Things to See on a Visit to New England

Thousands of leaf peepers descend on New England each year for a glimpse of the foliage that is unrivaled anywhere in the world. If New England is unfamiliar territory, you may want to leave the planning to the experts to ensure you make the most of it. There is so much on offer, it would be a shame to miss out on anything.

Cities

If you’re looking for the classic, American city, Boston is your go-to stop. Boston is a city of history while still being a modern hub. Visit the architecturally significant Back Bay neighbourhood, the historic Freedom Trail and Cambridge Universities. Then follow the ‘Battle Trail’ to Lexington, the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War, and in Concord, visit the North Bridge and listen to the historic echo of “the shot heard round the world.” Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum which portrays the life, leadership and legacy of President Kennedy. Then there is always the shopping, the fun local “Bahstan” dialect and the delicious food to enjoy.

Coastlines

Take the opportunity to cross over the Cape Cod Canal to Hyannis and enjoy a leisurely one-hour cruise around Hyannis Harbour and Lewis Bay to view Port Gammon Light and the Kennedy compound.

You can travel along the Cape Cod National Seashore, taking in the charming village of Chatham and the artistic seaside town of Provincetown.

Travel to Newport, Rhode Island, a legendary, nautical town filled with the opulence and grandeur of an earlier colonial period. On ‘Millionaire’s Row,’ you can see the opulent ‘summer cottages’ of the Gilded Age. Visit the Breakers Mansion, a famous Renaissance house that once belonged to the renowned Vanderbilt family.

Explore Ogunquit, translated as ‘beautiful place by the sea’. Take time to walk the Marginal Way, a mile-long paved footpath that winds along the rocky shore, for some of the most scenic views along the New England coast. Why not spend time at Perkins Cove, a tiny hamlet with lobster shacks, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

Scenery

Being one of the first places settled in the United States, New England is full of history, but has so many untouched spaces.

The glorious White Mountain area is the best place to experience the breathtaking beauty of the trees displaying their kaleidoscope of autumnal colour. Don’t forget your camera to photograph the pretty foliage, locally known as ‘leaf peeping’.

Travel along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and through Franconia Notch, a major mountain pass. Visit the Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet. You can walk among towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial boulders and much more.

Food

In New England, every day always starts with a run to Dunkin’ Donuts. It is not uncommon for drive-thru lines to snake all the way around the building. And of course, iced coffee is drunk year-round, and munchkins are a must. Vermont is also known for its maple syrup, having had a long rivalry between New York and Canada to see who can produce the best. In Maine, lobster is a must. Although lobster is found all throughout the New England coast, it has become a staple dish of Maine. Traveling south to Massachusetts, you have to try the clam chowder (or as Bostonians say, “clam chowdah”). Other staples include fresh haddock and roast beef sandwiches (which will be unlike any roast beef sandwich you have had before).

Click here for more information on New England and details on how to book with Travel Department.