quinebaug & shetucket rivers valley

We all wish we could go on more vacations than we actually do, but work and school tends to get in the way. But here at United EVENTures we believe in getting in short and fun vacations wherever we can. So we comprised a list of the best weekend getaways that are easy to reach from NJ. Pack your bags and head out Friday night, and come back before work Monday morning!

Washington, DC. DC has so many things to do and see, from national monuments, to great museums, to shopping, to trying to find the best cupcake in the city (try the famous Georgetown Cupcake, as shown on the TLC show DC Cupcakes, Sprinkles, or The Sweet Lobby). The best part? Amtrak offers direct train rides to DC from several places in NJ (such as Trenton and Princeton), and the train rides are only slightly more than 2.5 hours long.

Rehoboth Beach, Deleware. One of the most well visited places in Deleware, Rehoboth has amazing coastline. The beaches have great boardwalks, and the city is full of amazing seafood (Henlopen Oyster House and Fins Fish House & Raw Bar are particularly amazing). Fishing is also very prevalent, and there are many great hotels and inns to stay at. Rehoboth is also well known for their Jazz Festival in mid October, so if you can’t go this summer, head over to Rehoboth then!

New Haven, Connecticut. New Haven is the perfect weekend getaway if you’re looking for some outdoor recreation. The city is located alongside the coast, where beaches and boardwalks are plentiful. Additionally, there is a ton of walking, hiking, and biking trails. Or, if you want to see the Connecticut Open (Warm up for the US Tennis Open), come visit between August 19th and 27th.

The Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay area has an endless number of things to do. Try visiting Annapolis (Maryland’s capitol) complete with great dining and a view of the city’s waterfront. There are also many historical sites located nearby, like Fort McHenry (which is approximately a 37 minute drive from downtown Annapolis). For more ideas of what to do in the Chesapeake Bay Area, take a look at VisitMaryland.org.

Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley. Located in Connecticut, Quinebaug & Shetucket is listed as a National Heritage Corridor, and encompasses 35 towns within the valley that help preserve the land. It is a great place for hiking and biking, and also has nearby historic sites and museums. For information to help you plan your trip, visit The Last Green Valley.