Highway Tripping New England: My Urged Itinerary

Posted: 6/17/2021 | June 17th, 2021

I’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: America is made for street journeys. With bustling cities, rugged nationwide parks, and scrumptious eats, the sheer measurement and variety of this nation by no means stop to amaze me.

I’ve road-tripped the USA 5 occasions, spending a cumulative 12 months exploring its cities, cities, and parks. To me, a street journey is one of the simplest ways to discover the U.S. as a result of, by driving the again roads and getting out of the cities, you actually get to see the variety and pure great thing about the nation.

One area specifically that I like to drive round is New England.

Having grown up in Boston and gone to school in Western Massachusetts, I’ve spent plenty of my life on this a part of the nation. Final summer season, I spent much more time there, exploring elements of Maine, Cape Cod, and upstate New York that I had by no means seen earlier than.

And yeah, I’m biased as a result of I grew up right here, however I actually do suppose New England is among the most particular areas of the nation. It gives scrumptious seafood, pleasant and welcoming folks, unimaginable pure magnificence, allure, and loads of historical past.

And, given the very fact the area is comparatively small, it’s simple to get round so you’ll be able to cowl plenty of floor in a brief period of time.

When you’re pondering of visiting, right here’s a urged street journey round New England that will help you get a really feel for the area:
 

Days 1-3: Boston, MA

Kick matters off in Boston, whose outdated colonial buildings testify to its historic roots. I grew up on this metropolis and, even with all my world travels, it stays one among my favorites. Although one of many largest cities in America, it has extra of a “large-town” really feel to it than that of bustling metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover pleasant locals, die-hard sports activities followers, energetic bars, world-class eating places, and a ton of American historical past to maintain you busy.

These are a few of my favourite matters to do in Boston:

• Stroll the Freedom Path – This 2.5-mile (4km) route takes you thru colonial Boston. Beginning within the Boston Widespread and winding previous Faneuil Corridor, the Previous State Home, and Bunker Hill, this historic stroll teaches you about life in colonial and revolutionary occasions. The tourism board additionally gives guided excursions (although they’re suspended proper now as a consequence of COVID).
• See the Museum of Tremendous Arts – This museum has over 450,000 items of wonderful artwork, from the pre-Columbian period to Italian Impressionism. It’s among the finest collections within the nation.
• Go to Bunker Hill Monument – The Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 was one of many first main clashes of the Revolutionary Warfare. Whereas the British gained, the Individuals wore British forces down greater than was anticipated. The monument stands 221 ft tall; you’ll be able to climb to the highest to benefit from the view (it’s the very best view of Boston).
• Lounge in Boston Widespread – That is the oldest metropolis park within the U.S., courting to 1634. It was as soon as used as communal pastureland by Puritan settlers (in addition they executed some “witches” right here as properly). In the present day, it’s an amazing place to loosen up, people-watch, and picnic.
• Go to Harvard – Harvard College is the primary and oldest college within the nation (based in 1636, predating even the US). The campus gives free one-hour excursions via the grounds and buildings. Afterward, seize a espresso and people-watch within the various and artsy Harvard Sq..
• Catch a sport at Fenway Park – This is among the oldest baseball parks within the nation (it opened in 1912). Bostonians are die-hard Sox followers so even when you don’t like baseball, go for the cultural expertise. Tickets begin round $20 USD for standing room or bleacher seats, and $31 USD for the grandstand. Guided excursions of the stadium are provided year-round as properly; they final one hour and value $21 USD per particular person.

For extra options on what to do within the metropolis (and there’s a lot), try my free information to Boston.

The place to Keep

• HI Boston – That is my favourite hostel within the metropolis. It’s clear, spacious, and social, and the workers are tremendous pleasant and useful.

For extra options, right here is my listing of the very best locations to remain in Boston.
 

Days 4-5: Portland, ME

Positioned two hours from Boston, Portland, Maine is your subsequent cease. Resulting from its sturdy brewery scene, a historic downtown, plenty of nice seafood, and close by coastal parks and lighthouses, I’m an enormous fan of town. I actually received to discover it final summer season for the primary time since faculty and it’s only a great spot to spend a few days. Some must-see matters to do:

• Go to Peaks Island – This small island is house to round a thousand folks. Positioned simply 20 minutes off the coast, it’s a laid-back place to eat, lounge, and take a look at the quaint retailers. There’s additionally a small World Warfare II museum right here, in addition to a neat umbrella cowl museum (it’s extra fascinating than it sounds!).
• Attempt a Holy Donut – Holy Donuts are created from Maine potatoes (which sounds bizarre, however they’re extremely tasty), so they’re not less than considerably more healthy than your normal donut. There’s all the time a line, so attempt to get there early!
• See the lighthouses – There are a number of historic lighthouses value seeing close by, together with the Portland Breakwater (which was designed to appear like a Greek monument), Spring Level Ledge (which was inbuilt 1897 and is open for excursions), and Portland Head Gentle (which was inbuilt 1791).
• Wander Victoria Mansion – This ornate mansion-turned-museum, inbuilt 1860 and declared a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1971, boasts a brownstone exterior and elaborate inside furnishings. It’s extremely lavish, shedding gentle on what life was like for the well-to-do within the late 19th century. Admission is $15 USD.

When you’re in Portland, make sure to try among the metropolis’s greatest eating places, together with Duckfat (get the fries), Eventide (greatest oysters within the metropolis), and Chew into Maine (greatest lobster roll within the metropolis). For drinks, head to Rising Tide Brewery.

The place to Keep

• Black Elephant Hostel – This hostel has a cool, colourful inside and social environment, and is completely situated close to plenty of eating places and procuring.

 

Days 6-8: Bar Harbor, ME

Simply three hours north of Portland, Bar Harbor is the biggest city close to Acadia Nationwide Park, whose pristine stretch of 50,000 acres is house to Cadillac Mountain, the biggest mountain on the Atlantic coast. With simply over 5,000 folks, Bar Harbor sees an enormous inflow of individuals each summer season, so make sure to plan forward and hit the park early when you’re right here.

Furthermore, on the best way up from Portland, take Route 1 and cease for meals alongside the best way in any one among quite a few historic fishing cities. When you like oysters, cease at Glidden Level Oyster Farm.

Listed here are some matters to see and do in and close to Bar Harbor:

• Discover Acadia Nationwide Park – This beautiful nationwide park covers forests, lakes, mountains, and a big swath of the Atlantic shoreline. It’s extremely fashionable in the summertime for climbing, biking, tenting, kayaking, and extra. You possibly can simply spend a few days simply exploring the park. Tenting begins at $22 USD per night time.
• Go to Abbe Museum – This museum showcases the realm’s indigenous historical past and tradition. It’s very informative and sheds necessary gentle on a historical past usually neglected. It’s a part of the Smithsonian, so you realize it’s going to be good!

Like the remainder of Maine, Bar Harbor has some great locations to eat. My favorites have been the Touring Lobster (greatest lobster roll within the space), Havana (upscale eating), and Rosalie’s (scrumptious meals throughout).

The place to Keep

• Bar Harbor Manor – It is a cozy lodge proper outdoors Acadia Nationwide Park with plenty of out of doors area to loosen up in, free Wi-Fi, and an indoor parlor with a fire.

 

Days 9: Bangor, ME

Bangor is only one hour away from Bar Harbor. It’s a small metropolis (simply 32,000 folks name Bangor house) however it’s a cute little city value an evening. There are a bunch of parks and breweries on the town and you’ll see Stephen King’s home (he lives in Bangor).

My favourite locations to eat are the Fiddlehead (scrumptious meals throughout) and Judy’s (greatest diner breakfast). For a drink, head to Mason’s Brewing.

The place to Keep
Bangor is a small city, so that you’ll wish to examine costs on Reserving.com and Airbnb to see what most closely fits your funds.
 

Days 10-12: Moosehead Lake, ME

Moosehead Lake is simply 2.5 hours north of Bangor. It’s the second-largest lake in New England and the biggest within the state. Spanning over 75,000 acres, it’s good for fishing, boating, climbing, and enjoyable. You’ll be able to lease a ship or jet-ski, camp, or keep at one of many lodges.

Spend a pair days right here enjoyable away from the crowds, climbing the plethora of trails, recognizing moose, or collaborating in all of the lake actions on provide.

For dinner or drinks, head to the Stress Free Moose Pub in Greenville.

The place to Keep

• Leisure Life – This lodging is primary, however it’s in an amazing location (in Greenville), and the workers are tremendous useful.

 

Days 13-14: Mount Washington, NH

Mount Washington is simply over Four hours southwest of Greenville. It’s within the Presidential Vary of the White Mountains and is the best peak within the Northeast. When you can hike to the highest when you’re skilled (it’s often known as essentially the most harmful small mountain on the planet), you may as well take a prepare to the summit, the place there’s an commentary constructing.

A number of the greatest day hikes up the mountain are Tuckerman Ravine Path (4.2 miles, strenuous), Lion’s Head Path (4.2 miles, strenuous), and Jewell Path (5.2 miles, average).

The place to Keep
You’ll be able to keep in close by Gorham or Littleton.
 

Days 15-17: Burlington, VT

Positioned in northwest Vermont, round Four hours from Mount Washington, Burlington is the biggest metropolis within the state. With simply 42,000 folks, it appears like a small city than main metropolis. And, sitting on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington has loads for out of doors fans so attempt to come when the climate is sweet!

A few of my favourite matters to do listed below are:

• Wander Church Avenue – This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is the center of town. Café-hop, browse the bookstores and different retailers, and take within the sluggish tempo of life.
• Get out on the water – Spend a while out on the water and absorb the solar. Boat leases, cruises, paddle boarding, kayaking — you are able to do all of it right here. There are additionally a number of seashores you’ll be able to lounge on, with North Seaside being the preferred.
• Go to Ben & Jerry’s – That is the place the worldwide ice cream model originated. In case you have extra time, you’ll be able to go to the close by manufacturing unit in Waterbury and see the “ice cream graveyard,” the place Ben & Jerry’s commemorates its out of date flavors.
• Take pleasure in craft beer – Burlington is a craft beer mecca, house to over a dozen breweries. Go bar- or brewery-hopping to style the very best town has to supply. Native favorites embody Foam Brewers, Zero Gravity, Fiddlehead Brewing Firm, and the Burlington Beer Firm.

The place to Keep
There are not any hostels right here, so examine costs on Reserving.com and Airbnb to see what most closely fits your funds.
 

Days 18-19: Inexperienced Mountain Nationwide Forest, VT

Spanning virtually 400,000 acres, the Inexperienced Mountain Nationwide Forest is a beautiful panorama house to all types of wildlife, together with bears, moose, coyotes, beavers, deer, and extra. Established in 1932, it’s a fantastic place for a day hike or multiday journey (elements of the two,190-mile Appalachian Trial will also be discovered right here).

Highlights embody Thundering Falls (a 140-foot waterfall), the Lengthy Path (a 272-mile hike and the oldest long-distance path within the nation), and the panoramic view from the 4,000-foot Camel Hump summit.

Because it’s a nationwide forest, tenting right here is free (except indicators advise in any other case).
 

Days 20-22: The Berkshires, MA

Two hours south of the Inexperienced Mountain Nationwide Forest are the Berkshires. This mountain vary in western Massachusetts is dotted with small villages and charming cities. It’s a well-liked trip vacation spot for climbing, snowboarding, and autumn drives to see the altering foliage. The area has one thing for everybody and is an ideal spot for anybody on the lookout for out of doors actions or a romantic getaway. There are many summer season and fall markets right here too.

Listed here are some matters to see and do:

• Hike Mount Greylock – Standing 3,491 ft tall and situated in a state park encompassing over 12,000 acres, Mount Greylock is the best peak in Massachusetts. There are a number of trails that result in the summit (together with a portion of the Appalachian Path). The hike takes round 90 minutes, and the views from the highest are completely breathtaking — you’ll be able to see for miles!
• Go to the Norman Rockwell Museum – Norman Rockwell, the prolific American painter and illustrator, spent a lot of his life in Stockbridge. A museum was established there to showcase his life and works, highlighting the evolution and impression of his artwork. Admission is $20 USD.
• Discover Pure Bridge State Park – Positioned in North Adams, this park is house to a pure bridge of white marble (which is over 550 million years outdated) in addition to an outdated marble quarry. There’s a straightforward path across the bridge and quarry, and loads of enjoyable fields and meadows to picnic in. Parking is $20 USD for out-of-state residents.

The place to Keep
There are not any hostels right here, so examine costs on Reserving.com and Airbnb to see what most closely fits your funds.
 

Day 23: Amherst, MA

Amherst is a vibrant faculty city and the hub of the 5 Faculty Consortium. In truth, I went to high school on the close by UMass campus. Spend an evening right here and benefit from the city’s cafés, bookstores, and eating places.

Make sure you tour the Emily Dickinson Museum, which commemorates the poet (she was born in Amherst in 1830). The home the place she was born and grew up, now transformed right into a museum, consists of paintings, artifacts, clothes, and poetry from Dickinson’s life. There are sometimes occasions and poetry readings right here, so test the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to. Guided excursions final 60 minutes and value $15 USD.

As for meals, Antonio’s Pizza is a should (they’ve some actually ingenious toppings). I ate plenty of it throughout faculty! I’m additionally an enormous fan of Black Sheep for sandwiches and Home of Teriyaki for Japanese meals.

The place to Keep
There are not any hostels right here, so examine costs on Reserving.com and Airbnb to see what most closely fits your funds.
 

Day 24: Again to Boston

It’s only a quick two-hour drive again to Boston, so be at liberty to cease alongside the best way to stretch your legs. There’s loads of locations to cease alongside the best way or simply do extra matters in Boston!
 

Bonus Vacation spot: Cape Cod, MA

In case you have extra time, head to Cape Cod. You’ll discover fairly villages, picturesque lighthouses, tasty seafood shacks, and limitless shoreline right here. It’s the place everybody within the area goes for the summer season. You possibly can spend weeks right here when you wished!

Listed here are some matters to see and do throughout your keep:

• Go whale watching – From April to October, you’ll be able to see finback, minke, and humpback whales, in addition to dolphins and seals. Excursions price round $65 USD.
• Hike or bike the Nationwide Seashore – Created in 1961 by JFK, this park spans over 43,000 acres. There are 11 climbing trails, in addition to half a dozen biking trials. All of them are properly marked so it’s a straightforward strategy to stretch your legs and take within the lovely panorama.
• Go to some lighthouses – There are dozens of picturesque lighthouses round Cape Cod, a few of that are open to the general public. Don’t miss Nauset, Nobska, and Highland lighthouses.

***

New England is among the most lovely elements of the US. Its measurement makes it good for street journeys, providing a pleasant mixture of cities, small cities, and beautiful pure magnificence. It additionally has among the greatest seafood within the nation, plenty of climbing and biking alternatives, and among the friendliest folks within the nation. I’m proud to have grown up on this area and encourage you to discover my yard!

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