New England America

This area of New England America always gets short change when it comes to the British market as the main focus is on Boston for the city break and the must stop off Cape Cod, but this region has so much more to offer and should be added to any self-drive enthusiasts “must drive list” read on to find out more about this vast area of northern American.

The region of New England Comprises of 6 unique states which are; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Offering visitors to this state the choice of Mountains, beaches, lakes, and cities. With this choice of vistas brings every type of accommodation you can think of from city hotels, to small inns, mansion houses to beach resorts, self-catering condos to catered quirky bed and breakfasts. The prices range from economy to Uber luxury so there really is something for everyone.

The real attraction of this area is its uniqueness with each different season, choose to visit in Winter for the snow, Spring for the blossom, Summer for the coastal beach villages and towns and of course Autumn for the fall season to wonder at the gold and yellow, russet and vermillion colors.

New England America is famous for its foliage in the autumn months as well as it’s Produce of blueberries, cranberries, maple syrup, cider, wine and its fabulous catch of shellfish from the coast

New England America Tours

A Classic New England tour will consist of; Boston, Cape Cod, the White Mountains to see the covered bridges ie Flume Gorge, Washington National Park or lake Winnipesaukee try out the Conway Scenic Railroad finish up in Maine and a visit to Freeport for the outlet shopping experience

Accommodation to consider in this area would be; Rabbit Hill Inn or The Arlington Vermont, The Vermont hotel, Or the Inn at Round Barn Farm

The Berkshires

Visit The Berkshires to experience The Appalachian trail will take you through Woodstock, Lenox, Devon field and Albany. Consider staying at Charleston House in Woodstock, Brookfarm Inn near Lenox, Devonfield Inn near LEE, Darbyfield Inn near ALBANY all in the state of New Hampshire.

If nautical is your attraction then a stay at Steamboat inn where Mystic is home to all the tall ships, the aquarium and the largest Native Indian Museum. For a little retail therapy, check out Olde Mystic Village a unique shopping mall built in the 18th Century or stroll through the small shops in the center of town offering souvenirs of the local area.

Unique to this area are the Covered bridges which you can find as you drive through the region, in particular, look out for Jackson which has a honeymoon covered bridge. Definitely, one for the newlyweds to search out.

If you are only going to do one drive in the fall then consider the Connecticut drive on the Kancamangus Road or as the locals call it “The skiers’ byway” drive for 100 miles and enjoy the stunning scenery of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. This route is particularly beautiful in the autumn foliage a popular with the “leaf peepers”

If driving is not your thing then consider Taking the train and visit the cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington with a 2-night stay in each.

What to do in Boston Massachusetts

When in Boston look out for the freedom trail which is a 3-mile historic walk through cobbled streets, red painted stripes on the city sidewalks and brick paths. There is Something for everyone on this route, from young to old.
Add-ins a Visit to the American Revolution Faneuil Hall, Paul Reveres house and the Cheers Bar from that famous TV show. If sightseeing is not your thing then why not Shop until you drop. Choose from designer shops in Newbury street to the cheaper malls of Copley.

Cape Cod New England America

Cape Cod just 90 minutes from Boston is the place to head for Whale Watching, those traditional clapboard House’s and the quiet seaside villages. Think of England towns such as Barnstable, Falmouth, Chatham and Harwich and you won’t be far from what to expect. Theses quaint villages offer a pleasant stroll through their streets with a selection of specialty shops. Indulge yourself in a stay on Marthas Vineyard just a 40-minute ferry ride to experience unspoiled beaches, cycle trails perfect to bike off any extra calories obtained at one of the many restaurants.

Whale Watching off Cape Cod

Head North of Boston for whale watching and deep sea fishing to the area of North Shore.  Whale watching is an amazing experience to do off this coast where the boats leave daily from Provincetown and Barnstable Harbours, the best time that you can see the whales is from April to late October with the peak being in the summer months.

If historical buildings are your thing, head to Nantucket which has over 800 preserved buildings. Think cobbled streets and a varied landscape, quirky buildings and you’ll not be far from an experience in Nantucket.

If you’re looking for a more laidback experience search out sunset sails and river cruises. Drive just 29 mins north of Boston to the site of the first American victory of the revolutionary war and visit the many antique shops and enjoy a walking tour of Concord.

Places to see in New England America

The Berkshires are just 2 hours from Boston and New York, it’s one for the arts, full of museums, historic sites, music, and dance. Shopping is varied and wonderful with a choice of new to old from the Connecticut border to north of the Vermont state border. Foodies also love this area as it attracts chefs and restaurateurs from all types of cuisine

Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 US states but claims the highest concentration of historic sites including buildings and landmarks. Home to the Vanderbilt’s and Astor’s, sprawling estates and mansions open to the public.

Newport is home to some of the most amazing yachts, home of America’s Cup Museum, the Tennis hall of fame and the 3 mile Clifford walk from Eaton’s Beach toNewports Cliffs. Come here to experience art, jazz festivals, restaurants, museums, and historic sites all with a wonderful sea breeze.

Providence is the historic and hip choice offering a vibrant feel with a choice of many attractions including a haunted walk, an abundance of good restaurants and thriving communities.

Warwick the coastal town of Rhode Island offers 39 miles of coastline and some of the best shopping options.

Connecticut offers a wide range of scenery and sights from the river valley, historic villages, unspoiled coastline, and countryside. Litchfield hills won’t disappoint with views of forests, farmland, and trails of the Appalachian Trail.

Vermont home of mountains, fields, forests, and lakes, you will know when you’ve crossed into the state of Vermont. Take note there are no billboards in Vermont to make sure your view is not spoiled. Here is where autumn explodes with color. Look for village greens, clapboard houses, farms of maple trees and churches with many stunning steeples. This is the place for scenic drives, hiking, and fishing. Home of route 100, one of the most famous drives. Don’t miss Woodstock with it’s covered bridge in the middle of the town and its vast choice of shopping.

Vermont is home to Stowe with its pretty white church and Burlington a university town with a lot going on. When in this state ice cream enthusiasts should take time out to visit Ben and Jerry’s factory, it’s the best ice cream you’ll taste ever!

New Hampshire is also home to lake Winnipesaukee one of the largest lakes in the United States and one of the most beautiful. Sunday brunch on here is a great experience particularly in the fall with the reflections of the autumn trees on the lake. Hampshire is the gateway to the 780000 acres of the White Mountains, perfect for hikers and cyclists with 1200 miles of hiking trails and 700 miles of trails.
North Conway is one of the liveliest towns and home to factory outlet stores and the iconic Conway Scenic Railroad. A visit to Portsmouth should be on the list for one of the original Pilgrim settlements

Maine is one of the most famous regions of New England with its rugged coastline offering visits to lovely harbor towns and quaint coastal villages
Here you’ll find Maine botanical gardens, Boothbay harbour, Marsh Nature Centre at Scarborough or just get out and enjoy one of the many activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding. Freeport is home to the outlet shopping and if lobsters your thing a visit to Rockland won’t disappoint.

If you’ve been inspired by Our New England blog, get in touch for your personal tailor-made itinerary for self-drive New England America Fall packages.