By this point in the semester, everyone is settled in on campus. The freshmen (welcome) know their way around and the upperclassmen (welcome back) have felt out the vibe of the year. This gives us all some time to have fun and to take advantage of the opportunities we have around us. The best way to get the most out of our New England location is through the Amtrak. We are privileged enough to have a station right on campus that can take us all the way up to Maine or all the way down to Boston. Here are some ways to utilize your privilege of the Amtrak this semester!
As always, we accept questions at any time using the link here or using the QR codes found around campus. We welcome all questions you might have and can’t wait to hear from you!
Q: “What are the best places to go using the Amtrak?”
The first step to actually getting places using the Amtrak is knowing how to get places using the Amtrak. Our Amtrak station is located next to The Dairy Barn which is on 3 Depot Road. This is a quick 15-minute or less walk from anywhere on campus.
Buying tickets is easy once you download the Amtrak app from the app store and create an account. UNH’s station is a part of the Downeaster route, bringing you down to North Station in Boston, or up to Brunswick Station in Maine. Tickets range in price depending on where you are going and how far in advance you book the ticket (better to book early because tickets will sell out!), but typically fall between $15 and $20 dollars. On the app, select your departure station, arrival station, and date (you can also book it as a round trip to skip extra steps for your return). You will then be prompted to select a time of departure, which ranges from about 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the UNH station. After paying for your tickets, they should be added to your bookings, which will need to be scanned once you board the train.
Make sure you leave for the station early in case you run into any hiccups or the train arrives before it’s supposed to (but usually it arrives late). Once you’re on the train, you are all set to begin your adventure to Boston or Maine. The question now is what to do once you get there!
Brunswick Station, ME
If you decide to take the Downeaster all the way north to Brunswick, ME, in search of some natural beauty, the Androscoggin River is the place for you. The 178-mile-long river is surrounded by gorgeous, hilly greenier (or a winter wonderland, depending what time of year you go) and is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. The river offers a 2.6-mile long trail which visitors use to walk and bike on while admiring the breathtaking river. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the river features the historic Androscoggin River Swinging Bridge, which was built in 1892, destroyed in 1936, and recently rebuilt. The reconstructed bridge sways slightly in the wind (hence the name) but is totally worth it if you’re looking to get some good views while standing on history.
Portland Transportation Center, ME
Slightly south of Brunswick lies Portland, one of the more popular Maine destinations. This waterfront city has plenty of shopping and eating to do in the heart of town, but if you’re looking for something that screams Maine, you definitely have to check out the Portland Head Light, located on Cape Elizabeth. The lighthouse, built in the 1700s, houses the Museum at Portland Head Lights, which features lighthouse technology and history. The lighthouse is a famous Maine landmark, making it a must-visit when in Portland.
Old Orchard Beach Station, ME
Although it is getting too cold to swim now, taking the Amtrak up to Old Orchard Beach is a must for when the spring rolls back around. The seven-mile beach is the perfect place for your warm-weather activities, and the shoreline even features a boardwalk complete with rides and food stands.
Kennebunk, ME
Although the Amtrak cannot take you directly to Kennebunk, it can take you to the Wells Regional Transportation Station, which is a short bus ride away. This coastal town is perfect for all your wildest Maine dreams. From lobster rolls to clam shacks, Kennebunkport has everything you could possibly wish to eat, surrounded by enough souvenir shops to run your pockets dry.
-Leah
Q: “Thoughts on the beautiful city of Boston, Massachusetts?”
Growing up in the North shore the coolest thing you could do was take the T into Boston with your friends. Now I get to live and do internship work in Boston through UNH’s semester in the city program! The city is so walkable and there are always new things to try. Over the years I have developed some favorite places:
The Museum of Fine Arts
Will it be sunny? Will it be raining? Is there snow? None of that matters because the museum will still be open (unless it’s a Tuesday!) From my Egyptian mummy phase in sixth grade to my classics double major era, the MFA has always had something to quench my interests. My favorite thing at the museum was the mummified head of the ancient Egyptian governor Djehutynakht, which was on display for years. His head is no longer on display but you can still check out memorabilia from his tomb. They also have giant baby head sculptures at the back entrance, if that is more to your taste. During the year, MFA hosts Late Nites where you can dress up, dance, make your own art, and live out your Night at the Museum dreams, exploring the galleries after hours.
Tatte
Their tuition is $70,000 of course Northeastern kids are going to have the best bakery cafe in Boston at their disposal. Whether you’re in the mood for savory or sweet things I 100% recommend eating at Tatte. If attempting to blend in with Northeastern kids after your MFA visit isn’t for you there are 12 Tattes in Boston to choose from. There is also one in Cambridge across from Harvard if that is more your jam. My go-to orders are a chocolate sesame paste dessert called the Halva Bomb, the fresh lemonade, the meringue cloud cookie, and the chicken pita sandwich.
GrubStreet Bookstore
GrubStreet has knick-knacks, tote bags, tchotchkes, a cafe, and best of all books. There is also an area for writing lessons upstairs. During the pandemic, I did their free teen writing lessons, but I think they also have adult workshops. The shop, located in the stunning Seaport District, overlooks the ocean. Good vibes all around.
Boston Public Library
If you ever tried your hand at the dark academia aesthetic, you must explore the Boston Public Library. Just looking at the green lamps in the quiet room -almost- makes me want to read Shakespeare. The BPL also has a beautiful courtyard equipped with a fountain that I imagine only enhances the book-reading experience. It is my favorite place to escape the Allston air and do internship work.
Newbury Street/Public Gardens
Though I cannot afford anything here, Newbury Street quenches the shopaholic desires within me to look at things in a store (and take pictures for when/if I have money). The shops are only a short walk away from Boston’s picturesque public gardens where park rangers ride on horses and ducks are also boats. I may not be able to justify spending over 100 dollars on clothes, but I will never justify not spending money on food. So if that sounds like you, I recommend exploring the many restaurants along the street in between overpriced boutique browsing. P.S. Burdick Handmade Chocolates will change your life.
