When you can’t get away for a real vacation (and who can during the fall, when you’ve used all your vacay time to take an epic beach vacation?), a day trip can be just what the doctor ordered. From outdoor art venues to beachfront towns, there’s something along the East Coast for everyone — no matter where you live. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of friends, these mini-destinations won’t disappoint. Read on for seven places in the Northeast that’ll make you want to hop in the car or book a train ticket ASAP.
1. Storm King Art Center, New Windsor, NY: One of the most incredible sculpture parks in the world lies just an hour away from New York City. With large-scale works by artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Maya Lin and Richard Serra, it’s truly an art lover’s paradise. And even if you’re not that into the arts, it’s still worth the trip to enjoy the incredibly unique landscape. Storm King is set on 500 acres of beautiful rolling land, smack dab in the middle of the Hudson River Valley (read: You’ll see all the seasons). If you get tired of walking, there are bikes to rent and a trolley that treks you around the grounds. Pro tip: Bring a picnic and a blanket so you can stay the whole day.
2. Salem, MA: Especially around Halloween, Salem is a super fun day trip by car or commuter rail from anywhere in the Boston area. Not only can you take a haunted tour of the town or see a live spell-casting demonstration (spooky!), but you can also visit tons of historic buildings and learn everything you can possibly imagine about the Salem witch trials. Definitely make time to check out the seaside shopping district, right on the quaint waterfront, which has plenty of delicious food options. The creepy history freaking you out? Take in just a small sip of history (and of local cider, wine and witches brew — AKA beer) on the Salem Spirits Trolley.
3. The Glass House, New Canaan, CT: This beautiful glass home sits on 49 acres and is surrounded by sculptures and other art installations. You can visit the house, which was built by architect Philip Johnson, from May through November. The site is especially gorgeous in the fall, when the changing leaves interplay with the house. This isn’t the best spontaneous trip, since you should make tour reservations in advance. But trust us, it’s totally worth it. (Photo via The Glass House)
4. Provincetown, MA: Another quick trip from Boston, P-Town is known to be a lively, indie and super LGBTQ+-friendly community. Situated on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is the quintessential New England beachside town. Get some sun and try to spot dolphins on Race Point Beach, stop into museums (the Whydah Museum, with its pirate shipwreck treasure, is especially fun), check out the view from Pilgrim’s Monument and then get in on the *very* fun nightlife scene. If you feel like a sleepier day trip, with the highest concentration of bookstores on Cape Cod, Provincetown is a book lover’s dream.
5. The Poconos, PA: Relatively close to both Philadelphia and New York City, the Pocono Mountains have so much to offer. Take a hike on one of the many trails (from newbie to expert), go horseback riding, ski in the winter and swim in lakes (any of the *150* of them) in the summer. The options here are pretty much endless, and the mountain views (try to visit at least once during autumn) sweeten the deal. (Photo via Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau)
6. Dia:Beacon, Beacon, NY: Easily accessible from anywhere in the New York area via Metro North, Dia:Beacon is a contemporary art space that fills way more square footage than you’d ever be able to find in NYC. Spend the day roaming through its vast collection, both indoors and outdoors, and stop for lunch at their excellent cafe. For New Yorkers stuck in the concrete jungle, this is an amazing escape into nature. (Photo via Dia:Beacon)
7. Newport, RI: If you love mansions and gilded-era architecture, Newport is the place for you. Tour massive Great-Gatsby-era homes like The Breakers, The Elms and Rosecliff. Don’t worry, the Instagram-worthy interiors are plentiful. Spend your day touring as many estates as possible, and finish off with dinner near the waterfront at Malt or the White Horse Tavern.
What’s your favorite day trip on the East Coast? Let us know @BritandCo!Â
(Photos via Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.