful photo spots in all of the Financial District, and there’s usually someone performing, selling treats, or marking art for an authentic NYC feel!” – Her Campus at Pace University
- State College, PA: Get an ice cream cone from the Berkey Creamery.
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“The Berkey Creamery is one of the most iconic places to visit at Penn State. The ice cream is some of the freshest in the country, being produced into ice cream less than three days after being milked from a cow.” – Her Campus at Penn State University
- Washington, D.C.: Rent electric scooters and ride around the monuments.
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“First, get a late night crepe at Crepeaway and then rent your scooter. This is a way to look at the amazing monuments of D.C. but in a unique way. You specifically need to go to the back of the Lincoln Memorial that looks onto Northern Virginia. Crepeaway is also a classic D.C. college student spot that everyone has to visit.” – Her Campus at American University
- Storrs, CT: Enjoy some Dairy Bar ice cream on Horsebarn Hill.
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“Enjoy the delicious homemade ice cream that is a UConn staple while taking in a view of the entire university — alongside the cows that helped to make the ice cream you’re eating!” – Her Campus at University of Connecticut
