After writing up two posts featuring eight essential travel experiences in Europe and in Australia, I figured I may as well write one on New England, my second home, as well.
New England is a diverse region—home to gorgeous coastlines, pretty villages, mountains, woods and countless historic sites. It doesn’t need to be stated that you may expect a plethora of fun things to do in New England.
8 Top Things to Do in New England
1. Explore Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is New England’s only national park. Located on an island off the coast of Maine, Acadia is home to stunning coastal scenery, mountains, woodlands and the famous historic carriage roads.
Acadia National Park, Maine2. Visit Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, the unofficial capital of New England, is the region’s largest city by far. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is home to numerous historic sites and significant buildings, many of which can be seen while walking the Freedom Trail.
Massachusetts State House, Boston3. Hike the White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountains are the wildest mountains in the Northeast. Vast wilderness areas, mountain peaks, rivers and forests make up the landscape. Great places for hiking include majestic Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, but also Franconia Notch State Park and Crawford Notch State Park.
Franconia Notch, White Mountains, New Hampshire4. Step Inside a Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island, is the home of some of America’s rich and famous. This is a town with a yacht-filled harbor and extravagant mansions that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Some historic mansions can be visited with guided tours—a fine example of such a mansion is The Breakers, the former (vacation) home of the Vanderbilts.
The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island5. Sunbathe in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
In summer, Cape Cod gets overrun by hordes of tourists, who flock there from other areas in New England, in the United States or from abroad. This stunning arm-shaped peninsula is home to wide sandy beaches, lively coastal villages, bicycle trails and seafood restaurants. It’s New England’s premier vacation destination.
Harbor in Cape Cod, Massachusetts6. Admire Fall Foliage in the Green Mountains, Vermont
New England has two high seasons, summer and fall. The fall foliage is legendary and totally lives up to the praise it gets. One of the best places to see the woods colored in reds, oranges, yellows and purples is the Green Mountains in Vermont. Rent a car and explore this gorgeous area in what arguably is the most beautiful season of them all.
Fall foliage in the Green Mountains, Vermont7. Step Back in Time on Monhegan Island, Maine
Monhegan Island is a less-visited destination in Maine, but it’s definitely worth your time. This tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean is home to artists, artisans and fishermen. There are no paved roads, but the wooden houses are stunningly beautiful. The seafood is superb as well.
Monhegan Island, Maine8. Sample Maple Syrup or Ben & Jerry’s in Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont, is the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s, possibly the most well-known ice cream brand in the world. Enjoying a few scoops of ice cream on a hot summer day, while overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain, is without question the perfect end to any vacation day. Additionally, Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States, making it almost mandatory to sample a few different grades of maple syrup when you’re in the state.
Ben & Jerry’s in Burlington, VermontCape Cod HarbourAcadia National ParkBen & Jerry’sMassachusettsMonhegan IslandThe BreakersWhite MountainsGreen Mountains