If you're like me and graduating within the next year, you know our time is limited to do exciting, crazy, and spontaneous things before we start our journeys into the real world. One of the best ways to have a last "hoo-rah" with your best friends is to go on a road trip. With winter break upon us, and spring and summer break in the near future, it is a perfect time to plan and go on a road trip with your friend group. Taking a road trip is a great opportunity to have a blast with your friends, experience different places, meet new people, and create memories to last a lifetime. The road trip that I have mapped out starts in New Jersey and hits stops in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The stops include everything from bars to sight seeing and landmarks. A road trip is something that you definitely have to save up for, but with the right planning it can be inexpensive. If you live in the Northeast, especially New Jersey, than this trip is for you.
1. The Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is a great place to visit during the summer. During the day, hang out on one of New Jerseys beautiful beaches. At night take advantage of some of the best bars on the shore line including Jenk's Club in Point Pleasant, Bamboo in Seaside Heights, and Martell's Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant. If you're a New Jersey native like me, it's assumed you or at least one of your friends has a shore house which helps to save money on lodging. If you do not have access to a shore house, the good news is that most motels are fairly cheap for the night.
2. Blairstown, New Jersey
If you haven't explored the Blairstown Bridge with your friends before you are seriously missing out. The Blairstown Bridge or the Paulinskill Viaduct, is an abandoned railroad over the Paulinskill River near Blairstown, New Jersey. This sight is even part of Weird New Jersey, a travel guide to New Jersey's best kept secrets and local legends. The hike up to the bridge is fairly easy, and the view from the top is absolutely breath taking. The Blairstown Bridge is a notorious spot for taggers. The art work that you will see on the bridge is amazing. This spot is great for photography and sight seeing. If you're afraid of heights this definitely is not the place for you. The bridge is very adventurous. When you get to the top of the bridge you have to climb into a man hole and down a latter to get into the viaducts. It's a great day trip that is different from all of the rest.
3. New York, New York
You may be thinking "New York City is WAY too expensive." However, you can find great deals on Groupon.com. You can find a hotel room on Groupon for as low as $130 for a night. When split between a group of people, the cost is not bad. You will have to share beds and squeeze into the room, but it is definitely worth it. The only time you will be in your hotel room in New York City is to sleep anyway. Check out places like Time Square, Little Italy, and Greenwich Village. For night life check out clubs like 1Oak, Webster Hall, and Pacha. For a bar scene visit Brother Jimmy's, Employees Only, and Stay Classy New York the Will Ferrell themed bar. There are a myriad different places and attractions to see in New York City which makes this stop perfect for everyone in your friend group.
4. Monroe, Connecticut
Are you a fan of scary movies? If you have seen the movie The Conjuring or Annabelle you know it is based on the true stories of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the husband and wife paranormal investigators. Their home is now a museum filled with obscure and haunted artifacts from there paranormal endeavors. If you love scary movies or are interested in the supernatural, then this is a great place to stop and get spooked. Visit their website for all of the information regarding this haunted museum. The Warren Occult Museum.
5. Stamford, Connecticut
Jerry ! Jerry ! Jerry ! If your fan of the ridiculous trash television show Jerry Springer than stopping in Stamford, Connecticut is a must. If you have watched the show before you know that this show is quite lively and can take many twists and turns. From strippers, cross-dressers, cheating spouses, and fighting this show is a sight to see. If you notice in the audience, it is more of a younger demographic. They encourage college students and young people to come view the show live to create a bigger and louder reaction from the crowd. Tickets to this show are free, as long as you reserve your tickets ahead of time.
6. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is like the New York City of Massachusetts. There is plenty of things to do here whether it is sight seeing or partying. For sight seeing and day activities check out Newbury Street and Museum of Fine Arts. If you want to day drink check out one of Boston's many beer tasting tours. For nightlife fun check out Frost Ice Bar, Tunnel, and Bond. If you're in Boston during baseball season I highly recommend getting cheap tickets to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. The same goes for the Bruins and the Patriots. There's nothing like a Massachusetts sporting event. If you thought New Yorker's were rowdy sports fans, wait until you see these people. It is an experience like no other.
7. Lake George, New York
Lake George, New York is the perfect way to end your road trip. This lake is absolutely beautiful and offers several different things to do. Enjoy hanging out with your friends on the lake front or participate in water activities such as boating or jet skiing. Check out places like Christie's on the Lake, Captain Dick's Crab Shack, O'Tooles Restaurant Pub, and The Boardwalk Restaurant & Marina on Lake George. If you have a big group on your road trip, getting a lake house or cabin for a few days can be very inexpensive. Renting a lake house with your friend group will be one of the best times you will ever had. It will be like prom weekend all over again, but better. Lake George is the perfect place to party, relax, and spend time with your friends.
