by Cheryl Lai, Monica Contreras-Vallejos, and Soumya Gupta
Even after the long three-month summer break, everyone is looking forward to their next study-break or long-weekend. Fall in New England is beautiful and something you shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, here are some suggestions of beautiful towns in and around Massachusetts with a travel time of less than two hours that make for the perfect fall getaway.
From Boston to New England’s Best – All by the Commuter Rail
No car? No license? No problem. One of the Boston area’s greatest qualities is its expansive public transportation network. In particular, the Commuter Rail is accessible to students because of its frequent schedule and affordable prices ($10 for an unlimited weekend pass!) To make things easier, you can buy Commuter Rail tickets straight from your smartphone on the MBTA mTicket app.
Providence, Rhode Island
Getting there: Commuter Rail, Providence/Stoughton Line, Outbound.
Travel time: One hour from Back Bay Station (40 minutes by Amtrak).
This walkable metropolis offers something for everyone. To get a taste of everything, head to Westminster Street, a 12-minute walk from Providence Station, and have sit-down brunch at Ellie’s. If you’re hungry enough for a full meal, try the roasted pork belly sandwich. If you’re just looking for a snack and a drink, the bouchon and mint limeade are a quick pick-me-up. After brunch, feel free to wander Westminster Street, home to shops like Craftland, along with independent bookstores and galleries.
To beat the midday heat, duck into the RISD Museum, the 20th-largest art museum in the country. You’ll find more than 100,000 pieces of art, including some by Monet, Cézanne, and Rousseau. The RISD Museum offers free entry on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and college students can buy discounted tickets for $12 on other days.
As the afternoon draws to a close, consider visiting Brown University. Visit the historic University Hall or the Main Green to soak in the academic atmosphere, or stroll down to Thayer Street to grab a quick bite and browse the Brown Bookstore. Thayer Street also offers numerous cuisines—so stop for whatever you’re in the mood for before hopping back on the Commuter Rail to return to Boston.
From Boston to New England’s Best – All by the Interstate
Ashland, Massachusetts
Just 45 minutes west of Boston, the charming suburban town of Ashland is an underrated nature-walk gem. From its scenic state park to its quaint entertainment centers, it’s a perfect way to pause the studying for the weekend.
Start your morning with a traditional diner breakfast at 2Mauro’s Cafe, and don’t skip the crisp, cold caramel macchiato iced coffee for an energy boost. Next, take the four-minute drive down the road to Ashland State Park. This 3.5 mile hiking trail takes you through gentle, beginner-friendly hills offering a beautiful view of the Ashland Reservoir. Throughout the walk, you will find quiet spots where you can pause and admire the foliage and make furry friends along the way.
Bring headphones to enjoy a favorite podcast or pack a book in your bag. This walk will be sure to reset your mind and spark your creativity before starting your next COM assignment.
Ogunquit, Maine
If you’re up for a longer drive, consider visiting Ogunquit, Maine. The picturesque town is known for its beautiful beaches, charming restaurants, and scenic Marginal Walkway.
Leave the city on Friday afternoon to beat traffic, then hop on the interstate for an 80-minute drive. Queue up a favorite playlist or audio book to make the road trip fly by. Once you’ve checked into your accommodations, unwind for a bit before heading out for a walk around Ogunquit’s vibrant downtown. Browse the local shops for unique souvenirs for friends, or treat yourself to a little gift.
When dinnertime rolls around, check out Ogunquit Lobster Pound restaurant, a local classic for fresh seafood entrées. If you’re a lobster fan, you’ll love the experience of selecting your own lobster before it’s cooked to perfection. Rumor has it this restaurant offers the best clam chowder in the area – you will have to see for yourself if it is true.
Here’s how to make the most of your first full day in Ogunquit
- Grab a morning bite from the Egg and I Pancake and Waffle House.
- Looking to beat your daily steps goal? Make your way over to the Marginal Walkway, a picturesque 1.25 mile coastal trail that gives you the perfect view of the ocean and town.
- Order a pick-up lunch from Village Food Market in downtown. Sit outside and enjoy the vibe of the small town.
- Enjoy the sunset right on Footbridge Beach, where you will forget about your upcoming assignments.
- For a late-night sweet craving, check out Big Daddy’s for their homemade ice cream. Professional reviewers rave about the black raspberry.
Whether you’re taking this road trip by yourself or with friends – remember to relax, recharge, and forget about school for the weekend.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
This might be a weird transition from the summer to the fall, but there is no better time than now to lace up and hike New Hampshire’s White Mountains. And the best part is they’re surprisingly easy to reach. With express buses like the Dartmouth and Concord Coach leaving Boston every hour, you’ll be trading the hustle and bustle of the city for sweeping ridgelines and scenic views in about two hours. You can purchase tickets on their websites, or directly at South Station. If you’d rather get there on your own pace, a smooth ride along the I-93 is also an option, and you’ll watch the colors shift from city brown and grey to peak fall colors, with each passing mile.
Before hitting the trail, pay a visit to Mad River Coffee House in Campton. This cozy cafe is a hiker favorite, with its locally sourced food and seasonal drinks. Don’t forget to order a pumpkin spice latté in honor of the fall. You definitely won’t regret it. It’s the kind of place where a warm (or iced) cup feels like a part of your hiking ritual – an unofficial trailhead of sorts.
Once you’re ready to start the hike, the key is preparation. Fall can be an interesting mix of “Do I leave my jacket or not?” Dressing in layers is a good idea, especially since valley temperatures can feel chilly as you ascend. Start early, so you can make the most of the views and colors, and narrow down a specific hike. The White Mountains have a variety of peaks, high and low, with their own views. Artist’s Bluff offers a quick rewarding view, while the Franconia Loop via Mount Lafayette, and North Sugarloaf offer some of New England’s most breathtaking views.
Pro tip – don’t forget your basics like a water bottle or energy drink, bug spray, and a trail map, since cellphone coverage gets spotty in the woods. A camera is an obvious necessity– you need to relive the views and experience virtually once winter hits.
The White Mountains in the Fall are more than just a hiking destination. They’re the perfect escape that feels surprisingly within reach. The semester can get demanding, and while staying-in to watch TV sounds like a good idea on some days, a quick trip to a scenic hike can cool off the pressure of exams and classes.
Have suggestions or recommendations for quick weekend getaways in the New England area? Drop them in the comments section below.
Leave a Reply