If you’re going to be chillin’ alone on campus over Fall Break when all your friends are going home (read: bored to literal tears), there’s actually no need to induldge in the water works. It turns out you’re in for a weekend full of fun! All you need is a car and some cash in your purse, and away you go to these five nearby nautical towns that have a lot more to offer than just boats – although an impromptu sailboat ride on a schooner at sunset is always acceptable! Cue the easy listening music – oh, and be a dear and fetch me a Shirley Temple, won’t you!?
Here are 5 day-trip-worthy seaside towns that will make you feel excited about staying at Conn rather than heading home:
1. Stonington Borough, CT
There are gently sloping sidewalks enclosed by a variety of jewelry stores (we know that ♫ you’re still, you’re still the Camel from the block, we won’t be fooled by the rocks that you got! ♫ ) , delicious eateries (two paws up for Dog Watch Café!), and, for ideal Instagram potential, PASTEL-COLORED HOUSES!!!!! CAN YOU SENSE OUR EXCITEMENT? So charming. We swoon for you, Stonington Borough. You make our hearts melt at the mere thought of you.
2. Westerly, RI
Misquamicut and Watch Hill beaches offer hours of endless relaxation: just you, a big cozy sweatshirt which may or may not be the one you “borrowed” (read: keepin’ it for good) from your special somebody, and a textbook so you can get ahead in that class that’s more along the lines of “oy vey” than “oh, yay!” Taylor Swift would definitely approve.
3. Newport, RI
We are madly in love with something that is not a person. Its name is Newport. Is this a mildly awkward fact? Perhaps. But are we ashamed of it? Not one bit! The Tennis Hall of Fame, the mansions, the Ben & Jerry’s (it’s vacation, remember this, ladies!), the oh-so-preppy shops, and that not-so-stable dock that you can sit on as the waves rock you from side to side allowing you to enter a state of totally mental clarity. A free spa for our brains!? Count us in!
4. Old Saybrook, CT
Katherine Hepburn sure knew how to pick ‘em – places to live, that is! Her lighthouse home is actually for sale for $14 million, but seeing as we are all casually broke college students, we’ll be just fine settling for just being able to admire it from afar! Check out Fenwick (which is a private beach community but it’s easy to make new friends who just so happen to live there, right!?) Sweet Luna’s to tickle your tastebuds, the various indie bookstores, and definitely be sure to stop at Cozy Nail & Spa – the gentleman who works there is definitely the best at French manis, so be sure to ask for him to ensure a flawless execution!
5. Madison, CT
Ensconce yourself in the driver’s seat because this car trip is worth it. Coming from someone who lived there for 11 years, this town knows how to do nautical right. Think a tossed salad of shopping and dining opportunities: quaint boutiques are mixed right in there with ritzy restaurants and trendy spots for the younger crowds. There is delish fro-yo *handflip*, a library, Hammonasset Beach and State Park, there are countless places to grab a slice of pizza. All that’s missing right now is you!
Her Campus Conn Coll wishes you safe and happy travels no matter where you’re headed this Fall Break!
Photo Credits:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy7PrvvhftM/T8WaEbba4MI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/WUZ-5dtjK8k/s1600/stonington-05.jpg
http://www.billboard.com/files/styles/promo_650/public/media/taylor-swift_press-2013-650.jpg
http://www.newportout.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Newport-Cliff-Walk.jpg
http://courantblogs.com/ct-real-estate/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Hepburn.jpg