Made up of six distinct and unique states, New England is an area rich in culture, history, outdoor adventure, architecture, quaint coastal towns, and bustling cities. It is a historic and picturesque part of the United States, and it offers a plethora of amazing vacations you can explore. You can experience so many things in this lovely location, so New England is a destination you will not want to skip.
Plus, this part of the USA looks amazing in the fall, as the mountains and forests will erupt into a riot of colors that will leave you speechless. From acres of undisturbed nature to towering mountains and windswept beaches, here are New England’s best places to visit.
Manchester, Vermont
Manchester is a stunning city located in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont. The place has a rich history, as years ago, it was an iron-mining town, and you will be able to explore some hints of the past that are still evident throughout the city. Today, Manchester is a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers plenty of areas to hike, walk, go on bike tours, kayak, or try fly fishing. Here, you will also find the American Museum of Fly Fishing, which has tons of flies, reels, and rods, and you will learn how the favorite Vermont pastime became an important activity in America.
Mount Equinox looks amazing during the fall, and you can reach the top to have the best view over Vermont. If you are an architecture enthusiast, you must visit Hildene, the home of the child of President Abraham Lincoln, Robert Lincoln. You will also find many other stunning Georgian Revival mansions and historic buildings you can admire.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is the best-known city in New England and means a lot of things to people. For some, it is the crossroads of American History. For others, it is a bastion of cultural treasures and higher education, but all citizens can agree that Boston is an important modern town that also celebrates its past. One of the most iconic things to do in Boston is follow the Freedom Trail, which connects essential national sites, including the Boston Common, the USS Constitution, The Paul Revere House, and the site of the Boston Massacre.
Also, Boston is an important city for students who learn at one of the 45 colleges available in this city. You also have plenty of restaurants and bars to try in Boston, so make sure you leave your car at Logan Airport parking and be ready to explore one of the best cities in New England.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is an absolute must-visit in New England, as the city always catches the hearts of the citizens thanks to the nation’s largest collection of colonial buildings, windswept beaches, and Gilded Age mansion museums. The most visited place in Newport is the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail offering views of the city’s beautiful houses and the Atlantic Ocean.
Also, because Newport has an important maritime history, a visit here can’t finish without a trip to the glistening waters of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. Here, you need to see the Rose Island Lighthouse and the Hammersmith Farm, the place where Jacqueline and John Kennedy had their wedding reception.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic has a marine trade legacy, but the city became very famous after the 1988 movie Mystic Pizza was released. Your visit should include the Mystic Seaport Museum, as it is one the leading museums of this kind in the country, and it is also home to interactive exhibits, shipbuilding tools, and the recreation of a 19th-century village.
You also need to head to Downtown Mystic to wander around plenty of restaurants and antique shops and eat something from the original Mystic Pizza. Then you can continue your journey in the Mystic Aquarium, as it is a must-see because it has Steller sea Lions (only two aquariums in the USA have this species, and Mystic is one of them) and also the only beluga whales you will meet in New England.
New England is a stunning destination, and the best part about it is that the cities are not so far from one another, and you can visit more places in just one trip. If you think it will be helpful, you can leave your car at one of the airport parking lots offered by Parkos and catch the train to explore the beautiful area the way you should and not worry about driving.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is one of the most idyllic destinations in the USA, as its charm and natural beauty are undeniable. You will need to explore the Cape Cod National Seashore on foot if you want to witness all its splendor. Also, Wellfleet is a great location, as it is home to a stunning unspoiled beach, but be aware that you can also spot sharks here.
If you are interested in the Kennedy family, you can head to the Hyannis Port, where you can visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. While here, you can also go to the Cape Cod Maritime Museum to learn about the area’s fascinating history or to Provincetown for 40 miles of beaches, eclectic shops, tons of art galleries, and awesome restaurants.
Acadia National Park
If you are in the mood for adventure, you need to head to the Acadia National Park and discover more than 47,000 natural acres in Maine. The location is perfect for rock climbing, biking, and hiking, among other outdoor experiences. Cadillac Mountain should be your top priority here if you want to catch the best sunrise. But if you are not really a fan of hiking, you can drive along the Park Loop Road to see the wonders of the road, including the cave at Thunder Hole and the dramatic Otter Cliffs.
Are you ready to explore New England?
New England is a one-of-a-kind place where tourists will feel very welcomed all year round. But the destination is particularly beautiful in the fall, where you can explore all the attractions, events, and festivals at a calmer pace.
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