As graduation approaches, the goodbye countdown starts to feel real. The orange and blue walls that once felt permanent begin to feel temporary. The idea of “last” starts to settle in: last class, last walk to lunch, last after-school “therapy session” with your close friends. The hardest transition seniors will face is the inevitable goodbye. Some seniors say goodbye with a plane ticket to a faraway destination, while others won’t be able to travel far. But distance isn’t required for a memorable trip. Several destinations only a few hours away provide the perfect location for a senior summer send-off.
By Car
If you drive about two and a half hours northeast, the Berkshires, a mountain range in Massachusetts, will be in sight. Early summer weather presents the perfect time to explore the various hiking trails. You can reach the highest point of Massachusetts by hiking at the Mount Greylock State Reservation or admire the 60-foot waterfall at the Bash Bish Falls State Park. Home to MASS MoCA, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the cultural scene in the Berkshire region equals its natural beauty. This combination of outdoor activities and quiet museum visits can be a perfect bonding experience for friends having their last moments together before college.
While the Berkshires offer mountain views and cultural landmarks, driving East toward “the end” of Long Island provides a completely different kind of goodbye experience.
If you drive all the way East until the road quite literally ends at the tip of Long Island, you will hear the faint sound of salt water and distant murmurs of people’s laughter in Montauk. From surfing at Ditch Plains to boat-watching at Gin Beach, Montauk offers the classic beach day experience. If a beach day isn’t enough, you can grab a cup of coffee from the local favorite Left Hand, then hike to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, a landmark building. The beach’s relaxing, familiar nature can be perfect for friends to have one last get-together.
By Train
If you take the LIRR to Penn Station and transfer to the Amtrak to Boston South Station, you’ll find the cradle of the American Revolution. With the steamy aroma of roasted coffee in the air and sweet, juicy lobster around every corner, Boston is the perfect place to relax while immersing yourself in its rich culture. From the cobblestone path of the Freedom Trail to the bustling marketplace of Faneuil Hall, Boston invites all its visitors on a rich journey into the history of the United States. The city’s modern cultural scene even surpasses its historical sites. From the Museum of Fine Art to the Boston Commons, these places mark the modern culture of American History. Boston offers the perfect place for friends to slow down and appreciate history before the start of their next chapter.
If a fast-paced city is not your ideal farewell, the LIRR also provides access to a quieter coastal experience much closer to home.
If you take the LIRR South and then get on a ferry, you will see a car-free barrier island in the distance. The noise of daily life fades as the ocean winds sweep all your worries away. With the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly beyond the horizon, Fire Island boasts one of the most vibrant beaches near Long Island—Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach offers a space not only for sunbathing and boardwalking but also for water sports such as kayaking. Here, you won’t see a single car on site. The rhythm of life seems to slow in a place without constant pollutants and noisy automobiles. The amazing shoreline view from the Fire Island Lighthouse is a must for any first-time visitor. The island’s carefree nature can ease the pain of a goodbye before friends next see each other.
