The Harbus recommends local highlights that are only $10 away.
As we settle into the fall semester rhythm, many of us begin longing for weekend escapes and time away with friends. But doesn’t it get boring to jet off to Miami or the Bahamas, or constantly zip down to NYC on the Amtrak? Wouldn’t you rather experience the local area, and maybe save a few hundred dollars in the process? Well, the Harbus has the idea for you! On every weekend from now until the end of time, the MBTA is offering unlimited trips on the commuter rail system for only $10! You heard me correctly – for the cost of printing 100 pages, you can travel hundreds of miles!
Here are some places on the commuter rail line that we think are worth the $10 visit:
Providence, RI: For the city-slicker
Providence is to Boston as Tacoma is to Seattle (Google it). Unlike Tacoma, Providence is only an hour away by the commuter rail (which, I may have mentioned, only costs $10). Once in Providence, check out the Brown University campus and the College Hill neighborhood. College Hill is home to the Lippitt House Museum – an intact home from the 1860s showcasing authentic Victorian decor. Crossing back into downtown, enjoy a nice jaunt along the Providence River, which runs right through the city. In nice weather (e.g., many moons from now) consider renting kayaks and paddling amongst the skyscrapers. Providence is also home to an arcade dating to 1828, which has now been refurbished into a shopping mall and food plaza. Government fans and foes alike will enjoy a visit to the State House and the adjoining memorial to Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island.
Lexington and Concord, MA: For the history buff
Due west of Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution. It is now luckily connected via the commuter rail, and offers visitors the chance to juxtapose colonial American history with modern small-town charm. Lexington and Concord contain Minute Man National Historical Park, which was the site of the famed Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775. Walk around the park and learn about the battlefield formations as well as the historical structures that remain on the site. Also in the area is Walden Pond, made famous by Henry David Thoreau’s reminiscing on the simple life during his stay in by the pond. Making your way toward the town center, take a stroll through downtown Concord and Lexington and visit the various antique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Both towns also contain historical and typical town greens, which contain several monuments highlighting historical figures from the area. Those willing to take a short Uber from the station can visit Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, which is where the author wrote her seminal novel Little Women, along with the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.
Gloucester and Rockport, MA: For the lovers of the sea
At this point, everyone has heard of Cape Cod or been there at least once. But have you heard of Cape Ann? This cape lies to the north of Boston, and is famous for its landscape and seafaring past. The towns of Gloucester and Rockport contain several museums, such as the Cape Ann Museum and Maritime Gloucester, that explain the fascinating history of the region and the influence it played in America’s maritime successes. Both towns lie on the water, so naturally fishing and seafood restaurants are highly rated. But both towns are also known for whale watching! For a few hours you can ride on a whale watching cruise vessel and journey to Stellwagen Bay, where you may be able to see humpback and finback whales. On the way back from the cruise check out the Eastern Point Lighthouse, which has been operating since 1890, along with the nearby historical Beauport, Sleeper-McCann mansion. And yes, in good weather the beaches are worth a visit.
Wachusett and Cohasset / Scituate, MA: For the zen vibe
The ends of train lines are usually bustling cities or conversely quiet, low-key towns. Close enough to the main city to attract commuters but far enough away to preserve the peaceful atmosphere. In this regard, Wachusett, Cohasset, and Scitutate understood the assignment (h/t Gen Z). Wachusett is home to the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation and Ski Area, which contains 17 miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails. It abuts Leominster State Forest, which has several lakes for fishing along with cross-country skiing paths. Parents will enjoy the Great Wolf Lodge right by the train station, which could be a welcome respite from a day of hiking. On the other side of the state, Cohasset and Scituate lie right on the beach. Between the two of them, there are miles of sandy coastline and hiking paths along the beach (no fancy gear needed). Both towns have quaint restaurants that lie on the waterfront, in addition to a plethora of lighthouses. For those craving additional adventure, consider renting a small boat and visiting the several islands that dot the harbor.
$10 gets you quite a bit outside the bubble – discover your favorite stop on the commuter line!
Prior to joining HBS, Abhiram Karuppur (MBA ’25) worked in Houston, TX at Ara Partners, a private equity fund focused on energy transition and decarbonization technologies. A New Jersey native, he graduated with a B.S.E. in Chemical & Biological Engineering from Princeton University in 2019. Outside of class, you can find him biking around Boston’s many trails, dominating (sometimes) at pub trivia, or trying out the local food scene.
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