The good news is that you could stay in one village, town
or city for a
few days and capture the essence of what New England is all about.
There's simply no need to feel obligated to race from place to place.If
it's mountains you want, Stowe, Vt. will give you just that plus the
joys of a quaint New England village. If it's the ocean, visit York Beach,
Maine, and sample the incomparable seafood, rugged rocky coast and some
expansive beaches. If it's the city, Boston, Mass., is your "hub of the
universe" with a wonderful sense of history within the confines of a
full-service city.
Visiting New England.com has chosen the following
communities as
essential New England travel. Again, it might be best to keep your
choices limited so you can experience the full impact of a New England
community. Then, come back often and experience the rest through the
years.
Regions
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Hotel Room in New England
Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, Maine -- 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 with a 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 saltwater 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 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, unctuous 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, 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. Acadia National Park area Chambers of Commerce or read Visiting New England.com article on Acadia National Park.
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 Green Mountains, of Vermont, but
what it does have is true vacation appeal, courtesy of the lovely,
gentle, unspoiled towns. For more information on a visit to 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.
Main Street at Nantucket
The Cape Cod islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are simply beautiful, combining the natural coastal beauty of the area (including public beaches) with historic architecture and plenty of places to shop, stay and eat within their bustling business districts,
White Mountain National Forest, N.H. -- The White Mountain National Forest is made for family fun, especially in the Lincoln-North Woodstock area. Great scenery, Mount Washington (the highest mountain in New England at nearly 6,288 ft.), motels with indoor swimming pools, grand hotels like the Balsams or Mt. Washington Hotel, family-style restaurants that are easy on the wallet, great skiing in the winter, theme parks (Santa's Village, Clark's Trading Post, Storytown), dramatic peaks and valleys, and lakes with crystal clear water perfect for summer swimming are just a few of the things that have families coming back year after year. The region is impressive to visit in the fall, especially the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway, in the thick of the White Mountain National Forest and designated by the National Forest Service as a Scenic Byway. Spanning from Lincoln to North Conway, the Kancamagus is indeed a candy land of foliage, generally regarded as the premier New England fall foliage destination.
The White Mountain National Forest has been a household
name for
generations to many New England families as the place to vacation.
Whether it's the juxtaposition of a cook-out blended with the fresh
mountain air, or skiing down some of the northeast's best mountains,
the White Mountain National Forest is tantamount to your New England
vacation.
Connecticut
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Old Saybrook
Guilford -- This
New Haven,
Conn., suburb has a huge common perfect to stroll, sit on a bench, or
to admire the peaceful aura of an earlier generation. You'd never know
you were just minutes from one of the largest cities in New England.
The charming shops, majestic churches, postcard-perfect homes,
extremely friendly people and the nearby ocean make this a must-see
during your New England vacation.
Essex-- This harborside town is so pleasant. Essex has a tree-lined downtown, great little shops, and a beautiful park with gazebo and picnic benches leading to the Connecticut River. Once you visit, you'll never want to leave this special little place that is so much at peace with the world. Staying overnight is not a bad idea as the old, creaky and quintessentially New England Griswold Inn offers top-notch accommodations and dining. What a special place --Essex has to be experienced by anyone wanting to visit New England.
Hartford -- The
state capitol
is worth visiting for lovely 41 acre Bushnell Park, a great several
acre nicely landscaped area in the heart of the city featuring 600
trees, some over 100 years old and 125 varieties. The park also
contains several buildings, statues and monuments. Hartford is making
a nice comeback with lots of nice places to eat, retail returning in
bunches, a growing nightlife scene and a safer feel than in previous
years. It feels more like a complete city, instead of a smattering of
big-city amenities here and there.
Litchfield -- Nestled in the Northwest Connecticut Hills, Litchfield is one of the most relaxing, sleepy little towns in New England with its incredibly fresh air, small community market, beautiful village green and only a handful of independently owned shops. It is certainly great for a summer getaway, or a setting for spectacular foliage. Winter is nice, too, as the snow creates a New England, Norman Rockwell look to this old fashioned community.
Old Saybrook -- 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 and Saybrook Point for some coastal walks, mini-golf and luxury accommodations at the Saybrook Point Inn. The air quality is terrific, peppered with salt air from the ocean. It is New England at its finest, a great little town that never fully developed, which is the ultimate compliment.
Stonington Borough --This southeastern Connecticut town is a classic New England seaside community definitely worth a visit with an impossibly beautiful, picturesque harbor, interesting little shops, great seafood restaurants and 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 Kennebunkport, Maine, or Newport, R.I., and were disappointed by the commercialism and crowds, then Stonington is the perfect place for you.
Woodstock -- Woodstock's bustling downtown comes complete with a produce stand, a church and colonial homes (the town's idea of a strip mall are rows of apple orchards). The placid Inn at Woodstock Hill could convince the most hardcore business executive to slow down, breathe in the untouched air, and marvel at the wise, old trees. Woodstock reminds us that a great vacation means that you don't have to necessarily "do anything."
Maine
Kennebunkport -- With
stunning rocky coastal ocean views at Ocean Drive, plenty of
interesting little shops (boutiques, galleries, gift shops, traditional
old-time stores) and waterfront seafood restaurants in its visually
appealing, colorful small downtown at Dock Square, Kennebunkport truly
offers a grand introduction to those interested in a visit to the Maine
coast. It's a place of grand old sea captain's homes -- some of which
have become inns and bed and breakfasts -- and narrow, crooked streets
to stroll by the coast. Our 41st U.S. President, George W. Bush, Sr.,
also has a spectacular summer home here, which can be seen from Ocean
Drive. At times during the summer and revered Christmas tree lighting
ceremony where the downtown is beautifully lit with thousands of
lights, Kennebunkport can seem a bit hectic and not built for the
crowds -- this is, after all, a small little town.
Ogunquit -- This beautiful, quaint southern Maine town features many wonderful local shops and restaurants but that's just the beginning of a great travel experience. 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.
Old Orchard Beach
-- It's easy
to be a child again at Old Orchard Beach. The miniature golf, cotton
candy, fried dough, french fries, cheeseburgers, carousel, arcade
games, amusement rides, festivals, fairs, concerts, fireworks,
boardwalk and oh, yes, a long strecth of unusually sandy beach for
Maine makes this a great family destination. It's all quite honky-tonk,
but in a clean, fun way. Old Orchard Beach has been a favorite family
destinations for generations, and remains that way in a big, fun way.
Portland-- 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.
York Beach -- Another top New
England oceanside vacation spot, York offers two fine beaches, Short
Sands and Long Sands, with the latter being a spectacular two mile
stretch of sandy Atlantic beach. Nubble Light, the most photographed
lighthouse in America, is right around the corner. Combine all this
with some excellent seafood restaurants, rugged rocky coastline,
amusements and a zoo at York Wild Kingdom, The Goldenrod specializing
in salt water taffy-making since 1896, Dunn's Ice Cream Stand (Formerly
Brown's) Ice Cream stand (blueberry ice cream, anyone?) and great gift
shops like Joan's Beach and Gift and
you have one of the northeast's most loved vacation destinations.
Massachusetts
Book a Hotel Room in Massachusetts
Boston Public Garden,
Boston
Boston -- 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 Worcester. 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 No. 9 Park 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.
Highly recommended reading! Check out this excellent story at the New
England With Love blog on weekend
getaways in Boston!
Concord -- The
downtown area
retains a wonderful sense of history with the Old North Bridge,
superbly maintained colonial homes, the feel-good atmosphere of the
Colonial Inn (lodging and a fine restaurant in a historic setting) and
nice, little independently owned shops. Concord is a great place to
walk with its tree-shaded side streets, beautiful flower gardens near
the Old North Bridge, the lovely Walden Pond and well maintained
colonial homes.
Deerfield -- The
ultimate prep school town. Main Street sports a mile of colonial homes,
Deerfield Academy buildings, the renowned Deerfield Inn and students
forming intellectual leanings right before your eyes. There's really
nothing to do here, except marvel at this classic New England
village-like setting. Take a guided or self-guided tour and be prepared
to experience the heart of quintessential historic New England.
Harvard Square, Cambridge
-- The long-haired hippies and eclectic shops have given way, in recent
years, to a more corporate "Starbucks" mentality, but the liberal aura
shall remain, forever. With Harvard University and some preservation of
the 1960s still intact, Harvard Square is a great place to people
watch, take a stroll, catch a movie at the Havard Theater, dine at one
of the culturally diverse restaurants, or walk along the nearby Charles
River. Protests still happen, street musicians play their music, and
you're always sure to see a professor in his plaid jacket and thick
glasses smoking a pipe.
Lexington
-- The Lexington Minuteman statue is located at famous Lexington Battle
Green in the heart of beautiful Lexington center. This sculpture of
Capt. John Parker -- the first American to die in the Battle of 1775 --
is known as one of the United States' true landmarks, in memory of our
country's quest for independence. Today, the statue stands tall as part
of Lexington's impressive retaining of history, including the Lexington
Battle Green, Revolutionary Monument, Old Burying Ground and
pre-Revolutionary War buildings remarkable preserved -- the Buckman
Tavern, Munroe Tavern and Hancock-Clarke House. Lexington Minuteman
National Park, with over 900 acres of open land, has original parts of
the Battle Road used on April 19, 1775. While history permeates the Lexington way of life,
there's also enough 21st century offerings to make this well-known town
a complete tourist destination. The brick downtown sidewalks lead to
fine restaurants, coffee shops, arts and crafts stores and fine walking
neighborhoods with incredibly "American" large older homes -- much like
its neighboring equally famous town, Concord. Be sure to visit both towns!
Newburyport --
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.
Plymouth -- This famous destination retains a remarkable sense of history, best known for its Pilgrim heritage. It's so much more than that, though. Plymouth offers a relaxing aura with ocean beaches and a quaint but bustling downtown with lots of local stores, waterfront lodging and restaurants including Wood's, CabbyShack and East Bay Grille and The Lobster Hut -- all with views of Plymouth Harbor. Plenty of attractions abound in Plymouth and vicinity including Plymouth Rock; the Pilgrim lifestyle recreated at Plimoth Patuxet Museums; Edaville Railroad Fun Park; Mayflower II, a replica on the ship that brought Pilgrims to the new world; and the Pilgrim Hall Museum. Myles Standish State Forest is a beautiful natural destination with 15 miles of bike trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails, 13 miles of hiking trails, and swimming at College Pond. Of course, no trip to Plymouth would be complete without an ice cream at Peaceful Meadows at 170 Water Street -- the homemade ice cream is perhaps one of the best in the state!
Marblehead and Salem
-- The quaint and isolated Marblehead and city-like Salem both offer
fine harbor views, incredible preservation of colonial homes, and a
well maintained sense of history. Salem provides great walking
opportunities within its compact, walkable downtown, especially Chesnut
St., one of New England's architectural masterpieces. Known as the home
of the witchcraft panic of 1692, the witch theme can be seen at the
House of Seven Gables and Salem Witch Museum. Many other attractions
exist in this appealing city, including Pioneer Village (a reproduction
of early Puritan settlement) and the Peabody and Essex Institute,
featuring spectacular art -- including marine art -- in 30 galleries.
Marblehead is pure New England. Have a seat, stare at the harbor and
you'll suddenly be introduced to New England. Visiting these two
communities perfectly complement a stay in Boston, as it is only a 45
minute drive.
Stockbridge --
Stockbridge
represents New England at its best. From the alternatingly sunny and
shady tree-lined streets to the locally-owned, small-town center,
Stockbridge is indeed Norman Rockwell come to life, but with very
little of the overly commercial by-products. you can see true America
at its best --the charming little shops, the wide sidewalks and street,
kids riding their bikes, the lovely churches, and the splendid diverse
New England architecture of the town, to name a few.
New
Hampshire
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Downtown Peterborough
Hanover -- Bill
Bryson, in his book, “The Lost Continent,” wrote about Hanover as one
of his favorite places in the United States. Highly critical of
many other United States towns and cities, Bryson felt differently
about Hanover and became connected to the unpretentious, genuine feel
of the town. He, in fact, enjoyed Hanover so much that he eventually
moved there! It is easy to see why: the downtown is quaint with an
old-fashioned Main Street, a big town common, and many mom and pop
shops and restaurants with attractive signage. Contiguous with leafy
Dartmouth College (an Ivy League college), the Hanover downtown
district makes for a great walking town. Within close proximity to the
Green Mountains of Vermont and the Sunapee and White Mountains regions
of New Hampshire, Hanover might just be the nicest town in the area to visit!
Keene -- A sweet "college town" with an appealing, wide Main Street, an old-time movie theater, low crime, nice parks, a golf course, plenty of services (a big medical center) and really pleasant neighborhoods. It is a good starting point to Thronton Wilder Country, including Mount Monadnock -- one of the most climbed mountains in the United States -- and true New England towns, with village greens, churches and abundant scenery (Peterborough, Hancock, Harrisville, to name a few).
Hollis/Silver Lake State Park -- For many years, New Englanders have frequented the family-oriented Hollis for a drive in the country and a trip to the numerous farmstands and Silver Lake State Park. Hollis may be "more New England" than any other towns in southern New Hampshire -- the village green, splendid old homes and farmland provide what tourist envision of New England. In Hollis is Silver Lake State Park with a good stretch of sandy beach, its picnic tables under the cool pines, and a classic food stand made out of dark wood and sporting a pleasant green awning. Silver Lake State Park is a most inviting New England travel destination. Although it can get crowded during the summer, there always seems to be enough room for everyone. Many New Englanders looked puzzled when asked about Silver Lake, thus suggesting that it is certainly far removed from being an official tourist destination -- lucky for you, in search of hidden New England.
Jackson -- The
White Mountains of New Hampshire feature many beautiful mountain towns,
but, somehow, Jackson rises above them all. Perhaps as "New England" as
any town could get in the region, Jackson features a quaint sleepy
downtown, a covered bridge, waterfalls, historic charming inns, and a
true sense of place. The latter refers to the fact that you're likely
to remember Jackson as a "real town" instead of a fabricated,
manufactured place to buy that "turns-to-Swiss-Cheese-after-one-wash"
t-shirt with the name "Jackson" on it. Named by Ski America authors as
one of the top 10 romantic ski towns in the United States, Jackson is
so much more than that. In the summer, the Jackson area offers myriad
area biking, canoeing hiking and kayaking opportunities as well as
scenic relaxation by the waterfalls and mountain streams. The fall is a
haven for brilliant fall foliage colors gracing the leafy but not
overly ostentatious streets and peaks and valleys. In the spring, a
sense of renewal is brought to you, courtesy of laundry fresh mountain
air and Mother Nature starting to bloom.
Meredith --
Whatever the age,
Meredith has great appeal, beautifully situated on the western
shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Despite busy Route 3 dividing the lake
and the unpretentious and small business district, Meredith feels like
the epitome of a small town once you experience either side of the
highway. The lake has so many negative ions (that great smell by a body
of water or after a thunderstorm) that you'll laugh yourself silly the
next time one of those television ads promotes air purifiers with
"mountain fresh air." The smell of the water and air in Meredith have a
true mountain feel, which leaves you no choice but to relax. .Meredith is
truly a place for walking, boating, shopping and dining. The myriad
paths along the lake are so pleasant that it's easy to forget about
Route 3. The small-town scenery, the not-too-distant mountains and wide
body of water make boating a summertime joy for many vacationers
looking to find the perfect spot at well-known Lake Winnipesaukee.
Shopping begins across the street from the lake at the Inn at Mills
Falls (with the Inn and the Chase House as well-known, highly rated
places to lodge in Meredith). Here you can find upscale and more
down-to-earth shop alongside a pretty waterfall, eventually leading to
the "real" downtown up on a hill -- a nice place to stroll, have a cup
of coffee or ice cream, and feel like you're back in the 1940s or
50s.
North Conway -- One of the most famous New England vacation destinations, North Conway features a beautiful view of Mt. Washington (highest New England elevation at 6,288 ft.) from its lively thriving downtown with lots of mom and pop stores. In North Conway, you'll have several dining, lodging and attractions. In the fall, the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway is perfect for fall foliage touring. Winter brings skiing opportunities at Cranmore Mountain Resort, while spring and summer offer many local hiking, swimming and boating opportunities. Two nearby attractions will delight the kids: Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH, and Story Land in Glen, NH (a memorable children's theme park with rides and a chance to meet some timeless, famous storybook characters). Another recommended VisitingNewEngland.com attraction is the Conway Scenic Railroad, on Rt. 16/302 in North Conway, where various train rides take you through the absolutely breathtaking, scenic areas of the Mt. Washington Valley.
Peterborough -- In
many ways, Peterborough is the ultimate New England small town. It's
traditional with the historic Peterborough Diner, white church steeples
rising above all other buildings, and timeless mom and pop stores like
Peterborough Shoes. On the other hand, it's a thriving arts town with
galleries, cafes and pubs, live theater and musical performances. Best
of all, Peterborough is a mountain town, beautifully situated in the
heart of the Monadnock region. Walk the main streets, grab a hearty
breakfast at the Diner, take in a show, stroll the ring of scenic parks
in the central district, enjoy the slower pace and fresh mountain air,
and it becomes tough to leave this idyllic town.
Portsmouth -- 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 seacoast 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.
Wolfeboro --
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
arts and crafts and book stores, bakeries and cafes, and an old-time
drug store 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.
Rhode Island
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Hotel Room in Rhode Island
Wickford Village
Barrington -- CNN
once named
Barrington, R.I., as the sixth best place to live in the United States.
One person's favorite place might be another's least, but Barrington
has such a strong appeal with its pretty harbor, stately estates and
mansions, well-kept colonials and Victorians and pleasing local stores
that it seems like the town that everyone dreams of living in. Add the
bay view from the extraordinarily attractive Rhode Island Country Club,
a wonderful seaside bike trail and a highly-rated school system, and
Barrington is an all-around winner. For those vacationing in Rhode
Island, Barrington is a must-see town worth a visit as it represents New England at
its best. Barrington is nine miles southeast from the heart of
Providence borders East Providence is less than a half-hour from
Newport and is close to antique shop-crazy Warren and Bristol, which
reads like a Bedford Falls (It's a Wonderful Life) by the sea -- the
all American town.
Block Island --Warning: stay away from Block Island if you have an affinity for shopping malls, automobiles, ATM machines, laptops and other conveniences. If you are inclined to pristine ocean and 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 mainland--provide a treasure chest of unspoiled terrains. 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.
Bristol -- 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 Narragansett 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 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.
Newport --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.
Providence -- 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 an expansion of that greatness on the way.
Wickford Village -- If shopping is your cup of tea, why fight the maddening crowds of one of those "quaint" popular New England destinations when Wickford Village offers less traffic, a great variety of independent shops (including wonderful toy and clock stores), and a row of 1700s colonial homes and pretty gardens en route to a splendid harbor view? Wickford Village is neatly tucked away in the town of North Kingston, waiting to be discovered by those in search of "hidden New England."
Watch Hill -- Fun,
fun, fun!!
Watch Hill has a great beach, ice cream stands, carefully maintained
old homes, and a constant top 40 music soundtrack blaring from the
sand, en route to the perfect, carefree summertime place. It's not
cheesy nor stuffy, just a great, family-oriented place to spend your
summer.
Vermont
Book a
Hotel Room in Vermont
Church Street Marketplace, Burlington
Burlington -- 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 pavilion 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.
Brattleboro -- 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 ponytails, and Phish and Grateful Dead t-shirts worn by youth, as
well as some really old people, too).
Stowe -- Stowe has great little
shops, superb and diverse dining choices, state-of-the-art ski
facilities and some of the best lodging in New England. What matters
most, however, is that despite all the development, Stowe still feels
like a small, relaxed village. With that in mind, there's no better
time to visit Stowe than in the fall when the leaves in this
picturesque village turns brilliant colors. A special fall chill in the
air, the beautiful views of Mt. Mansfield (the highest elevation in the
state) and long and winding roads featuring farms, cows and beautiful
open land makes the foliage that much more special. We highly recommend
taking a stroll through the village or using the ideally- located bike
path, marveling at the postcard-perfect classic Vermont surroundings,
and reveling in some of the best foliage in New England.
Waits River -- There's nothing
in the northeast village of Waits River (southeast of Montpelier)
except, oddly enough, a river and a few old homes. Don't expect to go
here and do the "Hot, hot, hot" dance at a four-star resort
specializing in drinks, loud over-stressed people and high prices. In
Waits River, all one has is the stark beauty of Vermont. All that is
left is the remarkable scenery, comprising of a village that forgot to
progress into a line of traffic, strip malls and other cookie-cutter
leanings.
Vermont Country Store, Weston
Weston -- For those not
familiar to the area, Weston, Vt., represents New England (and the
Green Mountain National Forest region) at its finest. A charming
village green with a gazebo gently tells you, "I am New England. This
is what you've been wanting to see your whole life."The serene, green
environs evokes a sweet dream, only this isn't a dream. Weston is a
Vermont masterpiece, filled with charmingly quaint New England homes,
and sunny streets filtered by pure Green Mountain air. Many of us know
of homes placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In this
case, the whole village of Weston is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Everywhere you look is like a Norman Rockwell
painting. Weston may be a quiet town, but it does have a retail
district. It's called the Vermont Country Store, purveyors of Yankee
bargains, Vermont-made clothing and just about anything else under the
sun. This incredible trip back in time offers everything from Vermont
fudge to wool socks.So, after eating fudge in your new wool socks, kick
back and marvel at the unspoiled, quiet beauty of this fabulous New
England community. Whether a day trip or a full-fledged vacation,
you'll leave wanting to come back to this classic New England town.
Woodstock -- One
of New England's most scenic and beloved classic small towns, Woodstock
has a beautiful quintessential Vermont town common (perfectly
complemented by the famous Woodstock Inn and Resort), an interesting
variety of locally-owned shops, nice dining options (we recommend the
cozy, informal landmark Bentley's Restaurant, downtown) and wonderful
surrounding mountain views. Vermont doesn't get much more "Vermont"
than Woodstock, once named by National Geographic Magazine as one of
the prettiest towns in America. It's a wonderful place to visit,
especially for winter area skiing (Whaleback Mountain is located nearby
in Enfield, NH), summer vacations, and fall foliage season (spring is
nice, too, with the blossoming plant life and warmer weather).
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Eric
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