Free time at Harvard is a precious commodity. Between studying, socializing and the rigors of everyday life, it might seem impossible to find time to explore the world outside of Boston--even outside of Harvard--during your short stay in Cambridge.

But travelling in New England is not as difficult as you might think. And the sights you'll see--from picturesque maritime villages on the North Shore to gritty industrial downtowns in Boston's suburbs to stately Brahmin mansions in Newport--make taking a day off from Cambridge well worth your time.

Getting Around

You do not need a car to explore the Boston area. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA, or just the T), Amtrak and a number of bus lines make most of New England's attractions accessible for relatively low prices.

The MBTA's commuter rail--the "Purple Line"--operates out of two termini: North Station (on the Green and Orange Lines of the MBTA subway), and South Station (on the Red Line). From these stations, 11 lines radiate into Boston's suburbs, and throughout most of eastern Massachusetts.

Trains run frequently, and on weekends operate on a reduced schedule. Check the T's Web site--http://www.mbta.com--for the latest timetables. Fares vary according to how many zones your trip spans. The most expensive round-trip ticket comes to $9.50, but most destinations cost $6 or less.

Amtrak also departs from South Station, as do Greyhound, Bonanza and several other bus lines.

Historical New England

For history buffs, New England has no shortage of sights and museums.

The MBTA's new Plymouth line takes visitors south to the heart of the Old Colony. Plymouth ($8 round trip), home of the infamous Plymouth Rock and the Pilgrims' first permanent settlement in the New World, remains a vintage seaside port.

A reconstruction of the Mayflower and a preserved waterfront also grace Plymouth's harbor. The town pays homage to eastern Massachusetts' staple crop as the home of Cranberry World.

To the north, Salem ($5 round trip on the Rockport line) lives with the legacy of the Salem Witch Trails. The Salem Witch Museum--and a flourishing industry of witch-themed gift shops and tours--commemorate the 1693 trials.

Salem later prospered in the 19th century as its harbor became one of the busiest in the United States. The restored Customs House--former workplace of Salem native Nathaniel Hawthorne--presides over Pickering Wharf, now home to numerous shops and restaurants.

Hawthorne's birthplace and the House of Seven Gables, which inspired his novel of that name, sit side by side a few blocks from the Custom House.

Inland to the west of Salem, Lowell ($7 round trip on the Lowell line) was the first American city of the Industrial Revolution, and the now-restored factory buildings house a museum dedicated to the Industrial Age.