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From the minute you arrive in New England you'll feel at home. As a region, the six states possess spectacular beauty, and abundance of history, comfortable value-for-money accommodation, delicious food and great bargain shopping. Individually, they have a wealth of unique experiences to offer visitors all year round. Down to the Sea in New England Five of the six states have a seacoast (Vermont has an island coast at Lake Champlain) and there's a lot of it. It varies form craggy cliffs capes to white sand, from cities to islands and it's all remarkably beautiful. You could have a dozen or more coastal holidays in New England and still not do it all. Here's a taste of just a few ways to take the sea air in New England. Beach Life. The Massachusetts' beaches, particularly those at Cape Cod, are some of the best known, attracting thousands of visitors with their white sand, towering cliffs and dunes. Because there's so many, they never get crowded, and many are protected areas for wildlife. New Hampshire's coast, just 18 miles long, includes many sandy beaches. Maine has over 100 miles of excellent beaches at Ogunquit and Cape Elizabeth. And, all along the New England coastline are islands with their own, often deserted, beaches. Sailing & Fishing. Whether you want a leisurely shoreline cruise or to take the tiller yourself, New England offers you plenty of choice. Newport, Rhode Island was the home of the America's Cup for several years, and yacht chartering is big business there and in Marblehead, Mass. and other coastline towns. Maine's coast offers endless opportunities for sailing and cruising. For example, you could take a "bareboat" (i.e. no crew) and set sail for your own adventure. It's highly romantic...buy a lobster and cook it on board, then settle down beside the fireplace (yes, many of the boats have them) or wrap up warm and go on deck to watch the sun set over the Atlantic. Whale Watching. For many of the six states, whaling used to be an important activity for the local economy. In these more enlightened times, whale watching has replaced whale hunting. There are dozens of places along the New England coast, particularly in Massachusetts, where, from May to October, you can take a scientifically organized trip to the whales' habitats and get very close to these wonderful animals. Many cruise operators guarantee sightings and it's a highly spiritual experience! You don't even have to be staying on the coast to see whales - there are trips from Boston itself, which take 4 to 6 hours. History on the Coast. Modern America's history began on the coast, when the Pilgrims' ship, the Mayflower, landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts in 1620. Recreated close by is Plimouth Plantation, showing how the early settlers lived. In Connecticut, Mystic Seaport is home to America's largest maritime museum, with tall-ships and a preservation shipyard. The Newport Mansions in Rhode Island represent a different kind of history: the summer homes of America's monied families such as the Astors and the Vanderbilts. Salem, Massachusetts is another seafaring town notorious for its witch trials, packed with maritime history and outstanding architecture. Island Hopping. It's hardly surprising that a convoluted coastline like New England's should have such a rich variety of islands. Maine has thousands of them, such as the 136 strong group of Calendar Islands off Portland. Nantucket, off Cape Cod, known romantically as "The Grey Lady" of the Atlantic, has beaches, nature conservation areas, shops, restaurants and whaling history. For sheer glamour there's Martha's Vineyard, also off Cape Cod, by ferry. Rhode Island (which isn't an island!) boasts tiny Block Island, with a restored lighthouse and abundant bird life. Even New Hampshire's short coastline has its share of islands, with cruise boats to take you there. Lighthouses. The New England lighthouses form a safety chain for shipping in the wild Atlantic. Maine is particularly well endowed with them, and one of the most notable is the oldest, Portland Head Light. One of the most interesting is perhaps the one on Rose Island where visitors can stay overnight and help keep the lighthouse working. The Gourmet Coast. All over New England you'll find some of the best seafood you've ever eaten, but why not try it where it's freshest - on the coast. There are hundreds of restaurants along the shoreline, offering a bewildering selection of fish and crustaceans. Maine lobsters are world famous, and have their own festival. You could also try quahogs, a Rhode Island clam, a shore dinner or "scrod and chips." New England - The Great Adventure top Spectacular scenery, terrain that ranges from mountains to sandy beaches and from lakes to green rolling hills, with a climate that embraces everything from heavy snow to brilliant sunshine, means that the outdoor life in New England is as full as it could be. Whether it's the adrenaline rush of snowboarding or the gentle exercise of a woodland walk you crave, you can do it in the six states. Mountain Biking and Cycling. The state parks and forests of all the states are perfect for this sport, whether you choose a pre-set trail or venture off on your own. In Massachusetts, cycling is especially popular on Cape Cod, and mountainous New Hampshire provides opportunities to test your biking legs in the state parks. Cycling is possible all over Vermont, (when it's not covered in snow) and there are several companies offering guided tours on two wheels. In Stowe, Vermont you can take your bike on the ski lifts during the summer and ride down the ski runs. Maine has an extensive trail system where you can get on you hike. Hiking. That's serious walking. Every state has its trail systems, the most famous being the Appalachian Trail, which starts its 2159 mile journey in Maine and crosses four other New England states. Boots and backpacks are also de rigeur on the Long Trail in Vermont, in New Hampshire's White Mountains, in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, and on Rhode Island's Block Island Nature Conservancy trail network, to name but a few. All the states offer gentler walking too, in the parks and reserves. You don't have to be super fit to enjoy a New England stroll! Fishing and other Watery Sports. If you're a fisherman, New England will get you hook, line and sinker! Imagine sitting dreamily on one of the covered bridges or next to a tranquil pond, waiting for a bite as the sun goes down. Thousands of rivers, lakes, and ponds (not to mention the coast) will provide opportunities for a catch - trout especially. One spectacular example is the Moosehead Lake Region in Maine, which also has swimming, white water rafting, canoeing and seaplane tours. Canoeing is big on Massachusetts's Housatonic River, as is rafting on Penobscot and Kennebec rivers in Maine. New Hampshire's White Mountains include a Lakes Region, home to fishing derbies, boat shows and all kinds of water sports. Getting wet is a way of life in New England! Golf & Tennis. The gentler terrain of some parts of New England makes for wonderful golf courses. Vermont and New Hampshire have many, and one of America's finest public courses is Richter Park in Danbury, Connecticut. In Massachusetts, Cape Cod alone has 30 courses, most open to visitors, and are easy to book and Brookline, near Boston, is home of the Ryder Cup in 1999. Tennis courts are everywhere, too. And don't forget to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Tennis Museum in Newport, Rhode Island. Wildlife & Nature. New England's love for the environment is evident everywhere, in the huge state parks and conservation areas. Many have organized trails and tours to enable visitors to see birds and animals often protected species, in their natural habitats. For example, there are eagle watching trips in Connecticut, where you'll also find the Mohawk State Forest, a 3000 acre sanctuary. In Maine, the 40,000 acre Acadia National Park is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike, and in the same state you could take a trip to watch moose or puffins. Rhode Island provides a rest stop for over 200 species of migrating birds on Block Island, and in Vermont, endangered peregrine falcons find safety in Smugglers Notch Natural Area, also home to a huge variety of rare plants. Whale watching is now immensely popular, and trips can be taken from many places on the coast. Spectacular Sports. American football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey - a trip to New England isn't complete without seeing at least one event. Sports fixtures are very family-orientated and a way of life for many New Englanders. Events vary from high school and college matches, to big-league tournaments with teams such as the Red Sox or New England Patriots taking part. Whoever's playing at whatever level, there'll be marching bands, cheerleaders, and happy crowds. Fall Into Winter, New England. top Following the Foliage. New England's hot summers fade into warm clear autumns, and the climatic conditions ensure a magnificent display of leaf colors. "Fall Foliage" is one of the chief reasons for a visit to this part of America. All the six states take part, with Maine the first to start showing its autumn colors. And of course, the show isn't just restricted to the countryside. Visit Boston or any of the other cities, and, where there are tree, there's foliage! See the leaves on foot, by car or on one of many guided coach tours. Skiing. Snow in all of the states means that winter sports are on of the premier attractions for visitors. There are over 65 ski areas in the New England states, which means that you can forget the outrageous prices and big crowds in the European resorts. New England skiing is pure value for your money pleasure. Ski downhill, cross country or try snowboarding. Many resorts also offer specially constructed snowboarding trails. Other New England winter sports include sledding, snowmobiling, night-skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and ice fishing. With so much variety, visitors of all ages can enjoy themselves. And there's always snow, if it doesn't fall, they make it! Ski accommodations is generally luxuriously comfortable and cozy, and you'll be extremely well fed! Somehow the clapboard lodges and inns look their best under a big duvet of snow, and take on a distinctly Alpine appearance. And the good value goes beyond the trails to eating out, apres ski and shopping! Christmas in New England. With snow almost guaranteed on December 25th in the six states, you can wallow in an old fashioned White Christmas almost anywhere in New England. The traditional style of many of the inns and hotels, with their fireplaces, antique furniture and fine food, adds to the holiday atmosphere. Christmas is a serious holiday in New England. All the stores are beautifully dressed for the festive season so even the most cynical can't help getting in the spirit of it all! There are several retail chains selling nothing but Christmas items - and they're open all year round! But it's not just about shopping. Most small towns have a Christmas parade, caroling and Christmas church services. Boston and Beyond top Boston is an ideal city for a weekend break at any time of the year. It's also small and accessible enough to see in a few days. It's known as "The Walking City", and has some popular walking tours that give you an overview of Bostonian history: The Freedom Trail, Women's Trail and The Black Heritage Trail. There are specialist tours including JFK's Boston, Ben Franklin's Boston and Paul Revere's Boston. If you start to feel a bit footsore, remember there are all-day trolley tours or shorter "Duck Tours" (amphibious vehicles) which link the shopping areas with the historic districts. Or for a quick injection of culture, try The Museum of Fine Arts. Boston's a historical city...but it's also a young city, perhaps partly due to the presence of so many colleges and universities, including Harvard and M.I.T. It's energy and joie-de-vivre bring in events and make things happen...or is it the other way round? Then there's shopping. Prices are temptingly low and, unlike other big US cities, sales tax is only 5%, with no tax on clothing. Clothes, antiques, gifts, books, music, traditional American crafts are some of the booty you can bring home. When you stop to eat, Boston will whet your appetite with fresh seafood (lobster and clams particularly), Boston baked beans, Boston cream pie, and Indian pudding. As well as these local delicacies, Boston has many sophisticated restaurants and good-value cafes serving every type of international cuisine. Nightlife-sparkles. Choose from comedy, jazz, blues, rock and dance...or for the more sedate, take in a play, a ballet, classical concert or opera. Right next door to Boston is Cambridge, home of Harvard and a major center of entertainment, shopping and fun in its own right. It's just a few stops away on the "T". Boston is also an ideal springboard for exploring other cities and regions of New England. Fly, go by coach, drive or take the "T". For more information about where to stay, what to do, where to dine, and what to see in Boston, visit the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau website at Bostonusa.com. http://www.bostonusa.com A Day Away from Boston top Plymouth, Massachusetts. One hour's drive, or an easy train or bus trip. It's where the Pilgrims stepped ashore from the Mayflower in 1620. Plimouth Plantation is a recreation of the first settlement, and the surrounding area has many beaches and small historic townships. Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 300 miles of sandy shoreline, some 75 miles from Boston, easily reached by car or bus, with ferries to Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard. Plenty of character - villages, inns, B&B's, and oceanfront restaurants. Cape Ann, Massachusetts. North of Boston, including the rugged fishing of port of Gloucester and harbor front Rockport with its collection of art galleries. Nearby is the Salem Witch Museum. Worcester County, Massachusetts. Popular for its state parks and museums, combining an 1830's heritage with a regular program of cultural and entertainment activities. For lush colonial countryside and fascinating history, head for Lexington, Concorde and Old Sturbridge Village. Newport, Rhode Island. An attractive and lively coastal town with a huge collection of 19th century mansions, a fascinating historical district and breathtaking harbor. One and a half hour's drive from Boston. Shop Til You Drop top Bring an empty suitcase when you come to Boston! Low prices, low sales tax, chic boutiques, famous department stores and factory outlets...there's everything to appeal to you. The Factory Outlet Phenomenon This is an essentially American way of shopping. It's not ends-of-lines, samples and last season's flops, but top quality, up to date, big name merchandise at astonishing discounted prices. There are dozens of these "Outlets" all over New England and they're worth making the trip, even if you do nothing else. The outlet malls are clean, luxurious, air-conditioned, have restaurants and food courts and excellent, American-style service. Some of the famous brands you'll find there include Polo Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, Bally, Levi's, Royal Doulton, Osh Kosh and Guess. And the prices? 25%-75% off the US retail price - so the savings are truly stupendous! New England Accommodations top Accommodations in New England, like everything else there, tend to surprise visitors with its good quality and value. There's also a huge variety of places to stay, ranging from 5 star hotels to cozy B&B's and romantic, isolated cottages and cabins. B&B. A New England Bed and Breakfast is an entirely different experience. It's likely to be someone's proudly kept home, furnished with antiques, treasures and other personal touches. It will be warm, comfortable, and breakfast will be plentiful and superb. And the owners will have lots of information and anecdotes about their local area. New England Inns. Not quite a hotel, not quite a guest house, a New England inn is something rather special. It's likely to be an old building, perhaps a restored farmhouse or Colonial mansion. It's probably furnished with antiques, and there may be a four poster bed and a real fireplace in your room. Public rooms will be cozy and tasteful, the restaurant will serve sumptuous breakfasts, and local specialties for dinner. Many inns have modern features such as jacuzzi's and air conditioning and the private bathrooms are always lavishly equipped. New England Hotels. The cities, like all cities, have luxury hotels with every convenience and world class restaurants. The big names, including Hyatt, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Le Meridien, Marriott, Fairmont and Hilton represented in Boston and other New England cities. There are also plenty of lower priced, but still stylish and comfortable, independently run hotels to choose from. Outside the cities there are many resort hotels in beautiful rural settings, almost like small villages with their sports facilities, restaurants, entertainment, shops and spas. Camping. New England is well set up for campers. Sites are equipped with electricity, sewerage and water hookups for camper vans and trailers; many also cater for tents. They have showers, picnic areas, laundries, restroom facilities, pay phones, and lots of activities such as swimming pools, fishing, water-skiing, and canoeing. Many campsites are located in the State Parks, right in the middle of some of New England's most astoundingly beautiful areas. Cottages and Cabins. These self-catering options give you the chance to have a genuine close-to-nature New England experience. For example, you could rent a summer cottage on Cape Cod and barbecue on the beach. Or stay in a cabin in the New Hampshire lakes and fish for your supper. There are cottages, villas and cabins all over the six states, next to lakes, rivers, on the thousands of offshore islands or in the beach resorts. Check out Bostonusa.com http://www.bostonusa.com for a great list of accomodations. Also, book a reservation directly on line. |
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