New England – The Complete Guide to Touring the Cradle of the United States
New England consists of six states at the northeastern tip of the U.S. The New England states are Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, along with the sparsely populated states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Historically, New England is considered the cradle of the United States of America. It was in New England where the Puritans settled, arriving from England during the 17th century (the Mayflower landing at Plymouth), and in these states, especially in Massachusetts, the significant processes of patriotism occurred and where the USA was born.
Today, New England is a massive tourist destination that includes important cities like Boston, expansive and significant nature reserves such as Acadia in Maine or the White Mountain Preserve in New Hampshire, resort towns with bathing beaches, excellent ski sites, and above all – the famous New England fall foliage every autumn.
How many days do you need for a trip in New England?
To thoroughly explore all of New England, including the main attractions in the six states, you should plan at least a week and a half to two weeks for a circular trip starting and ending in Boston or New York.
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21 things you must see and do in New England?
- An urban tour of all Boston's important sites
- Tour the important campuses in Cambridge – MIT and Harvard University, near Boston
- Boat trip to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Explore Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Follow the witches' trail in Salem, Massachusetts
- The Plymouth Settlement Memorial, Massachusetts
- Yale University Campus in New Haven, Connecticut
- The historic downtown and home of Twain Market in Hartford, Connecticut
- The beautiful coastal towns of Fairfield County, Connecticut
- An urban experience in downtown Providence, Rhode Island
- The sites and mansions of Bellevue Avenue Historic District in Newport, Rhode Island
- The salt lagoons of South County beaches and charming village of Watch Hill, Rhode Island
- Lake Champlain view from Waterfront Park and Battery Park in Burlington, Vermont
- A super sweet ice cream tour at the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury, Vermont
- The excellent ski resorts of the Green Mountains in Vermont – Mount Snow, Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Mad River Glen Ski Area, and the massive Killington Resort
- Skiing, hiking, nature, and fresh air in the White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Museums and college atmosphere at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire
- Taste lobsters in the towns and islands of the Penobscot Bay, Maine
- The Park Loop Road of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island – one of the most stunning fall foliage spots in Maine
- Photograph the unique lighthouses along the Maine coastline
- Go as far east as possible in the USA to Lubec and cross over to Roosevelt's island – Campobello Island (technically in Canada)
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Map of New England
How to get to New England?
How to reach New England by plane?
Major airports in New England:
Boston – Logan International Airport (Code BOS) is the primary gateway to New England and the closest major airport to Providence. There are quite a few direct flights from Ben Gurion to Boston, both by El Al and Delta. The airport has about four terminals, with Terminal E serving international flights.
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New York Airports:
John F. Kennedy International Airport – JFK is the largest airport in New York City itself. It is located in the southern part of Queens, near Jamaica Bay, and is conveniently connected to Manhattan. This massive airport is a hub for American airlines like Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue, and you can reach any corner of the USA from here. Flights from all over the world arrive here from various destinations in Europe.
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Newark Liberty International Airport – EWR – The second largest airport of the metropolitan area is located in New Jersey, between the city of Newark to the north and Elizabeth to the south. The airport has three terminals connected by an efficient air train system. This airport is one of the hub airports for American Airlines, JetBlue, and American Express, making it accessible to every corner across the USA. It serves numerous flights from all over Europe and East Asia, including those of El Al.
Regional Airports in New England
- Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Hartford, Connecticut – Bradley International Airport-BDL
- Burlington, Vermont – Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV)
- Manchester, New Hampshire – Manchester–Boston Regional Airport – MHT
- Portland, Maine – Portland International Jetport – PMW
- Bangor, Maine – Bangor International Airport – BGR
When to visit New England?
New England's Fall Foliage
- The fall foliage in New England is perhaps the main attraction in the northeastern tip of the USA.
- When people mention fall foliage in New England, they refer to the stunning orange and red carpets across all the countryside forests.
- The foliage occurs from early to mid-September until the end of October, during which tourist traffic towards the six states insanely spikes.
- New England's foliage is among the most iconic routes in the USA.
- You can see the enchanting colors in all the states, but especially in the three rural ones – Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
- The Green Mountain Range in Vermont and the White Mountain in New Hampshire are probably the best places to see the autumn foliage
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New England in Summer
- The most comfortable season to travel in the New England states is summer
- The summer weather is perfect, pleasantly warm, with just a hint of coolness (for those who suffer from the heat), and the landscapes are lush and breathtakingly beautiful
- Across New England, there are several famous summer tourist destinations like Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and many more towns and coastal cities with active beaches during the summer
- There are many luxury towns in New England that fill up in the summer with the wealthy from Boston or New York. They build their summer mansions in a great abundance of towns or small cities, both in Massachusetts and Maine
- The natural spaces of New England are also very inviting in the summer, mostly due to the good weather
- Spring is also an excellent season for a trip in New England. The weather is usually good, though it might still be a bit cold
Winter Skiing in New England
- Winter in New England is very harsh and challenging for travel
- However, there is a lively tourist movement mainly towards New Hampshire and Vermont, known for their excellent ski resorts
- Maine also has good ski resorts in its eastern part, and there are plenty of cross-country ski sites in Massachusetts and Connecticut
- The ski resorts in Vermont are concentrated along the Green Mountain range
- The ski resorts in New Hampshire are located in the northern part of the state, in the White Mountain range near the attractive nature reserves
- The famous resorts in Vermont include Snow Mountain, Mad River Glen, Stratton Mountain, and Bromley Mountain near Manchester and the large ski resort at Killington
- In New Hampshire, the famous sites are Loon Mountain, Franconia Notch, Bartlett, and the renowned ski resort at Bretton Woods.
How to Plan a New England Road Trip?
You can plan a long road trip through all six New England states, or you can divide New England into specific states or geographic areas. The road trip through some or all of the New England states usually starts and finishes in New York or Boston, the main gateways to the Northeast USA.
In principle, New England is divided into two parts:
- 3 states with an urban character – Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. In urban states, the travel style is fundamentally different, involving more visits to sites and attractions within cities or towns.
- 3 states with a rural character – Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Travel in rural states includes significant driving times and plenty of scenery.
Planning a route between the three urban states is relatively easy due to the geographical proximity. Including the rural states in the route can make it very long, so it's best to focus on one rural state at a time.
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Planning a Travel Route in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the key state in New England, including the transportation and aviation hub for the six states at the northeastern tip of the USA. The city of Boston is the only major metropolis in the area, serving as the gateway for trips throughout the neighboring states and Massachusetts itself.
Whether you start your trip in Boston or come from New York, the interstate route is quite standard:
- The main tourist areas of the state are located along the Atlantic coastline, about an hour's drive plus from Boston
- North of Boston – the city of Salem serves as a base for exploring the beautiful towns of the North Shore
- South of Boston – the city of Plymouth serves as a base for trips to Cape Cod and the nearby islands Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
- Traveling along the Atlantic coastline is easy and convenient by car (also possible by train), and includes driving on roads along the coast
- The roads provide easy access to Salem, Boston, and Plymouth, the three main cities on the state's Atlantic coast, which boast plenty of historical sites and attractions
Traveling in the western part of Massachusetts is more rural in nature. The city of Worcester is the largest and central city in the central part of the state, and Springfield is the important urban center in the west. In between, there are routes throughout the state that reach major cities and towns in the west, such as the Mohawk Trail, Old Sturbridge Village, Northampton, and Williamstown.
Planning a Travel Route in Connecticut
- The trip in northern Connecticut begins and ends in Hartford. The capital of Connecticut and its largest metropolis, it is the important urban area in the region and serves as the transportation gateway. From Hartford, you can head out to attractions in the metropolitan area and Litchfield Hills.
- Planning a trip along Connecticut's western coastline from Westchester County, New York to New Haven is super easy. It's a linear route that runs along the coast of Long Island Sound, either on the I-95 highway or the parallel interstate road, Route 1, which runs closer to the shore.
- You can explore the small towns and cities along Connecticut's eastern coastline, from New Haven toward Rhode Island, via two major travel routes. The I-95 runs all along the coast from New Haven to Providence in Rhode Island. Alongside it, but much slower and safer, is Route 1.
- You can combine your outdoor trip with a city tour in New Haven and Hartford, and from there head towards Rhode Island and onward to Cape Cod
- The most beautiful time to explore the area is towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. During this period, the visitor crowd decreases slightly, and you start seeing the twinkling fall foliage of New England in the forests alongside the great rivers.
Planning a Travel itinerary in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's location is right on the path between the New York City metropolitan area and the attractions of southeastern Massachusetts. Usually, a trip to Rhode Island is part of a travel route starting from New York, following the coastline of Connecticut, and heading towards Cape Cod. The drive from Providence to Cape Cod takes about an hour, making the city a fantastic base for exploring the Cape, including finding accommodation.
Rhode Island is also close to all the attractions along the Connecticut coast, including New Haven and the Yale University campus, and it's not even far from Hartford, the state capital. A road trip from New York to Boston can also include Rhode Island. Traveling within the state itself is very straightforward, as almost everything worth seeing and doing is found close to or directly on Route 1 or along Interstate 95.
Planning a Road Trip in Vermont
The route in Vermont is more or less divided into two parts: the northern and southern sections. The connection between these parts is through the city of Rutland to the west or via the eastern route on Interstate 91 along the Connecticut River on the New Hampshire border.
- Access to the state from the north is through the city of Burlington (by flight or from Montreal) and the large Lake Champlain
- In the vicinity of Burlington, there are several attractions like the roads to the islands in the lake, or the fascinating open-air museum in Shelburne, slightly south of the city center.
- From Burlington, it's worth heading east towards Waterbury Village, where you'll find the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory, and onward to the capital, Montpelier.
- From Montpelier, continue north toward St. Johnsbury and the stunning Lake Willoughby at the northern tip of the state.
- The southern Vermont travel route begins in Brattleboro on the New Hampshire border, accessible from the other New England states and New York City.
- From Brattleboro, cross the southern ridge of the Green Mountain towards Wilmington and Bennington.
- In this area, there are excellent ski resorts like the famous Mount Snow and hiking trails within the Green Mountain National Forest.
- From Bennington, continue north towards the outlet city of Manchester, near which are two excellent ski resorts – Stratton Mountain and Bromley Mountain.
- From Manchester, continue north towards Rutland, climbing the ridge again to the massive ski site at Killington and the charming town of Woodstock on the eastern side of the ridge.
Planning a Trip Route in New Hampshire
The travel routes in New Hampshire naturally stretch along the two main highways crossing the state from south to north.
- Interstate 93 is the gateway to the state from Boston and New York, generally heading towards Quebec's major city, Montreal. Along the highway, you'll find many must-see locations in the state, including Manchester, the largest city, Concord, the capital, and, of course, the White Mountain range to the north.
- Highway 91 is the main transportation route of the western state, running along the border with Vermont and allowing easy access to the beautiful towns in the southwest, near the small city of Keene. The 91 and 93 intersect north of the White Mountain National Park, so you can visit most of the state's attractions by driving in the triangle created by the two highways—starting on the 93 heading north and returning south on the 91.
Highway 89 connects Manchester and Concord with the city of Lebanon in the western part of the state, passing through the beautiful Lake Sunapee area. This route allows for visits to all the major towns and cities of the state while skipping over the range to the north. Generally, it's highly recommended to visit the national parks of the White Mountain range, so this route suits those who want to experience the state in a shorter version.
Planning a Road Trip in Maine
There are two main routes in Maine for the trip – the coastline of Maine and the Inland route.
- The coastline of Maine is one of the most popular destinations for New England's fancy tourism movement during the summer. Along the path of the legendary Route 1 (which runs along the entire Atlantic coast from Key West in Florida and ends in northern Maine), there are several towns that have become almost legendary tourist sites. The gateway to Maine is the large city of Portland, the almost sole urban metropolis in this vast state. From Portland on Route 1 heading north, you can reach all the towns and coastal nature reserves, foremost among them Acadia National Park and Penobscot Bay.
- Highway 95 leads north from Portland towards the town of Houlton at the Canadian border. Along the road are the cities of Augusta, the state capital, and Bangor. From this route, roads head north to the remote northern counties where unspoiled nature awaits. The lakes region, with its renowned Moosehead Lake and the Baxter National Park, complete the northern route of Maine. The area also boasts two popular ski resorts.
Everything to See and Do in New England
Massachusetts
Massachusetts, the Bay State, is the most urban and populated among the six New England states. Its capital, Boston, is the largest and most important city in the northeastern USA. Boston is the northern part of the megalopolis, the enormous urban expanse surrounding New York City, stretching from Boston in the north to Washington D.C. in the south.
- The entire eastern portion of the state is essentially urban, part of the Greater Boston metropolis
- In the southeast corner along the ocean coast, lies the popular and luxurious vacation area of Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
- West of the metropolis, there are large American rural cities including important and interesting college towns, and impressive natural landscapes that also enjoy New England's magnificent fall foliage every autumn.
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Boston
The city of Boston, Massachusetts, the capital of the state and the largest city in New England, also has the most significant history among U.S. cities. Boston is where the demand for independence from the British took shape in the late 18th century. It's the city of the Patriots, where the battles for the liberation of the colonies from British rule began, marking the birth of what we know today as the United States of America.
- The history of Boston is evident from every corner in the city center
- In downtown Boston, a stunning blend of modern skyscrapers towering over ancient, history-filled buildings
- In the neighborhoods surrounding downtown, like Beacon Hill, North End, and the West End, you'll find magnificent mansions and charming streets perfect for strolling and enjoyment
- East of Boston Common, the city's large park, is the prestigious Back Bay district by the lake created by damming the Charles River
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Plymouth and Cape Cod
The southern coastline of Massachusetts is packed with unique natural sites, massive bays, charming towns that have become significant summer tourist destinations, and plenty of fishing and whale-watching boats.
The main attraction along the coast is Cape Cod. The cape is a place of nature, pastoral artist towns, and stunning beaches. South of the cape are the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, offering whale-watching views. The city of Plymouth is the largest in the area, located a short drive south of Boston.
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Southeast Massachusetts – Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard
The two beautiful islands south of Cape Cod – Martha's Vineyard and the small Nantucket to its east, in the southeastern corner of Massachusetts, were once shipping empires closely tied to whaling. The islands were the home ports of the whaling ships in the 18th and 19th centuries, which led to their prosperity and wealth during that era. Important processing plants and export facilities for whale products were established on the islands.
- As the importance of the whaling industry declined, the islands transformed and became important spots for leisure and tourism
- The islands became home to the estates of New England's and New York's wealthy, mainly due to the fashionable estates of the Kennedy family
- Today, the islands are a fantastic destination for tourism (even for those not rich) and are home to numerous hotels for relaxing and vacationing
- The islands are a stunning example of New England's unique character and style, with charming fishing towns, countless sailboats, and a vast array of high-quality seafood, lobster, and fish restaurants.
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Northeast Massachusetts – Salem and the North Shore
Salem and the North Shore of Massachusetts are among the most beautiful spots for a day (or two) trip by car from Boston. Historic Salem is known as one of the most important ports of young America and a significant Puritan settlement during colonial times.
- In Salem, many old buildings have been preserved, and its center is full of ancient gems (in American terms).
- Despite its historical significance, Salem is much more famous in pop culture, mainly due to the witch trials held there at the end of the 17th century
- Today's city breathes niche tourism for witchcraft enthusiasts and is associated with Halloween celebrations.
- The North Shore of Massachusetts stretches north from Salem along the charming shores of Cape Ann Peninsula to the New Hampshire border
Connecticut
Connecticut – All About Traveling in the Constitution State
Connecticut, the Constitution State, is the southernmost of the New England states. The state's western shoreline along Long Island Sound is a continuous part of the New York City metropolitan area, including the city of New Haven. A significant portion of the state's population resides in this large urban area. New Haven, home to Yale University, is quintessential New England.
To the north, the capital Hartford is a charming city for a visit. Its larger metropolitan area offers plenty of important cities and attractions. To the west, the Litchfield Hills showcase the full glory of New England’s nature. Along the Connecticut River and in the natural expanses, you can witness the breathtaking fall foliage of New England every autumn.
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Hartford, the State Capital of Connecticut
Beautiful Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and one of the prettiest cities in New England. The city exudes royalty and is closely tied to the pride and representation of the state. Hartford lies on the banks of the wide Connecticut River and serves as the governmental and administrative hub of the state.
- The Capitol building in the heart of Bushnell Park is the city's most iconic and famous structure
- Near the Capitol building, there are many museums, historical sites, and churches worth visiting
- Mark Twain made the city his home in 1870, where he wrote some of his most important works. The artist's unique home is now a museum and one of the city's popular attractions
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North Connecticut – Greater Hartford and the Litchfield Hills
The northern part of Connecticut is a delightful travel area that combines both urban attractions and a particularly enchanting rural landscape. The largest city in northern Connecticut is the state capital, Hartford, an intriguing city full of history with plenty of sights downtown. The city where the legendary author Mark Twain once resided is a popular tourist stop halfway between New York and Boston.
- In the Hartford metropolitan area, there are several additional towns (now part of the city's larger metro area), rich in history and attractions
- West of the metropolis lies the rural area of Litchfield Hills with charming towns, national parks, rivers, lakes, and lots of nature
- The hills are especially popular in the fall season, when thousands of tourists come every day to witness New England's spectacular foliage
Click here for the complete information on touring Greater Hartford and North Connecticut sites…
New Haven and Yale University Campus
New Haven and Yale University are almost one urban unit. Yale, perhaps one of the world's leading and most famous universities, is located right in the heart of New Haven, and the university campus is an integral part of the city's fabric.
- Yale was established by Harvard alumni, and ever since, the two leading universities in the USA have been competing against each other for the title of the world's leading university
- New Haven itself is a charming university town, featuring a small downtown area with tall buildings casting shade over 18th-century structures that remain from the historic city
- The city and university campus are home to many excellent museums, green parks, and fascinating buildings
Click here for the complete guide to a trip in New Haven and Yale University Campus…
Connecticut – The Western Coastline of Long Island Sound
The western coastline of Connecticut is a long urban stretch of cities running west from New Haven through Fairfield County. This urban continuation crosses the border into New York State and grows until it reaches Manhattan. Along the northern coast of Long Island Sound, there's a series of relatively large cities that now serve as suburban residences for the metropolis to the south.
The sequence of large cities was once a series of small towns belonging to the historic Fairfield County. These towns were built along the numerous river mouths that flow south into the Sound. These towns were constructed by British settlers and can still be seen in the cores and centers of today's cities.
Connecticut – The Eastern Shoreline of Long Island Sound
Connecticut's eastern shoreline, east of the major cities of Bridgeport and New Haven, is the first true taste of rural New England for those arriving from New York. Near the massive mouth of the Connecticut River, there are numerous historic towns along the rugged coastline of Long Island Sound. Along Interstate 95, you'll find a string of quaint historical towns, stunning natural sites, and even resort towns with popular sandy beaches brimming with vacationers during the hot summer days.
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Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the USA, but one of the most fascinating and toured among the New England states. Providence, the capital, is a fascinating historical city. Its center is divided into a revamped downtown, which is now a great urban attraction, and the historic center of the city with important sites near the prestigious Brown University campus.
Rhode Island was one of the 13 founding colonies of the USA and has always played a significant role in America's history. Besides the big Providence, Rhode Island boasts a wide array of important and attractive tourist sites, the most significant of which is the small city of Newport. Newport is a legendary summer tourism city known for the mansions (huge palaces) of the wealthiest families of New England and New York who come to spend their summers here.
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Providence – The historic capital of Rhode Island
The city of Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is the second largest and most central metropolis in all of New England. It's only second to Greater Boston to the north.
- Providence is an important historical city, established about 18 years after the Puritan migration to New England in 1638, making it one of the oldest cities in the entire USA
- Over the years, the city underwent several transformations. After significant industrialization in the 19th century, it suffered from decline in the early and mid-20th century
- During this period, the suburbs of the city, still considered among the wealthiest in the USA, grew, but the downtown area suffered from neglect. In the 1980s, the city went through a remarkable revitalization that succeeded in reviving its spirit
- Today the city center, both on the west bank of the Providence River and in the historic mile on the east bank near Brown University's campus, is one of the most beautiful and interesting in all the cities of the Northeastern USA.
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Newport – The Mansion City of Rhode Island
Newport, located in the southern part of Rhode Island Island (as opposed to the state named after the island), is now a lively resort city. Despite its small size, Newport is one of the most important cities in all of New England, both historically and for tourism.
- The prestigious US Open tennis tournament was founded in Newport, and it is now home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
- Along with the white sport came the snobby crowd from New England, transforming the beautiful city into one of the most attractive vacation spots for the wealthy from Massachusetts and New York.
- Amidst the rich folks' mansions sprawls a charming city with an attractive harbor area that draws a huge number of tourists every afternoon during the summer.
- In the vicinity of the city, there are important historical sites such as the United States Naval War College and the massive Fort Adams.
Vermont
Vermont is the most rural and pastoral state in New England. Known for the Green Mountain Range that stretches from south to north, it offers excellent skiing in winter. Even before the snow, the mountains are a popular tourist destination for viewing the stunning foliage, where trees shift to rich orange and red hues. Around the mountains, you'll find charming old towns, cities, and important towns like Montpelier, the capital, and Burlington, along with plenty of natural sites and unique attractions, including the famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory.
Click here for the complete guide to traveling in the stunning state of Vermont…
New Hampshire
Beautiful New Hampshire is brimming with unique mountainous natural sites in the northern Appalachians, charming towns, and breathtaking rural landscapes. The state has several nicknames that characterize it, and it's known as “The Granite State” or “The White Mountain State.” The stunning range of the White Mountains is one of the most popular natural and ski sites in New England, attracting tourists and hikers throughout all seasons.
In winter, the mountains boast excellent ski resorts that transform into spectacular nature and hiking sites in summer. In spring, one can visit to witness the streams flowing with snowmelt waters. Fall in New Hampshire is probably the highlight of a visit to the state, as the forests of the mountains are painted in intoxicating autumn colors.
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Northern New Hampshire and the White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest is the largest and most important among a series of national parks and rare natural sites in the northern part of New Hampshire. This rural section of the state is considered one of the most attractive in New England for nature hikes, fresh air, camping, rivers, and adventure sports.
- The mountainous area is full of ski resorts, charming towns, and North American nature in all its glory.
- Rising high above the valleys and streams are Mount Washington and Mount Adams, the tallest peaks of the northern Appalachian range.
- Franconia Notch State Park completes the enchanting natural area. In the fall, the entire region becomes a vibrant, colorful spectacle, attracting tourists eager to experience the wonder of the changing leaves.
Click here for a spectacular autumn foliage tour in New Hampshire's White Mountain…
Maine
Maine is the largest and most rural of the New England states. In the Pine Tree State, winter conditions can be harsh, but with the arrival of spring and the melting of snow, it transforms into a popular vacation and travel site for Americans. Maine is the civilized frontier of the USA, offering breathtaking natural sites, large glacial lakes, and a long, rugged coastline with dozens of river inlets forming vast bays.
The largest city in Maine is Portland. Just north of it lies the nearly aristocratic tourist area of Penobscot Bay, the hub of lobster delicacies in America. In the north of the state, there are vast nature reserves that are very popular during the fall foliage, a few gentle mountain peaks, and excellent ski resorts on gentle slopes.
Click here for all the information on traveling in the gigantic state of Maine…
Penobscot Bay in Maine
Penobscot Bay is like a taste of nature and classic New England towns, serving as a prelude to the stunning Acadia National Park just a little to the east. The beautiful and tranquil towns in the large bay at the mouth of the Penobscot River are a popular tourist destination during the summer days.
- The bay towns bring everything we know as the Maine coastline – bay boats and yachts in charming marinas, massive private estates with impressive gardens, lots of water, nature and forests, fabulous flea markets, and of course some of the finest lobster restaurants in America.
- Every summer, Penobscot Bay turns into the playground for the wealthy of New England and New York. The towns along the bay's coastline become bustling and full of tourists.
Click here for all the info on touring the towns and nature of Penobscot Bay…
Acadia National Park in Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Maine and one of the most visited nature areas in all of New England. The park is located south of the large city of Bangor, on Mount Desert Island. The park boasts numerous stunning natural trails, lakes, streams, a camping area, and more.
As is typical of New England, the park area features pastoral towns, the largest and most famous of which is Bar Harbor. The town is a sought-after vacation spot for the affluent of New England and New York who come to their estates every summer. The city of Bangor to the north serves as the official gateway to the park, offering a regional airport, numerous hotels and motels, and plenty of shopping and entertainment options.
Click here for the complete nature guide to the spectacular Acadia National Park…
Everything you need to know about lodging in New England
Accommodations and Hotels in Boston – All the Information and Tips
Boston is a wonderful city for a few days' trip. Unlike many other American city centers, downtown Boston is relatively safe and welcoming for a stroll. Therefore, it's worth finding a place to stay in the city center, which allows you to explore it for a few days, including enjoying its pleasant evening life and even its nightlife. Boston's center is accessible even without a car, featuring a nearby large airport and central train stations. Most people arrive in Boston by car, so it's advisable to arrange parking in advance with the hotel, for a fee, but it's still worth staying downtown.
This guide is designed to help you locate the exact lodging spots in Boston to maximize your experience of this remarkable city. Boston isn't as bustling as New York, on one hand, but on the other, it's far more community-oriented in its identity and has its own unique character.
Click here for all the information on accommodation in Boston, the capital of Massachusetts…
Accommodation in Hotels and Motels in Connecticut and Rhode Island
- Connecticut and Rhode Island are two of the more urban states of New England
- Accommodation is usually near large cities, such as New Haven and Hartford in Connecticut, or Providence in Rhode Island
- In the city centers, there are good urban hotels from the best American chains
- In small resort towns like Newport, Narragansett, or Watch Hill in Rhode Island, or Mystic and Madison in Connecticut, accommodation is defined by elegant mansion hotels near the beaches or the harbor
- Throughout the state, you can stay in motels alongside the highways
- The motels are a great option for those traveling with a car and are also an ideal lodging solution for the whole family. Most often, motels have two queen beds in the room.
Rural Stay in Vermont and New Hampshire
- The rural accommodation of New Hampshire and Vermont is one of the most unique tourist experiences across the USA.
- In the charming rural parts of both states, where people go at the start of fall to see the foliage, there's a developed rural tourism scene reminiscent of European bed-and-breakfasts.
- The inns of Vermont and New Hampshire offer a rustic and green experience with breathtaking views.
- In the big cities of both states, such as Montpelier and Burlington or Manchester and Concord, there are also urban hotels.
- Just like all over the USA, there are also plenty of motels along the highways.
- The motels are the ideal accommodation solution for anyone taking a road trip in the enchanting landscape.
Accommodation in Maine's Nature Reserves
- Accommodation in Maine somewhat resembles the rural lodging charm of Vermont and New Hampshire
- In Acadia National Park, the most popular tourist spot in northern Maine, the lodging vibe is mostly rural, but with the prominent chic of upscale New England towns
- In Maine's larger cities, like Portland or Bangor, there are good urban hotels
- There are also motels available on the highways
