Columbus Day Weekend may be over, but that doesn’t mean mini trips away from campus have to stop.  For those who need a break from psets and papers, we’ve come up with a list of destinations for you to try in the coming weeks, all outside Harvard Square.

1. Revere Beach, M.A.
The world’s first public beach is less than an hour away.  Thanks to the blue line, a trip to Revere offers a great, affordable way to enjoy the sand.  It may just be a city beach, but it’s a nice break for those who haven’t come to terms with pumpkin spice latte season yet.

2. Waterfire in Providence, R.I.
Providence is an obvious destination with its riverwalk and plethora of historic sites.  A must-see on this trip is Waterfire—a sculpture comprised of over eighty bonfires that double as both public art and an urban festival.  On one of Waterfire’s scheduled evenings, walk through the torch-lit canals, grab a bite from the street vendors, and enjoy the local music performances.

3. Fall for the Arts Festival in Cape Cod, M.A.
It may be getting a little too cold to enjoy the seaside, but it’s definitely worth checking out the month-long art celebration hosted by Cape Cod’s Arts Foundation.  Featuring art technique workshops, exhibits on local artists, and weekly concerts promoting local music, this festival offers a change of pace that’s only a few hours away by train.

4. Salem Haunted Happenings
The city of Salem is embracing October with a Halloween festival that showcases a variety of haunted houses, art exhibits, and historical tours.  Whether you want a cultural excursion to learn more about Salem’s infamous history or just a nighttime scare, the hour long bus ride seems totally worth the chance to jump into the fall season with Halloween just around the corner.

5. Boston’s museums
With a Harvard ID, the city’s incredible museum district is easily accessible.  Before Harvard’s newly renovated museums open in November, take a day and spend some time at one.  Not sure which collection is worth a visit? We've got you covered.