New England Road Trip

A mid-Atlantic state rich in natural beauty and U.S. history, Virginia lies in the heart of Appalachia, and claims 544 miles of Appalachian Trail. Western Virginia's mountainous region features several national parks and recreation areas like Shenandoah National Park and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

Jamestown is the site of North America’s first English settlement in 1607; it remains as a historical attraction, preserved to showcase 18th century settler life. Nearby Colonial Williamsburg draws even more crowds. The country’s first capital, Williamsburg today features several well-preserved colonial homes and taverns, and a community that embraces its heritage; re-enactors don period garb and converse with visitors as Patrick Henry or Thomas Jefferson. Another famous historical site is Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia near Washington, D.C.

Virginia Beach in the southeastern part of the state, is a popular getaway with a long, wide beach and boardwalk, and features a mix of lively nightlife and peaceful nearby retreats.

Cape Cod is an arm-shaped peninsula located on the Easternmost portion of Massachusetts. It is a well-traveled tourist and vacation area—within easy driving distance of both New York and Boston—featuring miles of beaches, natural attractions, historic sites, art galleries and many four star restaurants. The area is also popular among antique and bed-and-breakfast enthusiasts. Hyannis, in the south, is the gateway to Martha’s Vineyard and is also famous as the location of the “Kennedy compound.”

Many opportunities exist for golf, cycling, fishing and other outdoor activities. Provincetown, at the very tip of the peninsula, is the site of the first landing of the Pilgrims, and today is famous for being a popular destination for gay and lesbian travelers.

Martha’s Vineyard is an island located eight miles off the Cape Cod peninsula in Massachusetts. Once a whaling center, it has become a favorite summertime haven for many celebrities.

Martha’s Vineyard is made up of six towns, each with a selection of restaurants and accommodations. Residents have come to say “up island” to mean western areas of the island—Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Tisbury are “down island.” South-facing beaches have the most surf. Uncle Seth’s Pond on Lambert’s Cove Road is the only freshwater beach.

The Gay Head cliffs at Aquinnah are a “must see.” Moshup Beach below the cliffs was also named as at top ten “walking beach” by the Travel Channel in 2003. Menemsha is one of the few places on the East Coast where you can see the sunset over the water. Be sure to enjoy lobster from Larsen’s Fish Market on the dock while watching the sunset, and make a requisite stop to the famous Black Dog Cafe before your visit ends.

Since 1884, islanders have enjoyed the beauty of this magnificent carousel. Built by Charles W.F. Dare, it is the nation's oldest platform carousel still in operation. Acquired by the Preservation Trust in 1986, the carousel is a National Historic Landmark. Children (and others) may enjoy a ride from Easter Sunday through Columbus Day. Rides cost just USD1 and if you catch the brass ring, you ride for free. Video games and refreshments are also available.

In 1835, members of a church decided to use this part of the island for a summer meeting. Each year, the meeting became more and more popular. Soon, members of the congregation built cottages and stayed longer. Eventually, their "gingerbread" cottages filled the entire 34 acres and the town of Oak Bluffs was formed. Today, Oak Bluffs, on the northern shore of Martha's Vineyard, is a resort town with shops and restaurants. The beaches and walking and biking trails are a big attraction. To this day, it is still the home of an annual religious revival.

In the 1800s, religious camps were popular on the island. As popularity increased, this open-air wrought iron structure was built, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the US. With seating for 3,000 people and exquisite woodworking and stained glass, it is truly a magnificent sight. In 1979, its centennial year, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabernacle is used today for concerts, Sunday church services, community sing-alongs and special ceremonies.

Edgartown was founded in 1642, and was the first colonial settlement on the island. By the mid 1800s the town was ranked per capita as one of the wealthiest communities in the country. During that time, whaling and merchant captains built the beautiful Greek Revival homes that can still be found all over town. Edgartown continues to maintain its elegance with many luxurious inns, shops and restaurants. It is also a beautiful island town with several beaches and wildlife preserves nearby.

Cape Cod is an arm-shaped peninsula located on the Easternmost portion of Massachusetts. It is a well-traveled tourist and vacation area—within easy driving distance of both New York and Boston—featuring miles of beaches, natural attractions, historic sites, art galleries and many four star restaurants. The area is also popular among antique and bed-and-breakfast enthusiasts. Hyannis, in the south, is the gateway to Martha’s Vineyard and is also famous as the location of the “Kennedy compound.”

Many opportunities exist for golf, cycling, fishing and other outdoor activities. Provincetown, at the very tip of the peninsula, is the site of the first landing of the Pilgrims, and today is famous for being a popular destination for gay and lesbian travelers.

Portland is Maine’s largest city, as well as its economic capital. Perched on a peninsula, Portland’s rugged coastline and charming cityscape seamlessly blend together, resulting in the quintessential New England fishing town. Portland’s once fishing-based economy is now grounded in the service industry, as the city has become quite the tourist destination. In 2009, Forbes.com ranked Portland as America’s number one most-livable city.       

Visit the Arts District, just a few blocks from the waterfront. Here you can explore the Portland Museum of Art, the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art, the Center for Maine History or the State Theater. Old Port is a quaint area of the city, where you can walk the cobblestone streets, feast on succulent Maine lobster or window shop. Portland is a great place for hiking and other outdoor activities. Payson Park, Baxter Woods, Fore River Sanctuary and Deer Oaks Park are just a few of the beautiful outdoor locations that Portland has to offer.

The Pomegranate Inn, a beautifully transformed 1884 Italianate house, is located in Portland's most gracious neighborhood, the historic and architecturally rich Western Promenade District. The Inn is a celebration of art, color and artisan design. This unique Victorian neighborhood is an easy 10 minute walk to Portland's downtown arts district and museum and very convenient to the Old Port with its' boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Beaches and lighthouses are just 20 minutes away.

Boston is the largest city in New England, the capital of Massachusetts and one of the most historic cities in the United States. Founded in 1630, Boston was at the center of the American Revolutionary period; the Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773 were key events leading up to the Revolution in 1775. Today, Boston’s patriotic legacy attracts countless visitors each year. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail to see historic sites and colonial structures like Boston Common, Park Street Church and the Paul Revere House.

Boston offers dozens of museums, a wealth of historical sites, and several world-class universities and colleges, among them Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston College and the Boston University. More than 16 million tourists visit each year, making it one of the 10 most popular tourist locations in the United States.

Boston is a sports town, and its residents are fiercely loyal fans of its professional teams: the Red Sox (baseball), Celtics (basketball), Bruins (hockey), New England Patriots (football) and New England Revolution (soccer).

Make sure you schedule some time to relax in one of Boston’s many pubs, and sample some fresh seafood, clam chowder or Boston Baked Beans in the city’s restaurants.

Get local expert tips on how to make the most of your tour to these 16 historic sites that trace America’s colonial roots.

Learn the history of the Boston Beer Company, brewer of Sam Adams beer, since its beginnings in 1984. Have you ever wondered how the brewing and fermentation process works? You will learn how yeast, grain and malted barley turn into liquid cheer. View the giant machinery that does it all—with a little help from the brewmasters. At the end of the guided tour, visitors get a taste of the famous Boston Lager and seasonal brews. There is a gift shop on site.

In pedestrian-friendly Boston, many see the sights on foot. But if you have a limited amount of time, a trolley tour may be the answer. This company offers a 100-minute narrated tour of Boston that passes many of the highlights of the Freedom Trail as well as the Back Bay. You may get on and off the trolley as much as you like. Trolleys depart from in front of the New England Aquarium on the waterfront. The trolley also makes pickups at many downtown hotels. Open daily from 9 am.

There are more than 100 places to eat, shop and drink at Faneuil Hall Marketplace also known as Quincy Market. French merchant Peter Faneuil gave the hall that precedes the marketplace to his adopted home of Boston in 1742. It has been called the "Cradle of Liberty" because of the number of revolutionaries and abolitionists who delivered important speeches here. The hall is now a tourist center, but public meeting facilities are still available.

Freedom Trail is a three-mile ribbon of red paint that links 16 historical sites. Most visitors start the trail at the Boston Common. The National Park Service offers 90-minute guided tours starting at the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center. Maps are also available here. Stops include the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and the Old North Church. You can also discover Paul Revere's house, the site of the Boston Massacre, and the Copp's Hill Burial Ground. At the end of the trail in Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument and the U.S.S. Constitution await you.

In 1775, local silversmith Paul Revere left this house to warn fellow rebels Sam Adams and John Hancock that British troops were headed to Lexington to arrest them. That night was immortalized by Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride." The home was built in the late 1600s and bought by Revere in 1770. It just escaped the wrecking ball when Revere's descendants recovered the property in 1902. Now a national historic landmark, the building is the oldest in downtown Boston.

Boston is the largest city in New England, the capital of Massachusetts and one of the most historic cities in the United States. Founded in 1630, Boston was at the center of the American Revolutionary period; the Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773 were key events leading up to the Revolution in 1775. Today, Boston’s patriotic legacy attracts countless visitors each year. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail to see historic sites and colonial structures like Boston Common, Park Street Church and the Paul Revere House.

Boston offers dozens of museums, a wealth of historical sites, and several world-class universities and colleges, among them Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston College and the Boston University. More than 16 million tourists visit each year, making it one of the 10 most popular tourist locations in the United States.

Boston is a sports town, and its residents are fiercely loyal fans of its professional teams: the Red Sox (baseball), Celtics (basketball), Bruins (hockey), New England Patriots (football) and New England Revolution (soccer).

Make sure you schedule some time to relax in one of Boston’s many pubs, and sample some fresh seafood, clam chowder or Boston Baked Beans in the city’s restaurants.

Get physical with a bike tour through key city attractions. The ticket price includes a sturdy bike, a helmet, water and a map, as well as a knowledgeable guide for a two-hour trip through the Boston Common and Back Bay to Harvard University. There are several set routes, but your guide can also accommodate special stop requests. Child seats are available. Call or check website for tour and rental fees.

Take a photographic journey around Boston. See Beacon Hill, the Public Garden and the Freedom Trail. It's a great way to see Boston come alive, along with simple and creative photo techniques.

Within Museum of Science are a planetarium, an IMAX movie theater and a two-story Van de Graaf generator, capable of producing 2.5 million volts of electricity. These and the hundreds of other exhibits make this museum one of Boston's top attractions. Hatching chickens, a comparative brain exhibit and a math and statistics room are educating and entertaining.

Although Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 United States, this New England state is full of things for visitors to do and see. Known officially as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, it may surprise some to know that Rhode Island was the first of the original colonies to declare independence from the British back in 1776.

When in Rhode Island, plan to visit Newport to see the mansions of some of the wealthiest American families, like Astors’ Beechwood Mansion and The Breakers, built by the notable Vanderbilt family. Make sure to enjoy some yachting while visiting the “City by the Sea.” WaterFire is an annual part art display, part pyrotechnics show held in Providence, the state’s capital and largest city. The event attracts nearly 50,000 onlookers each night, a mix of visitors and locals.

Thanks to a 400 mile-long coastline, Little Rhody is a great destination for beach getaways in New England. Narragansett is one of the most popular towns for a sunny escape and its state beaches offer great activities for families, from junior lifeguard programs to musical concerts.

This downtown hotel is situated across from the Dunkin Donuts Center, approximately nine miles from TF Green Airport, and two miles from Brown University. Local attractions include Roger Williams Zoo, Providence Place Mall, and Lincoln Greyhound Park.Hotel amenities include ATM, concierge, laundry/dry cleaning, ice machine, safe deposit box, fax/photocopy service, room service, and onsite parking (fee). Guests may also enjoy the fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool. Onsite dining is available at the Shula's 347 restaurant.Guest rooms feature bathrobes, satellite/cable TVs, coffeemakers, hairdryers, in-room movies, irons, ironing boards, telephones, voicemail, and work desks with lamps.

Purgatory Chasm is a tiny strip of State Park enveloping a gorgeous view of the open ocean just steps from the park entrance. In the park, visitors can stand on a wooden bridge and admire a deep chasm and the rushing waters from the safety of distance, or take a brisk nature walk along the trail. The other trails at Purgatory Chasm end on the rocky cliffs, which force hikers to turn quickly back.

This unique farm and zoo is a great outdoor family activity. The farm's owner, who raises these caterpillars for commercial use, has built a large greenhouse and offers visitors a chance to roam the grounds and learn about the beautiful species. The zoo opens in the summer and closes after Labor Day. On a warm, sunny day the zoo is filled with a variety flying shapes and colors, but be advised, the farm is closed on rainy days when butterflies tend to disappear into the lush vegetation.

Put some spark into your vacation with a visit to Providence’s famous annual art event.

A mid-Atlantic state rich in natural beauty and U.S. history, Virginia lies in the heart of Appalachia, and claims 544 miles of Appalachian Trail. Western Virginia's mountainous region features several national parks and recreation areas like Shenandoah National Park and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

Jamestown is the site of North America’s first English settlement in 1607; it remains as a historical attraction, preserved to showcase 18th century settler life. Nearby Colonial Williamsburg draws even more crowds. The country’s first capital, Williamsburg today features several well-preserved colonial homes and taverns, and a community that embraces its heritage; re-enactors don period garb and converse with visitors as Patrick Henry or Thomas Jefferson. Another famous historical site is Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia near Washington, D.C.

Virginia Beach in the southeastern part of the state, is a popular getaway with a long, wide beach and boardwalk, and features a mix of lively nightlife and peaceful nearby retreats.