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The Best New England Summer Vacation Destinations

by Eric H.

Picking the definitive New England summer destination is about as easy as reciting the Pauli exclusion principal.

Just as no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers, no two people
who live in, or have traveled to New England seem to have the same set of favorite vacation spots in the six state region. People seem to think they are absolutely right and everyone else is wrong when it comes to a great New England vacation destination. People visiting Cape Cod can't understand why someone would drive hundreds of miles more to suffer July hypothermia at the Maine ocean beaches. People vacationing in Maine can't understand why anyone would want to wait from Memorial Day to Labor Day to make it over the Sagamore Bridge into Cape Cod, courtesy of unending traffic. Of course, people vacationing in Rhode Island laugh at both parties, knowing the traffic isn't too bad at their vacation spot and the beaches are nice and warm.

The truth is, every place in New England is special. From the high end tourist destinations like Cape Cod, the Berkshire Hills, Acadia National Park, Maine to the small, unspoiled towns like Essex, Conn., Weston, Vt., and Wolfeboro, N.H., New England has a wealth of great tourist spots, high on charm and relaxation. That's something everyone can agree on.

Although people can't agree on the best place to visit in New England, there are regions or places that get favorable reviews from a large body of people. The list is certainly not inclusive, but we feel that the chances are quite high that you'll enjoy the following New England vacation destinations:

 

York, Maine

One of America's truly fun seaside destinations

York, Maine, is living proof that you don't have to travel far up the Maine coast to get a true feel of the famed Downeast lifestyle.

Lobster dinners, rocky shoreline, expansive ocean beaches, ice cream stands, salt water taffy and refreshing salt air await you just minutes north of the New Hampshire-Maine border. York has something fun for everyone: the quiet, antique-friendly York Harbor and York Village, the beaches, carousel and arcades at York Beach, and the rugged, rocky, more secluded environs of Cape Neddick.

When visiting York, you can see the joy and relaxation in peoples' faces as more smiling and "hellos" take place here than you can initially handle. The key is to adapt. When you do, the health benefits are greater than any wellness doctor could ever recommend.

We suggest starting with Long Sands beach where families saturate this wonderful two-mile stretch where the water is cold, but the appeal of the area isn't. Long Sands Beach is perfect for strolling, sunning, building a sandcastle, or just meeting friendly people. If you don't mind the frigid waters, it is also perfect for swimming.

Then walk the loop from Long Sands Beach to the stunning Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick. Generally recognized as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, this is the perfect place to rest, get hypnotized by the rough ocean waves and prototypical Maine rocky coastline --it is a picture-perfect postcard come to life. Sometimes, Mother Nature's fury can be viewed in the form of some spectacular storms with biting high winds and crashing waves.

My wife Joan and I fell in love at Nubble Light, under the milky way sky. For years, we have come back remembering that day when our lives changed in the most wonderful way possible. It's especially nice coming to Nubble Light at night to cool off, hear the hypnotic waves and see the red beacon light shining in the pitch black, seaside sky, landscaped with an endless and stunning array of stars and galaxies. For others, it's fun trying to spot other lighthouses in the far distance (on a clear night, you can see lighthouses as far as 30 miles away in Portland).

You could literally spend a day at Nubble Light, and not tire of one of New England's masterpieces.

Around the corner is absolutely terrific ice cream at Brown's ice cream stand. We strongly recommend the blueberry ice cream. And remember, it's OK to eat blueberry ice cream without feeling guilty. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, plus you're helping the Maine economy by purchasing this tasty fruit. Regarding the ice cream, we'll just say you're helping the Vermont economy. Foxes, which is closer to Nubble Light, also serves Brown's Ice Cream at its ice cream stand and has a nice dining area where you can sample top-notch Maine classics like lobster, and clam chowder.

To justify all that eating, be prepared to walk about a mile until you reach York Beach. Here, you will find Short Sands Beach, the midget cousin of Long Sands Beach. The waves pack a wallop and so do the crowds. Short Sands Beach is downtown, which means easier access to stores, restaurants, arcades, Maine largest zoo (including the carousel) and, curiously, a bowling alley, overlooking the ocean. It is a bit puzzling seeing people favor the bowling alley over a pristine beach. Perhaps the salt air produces better scores.

Make it a point to walk across the street to the landmark Goldenrod's, offering nice lunches and loads of salt water taffy. They make the stuff here, and at times, the machines viewed from the window draw more of a crowd than a Britney Spears concert. Only here, you get more wholesome entertainment.

In downtown York Beach, visitors can sample some nice arts, crafts and antique stores, plus the obligatory t-shirt shops. Perhaps the best of these shops is Joan's Beach House which has a nice array of gifts, including some great Maine shirts, lighthouse lamps and throws. Some great candle scents permeate the air.

York Harbor and York Village are more subdued and New England-traditional than York Beach. The shopping district has a quaint, relaxed feel -- some prefer the quiet, understated feel with its small town feel, tree-lined side streets, spectacular homes sporting many different types of architecture, and meandering sidewalks leading to charming little indepedently owned shops. A small ocean beach at York Harbor is just a short walk away, as well as a fun cliff walk which requires walking over lots of rocks, while enjoying sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean.

Not too far from York Harbor on Route One is the famed Stonewall Kitchen offering some truly amazing jams, syrups, salad dressings and plenty of kitchen accessories. Don't leave without buying the incredible blueberry jam.

On the other side of town is Shore Road, which has more twists and turns than a Hitchcock movie. Here in the Cape Neddick area, you'll experience a more untouched part of the area as the ocean looks more lonesome and wild, but no less charming. Shore Road leads to the delightful village of Ogunquit.

Great restaurants reside in York. Clay Hill Farm is without a doubt the best restaurant in the area and possibly in New England. Clay Hill Farm's lovely gardens and warm intimate dining rooms in an old and elegant farmhouse set the tone for the freshest food we've encountered in many years of dining. The spinach salad is so alive with straight-from-the-garden tatste and just the right amount of dressing. The lobster bisque jumps right at your taste bud's joy center. The roast half duck and seafood scampi are particularly amazing, so flavorful and memorable with all the right seasonings and sauces. Deserts, largely of a chocolate theme, will leave you breathless.

The Cape Neddick Inn (Rt. 1A) is also a superb dining establishment. A gracious country atmosphere awaits you, along with fine service and an upscale menu featuring creative seafood and steak dishes. During the summer, a warm window breeze and the fine art on the wall lend a home-like feeling. We really enjoyed the salads and schrod and pork dinners on our first visit here.

Fazio's, on Woodbridge Road near York Village, will satisfy the most finnicky lovers of Italian and American food. Extremely well prepared dishes such as duck with cherry glaze, the filet mignon and any veal dish are cooked to perfection. Warm and attentive service in a casual atmosphere make Fazio's a "must-try" in the York area.

Another restaurant recommendation is the Sand and Surf on Long Sands Beach. What might first seem like a tourist haven turns out to be a fine top-notch steak and seafood place. The seafood --particularly the haddock -- is quite fresh and plentiful. The Sand and Surf has quite possibly the best clam chowder and blueberry pie of any we've sampled in New England. Plus, the perfect view of Long Sands Beach is reason enough to visit.

There are many fine places to stay in York. The Inn at Long Sands offers rooms with a spectacular ocean view porches so that you can experience this Maine gem of a beach. The main lobby, with its hardwood floors and fireplace and ocean presence, is pure New England. Each room is detailed differently, but all casually elegant. At night, hear the gentle roar of the ocean and have it lull you to sleep--there are few better feelings than this symphony, produced by Mother Nature. All this plus an excellent breakfast in the sunny dining room overlooking that Long Sands Beach.

Edward's Harborside Inn at York Harbor is a charming place with refreshing sun-splashed views of the ocean. Many of the rooms are spacious and full of character. Edward's is located where the harbor meets the Atlantic Ocean and is within walking distance of the village shops. Walking the dock at Edward's backyard or having breakfast outdoors with fine views of the harbor creates one of the most delightful experiences in New England lodging -- it's like making your own great discovery.

The Dockside Guest Quarters and Restaurant , near York Harbor, is located on the secluded Harris Island. The Dockside consists of bed and breakfast-type rooms in the main house and some very good modern, condo-style rooms featuring fireplaces and porches with great harbor views. It is nestled in between dense wooded area and the harbor, making it a peaceful and romantic place to stay. A fine restaurant completes this excellent choice for lodging.

York might not have the style of nearby Ogunquit, the opulence of Kennebunkport, the Springsteen feel of Hampton Beach, N.H., or the urban aura of Portland. What it does have is heart and soul and a great family-oriented atmopshere, inviting every walk of life to experience the seaside experience in New England. York is simply made to enjoy. So, enjoy!

Many of York's businesses are seasonal, especially in the York Beach area. For more information, visit the York Chamber of Commerce Web site

 

Block Island, R.I.

An unspoiled land with lots of scenic beauty

Warning: stay away from Block Island, R.I., if you have an affinity for shopping malls, automobiles, ATM machines, laptops and other conveniences. If you are inclined to pristine ocean amd beaches, rolling green fields and pastoral farms, abundant plant and wildlife, and a slower-paced lifestyle, then by all means plan a trip to what the Nature Conservancy has designated as "one of the 12 last great places in the Western Hemisphere."

It's easy to see why. With the exception of a small downtown, Block Island's 21 square miles -12 miles south of Rhode Island's main land--provide a treasure chest of unspoiled terrains -- the perfect place for a New England summer vacation. Most people walk, ride bikes or drive motor scooters to trek around the island. What they will find is their own beach, their own forest, their own special place, their own discovery. Walking off the beaten path will surely lead you to nowhere. And nowhere is a beautiful place.

The blatant "tourist traps" aren't bad, either, like the Southeast Lighthouse, which stands almost 200 feet above the sea, courtesy of some dramatic clay cliffs. North Lighthouse leads to a wildlife sanctuary and a seemingly endless beach, sometimes inhabited by no one. By the way, while you might not see many people, you will most likely meet up with 40 rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Bird-watchers,for example, will no doubt meet their destiny, here.

If it's people you seek Fred Benson Town Beach is a delightful place with warm ocean water, well behaved families and plenty of area to find your own spot. The sand is fairly soft and the sun seemingly brighter than back home, whereever that may be. It's the perfect family beach, the idealNew England summer vacation destination.

The downtown area offers lodging, dining and shopping. It is all interchangeable, as nothing really stands out. You won't go wrong with any Triple A approved lodging. Many restaurants offer some great outdoor dining (location, not food). But no place we've tried is solely worth the trip. The real reason to visit Block Island is for the abundant nature. With the exception of Maine's Acadia National Park and Vermont's Green Mountains, no one specific New England area offers as many uninhabited areas as Block Island.

3. Wolfeboro, N.H. -- Lake Winnipesaukee's personality never changed, just what goes on around it. Once a location of true serenity and a place to "get away from it all," parts of New Hampshire's largest lake have become highly commercialized -- from the honky tonk to new inns made to look old (and charge a hefty price for their fabricated charm). Sadly, some of the Lake -- particularly on the west side -- doesn't look the same to many New Englanders as it once did.

Wolfeboro, America's oldest resort community at more than two centuries old, never really cared to subscribe to this odd and disturbing form of "progress." Fine neighborhoods with big, old homes and a nice mix of liad-back arts and crafts and book stores, bakeries and cafes, an old-time drug store and a truly tranquil and scenic backyard to the dowtown -- the magnificent lake -- make Wolfeboro a trip back in time on the eastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Take a stroll down any of the east side streets and you'll end up with one of the prettiest views in New Hampshire -- a cool, calm lake surrounded by mountains. Nice walkways and a gazebo add to the charm, as well as extremely friendly residents who have a respect for their town and the people who visit their charmed community. Once at the lake, it's hard to believe one is just a major league baseball rightfielder's throw from Main Street. The feeling of going from a busy -- but not too noisy -- Main Street to a place of great solitude by the water in just seconds provides a great option to those torn between shopping and relaxing within the same continent.

When in Wolfeboro, the greatest thing to do is nothing. The lake is a gift to our senses, the fresh air a blessing to our lungs, and the quiet, star-filled nights a vehicle to feeling refreshed.

To its credit, it's hard to find an ATM in Wolfeboro, or a place to buy obnoxious souvenirs. It's not a place to drink too much at the proverbial lakeside club that offers 1970s rock revival acts playing to 20 down and out people. You'll find none of that here, just lush green fields and splendid lakeside viewing in the spring, summer and fall, and a classic wintery village scene in the colder months. More than 40 miles of groomed ski trails also offer scenic beauty. You will also notice that not every other house is a bed and breakfast or inn like in so many other tourist communities. There are only a few places to stay in town, the most notable being the esteemed Wolfeboro Inn (with its main building constructed in 1812) sitting majestically off Main Street and with a straight ahead view of the Lake.

At first glance, Wolfeboro may not seem like anything special to those driving by on Route 109. Many other New England towns have the stately old homes seen here. Countless communities in New England have the fortune of being located on a lake. The downtown retail district is not as spectacular as some of New England's most popular destinations. What those other communities lack, however, is authenticity. When authenticity is present, one can feel the real pulse of a community more than towns, villages and cities with fragmented spectacular areas, and with commercialism undermining those great scenic moments. Wolfeboro is consistently good.

Wolfeboro is like your best friend -- honest, friendly and loyal. Perhaps that is why it is a well-loved vacation area after all these years.

 

Boston, Mass.

Full of personality, the "Hub of the Universe" has something to experience for everyone

From the European leanings of Newbury Street to the festive shops and restaurants at Fanueil Hall, Boston is truly the "Hub of the Universe." With over 40 academic institutions, the magnificent Boston Common with masterful flower gardens, fine harbor views, world class restaurants, the Italian-flavored North End, some fascinating museums, the historic Freedom Trail, and a compact layout tailor made for walking, Boston deserves an extended visit.

Every Bostonian has their favorite memories. Some highlights:

*The authentic Italian flavor of the North End, with great restaurants, bakeries, pizza and generations of Italians colorfully speaking the language in the streets.

*Newbury Street's European flavor, the perfect place to stroll, eat at an outdoor cafe, or frequent the world-class shops.

*Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. The seats are cramped, the bathrooms to be avoided, and the concession stand inferior to its minor league outlet in Pawtucket. Plus, the team will always break your heart. But there is a charm here, from the "Green Monster" wall to the small, intimate feel of a truly old-fashioned park. Enjoy it while you can before a new stadium arrives.

*Santarpio's Pizza. The world's best pizza, served up in the Italian neighborhoods in East Boston. Waiters with great personalities --especially Nick and Rocco-- and pizzas that Bostonians have gobbled up in seconds for many, many years.

*The Isabella Gardiner Museum. A beautiful indoor Venetian courtyard highlights a diverse range of paintings, sculptures and a flower display in this urban oasis.

* A walk along Carson Beach in South Boston, and stopping for a hamburger and soft serve ice cream at Sullivan's,

* Fanueil Hall Marketplace with its specialty shops , restaurants, pushcarts and food stalls soem of which is centered within a 1742 broze-domed building.

* Boston Common, iand the nearby incredible flower gardens and the legendary swan boat rides.

*The world class dining of The Cafe Budapest and other great urban dining experiences.

*The Museum of Fine Arts with its American, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Roman, European and Egyptian collections

Other than some terrible traffic and awfully rude drivers, Boston is one of the great cities of the world. 

 

Wolfeboro, N.H.

A long-time favorite vacation destination and a classic New England town

Lake Winnipesaukee's personality never changed, just what goes on around it. Once a location of true serenity and a place to "get away from it all," parts of New Hampshire's largest lake have become highly commercialized -- from the honky tonk to new inns made to look old (and charge a hefty price for their fabricated charm). Sadly, some of the Lake -- particularly on the west side -- doesn't look the same to many New Englanders as it once did.

Wolfeboro, America's oldest resort community at more than two centuries old, never really cared to subscribe to this odd and disturbing form of "progress." Fine neighborhoods with big, old homes and a nice mix of liad-back arts and crafts and book stores, bakeries and cafes, an old-time drug store and a truly tranquil and scenic backyard to the dowtown -- the magnificent lake -- make Wolfeboro a trip back in time on the eastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Take a stroll down any of the east side streets and you'll end up with one of the prettiest views in New Hampshire -- a cool, calm lake surrounded by mountains. Nice walkways and a gazebo add to the charm, as well as extremely friendly residents who have a respect for their town and the people who visit their charmed community. Once at the lake, it's hard to believe one is just a major league baseball rightfielder's throw from Main Street. The feeling of going from a busy -- but not too noisy -- Main Street to a place of great solitude by the water in just seconds provides a great option to those torn between shopping and relaxing within the same continent.

When in Wolfeboro, the greatest thing to do is nothing. The lake is a gift to our senses, the fresh air a blessing to our lungs, and the quiet, star-filled nights a vehicle to feeling refreshed.

To its credit, it's hard to find an ATM in Wolfeboro, or a place to buy obnoxious souvenirs. It's not a place to drink too much at the proverbial lakeside club that offers 1970s rock revival acts playing to 20 down and out people. You'll find none of that here, just lush green fields and splendid lakeside viewing in the spring, summer and fall, and a classic wintery village scene in the colder months. More than 40 miles of groomed ski trails also offer scenic beauty. You will also notice that not every other house is a bed and breakfast or inn like in so many other tourist communities. There are only a few places to stay in town, the most notable being the esteemed Wolfeboro Inn (with its main building constructed in 1812) sitting majestically off Main Street and with a straight ahead view of the Lake.

At first glance, Wolfeboro may not seem like anything special to those driving by on Route 109. Many other New England towns have the stately old homes seen here. Countless communities in New England have the fortune of being located on a lake. The downtown retail district is not as spectacular as some of New England's most popular destinations. What those other communities lack, however, is authenticity. When authenticity is present, one can feel the real pulse of a community more than towns, villages and cities with fragmented spectacular areas, and with commercialism undermining those great scenic moments. Wolfeboro is consistently good.

Wolfeboro is like your best friend -- honest, friendly and loyal. Perhaps that is why it is a well-loved vacation area after all these years.

For more information on Wolfeboro, visit Wolfeboro Online

 

Acadia National Park, Maine

Where the ocean meets the mountains

Maine's Acadia National Park is truly one of the most spectacular parks in the United States, with its beyond scenic rocky coast, and forested valleys, lakes and mountains, carved by glacial force. It cannot be fully described, only joyfully visited.

Truly a visual treat, this 40,000 acre wonderland offers endless natural delights. Take, for example, the dramatic sunsets at 1,500 foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. From Cadillac, one can see amazing views of Penobscot, Frenchman and Blue Hill Bays. From the top of Gorham Mountain, you get an incredible view of the glacial blue Atlantic Ocean. Then there is Thunder Hole, with its waves creating a sonic boom. For those in touch witha more isolated nature, miles and miles of trails and bicycle paths will bring you in touch with beautiful wildflowers, a wonderful variety of trees and some great fresh and salt water swimming. The 27-mile loop at Mt. Desert Island offers endless ocean and mountain scenery, unlike anything you've seen before.

Many choose the commercial center of Bar Harbor to launch their Acadia and Maine summer vacation. Bar Harbor is certainly pleasant enough with its tree-lined streets, fine captain's homes, harbor views, and refreshing breeze, but it can also be capable of traffic jams, unctious souvenir shops, unkempt flower children and flavor-of-the-week restaurants, changing hands every few years. In a way, Bar Harbor is not compatible with the untouched scenic beauty of the region, and can often come across as a bit too hectic.

We prefer Northeast Harbor, a splendid little village boasting the prettiest harbor you will ever see. Sunny even when it's cloudy, Northeast Harbor is quietly confident ,as it never panders to the tourist. In the little village, you will find an old-time market, a bakery owned by "The Colonel" (a military-looking man with a crew cut), some antique stores and a few restaurants. One of them, the Docksider could be considered your classic Maine restaurant, with charming "Downeast" waitresses, lobster to die for, unbelievable clam chowder, and in the summer, salt air flavored outdoor dining on the doorstep of the Harbor.

Kimball Terrace Inn is your top lodging choice, with 52 of the 70 spacious rooms having a private balcony or patio with great views of the Harbor and marina. Kimball Terrace features a heated pool, tennis, a fine indoor/outdoor dining experience at the Main Sail, and all the modern amenities (telephone, cable television and meeting rooms). A short walk from Kimball Terrace is the downtown.

Clifton Dock, a five minute walk from the Kimball Terrace, will sooth your soul. Try walking there at night, sampling the tall pines, wide open sky, piercingly bright stars, the bucolic symphony of crickets, and the soothing sounds of the pristine Maine waters. Boats bob up and down, as if they were nodding approval at their owner's choice of location. Soon you become mesmerized by the peacefulness. You forget about the chill in the air, or the initial plans of getting back to a nice, warm room to watch the ball game or to the bakery to buy something sweet. Clifton Dock offers oceans of tranquility, the perfect place to end a day, or start a new one. The sea is indeed a great place to become new again.

Although you could spend your entire vacation in Northeast Harbor, with its rocky coastline, harbor, open fields, flower gardens, hiking trails, forests and lakes, you're best off having this village as your point of origin--the rest of Acadia is just too special to miss. However, if you put on the blinders and did spend your whole time at Northeast Harbor, you would not leave disappointed. It is an all-inclusive resort area that doesn't even know it. Perhaps that is the real appeal of this special little place, big on Maine atmosphere and short on tourist trappings. What a great place, indeed, to start your Acadia National Park and Maine summer vacation.

For more information, visit the Acadia National Park or Kimball Terrace web sites

 

More great New England summer destinations:

Berkshire Hills, Mass. -- With over 90 lakes and 90,000 acres of recreational land (golf, skiing, parks, etc.) within 45 miles north to south, the Berkshire Hills are a favorite amongst Bostonians and New Yorkers. Home of the famed Tanglewood Music Festival in Lenox, Mass., the Berkshires appeal to vacationers with its rolling hills, farmland, all-American, Norman Rockwell-type Main Streets (Stockbridge, Great Barrington, North Adams, West Stockbridge to name a few). North Adams, in particular, has enjoyed a wonderful turnaround, going from dumpy factory town to a charming tourist destination with interesting shops set to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Mount Greylock serves as the region's official mountain, actually being the highest point in Massachusetts at 3, 491 feet. At Mt. Greylock, the dramatic and rather scary hairpin turn affords views of Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Connecticut and New Hampshire. The Berkshire may not have the spectacular mountains of the nearby Greem Mountains, of Vermont, but what it does have is true vacation appeal, courtesy of the lovely, gentle, unspoiled towns . For more information on the Berkshires, visit http://www.berkshires.org

Cape Cod, Mass. -- Cape Cod has three distinct personalities -- the commercial-laden miniature golf, motels, hotels, candle shop mania on sectors of Route 28 in and around Hyannis; the salt-air, tree-lined Route 6A hugging the ocean with its captain's homes, fine New England restaurants and charming bed and breakfasts; and the barren, expansive beaches found at the Cape Cod National Seashore Park in towns like Eastham, Truro and Welfleet. What that means is there is something for everyone within this famed 70 mile stretch. For those who say Cape Cod isn't what it used to be, trip-back-in-time towns like Yarmouthport, Chatham and Brewster give us the vision of true Cape Cod. For those who say Cape Cod is too boring, Hyannis, Falmouth and Yarmouth offer endless retail and nightlife possibilities. The bottom line is that there are sandy, warm water (for New England) beaches, enough so that you can find your own spot, enjoy the glorious moment, and start planning your next trip to this famed vacation land.

Old Saybrook, Conn. -- Old Saybrook, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Connecticut River, represents seaside New England quite well. The homes are spectacular in their sea captain and mansion outfits. The trees, so perfectly sculpted, look like they came out of the local day spa. The town has a long, tree-lined, relaxed downtown perfect for strolling past the interesting little, locally owned shops. The air quality is terrific, peppered with salt air from the ocean. It is New Englandf at its finest, a great little town that never full developed, which is the ultimate compliment. Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce

Stonington, Conn. --This southeastern Connecticut town is a classic New England seaside community with an impossibly beautiful, picturesque harbor, interesting little shops, great seafood restaurants and a solitude that makes you feel like your miles away from everything. Late in the day, the streets are virtually empty which allows residents and visitors to feel totally at peace. It's just you, the fresh ocean air and a few birds chirping. If you have visited neighboring Mystic or towns like Kennebunport, Maine, or Newport, R.I., and were disappointed by the commercialism and crowds, then Stonington is the perfect place for you. Stonington informational web site

Ogunquit, Maine -- The increase in traffic, pretentious shops and trendy people has become annoying, but you can never take away the beauty of the area. Marginal Way makes for a lovely one mile walk along the rocky Atlantic coast with spectacular flowers gardens and incredible ocean views. The beach is one of the best on the east coast as it it pristine and expansive. Perkins Cove, despite a growth in commercialism, is still quaint enough to love with its cul-de-sac harbor views and seafood restaurants. Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce or read article on Ogunquit by Visiting New England.com contributing writer, Lina R.

Portland, Maine-- An interesting, revitalized city set on beautiful Casco Bay with old Victorian Homes, tree-lined streets and the great Old Port Exchange, an area with terrific restaurants and stores. Some say it is like a mini San Francisco, with its hills, charm and now a growing eclectism, with an art community, more diversity in its people, lots of culture, all residing by the sea. It is a great city for walking, having a big city feel in some neighborhoods, but ultimately a small-town personality in its people, architecture and retained history. Portland Chamber of Commerce

Newburyport, Mass.-- Although Newburyport is a small city, you are easily able to relax and feel safe in this outside masterpiece of sea captain's homes, federalist architecture, brick walkways, restaurants with indoor and outdoor harborside dining and shopping galore (no chain stores, thank goodness). Once downtrodden, Newburyport has become revitalized to the point where it is now a favorite destination for New Englanders not wanting to travel far. For those outside of New England, you'll love the salt-air feel of this interesting, historical museum piece in the form of a city. Nearby is Crane's Beach, one of the best ocean beaches in New England. Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

Portsmouth, N.H. -- The best small city in New England. From a distance,the majestic church steeple rising above a sleepy looking, small New England town belies the vibrancy of this New Hampshire seacost city. While Portsmouth does have the leanings of a small town, it also has a city feel, minus the traffic, and high crime. Market Square is of particular interest. Locally owned shops, great restaurants with a water view, narrow streets, tree-lined streets with fine old homes and an overflow of eclectic University of New Hampshire students make this section seem like a miniature version of Boston. For starters, check out the historical Strawberry Banke Museum, a 10-acre historic waterfront neighborhood, with homes dating back to 1650. Although modern amenities beckon around the corner in Market Square, Strawberry Banke takes you out of the modern era and into another period of time. Across the street is Prescott Park, with its scenic waterfront, spectacular flower displays and diverse music performances. It's also a great place to sit on a bench and people watch. Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce or read Visiting New England.com article on Portsmouth.

Bristol, R.I. -- A few miles from world famous Newport is Bristol, a quintessential New England town -- tree-lined and quaint with an incredible Patriotic nature (flags waving everywhere you turn). Surrounded by Mount Hope Bay to the east and Narragansett Bay to the south and west, Bristol is stunning from every perspective. Colt State Park is especially impressive with its sweeping views of the Narrangansett Bay and ideally located walking paths. The downtown features well maintained older homes and an understated but pleasing array of restaurants, shops and lodging. Bristol is also offers the oldest (and extremely popular) Fourth of July celebration in the country. Bristol is a perfect start to your Rhode Island and New England vacation. DiscoverBristol.com

Newport, R.I. --Newport is a wonderful Rhode Island vacation destination, famous for its grand mansions. The fun doesn't end there, however, as visitors will find a plethora of downtown shopping, great beaches, The Tennis Hall of Fame, summer music festivals, the wide open Fort Adams State Park (great for kite flying), a wonderful oceanside cliff walk, countless bed and breakfasts, inn, hotels and motels, and some of the best seafood dining that New England has to offer. It's a colorful town, sure to please on every visit. GoNewport.com

Providence, R.I. -- From the colorful Italian streets of Federal Hill to the elegant brownstone, Ivy League neighborhoods of Brown University, Providence feels like a complete city. There's the mile of colonial houses on Benefit Street juxtaposed against a rapidly growing skyline. Providence Place Mall, one of the biggest malls in New England shines its modern leanings against the architecturally old world aura of the State House. Providence also offers some of the best restaurants in New England (Al Forno, Pot Au Feu) and a plethora of high quality hotels and inns. Providence is a world class city for several blocks, with expansion of that greatness on the way. Providence Chamber of Commerce

Burlington, Vt. -- Home of the University of Vermont, Burlington is one of New England's finest cities with a cultural feel and a picturesque presence on beautiful Lake Champlain. Church Street marketplace is one of Burlington's centerpieces, with four traffic-free blocks featuring colorful, independently- owned shops, great restaurants, art galleries and some splendid 19th century architecture. The brick pavillion offers street musicians, benches to people watch (it gets pretty interesting in a liberal Vermont college town), retail and food vendors) and a feeling of great community spirit in this small city that feels like a town. Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Brattleboro, Vt.-- Brattleboro's ideal location in southern Vermont has made it a popular destination for Bostonians and New Englanders alike. Close to the Green Mountains and Massachusett's Berkshire Hills, Brattleboro may look a little ragged in some downtown sections, but the overall feel is pure Vermont, with great, little shops owned by New Yorkers who have found a better life, and small towns cafes make Brattleboro a perfect place for a stroll, or as a launching pad to the surrounding scenery. There are some great-looking bed and breakfasts in the area and excellent opportunities for hiking and biking. Brattleboro has a liberal feel, as evidenced by women in long dresses and sandals, men with long beards and pony tails, and Phish and Grateful Dead t-shirts worn by youth, as well as some really old people, too). Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce

Read more about New England's best towns, cities, villages and regions




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