With the first midterm season coming to an end, there’s nothing you’d rather do than enjoy your October Break and leave Yale for a few days. For those whose homes are far away, don’t fear! You can get away from campus even if you’re not planning on going home for the break. Here are five local destinations you can visit by train or bus.
1. New York City
Travel time
Train: approx. 1.5 hours
Bus: approx. 2.5 hours
Highlights
Soho
Let your inner hipster out while shopping the streets of Soho and admiring the area’s wall art! You can easily spend an entire day exploring Soho and you’ll be sure to get some insta-worthy pictures.
Central Park
Spend the day biking while admiring the city’s skyline or channeling your inner Blair Waldorf while strolling around the park!
MOMA
Stop by the Museum of Modern Art to see art by iconic artists, such as Andy Warhol, Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and Picasso!
FOOD
NYC is known for its many “foodie” spots: from unusual forms of ice cream to sushi burritos, it’s difficult not to come across some delicious food creation.
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer
Pokeworks
Levain Bakery
Views
Whether from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, or the High Line, New York City is filled with stunning views that are hard to match elsewhere.
2. Providence, Rhode Island
Travel time
Train: approx. 1.5 hours
Bus: approx. 3 hours
Highlights
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
Spend some time meditating in the beautiful botanical center! It’s a great place for anyone looking for some relaxing scenery.
Downtown Providence
Spend the day shopping in Downtown Providence while admiring the city!
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Travel Time
Train: approx. 2.5 hours
Bus: approx. 3.5 hours
Highlights
Newbury Street
Newbury street is filled with cute boutiques and dining, and can also be a great place to admire Boston’s architecture.
Quincy Market
Quincy Market is a great place where you can grab lunch, buy souvenirs, or listen to street performers! With hundreds of different shops within the market, there’s something for everyone.
Boston Common
Boston Common is a historic park that is great for a picnic lunch or to simply admire the view and relax.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Travel Time
Train: approx. 3 hours
Bus: approx. 5 hours
Highlights
Reading Terminal Market
Buy some flowers or baked goods while you explore one of America’s oldest food markets! This indoor market is an alternative to the outdoor markets we’re used to in New Haven.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has a wide variety in its artwork, from Monet and Van Gogh to or spend the day sitting on the museum’s magnificent steps.
Schuylkill River
You can spend your day biking or strolling around the river with a view. There’s no better way to take a break from campus than near nature!
Independence Hall
If your looking to explore the historic areas of the east coast, definitely check out Independence Hall – and don’t forget to snap a pic with the liberty bell!
5. Washington, D.C.
Travel Time
Train: approx. 5.5 hours
Plane: approx. 3 hours (including layover)
Highlights
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument can be admired from many points in D.C. and is the perfect place to unwind while taking in some of America’s history.
National Gallery of Art
You don’t need to be an Art History major to appreciate the Da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh paintings in the museum – and if you’re not into the historic art, the gallery has modern art too!
The White House
You can’t go to Washington D.C. and not stop by the White House!
Wherever you decide to spend it, make sure to relax and enjoy your time off! Happy fall break!