New England is well known for fall foliage, lobster rolls, light houses, and rocky shorelines. While I love all of those things about New England, it also has so much more to offer. Below you’ll find my favorite thing to do in each of New England’s states as well as a link to a New England Road trip!
Maine – Acadia National Park
Acadia, while a well known National Park, genuinely has so much to offer and it covers a decent amount of ground. We loved the town of Bar Harbor (especially at sunrise), the drive up Cadillac mountain, the rocky shorelines, the horses on the carriage roads, the Bass Harbor Head Light, and lobster rolls Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound right outside the park.
Vermont – Mountain Meadows Lodge
While it may seem odd to specifically mention a lodge as a favorite spot, we genuinely loved our time here in Kilington. From the time we pulled in after dinner to the next morning, we soaked up every minute. We swapped travel stories with another couple over breakfast and were able to take the lodge dog on a hike with us (along with her toy chicken). As some background, the original farmhouse and barn that are part of the lodge were built in 1857. The property has gone through various owners since it’s initial construction, but the beautiful buildings still sit there along Kent Pond and a section of the Appalachian Trail is right in the backyard of the lodge. The lodge features beautifully decorated rooms, an expansive porch, a bistro and bar, a country breakfast, kayaks, a firepit, and more. We truly loved our time here and cannot wait to come back.
New Hampshire – Mount Washington
New Hampshire is full of beautiful mountains and incredible views but the best thing I’ve done in the state was also the scariest. Our first experience at Mount Washington was staying at The Glen House which sits right at the bottom of the mountain. We loved our room, the restaurant, and the views were remarkable. The next morning we were one of the first people to drive up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. I am terrified of heights, and especially those from a car on narrow and winding roads. While I’ve driven up to the top of Pike’s Peak in Colorado previously, I swore after that I’ve never do something like that again. I was wrong, but this drive up to the top of Mount Washington was worth it.
Connecticut – Mystic
On our New England Road trip, Teddy and I had listed Mystic as a potential place to stop in Connecticut if we had time. We luckily did, and we were so surprised how much we loved the little coastal town. The drawbridge, the little shops in town, and the walk along the water made our short time here so special.
Rhode Island – Newport
Teddy and I love the historical charm of Newport. The brick streets, the various shops, and unique places to eat are a great way to spend an afternoon in Rhode Island. Drive along Bellevue Avenue and see the historical mansions and then take a walk along the Cliff Walk. Don’t forget to stop at Fort Adams State Park along during your visit.
Massachusetts – Martha’s Vineyard
After college, I took a trip with my cousins up to Boston and we took a trip out on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. I had never taken a ferry to an island before – the closest I’d been was the ferry between Cape May, New Jersey and Lewes, Delaware. We took the bus around the island and stopped for food, browsed the various shops, and enjoyed a slow afternoon on the island.
If you’re interested in traveling through most states in New England (sorry New York!), here’s a link to a 7 Day Road Trip Teddy and I took together.
