Great Things To Do in New England -- Shopping, tours, food, outdoor fun, spas, culture
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.
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.
The Berkshires of Western MA
Come Create Your Own Winter Adventure
In the Berkshires, winter is a way of life. Located less than three hours from New York City and Boston in the beautiful mountains of Western Massachusetts, the Berkshires offer myriad in and outdoor attractions, from skiing and snowshoeing to breweries and boutiques. Enjoy leisurely strolls through first-class museums followed by gourmet cuisine and craft cocktails, then take in a play or live music, or cozy up to a fire at one of our many charming New England B&Bs. Whether a romantic getaway for two or winter respite for the entire family, a snowy Berkshire adventure is guaranteed to delight. Learn more at Berkshires.org or follow “Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts” on Facebook.
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.
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.
Porches Inn at MASS MoCA
231 River Street North Adams, MA, 01247 Phone: 413-664-0400
Use this welcoming boutique inn as your base to explore arts venues, parks, museums
With the charming Porches Inn as your base, prepare to explore Western Massachusetts and its many cultural venues and natural wonders. Start with the eclectic Mass MoCA, right across the street: a vibrant center for some of today’s most evocative art. Head into North Adams, a former mill town with a vibrant arts-and-crafts scene, restaurants and shopping. Go hiking in one of the nearby state parks or hit the Appalachian Trail, play golf at one of a dozen courses, catch a play or visit a history museum, botanical garden or nature center. Whether you want to go antiquing, go fishing, go swimming or go back to the inn to relax in your spacious room with a whirlpool tub and private porch, you have lots of options.
Visit our sister properties - Red Lion Inn - Briarcliff
Visit our sister properties - Red Lion Inn - Briarcliff
Stanton House Inn
76 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT, 06830 Phone: 203-869-2110
Top attractions, activities, and things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut
Choose from among a variety of fun activities in the Greenwich area. Stroll down to the town’s many boutiques, galleries and restaurants, or head to Greenwich Point Park for its walking trails, beautiful beach and jaw-dropping views of the New York City skyline. Seeking a little history? Go on a Greenwich mansion tour, check out Putnam Cottage (known as Knapp Tavern during the Revolution) or visit the historic garden and home at the Bush-Holley House, home of Connecticut’s first art colony. The Bruce Museum in downtown Greenwich, near the harbor, will please both art and science enthusiasts. And not to be missed is a match at the Greenwich Polo Club. Download your free copy of the Greenwich, CT, Visitor's Guide to plan your trip! And it's all within reach from your room or suite at the cozy, classic Stanton House Inn in downtown Greenwich.
Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-733-1830
See history’s crafts, daily life come alive at this interactive outdoor museum
Step back in time – but step lively – at Old Sturbridge Village, where the 1830s come to life in 40 original buildings that form a rural New England town. But the early 19th century was a busy time, as you’ll see when you visit the blacksmith shop, or watch an oxen-driven plow in the field, or watch one of the village’s authentically costumed staff hand-dip candles or make dinner on a hearth. Activities include everything from learning a historical craft like textile-making to taking a trip in a stagecoach or, in the winter, in a horse-drawn sleigh. Holidays are magical from fireworks on the Fourth to Christmas by Candlelight in December, with a roaring bonfire and strolls around the decorated village.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa
Mountain View Road Whitefield, NH, 03598 Phone: 888-260-4929
All four seasons, this resort in the White Mountains has activities that pique every guest’s interest
Mountain View Grand is open for overnight stays! Please review our health & safety measures for current updates and information.
Ski in the winter, golf in the spring, fish in the summer, hike and bike in the fall: Every season is filled with fun things to do at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. In the heart of the White Mountains, the resort has great mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails and rental equipment for all three. Hike to a waterfall or wildlife refuge, play disc golf or tennis on one of four clay courts. Swim in an indoor or outdoor pool, play a round of golf, watch a movie in the resort theater or play foosball in the game room. Nearby activities include fishing, whitewater rafting, dog sledding, great parks, breweries, theaters, boutiques – and moose tours! After your busy day, relax in the resort’s Tower Spa.
Ski in the winter, golf in the spring, fish in the summer, hike and bike in the fall: Every season is filled with fun things to do at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. In the heart of the White Mountains, the resort has great mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails and rental equipment for all three. Hike to a waterfall or wildlife refuge, play disc golf or tennis on one of four clay courts. Swim in an indoor or outdoor pool, play a round of golf, watch a movie in the resort theater or play foosball in the game room. Nearby activities include fishing, whitewater rafting, dog sledding, great parks, breweries, theaters, boutiques – and moose tours! After your busy day, relax in the resort’s Tower Spa.
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.
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.
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.
Lake Morey Resort
1 Clubhouse Road Fairlee, VT, 05045 Phone: 802-333-4311 Toll-Free: 800-423-1211
Over 25 activities designed to keep you engaged and entertained at this lakefront resort
With over 25 exciting, engaging and entertaining activities on site, you will be all set for that perfect I-don’t-have-to-get-in-the-car vacation at the stunning Lake Morey Resort. Warm-weather activities include kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, biking, hiking, lawn games and guided activities. You can rent a pontoon boat or motorboat; play basketball, volleyball or bocce ball; take in a movie; or relax in the heated indoor pool or sauna. In the winter, there is pond hockey on the frozen lake, a 4.3-mile ice-skating trail, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Area attractions range from classic general stores and Dartmouth’s classic college town to the Billings Farm and Museum, a planetarium and the famous Quechee Gorge.
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
1168 County Road Montpelier, VT, 05602 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-242-2740
Life is sweet for visitors to Vermont farm’s sugarworks
Could anything be yummier than a visit to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in central Vermont? Open year-round, seven days a week, the sugarworks is a result of 200 years of family tradition, producing scrumptious maple syrup and other products. Visitors can hike a gentle trail to the maples, tour the sugarhouse, sit on a maple stump at the woodshed theater to watch a multimedia display and – of course! – sample some of the farm’s syrups, jams and jellies. You’ll also love the outdoor Vermont farm life museum, the country store and whimsical carved and soft-sculpture folklife characters scattered throughout the property. Don’t leave without trying sugar on snow (hot maple sugar drizzled on shaved ice) or a maple creemee.
Mountain Top Resort
195 Mountain Top Road Chittenden, VT, 05737 Phone: 802-483-2311
Something fun for everyone, every season, at this breathtaking mountain resort
Four seasons of the year, the breathtaking Mountain Top Resort provides fun, engaging, even exhilarating things to do for guests. Spring walks in the meadows and kayaking on the crystal-clear lake; summer days at the private beach, horseback-riding, fishing, paddle boarding or playing tennis; clay-bird shooting or walking among the 40 miles of trails in the fall; and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, sledding, snowmobiling and horse-drawn-sleigh riding in the winter. There’s also a heated outdoor pool with the amazing views seen everywhere at this 700-acre resort, sand volleyball and a pontoon boat. Nearby are breweries, farms, a cidery, downhill skiing, the Ben & Jerry’s factory, Vermont Country Store and Vermont Teddy Bear factory.
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.
Great Waters
54 N. Main Street Wolfeboro, NH, 03894 Phone: 603-569-7710
Something for everyone to enjoy under the N.H. summer sky at Great Waters concerts
A summer evening in the fabled Lakes District of New Hampshire, listening to great music in a tent in a meadow: Those are the nights Great Waters has planned for this season of marvelous music at the spectacular Castle in the Clouds. There’s a fun event for everyone in 2021, from jazz artist Peter Cincotti, a free folk festival and a Bee Gees tribute band to rock ’n’ roll music, a Broadway spectacular featuring artist Kate Baldwin and a Comedy Night guaranteed to get everyone laughing. At the Castle in the Clouds, visitors can tour the historic Lucknow Mansion and its exhibits, stroll through gardens or enjoy miles of hiking and walking trails. There’s even a pond where kids can feed the ducks.
Rough Point
680 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-8344
Tour Doris Duke’s art-filled mansion on Newport’s waterfront
Take yourself back into the Gilded Age when you tour Rough Point, the oceanfront estate of philanthropist and art collector Doris Duke. When the heiress died in 1993, she left her seaside home, originally built for a Vanderbilt in 1887 in the English manorial style, to the Newport Restoration Foundation to be opened as a public museum. It is preserved as she left it, with French furniture, European art, Chinese porcelains and Flemish tapestries from her global travels. An eclectic collector, she combined her treasures with those of her family to decorate her home. Visitors may take a 75-minute guided tour or a self-guided stroll through the mansion and the magnificent formal gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Guided and self-guided tours are open to the public from April to November. More information available on the Rough Point website.
Bear Rock Adventures
545 Beach Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: Toll-Free: 866-663-9777
Pick your own ATV adventure in the Great North Woods with Bear Rock Adventures
Embrace your inner trailblazer with New Hampshire’s premium Polaris outfitter, Bear Rock Adventures. As “Your Guide to the Wilds,” Bear Rock Adventures offers fully-equipped top-of-the-line ATVs and side-by-sides (2, 4 and 6-seat options) with electric start, reverse, 4-wheel drive, automatic transmissions and power steering. Get ready to experience over 1,000 miles of Ride the Wilds interconnected trails throughout Northern New Hampshire where you are free to explore the Great North Woods on half, full, or multi-day excursions. Pick your own adventure with customized itineraries, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Island Queen
75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-548-4800
Ferry ride lets you enjoy all Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard have to offer
Your 35 minutes sailing aboard the Island Queen, the comfortable passenger ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, features plenty of scenic views from the picture-window lounge and decks, but that’s only the beginning of the great things to do. On the Vineyard, explore the gingerbread houses of Oak Bluffs or the amazing red cliffs at Aquinnah or head to bustling Edgartown for shopping and dining. Back in Falmouth, there are fabulous beaches and bike paths as well as all the Cape has to offer, from its 14 lighthouses to Cape Cod Baseball League, arts venues, antiquing, nature preserves and historical sites. The ferry has a full-service snack bar, and parking is just 200 yards from the docks. Bring your bike or paddle board!
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.
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.
Newport Vineyards
909 East Main Road (Route 138) Middletown, RI, 02842 Phone: 401-848-5161
Island serenity will grow on you during vineyard visit
Planted in 1977 on an island hill overlooking the Rhode Island Sound, Newport Vineyards has grown to include 60 vineyard acres, two restaurants and a busy tasting room. But some things, like the complex flavors of its wines and its family feeling, have never changed. Visitors can sip a Newport Merlot, Island White or Bellevue Blush with vineyard views. The Aquidneck Land Trust’s Sakonnet Greenway Trail loops through the vineyard if you want to take in a morning hike (then enjoy a glass of wine. Other activities include live music and seasonal events!
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.
Ponds at Foxhollow
Route 7 Lenox, MA, 01240 Phone: 413-637-1469
Great things to do inside and outside this convenient, elegant resort
A list of great things to do at Ponds at Foxhollow, a secluded resort in the heart of the Berkshires, begins with the resort itself: There are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, bocce, plenty of room on the 223-acre estate to hike, bike and cross-country ski, an exercise room, putting green, basketball courts and canoes to take out on the resort’s very pretty pond. After you have relaxed in your spacious one- or two-bedroom condo overlooking that pond, you might head out to the Normal Rockwell Museum, Tanglewood, a botanical garden, a beach, an historic home. Or just head into Lenox, Lee or Stockbridge to stroll the quintessentially New England streets and sample the excellent restaurants.
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
Visit our sister properties - Weekapaug Inn - Watch Hill Inn
Southwick’s Zoo
2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA, 01756 Phone: 800-258-9182
This zoo is full of animals, adventures, activities – and so much more!
Southwick’s Zoo is really more than a zoo: It’s a zoo-plus. The plus includes a carousel, a rainforest maze, a Skyari sky ride to give you a bird’s eye view of the African Plains, a Woodland Express train ride, pony and camel rides, a place where you can mine for gems and fossils – even a two-seater zipline! And have they got animals, from lemurs and lions to snakes and sloths. Feed a parakeet in the aviary or a deer in the 35-acre deer forest, interact with pygmy goats in the petting zoo, feed a giraffe or enjoy one of several live-animal presentations and educational exhibits. Lots of dining options, from burgers and wraps to New England tavern meals.
Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce
Winter 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!
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.
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.
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!
Inn at Tanglewood Hall is now open! - Book your stay today!
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.
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.
Argia Mystic Cruises
75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416
Explore New England's coast aboard a romantic sailing ship
Argia thanks you for your patronage in 2021 - See you again in 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
3 Crossing at Riverplace North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3500
A unique White Mountain culinary attraction
Cafe Lafayette is closed for the 2021 season - see you again in May 2022!
Plan a memorable event aboard the family owned and operated Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. Rolling along the western slopes of the White Mountains, you’ll experience one of the region’s premier destinations majestic scenery and beautifully restored railcars, while sharing in a distinctive culinary experience. You’ll travel at a leisurely pace down and along the Pemigewasset River, through the woods, and return on the same track. Enjoy great service and plated fare highlighting quality seasonal and farm fresh ingredients from an inspired menu that offers an exceptional dining experience for you and your guests. Depart on your two-hour, 20 mile round trip in a convivial ambiance with classic cocktail offerings or one of the fine domestic or international wine selections.
Plan a memorable event aboard the family owned and operated Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. Rolling along the western slopes of the White Mountains, you’ll experience one of the region’s premier destinations majestic scenery and beautifully restored railcars, while sharing in a distinctive culinary experience. You’ll travel at a leisurely pace down and along the Pemigewasset River, through the woods, and return on the same track. Enjoy great service and plated fare highlighting quality seasonal and farm fresh ingredients from an inspired menu that offers an exceptional dining experience for you and your guests. Depart on your two-hour, 20 mile round trip in a convivial ambiance with classic cocktail offerings or one of the fine domestic or international wine selections.
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!
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987
A Connecticut River adventure by train and boat
Gather family and friends for a sightseeing adventure aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the United States! This 2½-hour narrated journey explores the nature and beauty of the Connecticut River Valley, designated as one of “the last great places on Earth” by The Nature Conservancy. View historic sites such as Gillette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera House. Excursions begin and end at the historic 1892 Essex station. Please check our website regularly for holiday and 2022 schedules.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI, 02907 Phone: 401-785-3510
Looking for something fun to do with your free time? Go wild and head to the zoo!
Your free time is valuable, so why not go wild? Head to the Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village for a fun day of visiting the animals, seeing how a typical Rhode Island farm works – and zipping across the zoo 115 feet up! You’ll feel you are on safari at the Fabric of Africa exhibit, with zebras, cheetahs and elephants. On Marco Polo’s Adventure Trek, you’ll seek out the secretive snow leopard. In the North America exhibit, you’ll see bison graze and harbor seals swim. At the Faces of the Rainforest, explore amongst free-roaming sloths, birds and monkeys! Don’t miss the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, with breathtaking views. Or visit the nearby Carousel Village, ride an historic carousel and take an all-ages train ride.
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
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! Tickets are guaranteed to sell out each weekend, so be sure to buy yours in advance online at IceCastles.com!
Conway Scenic Railroad
38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251
All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire's White Mountains
Conway Scenic Railroad offers old-fashioned train rides departing from the beautiful 1874 Victorian Station in North Conway Village. Choose from heritage train rides on the Valley routes to Conway or Bartlett, or embark on the scenic Mountaineer to Crawford Notch. Premium class, First Class, and Coach seating options are available on all routes. Trains run rain or shine! Round-trip excursions run from 1 to 5½ hours. Schedules vary, so call 603-356-5251 for details, or visit our website by clicking above. Valley trains run April through December. The Mountaineer operates June through October. Snow Trains run weekends in January and February. Take a journey back in time that the whole family will enjoy!
Funtown Splashtown USA
Route 1 Saco, ME, 04072 Phone: 207-284-5139
It’s a long, fun list of exciting rides and water park features at this amusement park
Funtown Splashtown USA is now closed for the 2021 Season. See you again in 2022!
With dozens of exhilarating rides and water park features, Funtown Splashtown USA presents a challenge for those who want to do it all – but give it a try! There’s the Flying Trapeze, Grand Prix Racers, Tempest in the Tea Cups, Tilt-a-Whirl: And you’re only getting started. Experience hairpin turns on the Wild Mouse roller coaster or zip through the woods on the Excalibur wooden coaster. Check out the bumper boats and bumper cars or head to the water park to zoom down slides or rocket through translucent or completely dark tubes. There’s a wading pool, an aquaplane area and splash pool for little guests. A family owned and operated business, Funtown Splashtown puts guest safety first and is strictly following CDC guidelines.
With dozens of exhilarating rides and water park features, Funtown Splashtown USA presents a challenge for those who want to do it all – but give it a try! There’s the Flying Trapeze, Grand Prix Racers, Tempest in the Tea Cups, Tilt-a-Whirl: And you’re only getting started. Experience hairpin turns on the Wild Mouse roller coaster or zip through the woods on the Excalibur wooden coaster. Check out the bumper boats and bumper cars or head to the water park to zoom down slides or rocket through translucent or completely dark tubes. There’s a wading pool, an aquaplane area and splash pool for little guests. A family owned and operated business, Funtown Splashtown puts guest safety first and is strictly following CDC guidelines.
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!
Chuckster's is now closed for the 2021 Season. See you again in 2022!
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.
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.
Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-572-5955
Hands-on, educational exhibits and amazing sea creatures make this aquarium an adventure
There’s nothing average about your experience at this lively, engaging aquarium. At Mystic Aquarium, the list of things to do includes touching stingrays and sharks in interactive habitats, watching animatronic dinosaurs “come to life” in Jurassic Giants, and seeing how seals and sea lions are fed and trained. The fun doesn’t stop there. Marvel at breathtaking Beluga whales as they glide by in the Arctic Coast, the nation’s largest outdoor Beluga whale habitat. You can get up close and personal with an African penguin or paint with a seal in scheduled animal encounters. In Covanta Cove, in a “claw” game, you can see how marine debris is turned into clean energy. The Saltwater Cafe offers a wide variety of items, from pizza and sandwiches to coffee, pastries, and wine.
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.
Edaville Family Theme Park
5 Pine Street Carver, MA, 02330 Phone: 508-866-8190
A holiday light festival sure to brighten the season for young and old alike
This holiday season, head to Edaville Family Theme Park’s famous Christmas Festival of Lights for an experience everyone in the family will be sure to remember. Bring the little ones to visit Santa Claus or to grab a horse on the carousel or spin or fly around on one of dozens of rides in this massive park. Over 7 million lights bring joy to young and old visitors, especially when you ride a train into the cranberry bogs to see specially lit holiday displays. In Dickens Village, you can get a start on holiday shopping by buying the handcrafted works of artisans. A visit to Edaville is a one-of-a-kind experience and sure to become one of your most treasured traditions.
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.
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.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.
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
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.
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
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. 802-748-829.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 860-267-1399.
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. 978-515-7004.
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.
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.
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