Top 10 New England outdoor adventures fill your vacation with zest

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New England's top 10 outdoor adventures cover a range limited only by your taste. Some people go for mountain biking, zip lines, canopy tours, mountain coasters, and rock climbing, while other people like to take a quiet drive to a scenic overlook or watch the sun set while sipping wine on a vineyard patio. Here is a sampling of the Top 10 outdoor adventures that lure vacationers and families to the charms of New England.

Sunset Fishing - New Hampshire's Lakes Region

Lakes Region Tourism Association

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

In the Lakes Region, your adventurous side will want to come out and play

No one celebrates the outdoors quite like New Hampshire's Lakes Region. With the area’s bounty of mountains and lakes, you have your choice in the winter of ski resorts, a hundred miles of snowmobile trails – and Santa’s Village, of course. In the sunshine seasons, choose from scenic gondola rides, ziplines through forests, great fishing, hundreds of miles of hiking trails through jaw-dropping scenery, boat cruises across crystal-clear Lake Winnipesaukee and several water parks. Pump up that adrenaline with rock and ice climbing, skydiving or exploring glacial caves. Or take it down a notch with golf, a walk through Shaker village gardens or a cog railroad ride up Mt. Washington. From moose tours to mountain biking, this area has it all.

Shin Pond Village

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

Check out all the great outdoors offers when you check in at this resort

Outdoor explorations from riding an ATV through forest terrain to zipping along snow-covered trails to an iced-over lake to do some ice fishing are waiting for you at Shin Pond Village, a 100-acre recreational resort nestled in the heart of Maine’s majestic Katahdin Region. Rent a Polaris ATV and gain immediate access to Polaris Adventures, the first-ever national network of ride-and-drive experiences. Or join with local snowmobilers for cookouts and other events. Shin Pond is also ideal for canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing, camping, fishing and hiking. Enjoy the very best in outdoor fun from your campsite, RV site, cottage, guest suite or pondside home. The resort also features a restaurant, laundromat, general store and “Loon’s Nest” TV room.

Zoar Outdoor

Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-532-7483

Fun, fun, fun are the watchwords at this experienced outdoor center

Since 1989, Zoar Outdoor has been providing exhilarating New England adventures for all ages. We can honestly say we offer you one-of-a-kind experiences on land, water – and in the air! Plunge over whitewater rapids on a beautiful river, fly through a Berkshires forest on a zip line canopy tour, or rent a stand-up paddleboard and survey the wildlife from your perch on a serene lake. From our adventure center in Wilmington, Vt., explore the Green Mountains via snowshoes, cross-country skis or mountain bike. To really experience the great outdoors, stay with us in Western Massachusetts at one of our five tent sites or 11 cabin tents or in our Hawk Mountain Lodge. No matter your level of experience, we have an outdoor activity you will love and instructors and guides to make it safe as well as fun.

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.

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Power your own Zip Line & Rafting Adventure at Zoar Outdoor - Just 3.5 hours from New York City and 2 hours from Boston!

Ice Castles

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

This amazing winter wonderland is made of solid ice and snow

Grab a good pair of sturdy boots, a snug jacket, a hat and mittens and head to Ice Castles, where everything is made of ice and snow. Strolling through the castle, where walls are 10 feet thick and 10,000 icicles a day are hand-placed to make the interior magical, you’ll encounter tunnels and caves, frozen fountains, thrones, sculptures and towers, some of which reach 5 feet into the air. Race down ice carved slides, squeeze through crawl spaces and escape into a world where fairy tales come to life! There really is a feeling of fantasy, especially at night, when color-changing lights sync up to music for a spectacular light show. After exploring the castles, grab a hot chocolate and a warm treat from the on-site concessions and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through an enchanted forest. Tickets are guaranteed to sell out each weekend - be sure to buy yours in advance at IceCastles.com!

Muddy Ride - Northeast AVT & Snowmobile - Gorham, NH

Northeast ATV & Snowmobile

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

Enjoy the ride, and your own adventure, when you travel these trails

Choose your ride – and your adventure – at Northeast Snowmobile and ATV Rentals, with easy access to some of the country’s largest and most scenic trail systems. Rent a Polaris Snowmobile or side-by-side (ATV) and get ready to explore mountains, waterfalls, lakes and friendly towns, with plenty of places to stop and explore, have a picnic or sit down at a restaurant. An instructional video, helmet, trail map and GPS come with your hassle-free rental. Trained guides will answer your questions or go down the trail a bit with you to make sure you’re good to go. Snowmobiles are for one or two people; ATVs seat up to four riders. Ask about early bird and sunset specials.

Schooner Heritage - Maine Windjammers - Camden, ME - Photo Credit Don Sichler

Maine Windjammer Association

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

A nautical adventure awaits with a windjammer cruise

Sail into an adventure aboard one of the Maine Windjammer Association’s eight majestic schooners. Want to help haul up an anchor, or would you rather just enjoy a bowl of chowder while watching the kids fish off the deck? Would you like to explore the inner workings of a lighthouse, tour a fishing village, try out a paddle board, learn about local wildlife, or just sit back and sip some wine while admiring a scarlet sunset with fellow passengers? Whether you want to get cooking tips from an on-board chef, practice pilates, take a turn at the wheel or just listen to seafaring stories by nighttime lantern-light, there is a cruise perfect for you, leaving from Camden or Rockland, Maine, and exploring the great outdoors.

Argia Mystic Cruises

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

Sail into the past aboard the Mystic-based schooner Argia

Aboard the 81-foot sailing vessel Argia, a modern replica of a 19th century packet schooner, you can travel back into the past – gliding by history-rich Mystic, helping the crew hoist and trim the sails – or just enjoy the view of islands, lighthouses and scenic coastlines from the vessel’s spacious wooden deck. The Coast Guard licensed schooner sails protected waters during the day and, for those seeking the romance of the sea at twilight, at sunset. Snacks and soda are provided, but you can bring your own food and beverages. There are seats for all 49 passengers and a lovely little main salon down below. The exquisite Argia also is available for groups and classes who want to know about the ecology of the sea (and handle some of its creatures) and for private charters.

Hawk Mountain Lodge

Zoar Outdoor - Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-532-7483

A great place to relax before your next outdoor excursion.

There is no such thing as the wrong season to engage in an adventure at Zoar Outdoor. With the resort’s year-round five-bedroom Hawk Mountain Lodge, you can stay for a weekend rafting getaway or hit the slopes at nearby Berkshire East. The lodge features five rooms at reasonable rates plus a common area - and if you have a large group (up to 14 people) you can book the entire lodge.
When the snow ceases, make plans to shoot the white water rapids of the Deerfield River (or three other Massachusetts and Vermont rivers) with guided trips for all skill levels. Or soar above and through the forest on a three-hour zipline canopy tour. Or go kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, biking, wilderness hiking – even take a rock-climbing clinic. Why not pick several adventures? Just stay at the lodge, a cabin tent or tent and revel in all that 80 acres of wilderness has to offer.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

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

Ride the rails, ply the river at this delightful combo attraction

You are more than riding the rails when you board one of the vintage coaches of the Essex Steam Train. Because after a leisurely ride through the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley, past ponds, waterfalls and meadows, you are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a cruise past rocky shorelines, the Goodspeed Opera House and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Both forms of transport get you up close and personal to flora and fauna, from eagles and blue herons to the eye-popping colors of autumn leaves. Special excursions include a dinner train, sunset cruises, caboose weekends and the popular North Pole Express. Or, take a locomotive out for a spin in a “Hand on the Throttle” session.

Black Bear Lodge

3 Village Road Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-236-4501 Toll-Free: 800-349-2327

Four-season activities beckon you from this comfortable mountain lodge

Reconnect with family, friends and the great outdoors at Black Bear Lodge, in the heart of the White Mountains’ fabulous Waterville Valley Resort. Check in to one of the lodge’s 107 individually owned units, all with fully equipped kitchens and all sleeping from four to six people, then head out to ski (downhill and Nordic), skate and snowshoe in the winter; hike and bike past waterfalls on color-intense trails in the fall; and go kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing and swimming in Corcoran’s Pond in the summer (or view magnificent Snow’s Mountain from a chairlift). The resort’s popular Freedom Pass also gives you access to an indoor ice arena, gym and White Mountain Athletic Club. Hop on board the shuttle to go from one amazing outdoor adventure to another. Memories are made here.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

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

Outdoor adventure at its family finest

Discover this amazing 60-acre adventure park with a seven-acre man-made lake with its own active volcano. Walk along nature trails among 40 life-sized dinosaurs. Indoors, dig for gems, pan for “gold” and unearth dinosaur bones in Discovery Depot. Children will love getting lost in the dinosaur themed ”MAZE”asaurus, and playing on the Giant T. Rex Mascot Monty’s playground featuring the SpaceNet, a 15 foot tall three-dimensional swinging, vibrating, climbing web. Cool off in New England’s largest SplashPad. Bring a picnic or enjoy great food at the Cobalt Café and other locations. Enjoy special events, educational programs and endless shopping and plan a birthday party, scout, school or recreational group outing.

Historic Wethersfield

The outdoors really is great at various venues in this charming town

Are you an active adventure-seeker, or looking for something on the quiet side? Historic Wethersfield has you covered. A heritage trail bike ride will take you past historic homes and working farms, or head down to the 1860 Reservoir for fishing and canoeing. Mill Woods Park has a skate park; bocce, tennis and basketball courts and a swimming pond, and Wintergreen Woods offers walking trails through 110 acres of forest and wetlands. Visit a nature center for a meadow stroll where you might spy an eagle, or walk through colonial gardens. Historical society walking tours let you see more about the town’s origins. (It was founded in 1633-34). Don’t forget ice skating, swimming, farmers’ markets and shopping along Main Street.

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

Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)

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

Whitewater rafting center gets you close to Mother Nature at her best

You’ll get to see the great outdoors up close and personal when you sign up for a whitewater rafting adventure at Crab Apple Whitewater. Imagine zooming through Class III and IV rapids like “Three Sisters” and “Magic Falls” on the spectacular Kennebec River, passing by Maine’s woodlands and wildlife. Or conquering high-water rafting on the Dead River. Or maybe you want a calmer trip with places to float and swim. Head back to the base camp for overnight lodging, some paintball fun or maybe a walk to Moxie Falls, Maine’s highest waterfall. Or here’s an idea: Sign up for a moose safari, leaving at dusk from May through August, in search of the amazing beasts in their natural habitat.

Lodge at Moosehead Lake

368 Lily Bay Road Greenville, ME, 04441 Phone: 207-695-4400 Toll-Free: 800-825-6977

Explore a variety of outdoor adventures at this authentic North Woods lodge

Heed your inner explorer and arrange for one of several adventures at the AAA Four-Diamond Lodge at Moosehead lake, an ultra-private hideaway surrounded by lakes, mountains, woods and fields in the North Woods. See moose in their natural habitat in a moose canoe safari, go kayaking or sailing on the ponds of Moosehead Lake or see the lake with a guide in your personal pontoon boat. Take a day hike up Mount Kineo (maybe catch sight of a peregrine falcon) or go an a customized fishing excursion. First-rate dining, luxurious rooms decorated in authentic North Woods style and attention to detail are the hallmarks of the inn, where guests are encouraged to rest, recharge – and have fun.

Burke Area Chamber of Commerce

Villages of East Burke, West Burke & Burke Hollow Burke, VT, 05832 Phone: 802-626-4124

Recreate. Relax. Repeat.

Located in the heart of Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom, Burke is the perfect Vermont vacation spot for skiing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cultural heritage and more, all waiting for you to explore. Recreation galore awaits the adventurous travelers who like to hit the trails. And for those who like a slower pace, take your own time making your own trail discovering all Burke has to offer. Whatever brings you here, you will experience our unparalleled four season destination!

Rockywold-Deephaven Camps

18 Bacon Road Holderness, NH, 03245 Phone: 603-968-3313

From your shore cottage at this rustic camp, enjoy all Squam Lake has to offer

By the shores of beautiful Squam Lake, guests have been having the times of their lives at Rockywold Deephaven Camps for 120 years. The wide variety of outdoor activities, from softball and capture-the-flag games to shoreline and mountain hikes and scavenger hunts, are one reason generations have been coming back to the camp, with its two spacious lodges and 61 rustic cottages and cabins. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or sailboat or take a rowboat out and go fishing or swimming. Explore nearby islands, one with a fire pit and float, another with nesting bald eagles. Take a pontoon boat cruise or grab a racquet and play tennis on one of eight clay courts. Or just enjoy the timeless beauty of the lakefront from your rocking chair on the porch.

America's Stonehenge

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

Mysteries abound at this incredible seacoast site

The forests near Salem, NH are home to this remarkable maze of rocks, stone chambers, and megaliths that may have been left by ancient visitors. But who were they? The question has stymied scholars for generations. The megalith filled pine woods eerily appear to be similar to those built throughout Great Britain by Druid priests. Adding to the mystery is the fact that you'll find megaliths of the same type scattered around New England. This site is one of the largest collections not on private property and not off limits to visitors. Visit the museum and enjoy the orientation film and gift shop that offers books with more information. In winter months the one-hundred-plus acres are also great for snowshoeing.

Morningside Flight Park

357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH, 03603 Phone: 603-542-4416

Adventure park pleasures from fishing to paragliding

Soar above the earth in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley at an outdoor activity park that offers a huge range of activities and services. Discover the thrill of a lifetime in hang gliding and paragliding, guided by folks with 30 years of experience in flight instruction. Lessons are offered to people of all skill levels and ages. Enjoy zip-lining and canopy tours, laser tag, fishing, swimming and kayaking. At a cozy campground surrounded by old-growth forest you can pitch your own tent or move into a set-up platform tent with full- or queen-size beds. The campground has many play and housekeeping features: fire pits, playing fields, picnic areas, a community kitchen, restrooms and bathhouse. You’re within easy reach of Boston, Hartford, Montreal, and New York.

Great Glen Trails

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

Outdoor adventure for summer and winter explorers

Four-season adventure awaits your family at Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch. In warmer months, head out on scenic trails for a hike, a run, or bike ride through the majestic White Mountains. Join a guided bird watching tour or paddling trip on the Androscoggin River. In winter, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the way to get around on a trail system of easy and rolling terrain. Skiers of all abilities can find their own level of activity, challenge, and fun. Trails are groomed with both double tracks and a skating lane and run through the forests at the base of Mount Washington. Or you can jump onto the SnowCoach and tour the mountain in winter from a comfortable seat. Outdoor fun for all tastes!

Weekapaug Inn

25 Spray Rock Road Westerly, RI, 02891 Phone: 877-394-8902

On the water, on the land: This shoreline resort boasts adventures for all

What does an outdoor adventure look like to you? Kayaking or sailing off a private beach? Hunting for moon snails along the tideline? Learning about wildlife from a naturalist on board a high-speed motorboat as it explores a 750-acre lagoon? All that and much, much more awaits guests at the Weekapaug Inn, on the gorgeous shoreline overlooking Quonochontaug Pond, with the Atlantic, and Block Island, just beyond. Let the inn staff make arrangements for a round of golf or a tour aboard the Quonnie Queen, a canopied electric boat. At this charming inn, the outdoors means everything from croquet and lawn games to laps in the outdoor saline pool to family fishing excursions, all by the beautiful shore.

Visit our sister properties - Ocean House Resort - Watch Hill Inn

Waterville Valley Resort

33 Village Road Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-468-2553 Toll-Free: 800-468-2553

Everything is great about the outdoors at this NH resort

When the folks at Waterville Valley talk about the great outdoors, they are not exaggerating. Mountains – to hike up or ski down – are everywhere. Take the chairlift up Snow’s Mountain and bike down, “chimney” down a short rock face at Mount Osceola or opt for something a little more sedate with a walk through the national forest that surrounds the resort. Swim in Corcoran’s Pond or one of the many pools at the resort’s lodging properties – or drive for a few minutes to a swimming hole. Play tennis or golf; rent a paddle boat, canoe or kayak; take advantage of the skateboard and inline skate park; join a pickup basketball game – or just enjoy the starry night sky. Many of these activities are included in the price of your room with the Waterville Valley Freedom Pass.

201 Powersports

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

Give in to that sense of adventure: Rent an ATV or snowmobile and let it fly

Time to explore your adventurous side! At 201 Powersports, it’s easy to access the great outdoors with the rental of a Polaris ATV or snowmobile. And it’s easy to plan your adventure with experienced staff and guides from this quality rental service. Explore a variety of terrain – and wildlife – with two-hour, half-day and full-day adventures. Or go longer: an eight-hour trip takes you to lunch at Spring Creek BBQ smokehouse; in 10 hours, you can get to Moosehead Lake. Or, combine your ATV ride with a pontoon cruise on historic and scenic Wyman Lake. An extensive inventory means you won’t be disappointed when it comes to renting your top-of-the-line machine from this Maine woods company.

Berkshire East Mountain Resort

66 Thunder Mountain Road Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 413-339-6617

Intense skiing, zipping, rafting, and biking adventures

Whatever your outdoor pleasure, it can be found here: from skiing and snowboarding to tubing, zip lines, white water rafting, and downhill mountain biking. Jump aboard North America’s longest mountain coaster, or strap yourself into one of USA Today’s Top Ten Zip Lines in the United States. Fly above the tree tops at New England's largest zip destination with an introductory Base Tour and a more advanced Mountain Top Tour, and see fabulous views of the valley. The extreme Valley Jump has two half-mile-long zips that rise nearly 200 feet above the ground. Families, bring your kids and play. There are lessons, instructions, and equipment rentals, a family friendly lodging, and the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill for lunch or dinner.

Bear Rock Adventures

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

Embrace your inner trailblazer with family-friendly ATV rides with Bear Rock Adventures s

Discover the Great North Woods’ jaw-dropping vistas, diverse landscapes and wildlife from the back of a Polaris ATV or side-by-side with Bear Rock Adventures. Pick your adventure with customized itineraries, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, and explore over 1,000 miles of Ride the Wilds interconnected trails on half, full, or multi-day excursions. Bear Rock Adventures provides a safe, turnkey way to ATV with the latest gear including safety helmets and goggles, cutting-edge GPS and Bluetooth technology as well as storage compartments for your riding gear, maps, picnic lunches and selfie sticks to capture the ultimate memory.

ELC Outdoor Adventure Outpost

983 Upton Road Errol, NH, 03579 Phone: 603-215-0002

Air, river, woods: Choose how you want to experience the great outdoors!

Through the air, on the water, among the trees: How do you want to experience the great outdoors? ELC Outdoors can make it happen. Raft or kayak through whitewater rapids, paddle through the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, rent a fat bike and hit the woods, face the 10 obstacles on an above-ground ropes course or zipline through the trees. Or maybe your idea of getting close to nature means catching a glimpse of a bald eagle, osprey, black bear or moose: Never fear, ELC has a wildlife pontoon boat cruise down Lake Umbagog and a whitewater and wildlife tour where you spend the day rafting the river then board a pontoon boat for an evening cruise along the Androscoggin River.

Chocorua Adventure Course - Monkey Trunks - Maine & New Hampshire

Monkey Trunks Zipline Parks

3 Great Locations in New Hampshire and Maine , NH Phone: 603-367-4427

Zip It to the Max in New Hampshire

The southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee hasspectacular outdoor adventure. Zipline tours and zip trekking will test your mettle. Start with ground school and safe harnessing by belays. Then take a journey up and move at your own pace through three zip lines and 48 challenges, including swinging beams, tightropes, rolling logs, hanging tires, and cargo nets. Ride with a partner side by side on dual 360-foot lines and hit the 35-foot-high giant swing rock climbing wall. Self navigate through the ZipTrek course with a variety of lines and rope-course challenges. Kids have their own specially designed course no more than 6 inches off the ground with an 80-foot zip line at the finish.

Loon Mountain Resort

60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-6281 Toll-Free: 800-229-5666

Zips, giant climbing web, log jam maze fill a day with action

New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride to the mountain top is just the start of the action at Loon Mountain. Ride a snow tube down for the excitement that awaits at the base. Trvel a zipline across the Pemigewasset River and into the Aerial Forest Adventure Park. Scale a rock wall, rent a bike, navigate the LogJam Maze, or climb a 30-foot-tall spider web. Young kids will love the bounce house and fun inflatable games at Bunyan’s Bouncin’ Backyard. While you’re at the summit, visit glacial caves and walk a scenic nature trail. Grab lunch or a snack at the Summit Café, which serves up great food and some of the best views of the White Mountains in all of New England.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

37 Corey Road -- Route 43 Hancock, MA, 01237 Phone: 413-738-5500 Toll-Free: 800-882-8859

Great outdoor family fun is live and active over four seasons

Jiminy Peak Mountain’s four-season resort offers lodging, shopping, and dining in the Village Center and Country Inn, plus an outdoor heated swimming pool, the In-Touch Day Spa, fitness room, game room, and more. It’s also home to the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England. Forty-five trails and nine lifts cater to skiers of all skill levels, and three terrain parks provide rails and jibs for new and experienced park riders. Enjoy outdoor summer fun with a double dose at the adjacent Mountain Adventure Park and Aerial Adventure Park, and plan some activity at the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and Mountain Segway Tours. This wonderful family place offers memorable mountain resort experiences with outstanding service in remarkably beautiful surroundings.

Railroad Museum of New England

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

Enjoy the scenery from your seat on a vintage passenger car at this rail museum

Experience a ride through some of the region’s most scenic vistas aboard a vintage passenger car when you set out on a rail excursion at the Railroad Museum of New England. This not-for-profit educational and historic organization tells the story of the area’s rich rail heritage by operating scenic and historical train rides on the Naugatuck Railroad. Leaving from the historic Thomaston Station, trains travel alongside a river, through valleys and woods and over the famous Thomaston Dam. With stunning views all seasons of the year, the diesel-driven trains that are especially popular include the Easter Bunny Express, Chocolate Decadence Tour, Litchfield Hills Train, Spirit-Tasting experience, Pumpkin Patch train, Northern Lights Limited and the Santa Express.

Discover Quincy

Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center - 1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-770-1175

Revel in this city’s history, recreation spots and natural surroundings

With 27 miles of coastline, including 11 beautiful beaches and miles of trails bordering rivers and marshes, Quincy is all about the outdoors. But there’s plenty of fun away from the water, too, since the city also boasts 52 parks, three golf courses, baseball fields, tennis and bocce courts, bike and jogging trails and a plethora of picnic places. Launch your boat off the public ramp at Houghs Neck Maritime Center, pitch your umbrella on spacious Wollaston Beach, go birding or rock-climbing at Blue Hills Reservation or check out the Boston skyline from the Neponset River Walk. Even the city’s history is outdoors, including a Native American campsite at Moswetuset Hummock and the site where Abigail Adams watched the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Autumn Boat River - Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA

Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges

369 Main Street Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 774-304-1011

Inn, lodges are prime location for village and outside-the-village adventures

Stay at the Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges and enjoy all that Old Sturbridge Village and the surrounding area have to offer. Stroll through the 19th century village through covered wooden bridges and glorious gardens, dropping in at the sawmill or blacksmith. Want to explore outside the village? Check out Six Flags New England (100 rides!), the 850 exotic animals at Southwick Zoo or nearby botanic gardens. Or hike through forest and meadow trails at the Ecotarium. Or maybe something a little more adrenaline-pumping? An aerial forest adventure awaits at Storrs Adventure Park. Come back to your lodging to relax by the pool, hit the exercise room or, for the kids, romp around on the playground.

Whitewater Splash 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - Charlemont, MA

Crab Apple Whitewater (MA)

Route 2 Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-553-7238

Family Owned and Operated Whitewater Rafting Outfitter

Add whitewater rafting to your outdoor adventures this year. Crab Apple offers outings on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts and the Kennebec and Dead Rivers in Maine. You’ll enjoy full day rafting trips on mild Class 1-3 rapids or more aggressive Class 3-4 rapids. Or take a mild half-day trip in guided rafts or inflatable kayaks. Friendly and knowledgeable guides share information and stories about local history, wildlife and hydrology all with a personal touch. There’s great food and excellent equipment. Maine location includes riverside lodging, pub and heated pool. Massachusetts location sits along historic Mohawk Trail.

Foxwoods HighFlyer

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

Zip through the skies from the rooftop of this Connecticut casino

Talk about getting up close and personal with Mother Nature: From the rooftop of the famous Foxwoods Resort Casino – that’s 350 feet, or 32 stories, atop Fox Tower – you can take an exhilarating mile-long zipline tour that sends you soaring through the air, above the trees, reaching speeds of almost 60 mph, finishing up at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. A shuttle runs every 15 minutes to take you back to the casino, and a viewing shuttle for family and friends also leaves the casino every 15 minutes.

Hampton Inn Littleton

580 Meadow Street Littleton, NH, 03561 Phone: 603-444-0025 Toll-Free: 866-579-0037

Major outdoor fun to be had when you stay at this Littleton Hampton inn

There are big adventures to be had in and around Littleton, when you stay at the Hampton Inn. Here’s an adventure menu for the winter: downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, ice-skating, ice-fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and sleigh-riding. Warmer weather means fun at nearby beaches and waterparks as well as golf courses, tennis courts and miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. Take a cog railway ride up Mount Washington or a stroll along the Ammonoosuc River walk. Go horseback riding or pop into one of the area’s many attractions, from Santa’s Village to Storyland and the bear shows at Clark’s Trading Post. Back at the inn, enjoy cozy rooms, comfy beds, a saltwater pool – and a hot breakfast.

Mill Falls at the Lake

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

Each season is an active one at Lake Winnipesaukee resort

Every season sparkles at Mill Falls at the Lake. Extend the summer and celebrate New Hampshire’s spectacular fall foliage with hikes up Mount Major or along a scenic river trail. Get in some golf or take your motorcycle through mountain passes and river valleys. Enjoy winter outings from guided ice fishing tours to winter trail biking, skiing and snowmobiling at awesome venues. At the resort’s full-service activity center, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, aqua cycling or take an antique speedboat ride on gorgeous 72-square-mile Lake Winnipesaukee. Visit the nearby Loon Preservation Center or Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Want to bring your dog along on your outdoor adventures? No problem. Mill Falls has several pet-friendly guest rooms.

Skiing New - Comfort Inn Burke Mountain - St. Johnsbury, VT

Comfort Inn & Suites Near Burke Mountain

703 US Route 5 South St. Johnsbury, VT, 05819 Phone: 802-748-1500

Northeast Kingdom inn perfect spot to explore your outdoor-adventurous side

When you stay at the Comfort Inn Near Burke Mountain, all the outdoor experiences Vermont’s majestic Northeast Kingdom have to offer are close at hand. There’s world-class skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing and more than 5,000 miles of snowmobiling trails in the winter. In warmer weather, there’s canoeing, kayaking and paddling along scenic rivers, with wildlife yours for the viewing. Pristine hiking trails, including the famous Long Trail await for all skill levels, as well as mountain biking, fishing, golfing and hunting. Outdoor attractions include Santa’s Village, the cog railroad trip up Mt. Washington, corn mazes, a Christmas tree farm (see how syrup is made) and scenic strolls. At the inn, enjoy a heated, saltwater pool, hot tub and sauna.

Campfire Treats - Briarclif Motel - Great Barrington, MA

Briarcliff Motel

Route 7 - 306 Stockbridge Road Great Barrington, MA, 01230 Phone: 413-528-3000

Take a road trip to the Berkshires where adventures aplenty await

Road trip! Head to the Briarcliff in the heart of the Berkshires, stay in a stylish, retro motor lodge and enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer. (If you need adventure ideas, talk to the motel’s “experience concierge” or check out their website’s Nearby section.) In the immediate area: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, trout fishing, hiking mountains or onto the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking, whitewater rafting on the Deerfield River (or quieter tubing), canoeing, kayaking, zipline canopy tours and other aerial forest adventures, downhill skiing, golf and a wildlife sanctuary. On the motel grounds are volleyball, badminton and lawn darts, and guests can enjoy the year-round heated, outdoor pool and hot tub at the Red Lion Inn.

Lopstick Lodge

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

Multi-cabin lodge perfect place to explore and enjoy wilderness activities

For those who love the outdoors, it would be hard to pick a favorite at Lopstick, a wilderness paradise in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods. In the winter, there’s 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and great ice-fishing. That’s followed by ATV season, with 1,000 miles of trails for all levels across terrain ranging from rugged mountain climbs to gentle woods roads. There’s hiking up rolling hills and mountains, past covered bridges and waterfalls. And, of course, there’s the water: rivers, ponds, lakes, featuring fabulous fishing (trout, salmon, bass), boating, kayaking and canoeing (bring yours or rent one). Experience it all from your lovely private cabin or cottage, many with water views, fireplaces, porches and all the comforts of home. Launch Video

Family Downhill Skiing - Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods Chamber - New Hampshire

Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 194 Twin Mountain, NH, 03595 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-245-8946

Winter in the White Mountains? That means outdoor fun for everyone

It’s not surprising that the mountains of New Hampshire would offer a huge menu of outdoor activities in the winter. In the Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods area, that means everything from hiking and ice climbing at Crawford Notch State Park to the finest of alpine and cross-country skiing at several resorts. There are miles of snowmobile trails as well as trails and options for snowshoe and fat-bike fans. Snow also means sleigh rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, snowboarding, skating and tubing. You can even fly through the snow-sparkled trees on a guided canopy tour. At the historic The Rocks estate, you can pick out your own Christmas tree. At Santa’s Village you can go on rides or meet Guess Who.

Beardsley Zoo

1875 Noble Avenue Bridgeport, CT, 06610 Phone: 203-394-6565

Spend a day outside with the more than 300 animals in this Conn. zoo

The outdoors is even greater when it means getting the opportunity to see nature’s creatures. At the Beardsley Zoo, there are more than 300 of those creatures, from tigers and anteaters, miniature horses and wolves, to howler monkeys, caimans, snowy owls, bald eagles, red pandas and bison. Special themed scavenger hunts and local hikes will keep you on your toes, as will a variety of specialized programs for tots to teens. Enjoy dining al fresco at the Picnic Grove, or get a bite to eat at the Peacock Cafe. The zoo has strollers and wheelchairs for rent and also features a rainforest building and, to top off your perfect day, a colorful carousel.

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

1168 County Road Montpelier, VT, 05602 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-242-2740

See VT Farm Life on a Walk Through Woods and Maple Groves

Vermont is a place of outdoor people and farm life, but if you also like shopping, local history, and unique crafts, you will find all of these on your visit to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier. Burr Morse, the eighth generation of a family that has farmed this maple grove, greets visitors with tours of the sugarhouse, multimedia displays at a theater in a woodshed, a museum of Vermont farm life, and a country store with plenty of maple treats, gifts, and one-of-a-kind crafts to carry or mail back home. A gentle trail leads right to the “sugarbush” (maple grove). The trail is inhabited by fun folk characters carved by Morse. Sugaring season is February to April, but this theater of Vermont outdoor life is open year-round.

Watch Hill Inn

38-44 Bay Street Watch Hill, RI, 02891 Phone: 877-394-8903

Inn’s great indoors is more than matched by a host of outdoor activities

Inside the spectacular Watch Hill Inn, in picturesque Watch Hill village, guests will be charmed by spacious, relaxing rooms and warm, helpful hospitality. But the outside awaits! Between the luxury inn and its nearby sister inns, there are private beaches, saltine lap pools, croquet lawns, squash courts, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, boating excursions – and that’s just a small list of all the activities available at the inns. In the Watch Hill area, you can explore the hidden ruins of an old battle fort, ride the nation’s oldest “free-flying” carousel, visit a nature center or amusement park, hike or bike along the shore or play tennis or golf. And don’t forget that breathtaking shoreline scenery that serves as a backdrop for all the fun.

Visit our sister properties - Ocean House Resort - Weekapaug Inn

Distinctive Inns of New England

Luxurious Accommodations throughout New England , CT Phone:

Explore all New England has to offer from the comforts of your charming inn

Each part of New England has its special charms for outdoor-lovers, and the 11 independently-owned members of Distinctive Inns of New England are pleased to serve as your headquarters to enjoy everything from whale-watch cruises off the coast to hiking the mountains of the interior. Plan a golf getaway, a schooner sailing package, a wildlife tour or a skiing vacation. Go ziplining through forests, swimming in a pond or ice-climbing in the mountains. Member inns have a variety of outdoor adventure packages and are the perfect place to come home to after your busy day for a cup of tea, a glass of wine, a swim in the pool, a massage or a nap in your beautifully decorated, well-appointed room.

Kids on the Slopes - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

It really is a great outdoors in this varied mountain valley region

The great outdoors is even greater than that in the Mount Washington Valley region, starting with the best skiing, downhill and cross-country, in the East as well as amazing ice castles and glacial caves to visit. Hiking trails through meadows and up spectacular mountains, ziplining, rock-climbing, moose tours, ropes courses. mountain coasters and every form of boating are all waiting for you. Walk to waterfalls, across wooden bridges and through gorgeous towns and villages. Explore water parks, family farms, indoor and outdoor skating rinks (learn to curl!), golf courses, fairs, festivals and farmers markets. And here’s an added adventure: The distances between these great outdoor activities for the whole family? Short, short, short, making your trip fun, fun, fun.

Bromley’s Summer Sun & Fun Park Bromley Mountain VT

VERMONT – Bromley Mountain Thrill Zone

3984 Vermont Route 11 Peru, VT, 05152 Phone: 802-824-5522

Bromley’s Summer Sun & Fun Park offers more warm-weather thrills (if not chills) than you can count. Alpine Slide is a triple-track and 2/3 of a mile in length with banked turns and straightaways, rollers and drops; the climbing wall has is multi-faced real-rock with different levels of challenges; the trampoline thing lets you slip into the harness and take trampolining to new heights; space bikes pedal into orbit; the zip line is basically 100 feet of "Yee-Ha!" on a super strong steel cable. The giant swing produces 3Gs of gravitational force. Coming in July 2012, the new Aerial Adventure Park allows you to walk in the treetops.

VERMONT – Bingham Falls

off Route 108 Stowe, VT Phone:

The sequence of cascades that is Bingham Falls in Stowe, Vermont is special not just for its otherwordly quality, but because the public almost lost access to it a few years back when a land developer had plans to build a resort on the property. That plan was thwarted and adventurers can still enjoy the pristine beauty of the falls, and those brave enough can take a dip in the natural rock pool below Bingham's 25-foot cascade. To Find It: The falls are located a short hike off Route 108 in Stowe, about 1.5 miles southeast of Smugglers Notch. There is a path leading downhill from a fairly large turnout. The sound of roaring water assures you that you are in the right place.

VERMONT – Historic 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 most covered bridges, and Vermont, with about 104, has the most for its size. Individual inventiveness played an important role in the proliferation of covered bridges. As the industry grew, builders experimented and adapted each other’s designs in hopes of building stronger bridges with the fewest materials. Covered bridges grew in popularity in the early 20th century and became subjects for artists and advertisers. It is easy to design your own covered bridge driving tour.

VERMONT – Hot Air Balloon Rides

The spectacular Quechee Gorge in Central Vermont – sometime called the Grand Canyon of the East – attracts spectators of all kinds. One heart-stopping way to see the gorge and the vast, forested beauty of its surroundings is from a hot air balloon. This is really the adventure of a lifetime. Balloons of Vermont , among other businesses, will take intrepid travelers above the treetops over the Ottauquechee River and the upper valley region for an unforgettable show in the most serene, majestic flying machine knows to man. The Quechee Balloon Festival, with lots of non-ballooning fun, like music, crafts, and children’s activities, takes place in June, and ballooning will be a central theme, but Balloons of Vermont takes people up over the gorge year-round.

CONNECTICUT – Connecticut Wine Trail

Follow the trail of the vine as it winds through some of the most picturesque towns in Connecticut. The Connecticut Wine Trail is a unique collection of Twenty Four Vineyards, each ready to welcome you with hospitality and exceptional award winning wines. The trail is divided into two sections, East and West. To fully enjoy the Wine Trail, plan a few weekends to experience all that each winery has to offer. We invite you to explore this site and see where the trail leads you. You'll find more than just great wine.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Conway Scenic Railroad

With help from the Conway Scenic Railroad, you can enjoy a ride on vintage trains traveling over historic tracks in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains. On the Valley Train, you’ll journey on historic rail routes from the 1874 train station in North Conway Village to either Conway or Bartlett and back again. On the Notch Train, you’ll travel on what was once the Maine Central Railroad’s famed Mountain Division line, on tracks that were laid in the 1870s. Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through spectacular Crawford Notch – past sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks and streams, panoramic mountain vistas – en route to Crawford and Fabyan stations. Fun for all ages.

MAINE – Bar Harbor Whale Watch Tours

1 West Street Bar Harbor, ME Phone: 207-288-2386

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers several distinct whale watching, sightseeing, light house and nature trips that sail daily throughout the summer. Come witness the awe inspiring beauty of the magnificent mammals of the sea. The Gulf of Maine is home to humpback, finback, and Minke whales. Because of the catamaran's speed visitors arrive at and cover lots of whale-watching territory. The boat’s galley is open during the voyage with food and beverages, including beer and wine.

RHODE ISLAND – Ninigret Pond Refuge

Refuge Headquarters, 50 Bend Road Charlestown, RI Phone: 401-364-9124

From fishing, to hiking, to photography, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge has it all. The section of the refuge south of Route 1 is surrounded on three sides by Ninigret Pond, a large salt pond with a dramatic breachway opening to the ocean. At the east entrance, there is a kayak/canoe launch area -- a convenient place to get out on Ninigret Pond and see the refuge from the duck's point of view! The northern section of the refuge, where the Kettle Pond Visitor Center is located, is more forested upland. Watchaug Pond is only a short distance down easy trails from the Visitor Center. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy nature in any way that feels good to you.

Green Animals Topiary Garden Portsmouth RI

RHODE ISLAND – Green Animals Topiary Garden

Corys Lane Portsmouth, RI Phone: 401-847-1000

This garden, a collection of intricate topiaries, is a special delight for children. This small country estate in Portsmouth evolved into a topiary garden under the care of father-and-son superintendents during most of the 20th century. There are more than 80 pieces of topiary throughout the gardens, including animals and birds, geometric figures and ornamental designs, sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood. Today, Green Animals remains as a rare example of a self-sufficient estate combining formal topiaries, vegetable and herb gardens, orchards and a Victorian house overlooking Narragansett Bay. Open seasonally; call ahead for public hours.

Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park Bar Harbor Maine

MAINE – Carriage Roads of Acadia

Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. Rockefeller wanted to travel via horse and carriage into the heart of Mount Desert Island. His construction from 1913 to 1940 resulted in roads with sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape. Rather than flattening hillsides to accommodate the roads, breast walls and retaining walls were built to preserve the line of hillsides and save trees. Rockefeller aligned the roads to follow the contours of the land and to take advantage of scenic views. It is a beautiful drive. Here is a map by the National Park Service.

RHODE ISLAND – Cliff Walk's Rocky Shores

Start at 117 Memorial Blvd. Newport, RI Phone: 401-845-5300

The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile winding path along Newport’s shoreline with breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and the rocky coves below. The walk runs from Bailey's Beach to First Beach, with public access points at Bellevue Avenue, Ledge Road, Marine Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Webster Street, and Narragansett Avenue. The walk skirts the edges of some of the city’s mansions, including Beechwood, Rosecliff, Marble House, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Rough Point. Much of the walk is easy paved paths but some parts have unpaved sections and rugged paths. Best section for viewing with limited time is Narragansett Avenue to Ruggles Avenue.

MAINE -- Maine Botanical Garden

132 Botanical Gardens Drive Boothbay, ME, 04537 Phone: 207-633-4333

This magnificent collection of gardens, fronted by an airy, spacious welcome center, does more artist work with plants, sculpture, stone, ponds, and fountains than you can imagine. Gardens and meandering walks – including an endearing children’s garden – are a delight to all kinds of visitors – even people who might not consider themselves garden buffs. The names of the garden offer some clues: children’s garden, garden of the five senses, rhododendron & perennial garden, great lawn & ledge garden, kitchen garden, hillside garden, forest pond, meditation garden, shoreland trail, and rose & perennial garden. Best news: the garden is open daily, year-round.

MASSACHUSETTS – Walk the Freedom Trail

A leisurely walk through a world-class, history-rich city with many designated stops at fascinating places, from an old cemetery to classic, elegant churches. All this, along with educational value, enough space and variety for active kids, plenty of snacking opps along the way. Boston's Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail connecting 16 of the country's most significant historic sites linked to the American Revolution. Between April and November, you can take a 90-minute walking tour along the trail with a lively and informative 18th century costumed guide. Stop include The Boston Common, The State House,Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House The Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Saint-Gaudens Historic Site

139 Saint Gaudens Road Cornish, NH Phone: 603-675-2175

A visit to this national park is a walk through a beautiful, serene property that was home to one of America’s greatest sculptors. Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907), created over 150 works of art, from exquisitely carved cameos to heroic-size public monuments. Works such as the "Standing Lincoln" monument and the Shaw Memorial, continue to inspire people today and his design for the 1907 Twenty Dollar Gold Piece, is considered America's most beautiful coin. At this historic site you can see 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, and admire the magnificent views.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, Route 112 Waterville, NH Phone:

Sabbaday Brook , on the Kancamagus Pass, drops 40 feet in an unusual and scenic form. The water drops eight feet into a small emerald green pothole. The outlet of the pothole is a slide resulting in a 20-foot horsetail into a tight gorge where it makes a ninety degree turn to the right. The final drop is a 12-foot slide into a deep teal trough that opens into a pale jade green pool below. Walkways, bridges, and stairs make this an easy and safe place to explore. To find it: Sabbaday Falls is the focal point of the Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, a well marked locale on Route 112, about 11 miles east of Kancamagus Pass, about 3.4 miles west of the Jigger Johnson Campground and about 17 miles west of Conway.

Essex Steam Train and riverboat Essex CT

CONNECTICUT – Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT Phone: 860-767-0103

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's two-and-a-half -hour journey begins at the historic Essex Station for a narrated round trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches at 20 mph through the towns of Deep River and Chester. At Deep River Landing, passengers board the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a cruise along the Connecticut River. The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are breathtaking. Upon Becky's return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the return trip to Essex Station. Trips conducted mid-May to late October.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center new hampshires

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Squam Lakes Science Center

23 Science Center Road Holderness, NH, 03245 Phone: 603-968-7194

Through live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has brought visitors in touch with the natural world of the Lake region of New Hampshire for more than 40 years. Open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural exhibits that are the homes of native animals reside: black bears, mountain lions, raptors, river otters, bobcats, and more. On a day visit of the center, adults and children can take a Science Center Lake Cruise, enjoy the beauty of Kirkwood Gardens, see an animal exhibit or hear a mini-talk, have a snack at Kirkwood Cafe, and shop naturally in the Howling Coyote Gift Shop.

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- America's Stonehenge

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

It has been determined that America's Stonehenge is an accurate astronomically aligned calendar. It was and still can be, used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year. Archaeoastronomy is the study of the role of astronomy in ancient cultures. This includes knowing who was responsible for building astronomical observatories and how they were used to effect or influence their lives At America's Stonehenge. We have uncovered a wide range of artifacts including stone tools, pottery, stone and bone pendants, Native American and colonial artifacts.

Thaxter garden on the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Thaxter’s Garden on Isles of Shoals

Depart from Gregg Marine Research Complex, 29 Wentworth Road New Castle, NH Phone:

Portsmouth-born author Celia Laighton Thaxter (1835-1894) grew up in the Isles of Shoals, including Appledore and Star islands, offshore between New Hampshire and Kittery Point, Maine. Her poems first appeared in The Atlantic Monthly and she became one of America's favorite authors in the late 1800s. Images of her famous garden return, again and again, in the oil paintings by Childe Hassam. Tours of the garden and Appledore Island are offered by Shoals Marine Lab aboard the research vessel Challenger. This is an island without paved roads, vehicles or amenities, so visitors (age 18 and older) should be prepared to spend the day hiking on rough terrain. The rewards are great.

Jiminy Peak Adventure Park Massachusetts

Massachusetts -- Jiminy Peak’s Adventure Park

37 Corey Road Hancock, MA Phone:

413-738-5500

In winter, Jiminy Peak is the place to ski and snowboard. In summer, it turns into the Mountain Adventure Park, filled with rides and challenges for people who can’t turn down a dare. Among the hair-raising activities are an aerial forest ropes course consisting of five elevated courses; a mountain coaster, consisting of thousands of feet of twisting, turning fun through the woods; an Alpine super slide; a rock climbing wall with automatic belay lines and beginner, intermediate, and expert routes; a Euro-bungy trampoline with swivel harnesses; a zip ride, mountain Segway tours; mountain biking, and – for the sedentary adventurer, scenic tram rides to the summit on a six-passenger chairlift.

Art’s Dune Tours Provincetown Cape Cod MA

MASSACHUSETTS – Art’s Dune Tours

4 Standish Street Provincetown, MA Phone: 800-894-1951

For three generations, the family-run Art’s Dune Tours has been taking spellbound visitors on tours of the dunes of the Provincelands, a marvelous, otherworldly place of sky, sea, dune grass, and wind-sculpted dunes. On the tours, you will travel through the majestic dunes where your guide points out the dune shacks where famous artists and writers lived and found inspiration. You will pass the remains of the Peaked Hill Life Saving Station and learn how life savers enacted their heroic efforts to save the lives of thousands from shipwrecks. Access by the public to the dunes is limited, so this is the way to see this marvelous landscape.

MASSACHUSETTS – Minuteman Bikeway

The Minuteman Bikeway passes through the historic area where the American Revolution began in April 1775. Built by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on an inactive railroad, the trail is often used by local residents as a convenient, eco-friendly way for commuters to reach train stations. The path is 12 feet wide, plowed in the winter time, and includes lots of stops for refreshments and/or restrooms at Depot Park in Bedford, the Lexington Visitor’s Center, Alewife Station, and nearby business districts along the bikeway. Trail access in Bedford is available at the intersection of South Road and Loomis Street (exit 31B from I-95); at Lexington Center and Arlington Center, and at the Alewife T-Station.

MASSACHUSETTS -- Cape Cod Railroad

Remember when you boarded a train there was a sense of adventure, and getting there was all the fun! Travel back in time to the golden age of railroad travel as you are treated to some of the Cape's unspoiled and hidden beauty, accessible only by the railways. Make a whistle stop in Sandwich -- the Cape's oldest and most charming town -- or ride on through on this two-hour scenic route. Traverse some of the Cape's most picturesque countryside including quaint villages, unspoiled woodlands, sand dunes, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and the famous Cape Cod Canal.

Top 10 New England outdoor adventures fill your vacation with zest

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