Looking for a day trip to escape the city this summer and don't have car? Or perhaps you have a car and are looking for a more relaxing and sustainable way to get out of town. In the last year and a half, I've done a number of weekend day trips and here are my picks for best suburban destination, broken up by departure station and rail line. These choices are based on my experience of actually traveling there, or familiarity with the town and how close the train station is to the sites. Go to the MBTA's website for schedules and more detail.
Departing North Station:
Rockport Line
Top Pick: Rockport (Zone 8: $7.75, Weekend travel time: 70 minutes)
This line has so many choices, it's hard to pick just one (I actually cheated by breaking off the Newburyport line as separate). Salem has its witches and Peabody Essex Museum, Manchester its Singing Beach, and Gloucester its historical harbor, but in my opinion Rockport is the definition of quintessential New England. Its small harbor is picturesque and is still the home of some working lobster boats. Bear Neck and the surrounding town is a compact shopping district with plenty of restaurants. Additionally, unlike some seaside towns, you can just walk a couple blocks down the street and get in the water at Front Beach. Everything is easily walkable from the train station, but to make more of your visit, bring your bike and explore Cape Ann.
Honorable Mention: Salem
Newburyport Line
Top Pick: Newburyport (Zone 8: $7.75, Weekend travel time: 60 minutes)
Newburyport is the terminus of the other spur of the Rockport/Newburyport line and like its brethren is my top destination. It is another port city steeped in history with a small but vibrant downtown with even more shops and restaurants than Rockport. It is located at the mouth of the Merrimack River and offers plenty of entertainment options, from whale watching and deep sea fishing to eco-tours of nearby Plum Island. The only downside is the lack of beach access without a bike or some other way to get you to Plum Island.
Honorable Mention: Ipswich
Haverhill Line
Top Pick: Wakefield (Zone 2: $4.75, Weekend travel time: 23 minutes)
This is probably the best option on a line otherwise lacking in destinations. Wakefield has a decently compact town center with the highlight being Lake Quannapowitt, which is circled by a nice walking trail.
Lowell Line
Top Pick: Lowell (Zone 6: $6.75, Weekend travel time: 43 minutes)
Although not a real glamorous city, Lowell is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and has revitalized its downtown recently and has some charm with old brick buildings and cobblestone streets. You can learn about what life was like for mill girls at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum or take in a game at one of Lowell's two (that's right two!) minor league sports teams, AHL Devils and Single A Red Sox. It's a bit of a walk from the train station to the heart of the city, but there is local bus service.
Fitchburg/South Acton Line
Top Pick: Concord (Zone 5: $6.25, Weekend travel time: 42 minutes)
This historic town of Revolutionary War fame boasts a compact center with shops and restaurants. The preserved village green and North Bridge, site of the first real battle of the Revolution, are within walking distance of the train station. Bring your bike and much of the rest of Minuteman National Historical Park is within reach. A short ride also brings you to Walden Pond State Reservation where you can go for a swim in Walden Pond.
Departing South Station:
Providence/Stoughton Line
Top Pick: Providence (Zone 8: $7.75, Weekend travel time: 65 minutes)
Providence is a city in its own right and is a great destination for a weekend getaway. It boasts a compact and walkable downtown, although it also has its own transit system, RIPTA. You can even grab a bus down to Newport or other RI destinations if you desire. Amtrak service along the NEC provides an even faster and more comfortable train ride down to the city. During the summer, WaterFire is a must see event with music and bonfires on the Providence River. The city also boasts Brown, the Bruins AHL affiliate, and an Italian neighborhood, Federal Hill, that rivals the North End.
I must admit that I am not as familiar with most of the towns south of Boston, not having grown up there, so I can't offer as much advice on which destinations you may want to travel to. That said, I'm not sure there are a lot of worthy destinations. The only plausible one left out is Plymouth, but since I'm not sure where the train station is, I can't recommend it.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial Day - A Good Weekend for Trains
I was able to get out and about this Memorial Day Weekend AND leave my car behind! I always feel more liberated knowing I can travel sustainably (and incrementally for free using my monthly pass) just about anywhere I want to go by making use of the MBTA system. In all, I saved at least 160 miles of driving this weekend by choosing to make all of my trips by train. First, I left my car in South Acton as I usually do. By making 2/3 of my commute by train, I save 20 miles each way. Next, to go visit my parents for the holiday, I rode the Lowell line up to Wilmington, a savings once again of about 20 miles each way. Finally, Ann and I went to Newburyport on Monday from North Station saving a round trip of over 80 miles. It was nice to not have to worry about fighting holiday traffic and to be able to make my morning train today instead of having to drive through rush hour out of Davis. As I'm sure I've mentioned, I just find the time on the train more relaxing; it's a good chance to get some reading done, you save wear and tear on your car, and of course it's nice to know you're using and supporting sustainable transit instead of causing more congestion and pollution for everyone.
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