A Terrier-Friendly Road Trip

Getting off campus doesn’t have to break the bank

By Kiera Dunlevy

Graphic By GT Nguyen

With spring break and summer around the corner, you may be feeling the pressure to get your passport out and subject your bank account to some harm - but if that’s not in the cards for you this year, that’s okay! There are plenty of overlooked travel gems that better suit a college student’s budget right here on the East Coast.

So, I’ve compiled a list highlighting five great destinations you can drive to from BU!

First off is Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Just a one-hour and 20-minute drive from BU, this quaint New England city boasts a variety of locally owned boutiques, waterfront seafood restaurants, and charming homemade ice cream shops. It’s great for a weekend trip or a stop along the way to Maine, which is just across the Piscataqua River.

Speaking of Maine, home to Acadia National Park and just under a five-hour drive from BU, the island town of Bar Harbor has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking leisure or adventure, you’ll fall in love with Bar Harbor’s lobster roll–lined downtown and endless array of scenic vistas. Brave some of the park’s coveted hiking trails or take a beach day — this is a haven for nature lovers of all levels.

If you’re on the hunt for a charming New England beach town, look no further than Newport, Rhode Island — one of my favorites for any time of year! After a two-hour drive, indulge in beautiful beaches, the famed cliff walk lined with Gilded Age mansions, and historic trolley tours through downtown. If you’re a music lover, head here in the summer to witness the iconic Folk and Jazz Festivals Newport hosts each year!

If you’re looking for a change of pace from the New England coast, take a four to six-hour drive and give the Jersey Shore a shot. As a longtime local, I may be a bit biased, but there’s nothing quite like a Jersey summer. Fill your itinerary with lots of beach days, pork roll sandwiches, nights at the boardwalk, and even catch a Stone Pony Summer Stage concert in the town where Springsteen got his start.

Lastly, if you’re truly committed to the road trip experience, consider heading south to Asheville, North Carolina. The 14-hour drive from our campus is well worth it to experience the tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a booming art scene, electric nightlife, and plenty of picturesque hiking trails, Asheville offers the perfect balance between city and nature.

So, as the air warms up and the sun starts shining again, don’t let soaring airline prices get you down - your new favorite vacation spot may be closer than you think!