New England (U.S.)

Spotlight on New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island)

New England conjures up so many idyllic images: winding back roads that lead to quaint villages; vast rolling hills covered in orchards; rocky, jagged seashores; bustling, energetic cities and unparalleled historic significance. New England is truly one of our country’s greatest treasures, and no matter what season you choose to explore this incredible region, it always has an abundance of beauty and intrigue to share.

Spring

When New England shakes off the chill of winter there is no better way to witness the metamorphosis than to explore on foot. Maine’s Acadia National Park is a perfect place to meander, taking in unusual rock formations, gorgeous views of wildflowers and forests, and abundant wildlife. Those seeking a more challenging trek can visit Bear Mountain in Connecticut, where a seven mile trail leads to its 2,300-foot summit with panoramic views. For the city folk, there’s spectacular Boston, where a walk through the shopping areas of Beacon Hill or Newbury Street are made all the more pleasant by the newfound warmth of the season.

Summer

When the days are hot and it’s time to relax, New England is a great place to pass the days. First, there’s the quintessential all-American summertime diversion, a Red Sox game at Boston’s beloved Fenway Park. Then there are the famous resort areas of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Cape Cod’s elegant beachside towns are filled with excellent shopping and seafood, while Martha’s Vineyard is known for its tranquil streets lined with brightly colored Victorian cottages. But for sheer variety, the beaches of Maine can’t be beat. The state’s stunning outcroppings, inlets, and gracefully sloping sand dunes are not only gorgeous, but also bestow upon Maine the distinction of having the longest coastline of any U.S. state.

Autumn

If there is only one thing to experience during a New England autumn, it is the breathtaking rainbow of the changing leaves. The show kicks off in Maine in late September and goes straight down the coast to Connecticut, where the colors peak in November. Smaller highways and back roads provide gorgeous foliage views as well as a quaint, homey atmosphere, dotted with small towns and villages, orchards and cider mills, cafes and shops. You can visit towns like Mystic, Connecticut and Jamestown, Rhode Island or take a cruise up the eastern coast to explore the spectacular display of New England’s fall colors.

Winter

New England winters are nothing if not snowy. Ski areas abound in all the New England s tates and cater to all ability levels. Places like Stowe, Vermont are full-service ski towns with resorts, exhilarating slopes, and a lively “après-ski” nightlife, while others like Exeter, Rhode Island cater to all ages and levels and are perfect for families. For those not inclined to the slopes, there’s also snow hiking, snow tubing, ice skating and rides in ‘one-horse open sleighs.’ But if playing in the snow just isn’t for you, there’s always shopping! Most of the ski towns have well-traveled shopping districts perfect for spending an afternoon of retail therapy.