If you haven’t already started planning for spring break, chances are an exotic, tropical vacation is not in the cards for you this year. But please, do not despair. The beautiful New England region has much to offer, even for last-minute planners and broke college students.
Portland, Maine
As a Mainer myself, I may be a bit biased, but Portland is a great little city with plenty to do. To get there, you can take a bus or score a ride with a friend who has a car. While you’re there, visit the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the United States, for a photo op. Though the lighthouse is actually in Cape Elizabeth, it’s thankfully only a short drive away.
If you’re 21 (sorry, youngins), you can stop by Allagash Brewing Company for some locally brewed beverages and possibly some interactions with real life Portlanders. Portland also has great vintage clothing shops, especially stores like Little Ghost and Find, which are all within walking distance from the downtown area.
For another traditional Maine experience, head to Luke’s Lobster and get a lobster roll (bonus points if you pronounce it “lobstah”). After that, you’ll probably be craving something sweet, so you can head to The Holy Donut for a donut made of potatoes, which sounds strange but is surprisingly scrumptious. Overall, Portland is a groovy city with tons of good food, shopping and waterfront scenery.
Burlington, Vermont
If you’re looking for a more rustic option, Burlington is the spot for you. With tons of hiking trails, a beautiful lake and lots of biking and sporting options, Burlington is the perfect place for an outdoorsy getaway. On Church Street in the middle of downtown Burlington, you can visit the first ever Ben & Jerry’s, a classic Vermont staple. Only a short drive away, you’ll find Shelburne Farms, a beautiful sprawling farm where you can see typical farm fare and live out your cottagecore dreams.
If you want the true University of Vermont experience, go hang out at North Beach, where you can find a rock to jump off and lots of hiking trails. If you still have the hiking itch, head to Colchester Pond or Eagle Mountain for some beautiful trails. Finally, after a long day, you will need to feast, so head to Shanty On The Shore for some old-fashioned seafood and views of Lake Champlain.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Another location that is near and dear to my heart (because of its proximity to my hometown), Portsmouth. There are tons of gift shops and restaurants in Market Square in the center of town. From there, you can walk through Prescott Park and along the water for a scenic stroll. After that fresh air break, head to the Albacore Park to tour the USS Albacore, a preserved submarine from the 1950s.
After getting in touch with your historical side, you might need to do a more modern activity, so check out The Music Hall, a live music venue that hosts some cool bands and shows movies. During the week of spring break, it will have showings of “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez,” a performance from comedian Sam Morril and more. Finally, after all of this meandering, you’ll be hungry, so stop at the Library Restaurant for a cozy vibe and great food.
Salem, Massachusetts
Though Salem is best known for its Halloween festivities, it has attractions year-round. If you’re into history, Salem is the place for you. There’s the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, The Witch House at Salem and the Peabody Essex Museum. After all that educational (and spooky) content, you’ll probably need to take a breather, so you can head to Ropes Mansion and Garden for some sightseeing.
There are also beaches and a ferry in Salem if you’re craving that ”salt in your hair, don’t care” experience. Finally, after all the sorcery and wizards, you might need to wind down, possibly by partaking in a musical performance. You can head to The Babe for good food and even better karaoke.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, located just a few hours from Boston, could be a fun last-minute destination. Though I’ve never ventured to those parts, it still has lots to offer. Newport is known for its massive historical mansions, so consider checking out a tour if you’re into architecture or rich people.
Newport also has a great 3.5-mile Cliff Walk if you’re craving a beachfront vibe. If you’d rather travel on wheels, Newport has its own biking culture, so you can rent bikes and ride on the path along the bay. The seaside city also has a few breweries and wineries, where you can relax after all these recreational activities and exorbitant displays of wealth. Additionally, if you’re missing a Fenway Frank, you can head to Wally’s Wieners for a hot dog to end a perfect day.
Hopefully this list has inspired you to go on a little trip this spring break, because though it might not be an all-inclusive beach vacation in Cabo, local exploration can still be fun! Whether you’re trying to live the granola lifestyle or just want to get in touch with some of the weirder parts of New England’s history, these places have something for you. So go forth, explore and take solace in the fact that you are spending way less money than your peers at high-end beach resorts.
