As a 3L, I am very aware that this is my last chance to fully appreciate the New England Fall. Next year, I will be in San Diego, where the weekly forecast is 75 degrees in mid-October (amazing, beautiful, thank you). Although I am excited about this change, (may I never need to shovel snow again), I can’t say I won’t miss the beauty New England has to offer.
So, before I abandon the New England Fall in favor of sunny Southern California beaches, here are a few of my favorite places that I’ve been recently, when seeking a break from Westlaw and the Blue Book.
As a brief disclaimer, these trips require the presence of a friend with a car, and a willingness to be driven across state lines. As such, find your nearest Friend With A Car, and start your guilt tripping favor-asking now.
You may see that there are no New Hampshire locations here. That is entirely incidental (sorry New Hampshire!) and entirely not my fault (we had a Nor’easter the weekend I planned to visit) so if anyone has some good recs for New Hampshire, please feel free to send them my way!
Rainy Beach Day in Maine:
Who hasn’t wanted to be like one of those ladies in period dramas who get sent to the rainy seaside for their health? If that speaks to you, pick a (slightly, think light drizzle, approximately 60 degrees) rainy day, your favorite oversized sweatshirt, and a towel and head to a beach in Ogunquit Maine. Not only is there a cute town nearby (and a great salmon caesar wrap), but near the boardwalk are plenty of cute ice cream shops to end the day with a sweet treat.
Hiking in Woodstock, Vermont
As the fall foliage hangs onto the trees with all its might, take the drive up to Woodstock, Vermont (no, not that Woodstock), and go hiking in the trails running near the town. Even for someone who: 1) does not own hiking shoes and 2) is a relative novice, the hike was doable, with the right amount of challenge to make me feel like I accomplished something (great for days when your class reading feels insurmountable). After the hike, head to the little town and try a creemee—Vermont’s version of soft serve ice cream.
Art Museums in the Berkshires
Boston has amazing art museums to be sure, but the Clark Art Institute and MASS MoCA located out in Western Massachusetts are worth visiting as well. In the warmer months, (so like, not now) the Clark has outdoor art exhibits—head there in early October to experience fall foliage alongside the art (watch out for cows). Mass MoCa has plenty of interactive exhibits, in one case letting you climb inside the art. Both of these museums can be done in one day, and are located within cute towns.
Samantha Torre is a 3L student at BC Law. Contact her at torrs@bc.edu.
