As of this fall, the restlessness of being underage—formerly compounded by carless-ness—has been mitigated by Zipcar’s new campus car-sharing policy, which grants Zipcar access to students ages 18 and older in the greater Boston area. Being without a car is no longer a limiting factor in your discovery of New England, so be ready to get behind the wheel.

A Different Kind of Fire Water

Hardly an hour away down Route 95 South, Providence, R.I.—the dynamic hometown of Brown University—is one of New England’s not-so-hidden gems. Saturday night at sundown, check out WaterFire, a floating pyrotechnic display set to music on the river in downtown Providence. The season’s final full fire is this Saturday, Oct. 9 at 6:14 p.m.

Exchange St. and Memorial Blvd, Providence, R.I. Free admission. 1 hour, 7 minutes.

North Shore Delight

Meander down the narrow, cobblestone streets of the historic New England fishing village of Rockport, the setting for “The Perfect Storm,” and inspiration to the painter Winslow Homer. Head to one of the six beaches in the area, watch the sunset over the harbor, and grab coffee from the impossibly tiny local coffee shop, Bean & Leaf.

12 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, Mass. 56 minutes.

How You Like ’Dem Apples?

Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, Mass. is like a fall theme park. Pick apples (pears are done for the season), go on a hay ride, get lost in the hedge maze you’re definitely not too old for, and sample some of the homemade apple cider.

144 Sudbury Rd., Stow, Mass. 46 minutes.

Live Like a Vanderbilt

Newport, R.I. on the New England coast is home to 11 historic mansions, including the summer “cottage” of the Vanderbilt family, known as The Breakers. Tour a few of these homes and browse through some local art galleries in the center of town.

44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, R.I. See five mansions for $31, or The Breakers for $19.

1 hour, 31 minutes.

Singing Beach

Go and see for yourself whether or not the unusual sand at this idyllic Manchester-By-The-Sea beach actually sings underfoot.

119 Beach St., Manchester-By-The-Sea, Mass. 45 minutes.