New England is among the most beautiful and underrated parts of the country. With the East Coast states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida and the West Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington getting the most hype, states such as Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are often ignored. The Atlantic coastline, scenic byways, fall foliage, and Colonial past make New England a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. You’ll be astounded by what you see and experience in the northeast region of the country.
Here are five places you must see while visiting New England:
- Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Notch State Park in Maine. Perfect photo opportunities abound near the 23-foot waterfall. This destination is by the Bear River in a narrow gorge that forms into shallow wading pools. Rated a 4.5 on a 5.0-star scale, the easy-to-navigate trail gives visitors access to the area at its peak touring season during May to October. Parking fees do apply, so make sure to bring cash.
- The Skyline Overlook on the Hogback Mountain in Vermont.Enjoy a 100-mile view of the surrounding area. Hogback Mountain delights year-round but offers colorful foliage in the fall months. If you enjoy taking photos and want something to do with the family while traveling, the observation deck on the overlook is where you’ll want to be. You can stop by the Gift Shop on the way out for ice cream and souvenirs, too.
- Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway, New Hampshire. Choose from two options, the Notch Train or the Valley Train. The Notch Train is a five to five-and-a-half-hour excursion that is 50 to 60 miles in length. The Valley Train is a shorter trip consisting of 11 to 21 miles round-trip. It’s perfect for families with small children. You can also dine on the train at the different cars offering food such as the Hattie Evans on the Notch Excursions or the Chocorua on the Conway and Bartlett Excursions. Each offers a different menu and dining experience for passengers.
- The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts. Step back into history by scheduling a tour of this iconic tourist destination. It features 16 historic sites and stretches 2.5 miles. If you’re a history buff or want to demonstrate what your children have learned at school, this is one New England location you don’t want to miss. You’ll see the Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel & Burying Ground, Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution “Old Ironsides,” and Bunker Hill Monument.
- Visit the castle of Sherlock Holmes in Connecticut. Built by actor William Gillette, the Gillette Castle is a virtual playground filled with hidden rooms, passages, and sliding furniture. Taking the Chester-Hadlyme ferry is the best way to get to this destination. This popular site is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s worth a visit to see how the actor who played the popular literary character interpreted his role.
\The lobster shacks found throughout New England offer tantalizing ways to engage your senses. From the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings you get while eating at them, they’re destinations that you don’t want to ignore while traveling. Take a road trip to the seaport village of Rockport, Massachusetts. It’s about 40 miles north of Boston and you’ll find cute shops, restaurants and seafood for sale. From Bagaduce Lunch in Maine to Johnny Ads Drive In in Connecticut, you’ll find something new on the menu at every shack you stop to dine at. And if you can’t wait to get your lobster roll fix, have a kit shipped to you!
To learn more about the top-rated lobster shacks in New England, go to our top lobster shacks and be sure to comment on your favorite spot!
Don’t be afraid to stray from the well-beaten path carved out by the tourism industry. Hidden treasures await you where you least expect them in New England. There are many gems to explore in the northeastern region of the country. Make sure to check out the calendar of holidays and special events for more unique experiences and opportunities.