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 < a href="https://www.visitri.com/newport/mansions/" target="new">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

The Berkshires of Western MA

Come play in the sweet mountain air this summer

Less than three hours from New York City and Boston, the Berkshires offer culture and adventure year round. The allure of the Berkshires in summer is a savory blend of sweet mountain air, migratory birdsong; rare wildflowers found in forests and open fields, and the return of locally grown foods to our tables. Nature, like us, sheds its early spring coat and greets the season with a warm welcome. Journey here as a couple or pack up the entire family, get out & about in the Berkshires. Whether you choose to spend your time indoors or out, the Berkshire region comes alive in summer. Come discover all the possibilities the Berkshires has in store during the most-welcomed seasons of all. To learn more visit us at berkshires.org or find us on Facebook at Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

77 Forest Street Hartford, CT, 06105 Phone: 860-522-9258

Visit and tour the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center – and leave inspired

If you are looking for an interactive and educational experience that will inspire you to consider what you can do to make the world better, get yourself to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, where guides not only show you how the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” lived in the 19th century but will encourage conversation about the issues of her day and of the modern day. So, you will look at the restored rooms of the Victorian Gothic cottage as well as talk about slavery, the role of women and other issues. The collections in the center, a National Historic Landmark, include letters, photos, memorabilia, paintings, drawings and the dining room table where the abolitionist and activist wrote the most famous of her 30 books.

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.

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.

Explore New England TV - New Episodes Premiering June 6 on NESN!

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.

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 in the tasting room or by the fire at Brix Restaurant. Or tour the vineyards and go behind the scenes of the wine-making process. 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 in the Vineyard Cafe). Other activities include yoga, wine and cheese classes and live music.

The Spa at Norwich Inn

607 West Thames Street Norwich, CT, 06360 Phone: 860-425-3500 Toll-Free: 800-275-4772

Get pampered from head to toe at this Norwich spa

If you think “spa” just means Swedish massages and a steam room, you have not experienced The Spa at Norwich Inn. With its 37 treatment rooms, the spa’s services are almost limitless, including luminous facials; hot stone, Thai and Swedish massage; tips on the latest makeup trends; and pampering for your hands and feet. (Try a milk and honey manicure or a peppermint pedicure.) Set on the inn’s 42 garden-filled acres, the spa also offers healthy cooking demonstrations, tarot card readings and a variety of fitness classes as well as an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, tennis courts and salon. And if you emerge wanting to extend your relaxation, book into one of the inn’s 49 guest rooms or suites.

Sweet Sunset - 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.

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.

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.

Historic Wethersfield

So much to see and do, indoors and out, in this historic town

Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, shoppers and nature-lovers will all enjoy the charms and attractions of historic Wethersfield. Open historic homes range from Puritan times, through the Revolution (including the home where Washington and Rochambeau planned the Yorktown campaign) to the early 20th century. The town also has 644 acres of parkland for hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, skateboarding and swimming, among other pursuits, as well as a nature center. Main Street offers eclectic shops and galleries, and the town hosts several festivals and events, including arts and crafts fairs, a corn festival and weekly farmers’ markets. Take the country’s oldest continuously operating ferry, marvel at the giant trees in the Broad Street Green, enjoy a movie night or a town tour by lantern.

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 brand new 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 weekly features including a Big Bird adventure for the kids and an exploration of the natural world below the skies.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Mathews Park - 303 West Avenue Norwalk, CT, 06850 Phone: 203-899-0606

Stepping Stones Museum makes the whole world look fresh

At Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Conn., we create an environment that inspires lifelong learning. Our museum offers engaging and educational exhibits with indoor AND outdoor experiences that give children, families and educators twice the space to discover, learn, and grow. Our Energy Lab includes hands-on exhibits that teach how the sun, the wind, the force of water, and the burning of fossil fuels produce energy. Tot Town is an imaginative world shrunk down to toddler level. Our Build It! exhibit lets children explore architectural design and construction. We've got tools they can use to pretend to finish walls, paint with brushes and rollers, apply carpeting, and more. After a visit, youngsters will see their world in a whole different way.

Fife & Drum Parade - Plymouth 400 - Plymouth, MA

Plymouth 400 Inc.

6 Main Street Ext. - Post Office Square Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-812-2020

Plan now to participate in activities celebrating Plymouth’s 400th anniversary

Make plans now to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony. Plymouth events will include placing items in a time capsule, a regatta of wooden ships and pleasure craft to celebrate the Mayflower’s journey, a lobster dinner on the waterfront and cultural and arts festivals. The official anniversary tour includes visits to Plimoth Plantation and Wampanoag Homesite with live demonstrations; touring the Mayflower II and Plymouth Harbor; and visiting sites from King’s Chapel Burying Ground in Boston and the Myles Standish Monument in Duxbury to Provincetown’s Pilgrim Monument and Museum and the Clay Cliffs and cultural center at Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard. An interactive exhibit on Wampanoag history is currently traveling across the state.

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.

Bike Race - 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.

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

At Conway Scenic Railroad, you’ll enjoy old-fashioned train rides, all departing from a beautiful 1874 Victorian Station in North Conway Village. Whether you choose a Valley route to Conway or Bartlett, or the legendary Crawford Notch excursion, you'll experience the fun of rail travel in the comfort of open or enclosed, restored passenger cars. Coach, First Class and elegant Dining Car seating are available on all routes. Trains run rain or shine, and round-trip excursions are from 1 to 5½ hours. Schedules vary, so be sure to call 603-356-5251 for details, or visit our website by clicking above. Valley trains run April 15 through December 31. The Mountaineer to Crawford Notch operates June 13 through October 28. This is a journey back in time the whole family will enjoy!

Paddys Beach Club

159 Atlantic Avenue Misquamicut, RI, 02891 Phone: 401-596-2610

A summer place for everything your summer self desires

A summer of sun, fun, and surf is upon you and Paddy’s Beach Club on Misquamicut Beach. Join the crew as the sand and waves come alive and let the prime beachfront location and expansive tented deck overlooking the ocean keep you smiling, tanned and dry. There’s seating for 350 for your next party or event and a top-notch staff and casual, fun atmosphere. Paddy’s is kid friendly and there’s always lots of parking and great events including Monday Night Trivia, Wednesday night Kids Nights, Thursday Non-profit nights July 4th Fireworks and the always popular DJ Dance Parties. Enjoy great food, drinks, and entertainment in the Tikki Beach VIP area or Ocean Lounge. Book a cabana, daybed, or chaise Lounge and just chill.

Canobie Lake Park

85 North Policy Street Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-3560

Great expectations are met at this historic family fun park

With a century’s old history and an exciting approach to fun, Canobie Lake Park offers one of New England’s best family values. 85 thrill rides, family rides, water rides, and kids rides, plus indoor-outdoor games and an arcade await just 30 miles north of Boston. There’s live entertainment on two stages and the Dance Hall Theater, special events and attractions, and a dedicated Kiddieland area. More than 20 great places to eat will keep you well fed and there’s tax free shopping for souvenirs, everyday items and keepsakes. You’ll find discounts for school or company outings and summer lodging packages that include 2 tickets to the Park plus options for additional tickets at a discounted rate. Parking is always free. Canobie Lake Park was ranked as one of the 2018 top ten amusement parks in the U.S. by Time’s Money Magazine.

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.

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. Bear Rock Adventures is open now through September 30, 2018.

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. Rain or shine.

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.

Sunset Ride - Northeast AVT & Snowmobile - Gorham, NH

Northeast ATV & Snowmobile

325 Main Street Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-458-1838

Bring out your adventurous side!

Whether the trail is warm and dry or covered in snow or mud, Northeast ATV and Snowmobile has everything you need for a great outdoor excursion. They've got a selection of Polaris™ snowmobile and ATV rentals at reasonable rates to choose from to fit any trail conditions - including the on-road Slingshot if you're interested in a modern style White Mountains road cruise. All rentals include helmets, trail map, instructional video and GPS location system. They've got three locations in New Hampshire's White Mountains and western Maine to choose as the start of your outing. They've got the experts available to train, assist and guide you on your adventure, and also offer side-by-side tours. Arrive early (8-10:30am) or mid-day (3-5pm) for a special 20% discount on your rental!

201 Powersports

29 Main Street Bingham, ME, 04920 Phone: 207-672-3773

Plenty of options to explore and enjoy the outdoors over dirt, water or snow

There are lots of ways to enjoy the great outdoors (and it’s really great in Maine), and 201 Powersports has several of them ready and waiting for you. Want to pump up the adrenaline? Rent an ATV or snowmobile and let Powersports plan a customized adventure for you. Looking to chill? Go on a pontoon boat cruise on historic and scenic Wyman Lake. Or, combine a pontoon cruise with a dirt-trail adventure in the north Maine woods. With over 15 years of recreational experience and an extensive inventory of top-of-the-line Polaris ATVs and snowmobiles, Powersports guarantees an exciting and hassle-free experience for new and experienced riders, whether it’s over dirt, water or snow.

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.

Old Sturbridge Village

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

So much to see and do in this re-created 1830s town

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.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

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

Climb to the clouds on New Hampshire's Cog Railway

Step aboard the Cog Railway and get ready to climb to the Northeast's highest summit, New Hampshire's Mount Washington. The three-hour trip is always an adventure. The train travels the steepest railroad tracks in North America, passing through several climate zones before reaching the top. There, on a clear day, you'll see New England spread out before you. On other days you may be above the clouds, as if you're walking about in a fairyland. There's history on the train, too. Construction of the railway was a 19th-century engineering marvel. And you won't find engines like ours anywhere else east of the Rockies. Learn all about it at our Base Station museum, where you'll also find a restaurant and gift shop. Trains run late April through November.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

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

Mountain resort high on comfort & fun things to do

From its stately perch in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa offers visitors first-class comfort, personalized service, distinctive dining and lodging – and a full slate of activities. Enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the fall, skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and golf and tennis in the summer. The resort’s small working farm invites guests to help collect eggs, visit with the goats or take a felting class. Or, stay inside the spacious inn and take advantage of the Tower Spa (with a spectacular view from the inn’s top floor), indoor pool or game room. Luxurious guest rooms and suites take full advantage of mountain, garden or golf course views.

Shin Pond Village

1489 Shin Pond Road Mt. Chase, ME, 04765 Phone: 207-528-2900

Choose from a long list of fun activities at this picturesque resort

The menu of activities to choose from at Shin Pond Village is a long one, and all the choices are good. At this family owned and operated recreational resort, on 100 acres in the picturesque Katahdin Region, with views of Mt. Chase, you can rent a top-of-the-line Polaris side-by-side ATV and explore hundreds of miles of trails literally from the resort’s doorstep. In winter, switch to snowmobiles, skiing or snowshoeing. Take your snowmobile out to a pond or lake and go ice fishing. Hike to Shin Brook Falls or the public beach on Lower Shin Pond. Go canoeing or camping. Lodging includes campsites, RV sites, cottages and waterfront homes. The resort has a restaurant, laundromat and general store.

Mill Falls at the Lake

312 Daniel Webster Highway Meredith, NH, 03253 Phone: 877-574-5935

Chill out or warm up to a variety of activities at lakefront resort

Come to relax or come to play: Mill Falls at the Lake is your ideal destination either way. Kick back at the Cascade Spa, in the indoor pool or in your comfy room at one of four inviting inns. Dine at the Waterfall Cafe overlooking a tumbling 40-foot waterfall or at Lago, with its rustic Italian specialties. Or enjoy the outdoors: Hike up scenic Mount Major or along the Winnipesaukee River Trail, go winter trail biking or take a guided ice-fishing tour. In warmer weather, take a chartered boat cruise to view a Lake Winnipesaukee sunset, or get to know the lake via an aqua cycle, kayak or canoe. Don’t forget to shop at the fun-to-explore Mill Falls Marketplace.

Chuckster's Family Fun Park

Three Great Locations Chichester, Hooksett and Alton Bay, 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 three 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 Alton Bay, along with the golf course there's paddleboards & Kayaks available for rent so you can enjoy the lake nearby. 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. Feeling competitive? How about Shoot Four, a basketball version of “Connect Four,” or Shoot-N-Shower (guess what happens to the loser). Or play volleyball/basketball on trampolines or jump and flip up to 18 feet on Jumpster cables. Your little ones, 2 to 8, will love the kids paddle boats.

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.

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

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.

Old Lyme Inn

85 Lyme Street Old Lyme, CT, 06371 Phone: 860-434-2600

Enjoy what is special about New England life from this historic inn

Get acquainted (or reacquainted) with the special offerings of a beautiful little New England town when you stay at the Old Lyme Inn, tucked into the center of Old Lyme’s historic Art District. Each of the 13 guest rooms is unique, and so is dining at the inn’s comfortable restaurant (ask about Sunday’s Jazzy Brunch) or enjoying a night of live jazz (and a craft cocktail) at the Side Door club. In Old Lyme, visit the Florence Griswold Museum and Lyme Art Association across the street, and stroll through the town’s locally owned shops and galleries. Nearby, Rocky Neck State Park and Devil’s Hopyard State Park are known for their natural beauty and great hiking, fishing, swimming and picnicking sites.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

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

Escape into an adventure of prehistoric proportions

Kids will jump for Jurassic joy at The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, where 40-plus life-sized dinosaurs inhabit a mile and a half of pristine nature trails. You can even picnic along the trails (there are many scenic spots) if you aren’t afraid of running into the animatronic dilophosaurus or the scary therizinosaurus with the longest fingernails on Earth or the 40-foot-tall brachiosaurus. You can continue the dino theme at the manmade Raptor Bay, the obstacle-filled T. Rex Tower Playscape (complete with zip-line and giant slides), the aMAZEasaurus maze, and the Jurassic Moon Bounce. Even Splashpad, the water playground, has dinosaur water cannons. And you can dig for dino fossils at the Discovery Depot.

Mystic Aquarium

55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-572-5955

SEA more & do more at Mystic Aquarium

Explore the depths of our ocean planet (and beyond!) like never before! Travel Mystic Aquarium’s indoor and outdoor exhibits to visit with thousands of creatures including beluga whales, African penguins, rescued seals, colorful fish and more. Be thrilled – or chilled – by the funky features of over 30 different species of amphibians in ‘frogs!’ and discover some of nature’s most bizarre underwater animals in ‘Weird & Wonderful’. Roll up your sleeves and touch a shark, stingray or even an exotic reptile before catching a complimentary Sea Lion Show. Then step in to ‘Jurassic Giants: A Dinosaur Adventure’ to encounter 12 animatronic dinosaurs. You can even get closer during an exclusive animal encounter! Plus, enjoy special events, activities and more throughout the year that make Mystic Aquarium a destination worth revisiting often. SEA more at MysticAquarium.org.

Foxwoods HighFlyer

350 Trolley Lane Blvd. Mashantucket, CT, 06338 Phone: 860-312-3597

Ride the skies in a zipline tour that begins on this casino’s rooftop

At Foxwoods Resort Casino, there are all types of adventures to be had, including one that begins on the rooftop! From the top of 32-story Fox Tower, 350 feet off the ground, you can embark on a zipline trip that takes you, at speeds of up to nearly 60 mph, through the Connecticut air and over the treetops to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, about a mile away. You can head back to the casino on a shuttle that leaves every 15 minutes. (A viewing shuttle leaves the casino every 15 minutes for friends and family who just want to watch.)

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.

Worcester Art Museum

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

Spend a picture-perfect day at this interactive art museum

This central Massachusetts museum is considered one of the finest mid-sized museums in the country. Follow history’s path through 50 centuries of the world’s antiquities, paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, decorative arts, arms and armor. December 2018 brings an interactive art installation that will infuse the winter season with brilliant light and color during the Museum’s Holidays at WAM programming. lumina is a floor-to-ceiling dynamic canvas; animated images of works from WAM’s collection are projected onto hanging strips of illuminated silk. Visitors walk into the silk strips and become part of the shimmering color and light. Other Holidays at WAM events include concerts in the glorious Renaissance Court by the Salisbury Singers on December 9 and the Merrimack Valley Ringers hand bell choir on December 16. Also, come enjoy Brick by Brick: A Community Castle Exhibit through February 1, Zip Tours of the museum on Saturdays; December Tours of “The Ten” American Painters, and art workshops.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory & Bear Shop

6655 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT, 05482 Phone: 802-985-3001 Toll-Free: 800-829-2327

Bears, Factory Tours and Adventures – Oh, My!

Ever wonder how Vermont Teddy Bears are made? Come visit us at our factory and Bear Store and see how our Bears come to life! Watch as our Bears take shape with sewing, stitching and stuffing. All tours are led by our knowledgeable Bear Ambassadors, and kids get to decode a secret Bear message along the way. End your tour with a visit to our Bear Shop where you can choose a new favorite Bear or make one of your own. All tour and store information is available on our website.

Connecticut Wine Trail

Savor your time together

Visit any of the Connecticut Wine Trail’s 26 wineries and vineyards and relax with glass in hand alongside family and friends. All destinations have a tasting room where you can sample robust reds, crisp whites and a wide variety of local fruit wines. Be sure to take a tour and enjoy the many special events held throughout the year. Spend an afternoon escaping out in nature with a glass or two of nature’s very own special nectar.

New Hampshire Campground Owners Association

Enjoy endless activities from New Hampshire’s campgrounds

Get away from the everyday with a visit to a New Hampshire campground. Stay in a tent, RV, cabin, cottage, lodge – even a yurt! – and enjoy activities from horseshoes and fishing to snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Hike, bike or take a cog railroad up a pine-scented mountain or kayak a pristine pond, river or lake. From your camping site in the woods, near the ocean or in a meadow, check out the Granite State’s historic sites, quintessential New England towns and acres upon acres of natural splendor. Visit our website for a handbook with all the details for individual parks, from whether they are pet-friendly to which ones have cottage rentals, pools, fireplaces, tennis courts, live music – or cable TV.

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.

Spirit of Boston

200 Seaport Boulevard - Commonwealth Pier Boston, MA, 02210 Phone: 617-748-1450 Toll-Free: 866-310-2469

Harbor cruise lets you see Boston from a unique – and fun – vantage point

Why not see scenic Boston from the sea? Take a Spirit of Boston cruise and check out all the sights, from the Boston Tea Party site to the Old North Church, the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides. Two-hour lunch and three-hour dinner cruises feature fresh, buffet-style offerings served in a comfortable, climate-controlled inner deck. You can even reserve a window table to savor the city – and a cocktail. The view from the huge observation deck is breathtaking, whether it’s a mid-day look at the spectacular Zakim Memorial Bridge or a sunset panorama of a sparkling cityscape. Onboard activities include games like tabletop shuffleboard and giant Jenga. There’s also a dance floor and DJ-provided music. Look for special holiday cruises and deals.

Ocean House Resort

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

Taste, create, learn – and have fun – at this wine and culinary arts center

Whether your goal is to be a better home cook, or a famous chef, the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts at Ocean House has an experience for you. Study classical French cooking, sign up for a blind wine tasting (and there’s plenty to choose from among the inn’s 8,000-bottle collection) or explore the region’s agricultural bounty with the inn’s “food forager.” No superior skills required: The Wine Education Program offers hands-on experiences for casual wine drinkers as well as connoisseurs. And among top-of-the-line appliances in the gorgeous Gaggenau Demonstration Kitchen, cooks both confident and just curious will have lots to learn. The center is a marvel, with its wide-plank walls and post-and-beam structure.

Visit our sister properties - Weekapaug Inn - Watch Hill Inn

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!

Edaville Family Theme Park

5 Pine Street Carver, MA, 02330 Phone: 508-866-8190 Toll-Free: 877-332-8455

Plan your exciting day (and add extra time) at this fun-filled amusement park

Plan to spend extra time at Edaville Family Theme Park because with over 90 rides and attractions, from animatronic dinosaurs to arcade games and roller coasters, you’ll never see and do it all in a single day. Check out the T. Rex in the Dino Land Walking Trail or the illuminated Ferris wheel. Ride Thomas the Tank Engine in Thomas Land (check the schedule for character breakfasts and meet-and-greets) or let the little ones climb and play in the Sodor Play Zone. Trains will take you through scenic cranberry bogs – or examine model trains in the Sodor Balloon Station. Free parking, great places to eat, fun for kids of all ages: What more could you ask for?

Lopstick Lodge

45 Stewart Young Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: 603-538-6659 Toll-Free: 800-538-6659

Activities almost endless in this Great North Woods lodge resort

Great things to do in the Great North Woods? Of course! At Lopstick, you can enjoy them from the comfort of your cozy cabin or cottage. Ride the wilds on your ATV (there are 1,000 miles of trails over all types of terrain) or snowmobile (over groomed trails). Or take advantage of the lakes, river and secluded ponds to fish for brown, rainbow and brook trout, salmon or bass. Bring your kayak, canoe or motorboat or rent one at Lopstick. Hike up a mountain and gaze out over majestic forests (don’t forget to bring a picnic – you might want to eat by a waterfall). From hunting and ice fishing to hikes into quaint villages, this area has it all. Launch Video

Bishop's Orchards

1355 Boston Post Road Guilford, CT, 06437 Phone: 203-453-2338

Pick your own activity from corn mazes to wine tastings at family farm, orchard

Take your pick of activities at Bishop’s Orchards, a family farm whose roots go back 140 years. Peruse farm-based and other local products (go for the cider) at the delicious farm market or pick your own produce, from berries, peaches and pears in the summer to apples and pumpkins in the fall. Kids will love the Little Red Barn & Pumpkin Patch, with tractor and train rides, a hay tunnel and face-painting. Adults will love wine tastings and tours at the winery. And everyone will want to take a crack at the corn maze. End your day with some Fly Fishing Fudge ice cream at the famous creamery stand. Special events include a Halloween Parade and Paint and Sip sessions.

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: rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and paddle the river’s coves right outside the museum’s doorsteps, go on a winter wildlife eagle cruise to see bald eagles, or cruise aboard the Onrust, a replica of a 1614 Dutch sailing ship.

Dining with a Great View - Taj Boston Hotel - Boston, MA

The Newbury Boston

1 Newbury Street Boston, MA, 02116 Phone: 617-536-5700

Rooftop Sunday Brunch with spectacular views of the Public Garden and Boston

Enjoy traditional breakfast preparations, contemporary New England cuisine, and Indian specialties, alongside a bounty of dessert items made in-house by our talented pastry team.
Every Sunday, April-November, with seatings from 10:30am - 2pm. Reservations suggested.

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

Adventures for every level of whitewater rafter – plus paintball and moose safaris

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 Jacuzzi 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.

Naval War College Museum

686 Cushing Road Newport, RI, 02841 Phone: 401-841-4052

See & learn the Navy’s role in New England, and in history

Want to learn about naval activities in the Narragansett Bay area in colonial times? Or how the science of naval warfare has changed from the time of the Greeks and Romans through the Civil War, both World Wars to today? Then head to the Naval War College Museum, free and open to the public, where naval battles and strategies come to life via changing art collections, exhibits and documents. Starting Dec. 14, learn about the Navy’s role in World War I from the new exhibit, “To Win or Lose All: William S. Sims and the U.S. Navy in the First World War.”
Year round hours: Monday -Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed weekends & federal holidays. Reservations required in advance for those without base access.

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!

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

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.

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

Get Lost at the Gorge

The story of the Lost River in North Woodstock began many millions of years ago, with the formation of mountains of igneous rock in present-day New Hampshire. A thick ice sheet of 150,000 to 25,000 years ago ground down the mountains and tumbled the rocks, creating the Lost River Gorge and partly burying its river. Today, you can visit the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves at 1712 Lost River Road (Route 112W), walk the three-quarter-mile boardwalk into and through the gorge, explore the caves, and climb up the Dilly Cliff. Lantern tours offered at night, Kids enjoy the Lost River Mining Sluice, which replicates the work of sifting for gems. Open early May to mid October. Phone: 603-745-8031.

Take Your Kids on a Stag Hunt – from 6th Century BC

A bear and stag hunt from the 6th century BC portrayed in a giant floor mosaic. How hard would it be to get kids involved in games and explorations of this piece of artwork, speaking to them across 26 centuries? This glorious mosaic floor, excavated from a home in Antioch that was destroyed by an earthquake in 526 AD, is a centerpiece exhibit at Worcester Art Museum in Worcester and also the topic of a Family Guide exploration. A brochure invites kids to count animals and sketch the mosaic. Can you think of a better way to get your kids loving art and history?

Bubbles in the Berkshires

Blantyre, a Relais & Châteaux property nestled near Lenox in the scenic Berkshires, is now hosting a year-round Champagne salon inspired by Dom Pérignon. The salon will offer select Dom Pérignon varietals in indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests can enjoy inventive drinks and fresh fare throughout the year in the Cloister, a secluded garden patio that features a clever tin-to-table menu with an upscale twist on caviar. Inside, guests can seek refuge at La Cave, a sleek underground hideaway next to Blantyre’s acclaimed wine cellar, adorned with original brick and marble stone walls. Elegant! The new Champagne Salon is open Fridays to Sundays, 3 to 11 p.m. 844-881-0104.

Not Your Average Community Center

Wellfleet Preservation Hall at 335 Main Street in Wellfleet is a wonderful resource driven by heartfelt people promoting arts, entertainment, and classes for the body and mind. It is very much a locally run operation, and equally welcoming to seasonal visitors. The Hall is a creative re-use of a former church. Special events that happen every year include the Garden Party & Birdhouse Auction, the Oysterfete, and Taste of the Town smorgasbord. Throughout the year, live music and dance parties bring every style of music. In summer, you are invited to many fitness programs, like yoga on Tuesdays and Fridays; Zumba on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; Shake Your Soul Dance on Mondays; Mah Jongg on Tuesdays; Capoeira on Saturdays. Keep in touch with The Hall – it’s a place of warmth and activity. 508-349-1800

Touring Newport’s Blue Garden Will Soothe Your Soul

The Blue Garden in Newport is a wonderful place to visit for people who love classic gardens, beautifully maintained, with an emphasis on the pleasures of blue flowers. The garden was created in 1908 by the Olmsted Brothers landscape firm, on a Beacon Hill property. A major restoration of the garden happened in 2014. The garden is a cruciform shape enclosed by low walls with a square pool at the center. A pergola allowed a overview along the long pool and open lawn. The Blue Garden is open by appointment only on most Thursdays from mid-June to October 1. Contact the garden through its website to arrange a visit. [Photo by Millicent Harvey Photography]

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

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

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.

Find Food Adventure with New Haven Food & Drink 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.

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.

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.

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.

Beers by Hill Farmstead Brewery in Hillsboro vt

Farm-Made Beers Generate National Excitement

A farm-based beer brewer that is quickly developing a national reputation for unique beers is found waaay up in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, near the town of Greensboro. Beers by Hill Farmstead Brewery , at 403 Hill Road, are hand-crafted and the outcome of years of experience and education. The brewery is based on farmland in use by a family for 220 years. The retail shop, open Wednesdays to Saturdays, noon-5 p.m., is the only place the beer is regularly available. Twelve beers on draft are available at any given time, in 2-liter and 750-ml, bottles. These folks are serious about hand-crafted beers; they even host a Festival of Farmhouse Ales in August.

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.

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.

Starry Nights at Acadia

Spend a night under the stars at Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, and everything will come into perspective. The night sky is an endless source of entertainment and beauty, and the clear, dark Maine sky allows stargazers a breathtaking view of constellations. The Seawall Campground picnic area near Manset is an almost magically scenic stargazing spot: See the Milky Way and ocean meet. Discover the brightest stars in the sky, the "hidden" location of hundreds of black holes, and Messier 13, the famous faraway destination of a human attempt at intergalactic contact. Bring your best telescope, or get a rotating star map from the Acadia gift shop.

Hope Street and wickenden Street in Providence RI

Hope for Fun & Interesting Encounters

To enjoy a relaxed and interesting view into Providence’s boulevard society, take a stroll along Hope Street on the city’s East Side. The street moves among the properties of Brown University and it is dotted with fun eateries. Hope connects with Wickenden Street , also a near walk with plenty of cool shops and a sidewalk society that loves to sit, sip, and walk the world go by. Lots of nice shops of Wickenden, purveying goods from fish for you aquarium to art supplies. Denizens of the Brown University community will be kicking about too. Neat walks in all seasons.

Historic Trades in Action in Deerfield

Crafts people will demonstrate dressmaking, shoemaking, medical care, basketmaking, gun smithing, cabinet making, coopering pottery making and even gravestone carving as these essential skills were done in places like Deerfield. See schedule for specific demos, offered on weekends from October 3 to December 12, 2015. Fun for the kids, too. 413-774-5581.

Track the Great Blue Heron to Scarborough Marsh

The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center at 92 Pine Point Road in Scarborough is an endlessly interesting place to explore an ever-changing salt marsh and estuary. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife manages the estuary, and provides all the information you need to explore the marsh on walking trails or by canoe (you can rent them). The center offers guided walks, canoe tours, exhibits, a nature trail, and a Maine Audubon Nature Store. Come see eye-to-eye with egrets, herons, glossy ibis and many stunning shorebirds. Open May to September. Lots of nature-themed events for all ages are held throughout the year. 207-883-5100

Northwest Park & Nature Center in 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

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.

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.

Artists of Needle and Loom, Take Note

Dorr Mill Store at 22 Hale Street in Guild, is a national center for wool and has had manufactured an extensive line of 100 percent wool for the time-honored crafts of traditional rug hooking, braiding and quilting. Dorr produces white and natural wools for those who wish to dye their own colors, thousands of yards of woolen textures and solids, and a full line of accessories and the latest patterns from noted designers. Fiber artists find Dorr’s wide selection of fabric designs, textures, wools, and blends irresistible. Open year-round. 800-846-3677.

The Minuteman Bikeway in Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge. MA

Burn Some Energy Along This Historic Trail

The Minuteman Bikeway, also called America's Revolutionary Rail-Trail, passes through the historic area where the American Revolution began in April 1775. Built on an inactive railroad, the Bikeway has become a treasured resource, used by residents and visitors from near and far. Connecting to the Alewife “T” Station in Cambridge, the bikeway provides an easy way for bicyclists and pedestrians -- and, in the winter, skiiers -- to travel. The bikeway passes through Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge. Bikeway map.

Patriots Place and Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA

Gillette Stadium Celebrates the Patriots

Patriot Place , off Route 1 in Foxboro, includes Gillette Stadium, home of the champion New England Patriots football team, but there is much more to the Place than football alone. The property includes 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment, along with a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the Patriots. Major retailers include Bass Pro Shops store, with everything and outdoorsman or outdoorswoman could desire. Dining runs the gamut from basic burgers to seafood to a gourmet bistro. 508-203-2100.

Loines Observatory of the Maria Mitchell Association in Nantucket

Star Gazing From Nantucket

Loines Observatory of the Maria Mitchell Association at 59 Milk Street Extension Nantucket is open for public viewing year round, and for frequent special astronomical events. Climb a ladder to the eyepiece of a fine, old telescope and sample the sights of the distant heavens. Public hours are longer in the summer and more abbreviated in the winter, so check the calendar on the observatory’s website. Star-gazing nights are held regularly, and posted on the calendar. Remember, observing is weather dependent, so check the skies or call ahead. 508-228-9273.

History, Horticulture, and Hiking in One

The Fells at the John Hay National Wildlife Refuge was the summer retreat for Secretary of State John M. Hay, archaeologist Clarence Hay, and nature writer John Hay. The 164-acre estate at 456 Route 103A in Newbury includes a main house that is open to the public from Memorial Day to Columbus Day and hiking trails along Lake Sunapee that are open year-round. The big draw for visitors is the magnificent gardens: a 100-foot perennial border, a formal rose terrace, a Japanese water lily pool, and a walled secret garden. Phone: 603-763-4789.

Small Engineering Gems

This region of New Hampshire is wealthy with covered bridges. We have a tender spot for the puckishly named Blow Me Down Bridge in Cornish. The most famous of the region’s bridges is the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States. Shutterbugs: try the interesting viewing challenges on both the New Hampshire and Vermont ends of the bridge.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center on Lake Champlain in Burlington vt

Fun with a Water Monster at Champ Lane

Champ Lane, a new and brilliant play space for kids age 6 and younger, opened in February 2016 at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center on Lake Champlain in Burlington. In addition to a fabulous indoor tree house (move over, Tarzan), Champ Lane has a deluxe water table, puppet theater, multilevel boat, play café, and mini French market named after Marché Atwater in Montréal. A book nook offers space for quiet reading, nursing and relaxing. There's also a classroom and lab that will be used to teach about animals and scientific inquiry. Fun for every style of kid. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 802-864-1848.

Connecticut's Chocolate Trails

Every scenic drive in Connecticut is just a little bit better when you travel with some tasty bites of fine chocolate.? Chocolate is an internationally adored food, and Connecticut's chocolatiers will show you why -- if you're not a chocaholic already! Connecticut's Chocolate Trails include lots of delectable treasures all over the state. From handmade holiday chocolates, to freshly-made exotic deliciousness, this list of chocolatiers is a must-taste New England tradition. Just follow the map!

Stamford Museum and Nature Center Stamford CT

Family Fun on the Farm (Planetarium Included)

The folks who run Stamford Museum and Nature Center at 39 Scofieldtown Road Stamford have a genius gene for making farm life, the outdoors, nature and the sky a fascinating adventure for young children and families. The science and nature attraction is on a 118-acre site and it encompasses a working farm, hiking trails, picnic area, a playground, art galleries, and a planetarium with observatory and regularly scheduled events describing the heavens above. Many special seasonal events and things to do for families include maple harvest, Easter egg hunts, and fall activities. Property includes the Bendel Mansion & Galleries. Open all year, with hours change seasonally. Phone: 203-322-1646.

Acadia Beauty Along a Loopy Drive

Acadia Byway travels through Acadia National Park and the historic villages of Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Along this route, the rugged Maine coast and old-growth forests remain much as they were when the island was described by Samuel de Champlain in 1604. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park are among the most beautiful places in New England. Travelers can bike on miles of interconnected carriage roads. This byway follows Route 3 into Bar Harbor, then follows the park loop road thereafter.

Island Explorer bus through Acadain National park

Explore the Island, Then Explore the Park

There is much beauty to see at Acadia Nation Park. A good way to start is to get an overview of the whole landscape by jumping aboard the Island Explorer bus. This is not a tour – it is public transportation for the park and neighboring villages that runs from late May to Columbus Day. Take a bit of time to ride the bus with others going about their daily lives or on vacation. You’ll get a glimpse of what you may want to see more deeply, and know exactly how to get back there later. "A wonderful service. Best way to get around. Fun to ride," said a visitor from Texas. 207-667-5796

The Governor’s House at 100 Main Street in Hyde Park Vt-credit-shutterstock

Tea Served in High Style, or Take-and-Make

Tea is served in high style and sold in glorious variety at two unique locations in northern Vermont. The Governor’s House at 100 Main Street in Hyde Park is an elegant bed-and-breakfast inn that serves tea in all appropriate high style on Thursday and Sunday afternoons (other times by pre-arrangement). The cream tea menu consists of warm freshly-made scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Relax and indulge! (802-888-6888)
Dobra Tea , in Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace, welcomes you for quiet refreshment and hard-to-find teas from remote places like India, China, and Japan. This Bohemian tea room also serves light foods and desserts. Taste and decide what to take home, The tea room also sells artisan tea serving ware. Wonderful for gifts. (802-951-2424)

Wadsworth Presents a Mixture of Art and Entertainment

The marvelous Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford is a grand place to visit, particularly after the mid-decade overhall 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.

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center in Gardner Maine

Comedy, Music, Gravity Daring: Johnson Hall's Got It

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center presents a wide range of artist programs -- live music series, children’s events, outdoor performances in the park and more -- in the historic Johnson Hall Performing Arts building (1864) at 280 Water Street in downtown Gardiner, Maine. The Hall – Maine’s oldest opera hall -- celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016, a sign that it knows and serves its audience. 207-582-7144.

Boothe Memorial Park and Museum Stratford ct

Boothe Memorial Park Is Entertaining All Year

Boothe Memorial Park & Museum on Main Street in Stratford sits on an idyllic, 32-acre site in the north end of Stratford by the Housatonic River, which was the estate of the Boothe family for many generations. There are many architecturally unique buildings and attractions on the grounds as well as a new, handicapped-accessible playground with two climbing walls. The annual Great Pumpkin Festival is a huge attraction in the fall, while outdoor concerts and Shakespearean plays beckon visitors in the spring and summer. Tours of the historic buildings are seasonal (May - October). The park is open and free of charge year round. 203-381-2046.

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.

dinosaur museums in western Massachusetts

Fossils Fuel Curiosity at Dino Museums

Dinosaur history and folklore are alive and roaring in the Pioneer Valley region. A day or more of exploration awaits dino fans of all persuasions. The Nash Dinosaur Track Site and Rock Shop in South Hadley displays the largest number of dinosaur tracks in the region. Nearby, the Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College in Amherst has impressive exhibits that include vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, minerals, and other geologic specimens. Visitors to Dinosaur Hall in the the Springfield Science Museum in Springfield are riveted by the life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Interactive exhibits at Dinosaur Hall include actual fossils of dinosaur tracks which can be touched and a cast of a huge sauropod footprint for children to climb into. Information: 413-755-1346.

Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester MA

Broad Meadow Offers Woods, Streams, and Marshes

Within the 400 acres of woods, fields, streams, and marsh at Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary at 414 Massasoit Road in Worcester, visitors can hike, cross-country ski, watch birds, look for butterflies, prowl for owls, or learn to snowshoe. The center has a large 3-D model of the sanctuary and a huge map of the Blackstone River watershed. Nature gifts, children’s books, field guides, are available at the center, which also serves as a visitor site for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. Phone: 508-753-6087.

World’s End in Hingham-photo by 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.