Walk through the dunes, people watch, go to the beach, people watch, see some art, eat some seafood, people watch, ride the Cape Cod rail trail, go ocean kayaking... it's not a high adventure kind of place, but it's a way to have fun then be able to say, "Back when I was at Yale, I used to spend weekends on the Cape," in a snooty accent.
Drive to New Hampshire. Go hiking in the White Mountains. If you're in the mood for something a lot more granitic. Closest part to CT is the Mt Moosilauke area, but it's all good.
Yeah, last-minute plane tickets to Cali look a bit pricey... I like both Cristina's and feet's suggestions. For something completely different, though perhaps obvious, go to NYC! The best city in the world.
Mt. Monadnock is a close mountain destination in southern New Hampshire that while less impressive than the whites is still a worthwhile trip. There tend to be a large number of people on the trails and summit, but the climb is gorgeous.
New Hampshire is always a nice trip, so I would hardly vote against going. Provincetown is the kind of place that's worth visiting at least once while you're in New England. Just depends on the kind of mood you're in!
I have already climbed Mount Monadnock with my relatives, but it would definitely be worth another trip - we saw a bear last time! Good suggestions guys, keep them coming! I think I want to be a bit more active than Provincetown this time, but it looks like fun for a chilled out weekend!
If you guys are interested in some hiking nearby, you might consider the
Breakneck Ridge Trail. I haven't hiked in the Hudson Highlands State Park, but when I have orienteered nearby, it has always looked impressive.
So the Taconic Crest and Greylock Range are really no competition for the white mountains, but I would say that a trip out to Western MA might have some appeal. lots of beautiful hikes in the Williamstown area ( if you hike the crest north into Vermont you can find a cave that has snow all year round) and there's also some very good art, the clark art museum, the Williams College Museum of Art. Mass MOCA (museum of contemporary art). There is also some decently good food (there's a diner in Southern VT with very good pancakes) and a stop at the Old Forge restaurant on Rt. 7 if you like chicken wings and/or beer is a must.
I'm pretty biased because I went to school out there :) it's totally awesome.
Be careful about camping though. I have camped twice in WMass and both times been up half the night with the drunk locals and their bonfires.
Vermont on the other hand has given me some great camping times.
Do you have bicycles? There are super rides throughout Western MA and VT.
No bikes yet, but if there are hiring places that's a pretty good idea.