Great Things To Do in New England -- Shopping, tours, food, outdoor fun, spas, culture

New England > All New England > Things to Do and See > Great Things To Do in New England

It’s nearly impossible tally the number and range of great things to do on a singles or couples or family getaway to New England. Especially when you consider the variety of places and experiences in these six states: from mountain snow sports to dune tours, big-city nightclubs to dinners on the farm. Each state – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont – has its own geography, culture, and atmosphere.

Some pleasures – like a fine spa treatment or a day on the beach -- are common to all states. Some are unique. Vermonters love their maple season; Rhode Islanders cherish their ethnic dining in Providence, the capital, and their Newport mansions. Browse the ideas below and begin exploring.

Boating on the Maine Coast - New England Great Things To Do

Looking for Great Things To Do in a specific state? Click here for: Connecticut • Maine • Massachusetts • New Hampshire • Rhode Island • Vermont

Family at Tanglewood 500x250 - Berkshires Visitors Bureau - Photo Credit Ogden Gigli

1Berkshire

The Berkshires, with a mountain of things to do and see, are waiting for you

Whether you love art, or nature, zooming through the trees on a zip line or paddling across a pristine pond – the Berkshires are waiting for you this spring and summer. Visit a world-class museum, go whitewater rafting, catch a concert at Tanglewood or stroll through Edith Wharton’s gorgeous property at The Mount. Be dazzled by live theater, mountain views on amazing trails – or by the 3,000 inhabitants of a butterfly garden! Visit a Gilded Age mansion or a scenic-railway museum. Dine by candle light in an elegant resort or pick up the fixings for a picnic lunch to take on your bike trip. From wildlife sanctuaries and farmers markets to relaxing spas and opera festivals, there’s an activity for everyone in the Berkshires. To learn more click our listing link or search “Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts” on Facebook.

Great Schooner Race - Maine Windjammers - Camden, ME - Photo Credit Ben Ehling

Maine Windjammer Association

Sailing from Ports in Rockland and Camden, ME, 04843 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-807-9463

Set sail on a memorable adventure full of fun activities and unscripted surprises

Is there a sailor in your soul? If so, you need to book an adventure aboard one of the nine tall ships in the Maine Windjammer Association. The views are jaw-dropping, the fire-cooked Down East fare fantastic and the cabins super-comfortable. As for activities, there’s everything from helping raise the sails or steer the ship to hand-cranking ice cream and playing Scrabble around a wood stove. Marvel at porpoises and puffins, explore lighthouses and fishing villages, then share stories and songs at night by lantern and starlight. Many ships have themed cruises for everything from yoga and photography to special excursions for grandparents or wine-lovers. But the best part of your voyage may be the fact that each day is unique – and full of delightful surprises.

Winnipesaukee Pier Fireworks - Lakes Region Association - New Hampshire

Lakes Region Tourism Association

61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537

Lots to love, lots to do, when winter hits the lakes region

Summer’s not the only season to celebrate the glories of central New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. When the temperatures drop and the snow falls, the Lakes Region is alive with skiers, snowboarders, ice-skaters, snow-tubers and skimobilers, visiting the nearby slopes; taking guided tours out onto the frozen lakes to catch a few fish; winter-hiking parts of the Northern Rail Trail; or enjoying sleigh rides across frozen fields. But you don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy winter here. Arrange for a spa day, take advantage of tax-free shopping in the region’s outlets and boutiques, explore a covered bridge, visit a winery or brewery; or just hunker down before the fire at one of many scenic inns.

Rhythm Ciders

25 South Mountain Drive Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-7550

Sample the fruits of this cider’s labors at spacious, light-filled cider studio

Enjoy the fruits of Rhythm Ciders’ labors at the Rhythm Craft Cider Studio at the Atrium Wine Bar in the Lincoln Village Shops. At this spacious, light-filled cider studio, with barrel tables, you can enjoy a variety of ciders pressed from local fruits. The original hard apple cider features dessert apples blended in the field, ultimately fermented to near dryness. It’s an off-dry, refreshing choice. Blueberry hard apple cider has blueberry accents and vibrant color. Heirloom apple cider is barrel aged, pressed from a field blend of heirloom apples. Hard blood orange cider is co-fermented with fresh blood oranges and is mouthwatering. Check the studio for other, seasonal offerings, children’s activities and tours.

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat -Train & Boat Excursions through the Connecticut River Valley - with all the bells & whistles!

Visit the home of New England's Original IPA - Harpoon Brewery in Boston, MA

Take a Ride through Time at the Railroad Museum of New England - Thomaston, CT

Worcester Art Museum

55 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA, 01609 Phone: 508-799-4406

In this museum, there’s more to do than admire paintings (tho the paintings are amazing)

There is far more to do at the Worcester Art Museum than walk through the galleries, although considering the museum’s varied and extensive collections, from ancient to contemporary art, that may be your top priority. Interactive elements in the reimagined medieval galleries means you can explore the world through tales of castles, monasteries and trade routes, or contribute “alternate labels” via iPads to Old Masters. Check out a rare suit of jousting armor in the chivalric arms and armor collection or listen to a presentation on what Roman soldiers wore into battle. For children, art carts and touch carts allow them to draw and, yes, touch things. There are also tours and scavenger hunts. Check the website for updates, timed-admission information and safety protocols.

Inn at Tanglewood Hall

611 York Street York Harbor, ME, 03911 Phone: 207-351-1075

Seaside activities are abundant with this comfortable, scenic inn as your launching pad

Although you may never want to leave the cozy, elegant 1880s Inn at Tanglewood Hall, there is plenty to do once you leave your four-poster bed or your rocking chair on the wraparound veranda. Walk along the York Harbor Cliff Walk, watch lobster boats and sloops come in and out of the harbor. Catch a sunset over Nubble Lighthouse. Stroll along the streets of York Harbor village to York Harbor Beach. Or, enjoy the surf at Long Sands or Short Sands beaches. Need more ideas? Go whale watching, kayaking, hiking or biking. Or head farther afield (but not too far) to the Kittery Outlets; dine in foodie-centric Portsmouth, N.H.; visit Stonewall Kitchen; check out the lovely Maine coast towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport.

Inn at Tanglewood Hall is now open! - Book your stay today!

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

Mountain View Road Whitefield, NH, 03598 Phone: 888-260-4929

On this mountain resort and off, the list of exciting activities is almost endless

Mountain View Grand is open for overnight stays! Please review our health & safety measures for current updates and information.

Nestled in the White Mountains, of course there are wonderful things to do at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa! The area is known for its great hiking, skiing, skating, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, mountain biking – and that’s just for starters. Without leaving the scenic resort’s property, you can swim in an outdoor or heated indoor pool, play nine holes of golf, take a yoga class, try your hand at axe-throwing, attend a wine and beer tasting, see a movie in the resort theater, or play tennis, bocce or disc golf. For the kids, there are campfires with s’mores, story times, coloring contests, arts and crafts and camp activities and programs. And Santa’s Village is only a 20-minute drive away!.

Whitewater Fun 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - The Forks, ME

Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)

3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME, 04985 Phone: 800-553-7238

Enjoy whitewater rafting through the wild rivers of Maine

Adventure awaits on the Kennebec and Dead rivers when you arrive at Crab Apple Whitewater’s base lodge. After breakfast, head to the rivers for world-class whitewater and breathtaking scenery. Some trips are guided, for families and beginners (lots of time for floating and swimming); others challenge rapids like the Class IV-V “Poplar Hill Falls.” Some come with riverside snacks; others with cookouts. Stay overnight at the lodge (in bunk-style rooms or suites with whirlpool tubs), play some night-time paintball in one of several custom courses, climb to Maine’s highest waterfall or just relax by the pool. For another kind of adventure, there’s the moose safari, from May through August, leaving at dusk in search of the gentle giants.

Explore New England TV - New Episodes Coming in 2022 on NESN! See our YouTube Channel for On-Demand Content!

Purity Spring Resort - Your Summer Escape to New Hampshire!

Discover Quincy

Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center - 1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700

Variety is the spice of everyday life in this welcoming coastal city

From history to hiking, there’s tons to do in Quincy. Visit the birthplaces of two presidents at Adams National Historical Park, take in a symphony performance, learn about granite quarries or shipbuilding at user-friendly museums, dine at a clam shack or an upscale waterfront restaurant. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, the Blue Hills Reservations boasts 7,000 acres featuring paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails as well as spectacular panoramic views. Throughout the city there are places where you can go golfing, play tennis, charter a fishing boat or just cast your line off a pier. Fancy a beach? There are several to choose from, on the ocean, ponds and river, many with playgrounds.

Bluefish Girls 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT

Black Hawk Sportfishing

Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

Party boat provides instant entertainment, from fishing to nature cruises

Looking for something fun to do out on the water as a couple, with the kids or a group? Charter a fishing trip or specialty cruise with Blackhawk Sportfishing! Experienced captains, known for their colorful, outgoing style, will guide you to where the fish are. Rent a rod and reel and let the crew help you catch everything from stripers and bluefish to fluke, porgy, cod and sea bass. You can catch and release, donate your fish to a local soup kitchen or food bank or have a crew member fillet and clean it for your dinner. Specialty cruises include seal watches, sunset cruises, fireworks cruises, eagle-watch excursions and nature cruises. There’s a galley, and kids of all ages are welcome aboard!

Seven Birches Winery

River Walk at Loon - 22 South Mountain Drive Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-7550

Wine-lovers, experienced and novice, will love this winery’s tours, atmosphere

Seven Birches Winery is the perfect activity for wine-lovers, whether you’re a novice or just beginning your love affair with wine. Located inside the lovely Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, the winery offers intimate meet-the-winemakers tours of its production facility, where you can see how local fruits and European grape varietals are handcrafted into very special wines. Or, just opt for a tasting off the wine menu. Knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you with a choice or order up a flight for true sampling. In the nearby Lincoln Village Shops, the winery’s Atrium Wine Bar offers tastings in a rustic atmosphere as well as easy access to the region’s finest shops and restaurants.

Horseback Riding - Mountain Top Inn & Resort - Chittenden, VT

Mountain Top Resort

195 Mountain Top Road Chittenden, VT, 05737 Phone: 802-483-2311

You don’t have to leave this idyllic resort to fill your days with engaging activities

The beauty of a vacation at the Mountain Top Resort? You don’t have to leave to find every kind of activity imaginable. Stroll down to the pristine 740-acre lake’s private sandy beach and take out a kayak, canoe or paddle board, fish for bass or sunfish (or catch frogs at the kids’ pond). Play tennis, disc golf or sand volleyball or take a clay bird shooting lesson. Go hiking, skiing or snowshoeing on 40 miles of trails, or go ice skating, or sledding, then come back for hot cocoa in the tavern or s’mores by the fire pit. Go horseback riding or glide through snow-covered meadows in a horse-drawn sleigh. Then relax in the pool, hot tub or with a massage at the spa.

American Heritage Museum

568 Main Street Hudson, MA, 01749 Phone: 978-562-9182

World War II re-enactments, tank demos just part of what’s on tap at this museum

The museum is now open! Wednesdays-Sundays from 10am-5pm. Advance ticketing is preferred - Please call or visit our website.

In addition to the extraordinary collection of military vehicles, tanks, aircraft, vintage race cars and automobiles, the American Heritage Museum hosts an exciting array of living history events, from tank demonstration days to World War II re-enactments. New to the museum is a video exhibit on 9/11, featuring the recollections of two F-16 pilots who tried to intercept hijacked Flight 93. The museum’s chronological exhibits on America’s fight to preserve freedom go from the Revolution to the current War on Terror, with detailed dioramas on the campaigns of World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. Interspersed throughout are the vehicles so crucial to those campaigns. The museum also runs tank-driving programs at a separate training ground.

Lake Morey Resort

1 Clubhouse Road Fairlee, VT, 05045 Phone: 802-333-4311 Toll-Free: 800-423-1211

List of this lakeside resort’s activities is as vast as the mountains that surround it

From biking to boating, snowshoeing to swimming, the Lake Morey Resort has dozens of activities, all year long, to keep guests entertained and as active as they like. That means you can go on a 4.5-mile ice-skating trail in the winter or a pontoon boat tour in the summer. You can golf on a championship course, paddle a kayak or play tennis or bocce ball. Or, you can just relax: in a sauna, indoor heated pool or on the beach. There’s a slate of activities for kids and families, from organized STEM activities to volley ball and classic bingo games. If you do decide to leave the resort, the local area features general stores, farms to visit, a science museum and a planetarium.

Historic Wethersfield

In this classic New England town, you need to take your time to enjoy it all

Take your time: That’s what historic Wethersfield asks visitors to do when they come to this charming town. Walk down brick sidewalks past stately homes, historic sites, tree-filled parks and intriguing shops. Visit a nature center or a maritime exhibit, or bike a heritage trail. Check the 17th century inscriptions in the Ancient Burying Ground or the 18th century cooking equipment in the Buttolph-Williams House. See homes that were visited by George Washington or picnic on the lawn at the farmers market. Launch your canoe in summer, go ice skating in the winter and hike all year long on scenic trails through meadows and forests. Play tennis or bocce, go geocaching or just relax with a coffee in the picture-perfect village.

Ponds at Foxhollow

Route 7 Lenox, MA, 01240 Phone: 413-637-1469

On-site and off, lots to see and do when you stay at this resort in the Berkshires

On and off the sprawling 223-acre estate, there are plenty of fun activities when you stay at The Ponds at Foxhollow. In addition to indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub and sauna, the resort with one- and two-bedrooms condos also features a fitness center, library, tennis and basketball courts, a putting green, shuffleboard and bocce courts and a playground. Take advantage of the resort’s rowboats, canoes and bicycles. There’s lots of room for walking, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Explore the Berkshire region’s beautiful parks, waterfalls, lakes and ponds as well as world-class theater, art museums and, at Tanglewood, exceptional concerts. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, Edith Wharton’s magnificent mansion, The Mount – and the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, all just a short drive away.

Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251

Spectacular vistas, a fun journey back in time await passengers on this scenic railroad

The scenery is spectacular in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region, and what better way to see it than on an old-fashioned train ride? The Conway Scenic Railroad offers several excursions that give passengers the feel of a classic 20th-century train journey. The Mountaineer features 1950s-era streamlined passenger cars (and premium options with elevated upper dome seating) that offer vistas of rocky outcrops around Crawford Notch. The Conway and Sawyer River Valley trains consist of vintage railroad passenger cars from the 1920s. Some cars in coach (where kids under 4 ride free) have windows that open; compartment cars offer enclosed European-style seating for groups up to four. Your journey begins at the 1874 Victorian-style station in North Conway Village.

Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA, 01756 Phone: 800-258-9182

Amazing animals and lots of exciting adventures abound in this popular zoo

At Southwick’s Zoo, they have more than animals (although the animals are amazing): They have adventures! So in addition to checking out a Bengal tiger, lemurs, lions, kookaburras and giraffes, among the 850 animals in naturalistic habitats, you can also find your way through the Rainforest Adventure Maze, take a pony or camel ride, feed pygmy goats in a petting zoo, or soar above the zoo in a zip line or the Skyfari Sky Ride. Feed fallow deer in the 35-acre Deer Forest, walk through the Parakeet Landing aviary, or take a relaxing ride on the Woodland Express Train. And don’t forget lunch or dinner at Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern, a full-service, year-round restaurant with a menu sure to please every taste.

Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

Your moment of imagination, exploration and magic awaits at Ice Castles

Ice Castles is now closed for the season - See you again next winter!
This immersive experience built entirely from ice enchants visitors with its captivating photogenic appeal. Escape into a world of frozen caves, maze-like tunnels, fountains and ice-carved slides. Ice Castles in North Woodstock is built by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles that are grown, harvested, and planted every day to create the acre-sized interactive attraction. And the effect is heightened at night when LED lights frozen inside change colors in perfect synchronization to music. You don’t have to be a fan of “Frozen” to find the whole experience magical. Remember to dress warmly, but in case that's not enough there's an on-site concession stand serving up hot chocolate, apple cider, and warm treats!

Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Steamboat Dock Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-8269

Lots to see, but even more to do, at this river museum on Essex Harbor

Learn about the Connecticut River – or sail on it! – when you visit the Connecticut River Museum, on park-like grounds overlooking scenic and historic Essex Harbor. There’s plenty to see, from models of yachts, nautical paintings and history exhibits to the tools used in early fishing, hunting and trapping to a vertical, three-floor river mural that goes up a staircase. And there’s the model of the Turtle, the Revolutionary War submarine. But there’s also so much to do: Go on a winter wildlife eagle cruise to see bald eagles, or cruise aboard the Onrust, a replica of a 1614 Dutch sailing ship.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987

Fun experiences on land and water at this steam train and riverboat attraction

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers is a fun experience – on land and water! From the 1892 Essex Station, you can board vintage railroad cars pulled by steam engines and take a round-trip tour through towns, past wetlands and coves. There’s also a dinner train, serving an elegant four-course meal. Or take the train to Deep River Landing and board the 70-foot Mississippi-style riverboat, the Becky Thatcher, and cruise the picturesque Connecticut River. Or, get up close and personal with the rails via a two- or four-seat rail bike, taking you on an 8- or 9-mile scenic journey. Back at the station, buy a traditional engineer cap or train whistle at the gift shop. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.

Go Providence

10 Memorial Boulevard Providence, RI, 02903 Phone: 401-456-0200

Providence - The Creative Capital

Providence, RI is known for its vibrant culinary, and arts and culture scenes. The RISD Museum is home to a vast collection of art, ranging from the ancient to the avant-garde. Theater lovers will want to see a show at the beautifully gilded Providence Performing Arts Center or at the Tony Award-winning Trinity Rep. One of the city's most popular events, WaterFire, is a multisensory art installation highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village has delighted generations of visitors and the BankNewport City Center boasts ice skating in the heart of downtown. For more things to do in Providence, visit GoProvidence.com.

Castle in The Clouds

Route 171 - 455 Old Mountain Road Moultonborough, NH, 03254 Phone: 603-476-5900

Get above it all by touring this mountaintop castle

Let your spirit soar at Castle in the Clouds, the enchanting mountaintop estate built in 1913-14. Marvel at the Arts and Crafts architecture, the astonishing views from every room, the vintage apparel in the closets and the innovations of the day (central vacuuming and an intercom among them). Stroll through gardens and meadows. Stop by Shannon Pond to watch huge rainbow trout jump for food from special fish-feeders. Dine at the Carriage House Restaurant and visit the art gallery or hike past waterfalls on the 28 miles of trails. Kids can use period tools in the mansion kitchen or practice letter-writing in the guest room. Don’t miss Christmas at the mansion, with music, an artisan fair, carriage and sleigh rides.

Town of Bethlehem

Discover Bethlehem’s breathtaking views, endless adventure and thriving arts & culture

Discover Bethlehem, N.H., a place that beckons and welcomes. Whether you’re an empty nester or a family of five, there’s something here for everyone! Spend a day on the mountains skiing and snowboarding or go hiking, fat tire biking, snowshoeing on scenic trails around town. In the summer, play golf at one of two championship courses, ride our extensive mountain bike trails or scenic roads, hike trails throughout the White Mountains, or head to a live performance, outdoor concert, movie, or local art opening. Bethlehem’s quaint Main Street offers artisan craft, vintage finds, locally-made products, and much more. Enjoy a delicious meal at local restaurants or a beer at the brewpub before relaxing at a local hotel, inn, campground or cottage. Conveniently located near iconic attractions including Bretton Woods, Franconia Notch and The Cog Railway.

Flag Boy - NH Highland Games - Lincoln, NH

New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival

Loon Mountain Resort - 60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-229-1975 Toll-Free: 800-358-7268

The spirit of Scotland distilled into a single weekend

Don’t miss NHSCOT’s signature event, the NH Highland Games & Festival – always starts the third Friday in September! Held at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH, this three-day celebration is one of the largest cultural events in the Northeast and showcases the traditions and history of Scotland through heavy athletics, cultural activities, music and entertainment, food and drink, and more! Participate in a Try-It class like street curling or learn something new at one of our seminars. Fun for all ages with special kids programming and opportunities to shop in Vendor Village. You don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy this signature event presented by NHSCOT.

Event Date: September 16-18, 2022 - Visit our website at the link above for more details, or click the ticket icon below this listing to purchase tickets today!

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-733-1830

Come for a day, stay for several: That’s how many things there are to see and do in this historic village

There are so many things to see and do at Old Sturbridge Village, that you’ll soon discover why people who come for a day end up spending a weekend in the re-created 1830s rural New England town. You can watch blacksmiths, potters, printers and cabinetmakers at work in some of the 40 historical buildings on the 200-acre property. Listen to special music, listen to storytelling performances, visit with sheep and pigs at the Freeman Farm, take a horse-drawn wagon ride or just relax by the mill pond. Stroll through the village’s gorgeous gardens or take a hike on a nature trail by the river or through the pasture or woods. Dine in the Bullard Tavern Cafe or get ice cream in the Scoop Shop.

America's Stonehenge

105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300

Ponder the mysteries of ancient North American history

You don’t need to travel to Great Britain to see those marvelous megaliths and ceremonial meeting places of ancient peoples. Similar wonders exist at America’s Stonehenge in coastal New Hampshire. A maze of manmade chambers, walls and gathering sites, it begs the question: Was this all assembled by an ancient Native American culture or by migrant Europeans? The self-guided Stonehenge trail (after a 10-minute introductory video) is about a half-mile, although the property includes 105 acres of trails, perfect for winter snowshoeing (in January and February, you can snowshoe by candlelight and warm up later with hot chocolate). Kids can participate in a simulated archaeological dig at the learning center, and there are plenty of picnic areas. Oh, and seven alpacas.

Summer Camp Bonfire - Your Place in Vermont - Okemo Valley

Okemo Valley - Your Place in Vermont

The skiing is great, but there is so much more to see and do in this scenic valley region

If you think Okemo Valley is just about skiing, think again: This picture-perfect region is rich in outdoor and indoor activities, every season of the year. But first: The skiing, both alpine and Nordic, is great. So is the snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, skating and fat-biking. But there’s also zip-lining, hang-gliding, rock-climbing, golf, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming: And that’s just part of the outside list! There are museums to visit, plays and concerts to see, scenic trains to ride. Visit the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site or a farm with baby animals. Ride a horse, hike to a mountain summit, go on a cycling tour or zip down a mountain on a coaster track. Dining and shopping are both eclectic and plentiful.

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Get active: Trail center offers great opportunities for hiking, biking and kayaking

Surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains, Great Glen Trails offers some of the most exciting hiking, biking and kayaking adventures in New England, for people of all ages and outdoor abilities. Hike, stroll or run on 28 miles of well-marked trails, including rolling carriage roads as well as challenging single-track routes through the woods. Scenic carriage roads are great for family biking, and more adventurous cyclists will love the single track thorough meadows and past rivers, with breathtaking mountain (and wildlife!) views. Bring your bike or rent one. Want to kayak? There are flat-water tours and pulse-pounding whitewater experiences, both with trained instructors. In the winter, activities include Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing and fat biking.

Funtown Splashtown USA

Route 1 Saco, ME, 04072 Phone: 207-284-5139

In the air, on the ground, in the water: Fun is everywhere you turn in this exciting park

Fun things to do in the air, in the water and on the ground: That’s what you’ll find everywhere you turn in Funtown Splashtown USA, where you can zip around in Maine’s only wooden roller coaster, fly through the air on the Flying Trapeze ride or in a kiddie helicopter, zoom down a corkscrew slide or splash around in a pool. It really is like two great parks in one. You can also play arcade games, go “prospecting” for fossils and relax at the tiki bar, beer garden, ice cream shop, candy store or cafe. Everyone has fun here, from folks gliding down the log flume to thrill-seekers plummeting down a 60-foot chute into a water pool to little tykes loving the old-fashioned carousel. A family owned and operated business, Funtown Splashtown puts guest safety first. Please review our health safety guidelines prior to your visit.

Jonathan's Ogunquit

92 Bourne Lane Ogunquit, ME, 03907 Phone: 207-646-4777

Farm-to-table dining at its best in southern Maine

At Jonathan’s Ogunquit, you can look forward to more than a wonderful, one-of-a-kind farm-to-table meal. You can also expect a one-of-a-kind experience, from tables looking out onto gorgeous gardens studded with whimsical statues to the restaurant’s entrancing 600-gallon fish tank. If you are there on a show night, you’re in for a treat. Concert series musicians have included July Collins, Arlo Guthrie, Tom Rush; comedians include Paula Poundstone and the topical Capitol Steps troupe. But, mainly, it’s about the food in this casual-fine dining restaurant, where you might start with Boursin stuffed mushrooms, work your way through an entree featuring lamb raised at Jonathan’s farm and end with the legendary creme brulee.

Battleship Cove

5 Water Street Fall River, MA, 02721 Phone: 508-678-1100 Toll-Free: 800-533-3194

A day out you won’t forget

Battleship Cove is now open from 9am-5pm daily! Please remember to follow our safety & social distancing guidelines!
In 1964, the citizens of Massachusetts, including over 6000 school children, banded together to save the battleship USS Massachusetts from being scrapped, and bring her to the waterfront of historic Fall River on June 12, 1965. During her dedication, the battleship’s historic significance was further recognized as she was made the official World War II Memorial for the Commonwealth and opened as a public museum. Over the years, she has been joined by the destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., the submarine Lionfish, PT 617 and PT 796, and the Soviet built missile corvette Hiddensee to form the largest collection of historic naval ships in the world, America’s Fleet Museum at Battleship Cove. Today, Battleship Cove stands as one of the region’s most popular attractions.

Brewery Tour 2019 - Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery - North Woodstock, NH

Woodstock Inn Brewery

135 Main Street North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3951 Toll-Free: 800-321-3985

Beers and Brewery Tour - Why Not?

Find out how Woodstock Inn Brewery evolved from a small seven-barrel brewery to a 30-barrel, state-of-the-art solar fed facility (#PoweredByNH), distributing our year round, seasonal and limited edition beers all across New England. Each tour finishes with a chance to try five selected samples, and you go home with a pint glass, plus you might even discover what we mean when we say “Now Made With 100% More New Hampshire!” Try any of our brews at one of four on-site pubs or bring some home from the gift shop! Tours can be booked online at WoodstockInnNH.com

Mountain Club on Loon

90 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 800-229-7829

You’ll have a hard time choosing from all the activities at, and around, this mountain resort

It’s safe to say absolutely no one leaves The Mountain Club on Loon thinking there just wasn’t enough to do! Every season is a fun season at this welcoming mountain resort. In autumn, hike to waterfalls, surrounded by spectacular foliage; in the winter, bring your skis, snowboards and skates. Spring means mountain biking, fishing, ATV riding and spring skiing. And the summer is amazing with kayaking, canoeing, swimming, rock climbing, golf, gondola rides and zip lining. Nearby attractions range from scenic railroads to Storyland, theaters and museums. At the resort, go for a spa treatment, take a yoga class, swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, enjoy delightful dining – and end your evenings relaxing in your luxurious room or suite with a mountain view.

Rough Point

680 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-8344

Walk through this mansion and experience the eclectic collection of its last owner, Doris Duke

Built as a "summer cottage" for Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt in 1891, Rough Point Museum today tells the story of the life and legacy of its most recent owner - heiress, collector, and philanthropist Doris Duke. Walk from room to room, from the solarium featuring breathtaking ocean views, to the Kitchen with a deluxe 1920s cigar case and marvel in between at the eclectic collection. There are sumptuous Flemish tapestries, gilded French furnishings, vibrant Chinese export ceramics, stately portraits, and more objects that reflect the wide-ranging tastes of their collector.
Open seasonally March-early January - Gor information about operating hours please check the Rough Point website.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367

The list of what you can do at this theme park is as big as the dinosaurs that inhabit it

What can you do at The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village? Well, you can walk a trail in search of more than 50 life-sized dinosaurs, swing on a zip line at the two-story enclosed T-rex Tower, or slide through the giant mouth of a T-rex as you successfully find your way out of the dino-themed maze. At the Splash Pad (New England’s largest!), you can go under a dino rib cage waterfall, try to avoid dumping buckets and watch a Pteranodon rise from its perch when you step on certain sensors. At Monty’s Playground, you can climb, jump and slide. You can play 18 holes at Copper Creek Mini Golf, then grab ice cream, pizza or a burger.

Flume Gorge - Franconia Notch State Park - Franconia Notch, NH

Flume Gorge & Visitor Center

852 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) Franconia Notch, NH Phone: 603-745-8391

As you walk this loop trail, you’ll be awe-struck by massive gorge, waterfall – and a covered bridge

Visit Flume Gorge and prepare to be amazed. The natural gorge extends 800 feet at the base of Mt. Liberty, with 70-to-90-foot walls of Conway granite that began to form millions of years ago. Walk the 2-mile flume trail, a loop that takes about an hour and a half to complete, and view Table Rock, a massive section of granite; Avalanche Falls, a 45-foot waterfall that roars as Flume Brook enters the gorge; and glacial boulders that weigh over 300 tons. A boardwalk lets you get up close and personal with the area’s flowers, ferns and mosses, and the covered bridge across the scenic Pemigewasset River is one of the oldest in the state, built in 1886. Download a scavenger hunt list online.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI, 02907 Phone: 401-785-3510

Go wild at this multiple-exhibit zoo with huge range of animals, rides, activities

It’s wild and wonderful at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, where you can wander from one amazing “land” to another, observing each exhibit’s interesting inhabitants. In the Fabric of Africa, watch an elephant take a bath or a giraffe nibble on a treetop. In Faces of the Rainforest, see titi monkeys sleeping with their tails intertwined. In Marco Polo’s Adventure Trek, check out the moon bears, red pandas and snow leopard. In North America, bison graze and wild turkeys show off their courtship displays. The zoo also has a carousel, gigantic play area, farmyard where you can interact with goats, sheep, alpacas and other animals and, in Explore & Soar, zip rides and train excursions. Lots of places to dine, shop and relax.

Stanton House Inn

76 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT, 06830 Phone: 203-869-2110

Enjoy the many pleasures of this gorgeous inn and its beautiful, inviting home town

Privacy, beauty – and being close to great things to do: Those features make the Stanton House Inn a must for visitors to Greenwich. It’s a short train ride to New York, or car ride to the maritime pleasures of Mystic, but you’ll find plenty to do right in Greenwich, from walking the beach and trails at Greenwich Point Park or playing tennis in Binney Park to visiting Putnam Cottage of Revolutionary War fame, shopping on Greenwich Avenue, attending a concert or play or watching a polo match. Ask at the inn about the best route to view the town’s mansions. At the inn itself, with its luxurious 20 rooms and suites, there’s an outdoor pool, manicured lawn for bocce and badminton and gorgeous gardens to stroll through.

Railroad Museum of New England

242 East Main Street Thomaston, CT, 06787 Phone: 860-283-7245

The past comes alive at this museum that honors the region’s railroad history

Take a trip into the past at the Railroad Museum of New England – and do it in the comfort of a vintage passenger car, part of a diesel-led train excursion through valleys and woods, past dramatic rock cuts and over the scenic Thomaston Dam. In addition to educational exhibits, the museum offers exciting opportunities to explore a variety of locomotives, passenger and freight cars and cabooses, representing the best of the region’s rich railroading history. Popular train trips include scenic excursions, chocolate tours that include a visit to a chocolate factory, spirit-tasting tours and trips that celebrate the holidays, from the Easter Bunny Express to the Pumpkin Patch train to the magical Northern Lights Limited and Santa Express.

Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Explore New England's coast aboard a romantic sailing ship

Opening for the season May 1st, 2022!
Return to the romantic Age of Sail aboard the 81-foot schooner Argia. She is a US Coast Guard-inspected vessel and one of the last sailing ships in New England. Departing from Mystic CT, the ship sails in Fishers Island Sound, a calm, protected body of water, from May 1st to mid-October. Bask in the sun on her spacious wooden deck while you sail past the seafaring village of Mystic, the surrounding islands, and historic lighthouses. Delight in quirky sea stories of the area, told by the crew and Captain of Argia. Feel free to bring your own picnic and beverages. Wine and beer are permitted. Enjoy a half-day cruise, or experience the romance of the sea at twilight with a sunset sail.

Great Waters

54 N. Main Street Wolfeboro, NH, 03894 Phone: 603-569-7710

Great music, great venue, great family atmosphere make these concerts a must

A second season of exciting Concerts in the Clouds at spectacular Castle in the Clouds has been announced by Great Waters, which has been entertaining visitors to the New Hampshire Lake Region for over 25 years. Opening night kicks off a stellar season with “1964: The Tribute,” a popular Beatles performance. The summer lineup continues with Electric Light Orchestra tribute band and then ultra classic sound of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours.” Michael Cavanaugh will play the songs of Billy Joel & Elton John. Act fast if you want tickets to “One Night of Queen: Gary Mullen and The Works.” Jaw-dropping mountain views, hiking trails, a duck pond and historic Lucknow Mansion add to this not-to-to-missed family event.

See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620

Where will your visit begin?

We have a variety of activities on land or on the water. The Atlantic Ocean itself is our playground! Trips such as whale watches, lobster excursions and pirate adventures are popular with visitors both young and not quite as young. Our beaches and parks offer families a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Enjoy great seafood, fairs, festivals, the arts, a distillery, a winery or a brewery. Ride a narrow gauge train ride through acres of cranberry bogs at Edaville USA. Experience living history at Plimoth Patuxet, depicting life in Plymouth in 1627. Please call 1.800.USA.1620, or visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.

Milky Way Galaxy - Blake Planetarium - Plymouth, MA

W. Russell Blake Planetarium

117 Long Pond Road Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-830-4470

Plymouth planetarium provides perfect evening for star-gazers

Look up! It’s the night sky in all its glory, but can you identify the constellations? Head to the W. Russell Blake Planetarium, where you can sit back and let the experts show you how to identify planets, bright stars and constellations. In this full-dome planetarium, a DigitalSky projection system provides a full-screen image that covers the room’s entire ceiling in the mysteries of the universe. While enjoying breathtaking views and spectacular surround sound, you’ll learn about astronomy and perhaps how to use a star map (you can take it home). The planetarium also has regular features for kids and explorations of the natural world below the skies.

Curious Kids - Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, NH

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

So much to explore on the Highest Peak in the Northeast

Due to its remarkable location, weather and history, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is unlike any other driving experience in the Eastern United States. A trip on Mt. Washington Auto Road is a one-of-a-kind experience offering ever-changing weather extremes, panoramic views and the opportunity to pass through four distinct climate zones as you climb to the highest peak in the Northeast. The constantly-changing weather adds to the allure and mystique of the famous peak, often allowing visitors to experience high winds and dramatic cloud formations. No matter the weather, the entire family will love all there is to do on the legendary Auto Road.

Bear Rock Adventures

545 Beach Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: Toll-Free: 866-663-9777

Launch your great exploration of northern New Hampshire with an ATV or snowmobile rental

How great would this be: exploring the forested landscape, secluded waterways and mountain vistas of northern New Hampshire from your ATV or snowmobile, then settling in by a campfire at night from your mountaintop tent site? That’s one of several outdoor options at Bear Rock Adventures, where riders of all experience levels can hop aboard new Polaris vehicles and be on their way to traversing the 1,000-plus miles of interconnected trails found in this exciting region. There are guided and unguided tours for two-, four-, six- and eight-hour rentals, or choose a 24-hour or multi-day rental and arrange to stay in the fully furnished Bear Rock Lodge or in a completely outfitted glamping tent on a mountaintop.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH, 03589 Phone: 603-278-5404 Toll-Free: 800-922-8825

Exciting ride aboard a cog railway culminates in breathtaking views atop Mt. Washington

Fun, educational – and thrilling – the historic Cog Railway up to the summit of majestic Mt. Washington is a great adventure for passengers of all ages. The colorful trains are powered by biodiesel or steam locomotives, traveling 5 mph past forests, ravines, wildlife (including the occasional moose or bear) and through three climate zones to reach the breathtaking summit. There, on top of the Northeast’s tallest peak, you can explore an interactive weather exhibit or look out over the mountains from the rooftop observation deck. You can also send a post card from the summit post office. Travelers will enjoy the commentary from train engineers and brakemen and brakewomen. Parking is free, and there are food courts or cafeterias at both ends of your exciting journey. Trains operate from late April through November.

Outdoor Toast - Newport Vineyards - Middletown, RI

Rhode Island – Newport Vineyards

909 East Main Road (Route 138) Middletown, RI, 02842 Phone: 401-848-5161

Glasses of wine, pints of beer, full menu, amazing views: all the makings of a great day

There’s plenty to do at the Newport Vineyards these days – and all of it is enjoyable. It might start with your selection of a perfect cabernet, chardonnay or pinot grigio to sip indoors or outdoors while you admire the vineyard’s sweeping vistas. Or you might wander into the beer side of things with a flight of fresh brews from the Taproot Brewery, where you can also order off a full menu of shareable noshes, entrees and desserts. The award-winning vineyard also offers private winery tours and tastings and a full schedule of special events, from live music to days that feature specialty sliders on the menu. And, there’s a retail shop selling wine, beer, home goods and branded merchandise.

Save The Bay

Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540

Learning and fun go hand-in-hand at Save the Bay activities

Hands-on learning is an important part of how Save the Bay works towards its mission to protect and improve the unparalleled Narragansett Bay—but so is having fun and enjoying the beauty the Bay provides! So you might want to spy on a seal in winter on a Seal Tour or Nature Cruise (Newport, Westerly and Providence R.I.); climb aboard a narrated Lighthouse Tour in summer to observe nearly two dozen historic Rhode Island lighthouses; or stay on land to visit the beachfront Exploration Center and Aquarium, where touch tanks, interactive exhibits, and the chance to help feed some of the Bay’s critters (including sharks) put Narragansett Bay in the palm of your hand.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.

Chuckster's Family Fun Park

Two Great Locations Chichester and Hooksett, NH Phone: 603-798-3555

Golf, zoom around a go-kart track or fly through the air!

You might not really hit a hole-in-one on the giant mini-golf courses at Chuckster’s two New Hampshire locations. But you’ll feel like you did after spending time at these fun-filled activity parks. In Hooksett, tackle the 18-hole Fire Tower or Cave courses then let the winner buy cones at the ice cream barn. In Chichester, if golf isn’t your thing, no worries: There’s a go-kart speedway, the TimberTrek Aerial Adventure Park where you will traverse the woods in unique ways 10-35 feet off the ground, and coming soon an enormous new bumper boat pond with waterfall and fountain! Feeling competitive? How about Shoot-N-Shower (guess what happens to the loser). Or play volleyball/basketball on trampolines or jump and flip up to 18 feet on the Jumpster.

Connecticut Wine Trail

Sip your way along this wine trail while enjoying music, classes – and stunning scenery

There are trails that involve walking – and then there are trails that involve sipping. Experience award-winning wines, exquisite scenery and New England charm when you travel the Connecticut Wine Trail. The trail includes 25 wineries from all corners of the state. Enjoy vineyard vistas while sipping reds, whites and specialty wines from rustic tasting rooms, spacious patios and pretty picnic groves. Some vineyards offer entertainment, from comedy nights to live music. Some have their own kitchens or restaurants and even have cooking classes; others have a wide array of food trucks. There are vineyards near casinos, state parks, rivers for canoeing and fishing and seaside villages. A few have pick-your-own fruit trees or animals to visit (including llamas).

The Great Race - Warwick, RI to Fargo, ND

Starting at Rocky Point Park Warwick, RI, 02889 Phone: 800-989-7223

Explore vintage cars as they assemble in R.I. state park to begin ‘The Great Race’

Get up close to 120 vintage automobiles as they assemble for the world’s premier old-car rally, The Great Race, in Warwick’s Rocky Point State Park. Talk to the cars’ drive-and-navigator teams before they head out on the nine-day, 2,300-mile adventure across 10 states, ending in Fargo, N.D. Rules require that the cars be built in 1974 and earlier, but most are pre-World War II vintage, including this year’s oldest participants, a 1916 Hudson Pikes Peak Hillclimber, 1917 American LaFrance and 1917 Peerless racer. There’s also an X-Cup category featuring cars built specifically for the event by young people, in groups and shop classes. When all the rally cars leave (in one-second intervals!), it’s spectacular. Other area events include a tour of a private car collection in Providence, and “Newport Day,” featuring the Audrain Automobile Museum and Newport Car Museum.

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

3 Crossing at Riverplace North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3500

Scenic surroundings as spectacular as your meal aboard this elegant dinner train

Take in the scenic surroundings of the Pemigewasset River Valley as you roll gently through the countryside on board the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. From your comfortable seat at an elegant table on meticulously restored vintage rail cars, you’ll travel through the woods, over three trestle bridges, through the “jack-o-lantern” golf course and a Christmas tree farm on your 20-mile, two-hour round trip from the station at North Woodstock. You’ll dine on a delicious five-course gourmet meal with seasonal offerings prepared by top chefs. The White Mountains area is also home to hiking trails, spectacular views, lost rivers, great shopping, world-class skiing and, in the warm weather seasons, gondolas, zip lines and other mountain adventures.

Island Queen

75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-548-4800

Plenty to do on either end of this 35-minute passenger ferry ride to the Vineyard

There’s so much to do at either end of the ferry trip from Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard. Why not explore the Falmouth area’s beautiful beaches, interesting boutiques and bike trails before you board the Island Queen, the comfortable ferry to Oak Bluffs. Or spend a few days exploring the rest of Cape Cod, from the National Seashore to the Kennedy Museum in Hyannis to the antiques shops along the Old King’s Highway. It’s only a 35-minute ferry trip to Oak Bluffs aboard the comfortable Island Queen. And, once there, you’ll marvel at its gingerbread cottages and the country’s oldest carousel. Visit Edgartown with its majestic whaling captain’s homes and great shopping and dining and Aquinnah with its brilliantly colored clay cliffs.

Ocean House Resort

1 Bluff Avenue Watch Hill, RI, 02891 Phone: Toll-Free: 877-346-9442

So much to do both on site and off site at this luxury waterfront resort

One of the best things about your stay at the five-star Ocean House resort: There are so many fun activities both on and off the property. On site, there’s the private sandy beach, of course, with beach butler service. There’s croquet on a manicured lawn, championship-level squash courts, a 24-hour fitness center, heated indoor saltwater lap pool and summer programs for kids as well as movie nights and concerts. Take a wine or cooking class at the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts, learn how to surf or get a massage at the world-class spa. Off-site, play tennis or golf, go hiking or biking, visit a lighthouse or winery, take a trip out to glorious Block Island or a short drive to Mystic Seaport.

Visit our sister properties - Weekapaug Inn - Watch Hill Inn

Sam Adams Squared - Greater Boston CVB - Boston, MA

Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau

With so much history, and so many activities, vibrant Boston has something for every visitor

You cannot be bored in Boston. See a show, catch a game at Fenway Park, take a film or foodie tour of the town, ride on a duck boat or Swan Boat, eat in a four-star restaurant with a harbor view or by a food truck in the gorgeous Greenway. Kids will love the Tea Party Ship & Museum and nearby Children’s Museum. Art-lovers will feast on the Monets at the Museum of Fine Arts or the Venetian courtyard in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Shoppers will enjoy perusing pop-up markets, the fashions and galleries along Newbury Street and the kiosks of Quincy Market. And history buffs will happily stroll the Freedom Trail from the Common out to the USS Constitution or the Black Heritage Trail.

Living Shores Aquarium

850 New Hampshire Route 16 Glen, NH, 03838 Phone: 603-383-4186

Walk through this aquarium and discover, and interact with, the wonders of the ocean

Discover the wonders of the watery world year-round at the Living Shores Aquarium at Story Land. The indoor walk-through adventure includes interactive tide pools where you can get up close and personal with urchins, horseshoe crabs, snails and friendly sharks. Walk through a tropical aviary where lorikeets soar from perch to perch overhead. Watch the playful antics of five Asian small-clawed otters and check out colorful clownfish. Touch and feed sting rays as they swim by in their touch tank. There’s a drawing station and a digital sandbox for young visitors to learn about marine life. At The Bistro, settle in for coffee and donuts, ice cream, snacks and lunch items while the kids relax in the reading nook.

Ladies Cruising - Stonington Borough - Stonington, CT

Stonington Borough Connecticut

Every season, inside and out, there’s plenty to do at this welcoming seaside village

Inside and out, the village of Stonington Borough has enough things to do to keep everyone busy and happy when they come to visit. Head to DuBois Beach, one of the region’s best beaches, with its gazebo, anchored dock and jetty (great for crabbing), visit the 100-acre Saltwater Farm Vineyard (and taste their wares), shop at the farmer’s market or in the many boutiques that dot the borough’s scenic streets. Check out The Lighthouse Museum (climb to the top for a spectacular view), go for a harbor cruise, launch your kayak, walk along the seawall or on the variety of trails through the meadows and woods of several nature preserves. Enjoy great dining options from seafood to authentic Mexican dishes.

Pickering Quilt Shop in NH - Great Things To Do

Pickering Farm Quilt Shop Celebrates Country Primitive

Penny quilts? Yes, you quilting people know what that means, and, if you don’t they are a fun way to begin quilting and making unique gifts for yourself and friends. Pickering Farm Quilt Shop at 19 Fitzwilliam Road in Richmond is in an 18th century restored barn. You will find 3000 bolts of 100 percent cotton, notions and supplies of all kinds, and hundreds of antique reproduction fabrics from 1780 to the 1930s. Also: wool for penny rugs, books and patterns, and a fabulous gift line. Fun and inspiring! Open year round Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 603-239-7550

Dive Into the Life of the Mind at the Athenaeum

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum at 1171 Main Street in the northern Vermont town of St. Johnsbury has many great daily activities for adults and kids who want to explore the life of the mind. One example is the Frist Wednesdays series, where experts ramble about interesting topics. Recent topics were Vincent Van Gogh and the Books He Read and Bierstadt’s “Domes of Yosemite,” and the Creation of an American Icon. You can ekep uo with many other topical or quirky subjects by watching the Athenaeum’s Events page.

Bridgham & Cook Ltd. - Freeport ME - Great Things To DO

Visit the Maine Coast for British Shopping

Britain’s BBC has discovered and reported the pleasures of a visit to Portland and its nearby neighbors of coastal Maine. For Anglophile shoppers, the BBC has reported its approval Bridgham & Cook, Ltd. at 123 Main Street in Freeport. The shop sells British foods - teas, sweets, biscuits, preserves, and condiments - in addition to numerous English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh goods, clothing, accessories, and gifts. Scott’s Porage Oats, Thursday Cottage Curd, Barbour tartan purses, Bronte Moon Dales Scarf, and much more. Fun and unique shopping on Maine’s coast! Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 207-865-1040

Maine Brewers Guild Personalized Beer Tours - Great Things To Do

Create a Personalized Tour of Maine Breweries

Maine Brewers Guild, representing beer brewers statewide, wants beer drinking travelers to explore and enjoy the vast and varied beauties of the state. The guild has created an excellent site where you can build a self-guided tasting trip with a bit of targeted help. Go to the plan your route page and make some choice based on region, brewery offerings (tastings, tours, food, outdoor seating, family friendly) and then click to create a Google Map of your personalized Maine beer tour. Brace yourself for explorations of city pubs, hidden hideaways, restored mills and old barns. It’s a beautiful place.

The Old Country Store; Old History Stage

You can buy treats and trinkets of all kinds at the Old Country Store on Whittier Hwy. in Moultonborough. And if you have all your senses tuned up, you might feel the stories of long ago in this place, built in 1781 on land given to Jonathan Moulton for his service during the Revolutionary War. The place also has served as a library and a post office and has hosted town meetings. Today, go there for candles, toys, shoes, local products, kitchenware, and penny candy, with a pickle barrel, maple syrup, and a good dose of John Deere merchandise. Kids will love it. 603-476-5750

Whitewater Rafting - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Spring in the White Mountains is a season so fresh you can taste it

Every season is a reason to visit the mountains of New Hampshire. Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest and home to the highest peak in the Northeast, outdoor adventure abounds with hundreds of trails to get you to a rushing waterfall or a mountain summit. Relax at a spa, museum, coffee shop, or bookstore, enjoy live theater and music, ooh and ahh at stunning vistas, and check out the great events and attractions for the whole family. When you’re hungry you be thrilled will all the options to choose from. We have cozy eateries, stylish bars, Irish pubs, elegant dining, and more. Shopping is tax-free in New Hampshire, and with over 200 name-brand outlets, boutique, and specialty stores it’s no surprise that North Conway is world renowned as a shopping destination. Plan a visit soon. Visit Mt. Washington Valley, NH online or call our friendly concierge at 800-337-3563 for more info on first class lodging and exciting events to plan your next adventure!

Franklin Park Zoo

One Franklin Park Road Boston, MA, 02121 Phone: 617-541-5466

Warning: The best of the beasts roam at this Boston-area zoo

It’s all happening at the Franklin Park Zoo, where you can wander from one exotic environment to another, each one filled with interesting animals. There’s the Kalahari Kingdom, where lions roam (and roar); the Outback Trail that kangaroos, kiwis and kookaburras call home; the woodsy Tiger Tales; the grassy Giraffe Savannah; and the Tropical Rain Forest (gorillas and hippos!). Plan to attend a zookeeper chat or watch animals being fed, visit the Franklin Farm to get to know goats and chicks, take a train or carousel ride; or go wild on the zoo playground. And don’t miss the new Children’s Zoo to play next to the red pandas. Family fare is offered at the Giddy-Up Grill, Kalahari Kitchen, or bring a picnic.

Connecticut Wine Trail - Great Things To Do

Absolute Bliss: A Day Along the Wine Trail

Connecticut’s mild climate makes the state a fruitful place for growing grapes, and the state’s wine-making industry has bloomed in the past three decades. A delightful way to sample Connecticut vintages is to take a drive along the Connecticut Wine Trail , a route that bypasses 15 vineyards (and some beautiful countryside). The trail consists of two sections, in the eastern and the western parts of the state. Blue highway signs mark the trail and the state produces a colorful brochure. Remember: the Winter Wine Trail is very active! a winery tour in winter is a great way to lift your spirits. All the wineries have tasting rooms and all offer at least one tour daily.

Bushnell Park on Trinity Street in Hartford, CT

Beautiful Oasis in the City

Bushnell Park on Trinity Street in Hartford is a wonderful public sanctuary that merits a full-day visit. The park is home to a carousel that dates from 1914 – the golden age of these structures that combine artistry, magic, and simple fun. For people who love the artistry of nature, Bushnell Park is an urban arboretum of rare and native trees. Visitors can pick up a brochure and take a self-guided walk of magnificent trees from many parts of the world. The park also has beautiful fountains, statues, a pond, and a performance pavilion. The park offers free tours of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch and hosts many public events. Open: May to mid-October. Phone: 860-232-6710.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford - CT Great Things To Do

Wadsworth Presents a Mix of Art and Entertainment

The marvelous Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford is a grand place to visit, particularly after the mid-decade overhaul of the galleries. Permanent and changing exhibits are always worth a fresh visit. This museum leads the way in providing events and entertainments to showcase and enhance exhibits. These may include films, talks, live music, even Sunday brunches. There’s always something to enjoy. 860-278-2670.

Taste of New Haven Food and Drink Tours - Great Things To Do

Find Food Adventure with New Haven Food Tours

Most of us know that New Haven is famous for its original and authentic pizza, but there is so much more for your palate to enjoy there. Taste of New Haven Food & Drink Tours hosts culinary walking culinary tours of this delightful, historic city. Experienced tour guides lead guests on tours with names and themes like Theater District, Canal Quarter, Goatville, Wooster Square, Pizza and Pints Bike, New Haven Symphony, Latin American Tapas, Pizza Lovers, Live To Eat, Theater District, Latin American Tapas, and On 9. Tours usually last 3 to 4 hours, although the Pizza Lovers Tour and the Pizza & Pints Bike Tour are 6 to 7 hours. Gift certificate available for a unique present. You also may book a private tour! Call and check the website for 203-710-3710.

Meet Vermont's Covered Bridges

Few structures in America combine architectural ingenuity, economic necessity, and romantic idealism better than the covered bridge. Covered bridges flourished in the United States in the 19th century. Pennsylvania has the greatest number of covered bridges, and Vermont, with about 104 covered bridges, has the highest number relative to the state’s size. In Southern Vermont, some highlights of the many covered bridges include the Bridge at the Green (Arlington Bridge) in Arlington and the Henry / Burt Bridge in Bennington, which is a short distance from the rebuilt Paper Mill Bridge and the Silk Bridge. Covered bridges offer a wonderful opportunity to stop, take pictures, dip your feet in the river, and even to picnic.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown - Great Things To Do

Immerse Yourself in Bird Life at Sachuest Point

At 240 acres, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown is important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds. Nature- and bird lovers know this rocky peninsula as the place to see colorful harlequin ducks, loons, eiders, gannets, and, in winter, snowy owls. A walk on the three miles of trails around Sachuest Point reveals several habitats, including salt marshlands and steep rocky shorelines around the perimeter. Elevated observation platforms along the trails provide unobstructed views. The visitor center is an ideal way to begin or end a trail walk; creative exhibits tell you all about the land and creatures you will be traversing. You can get a permit for nighttime fishing. - Trail map - Brochure

Hanover Region Is Full of Interesting Things to See and Do

Hanover is home to Dartmouth College and it has a fun business district of good, casual dining and cool shopping for books, clothing, and art. If you love fine furnishings, Simon Pearce in Hanover designs elegant glassware, handcrafted by artisans. The old and respected League of New Hampshire Craftsmen has a retail gallery in Hanover. Saint Gaudens National Historical Site in Cornish will school you in the work of one of America’s greatest sculptors. Theater is live at the 800-seat, historic Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon. Regional artists display work at Gilded Edge, a gallery in Lebanon. The Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield welcomes you to explore a society of people living a unique and low-tech way of life for hundreds of years.

World’s End in Hingham - Photo Credit Trustees of Reservations

Out in the Woods, in Sight of Boston

For a romantic walk in a leafy woods, visit World’s End in Hingham, a nature preserve tucked into the end of a curve of shoreline that sweeps southeast from Boston. Rolling hills and rocky shorelines offer views of the Boston skyline, while tree-lined carriage paths make delightful walking trails. The 251-acre landscape includes rocky shores, broad hillsides, and open fields bracketed by woodlands. The property is ideal for walking, picnicking, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. It is managed by the admirable Trustees of the Reservations, and open to the public for walking year-round.

Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester MA - Great Things To Do

Artist Colony Is Vibrant in Gloucester

Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester is the oldest working art colony in the country, and has been luring artists to its picturesque shores for more than 150 years. Today the area is still home to many working artists and to galleries showing paintings in all media, as well as batik, photography, jewelry, prints, sculpture, ceramics, and fine gifts. A convenient walking tour of Rocky Neck, along East Main Street, includes information about three dozen galleries and studios on the Neck. A new book about the artists and history of the region, titled Rocky Neck Art Colony 1850-1950, by Judith Curtis, is available.

Northwest Park & Nature Center - Windsor, CT

Year-Round Fun in Nature and a Coffeehouse, Too

Located on Lang Road in Windsor, Northwest Park & Nature Center is a 473-acre recreational facility that has the virtue of staying open and lively throughout the year. There is a nature center, 12 miles of trails to enjoy during the winter and summer, maple sugaring, a Coffee House Concert Series that brings live music to listeners, and more. Annual events include Country Fair, pancake breakfasts, maple sugaring demonstrations, owl prowls, holiday wreath-making workshop and other forms of fun for all ages. Nice outdoor activities for parents and kids. Phone: 860-285-1886

Drive and Nibble; Drive and Sip

There’s no reason to be craving fine chocolate, cheese, or wine on a visit to the Granite State. The state’s tourism and farming people have creating a marvelously helpful and also beautiful brochure -- available as a pdf -- of New Hampshire’s Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Trails. A simple and useful map heading the brochure is followed up by detailed listings of wineries, vineyards, cheese makers and chocolatiers. Drive and taste, drive and nibble, year-round. Fall brings bright foliage but all the seasons have great visuals from the car.

History Along a River Trail

New Hampshire Heritage Trail is a 230-mile walking trail across New Hampshire from Massachusetts to Canada. Plymouth’s portion of the Heritage Trail, a 5.6-mile loop with 16 points of interest, begins at the Railroad Depot, constructed in 1909 for the Boston and Maine Railroad. Other highlights are a cottage where Robert Frost lived while teaching at Plymouth Normal School and Silver Cultural Arts Center, once a stop on the underground railroad. Park at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center on Green Street. The trail begins north of the Senior Center, past the District Courthouse. Follow the brown Heritage Trail directional signs. 603- 536-1001.