New England is beautiful in any season of the year, but during the summer the region seems to sparkle. The beautiful coastlines, the full green forests, and the peaceful lakes make for an incredible experience no matter where you choose to vacation. Add to that the number of unique festivals, outdoor adventure opportunities, and friendly native people, and you have the recipe for a perfect vacation. Listed below are ten great summer vacation ideas for the New England region to help jumpstart your planning.
1) White Mountains Region in New Hampshire
This region, home to the majestic Mt. Washington offers everything the outdoor adventurer could want. A hike up Mt. Washington, or a car drive up the mountain for the less daring, is worth the effort and time just for the view. Smaller day hikes and whitewater rafting and canoe trips are also readily available in the region. Families with small children should check out Storyland – a theme park based on nursery rhymes and fairy tales – in the nearby town of Glen. For the shopping fans, North Conway offers a large number of outlet malls and the famous Zeb’s General Store.
2) Portland, Maine
Portland is the state of Maine’s largest city and has a virtually unending supply of options for fun. From an incredible bar scene located on the scenic waterfront, to Portland Seadogs games, to a wide variety of art galleries and museums, this city has something to please everyone. Oceanside, and a small city by national standards, Portland’s people are friendly, it is easy to travel around, it is safe, and you will never have trouble finding a fresh seafood dinner during your stay. In addition, the famous Portland Headlight, the most photographed lighthouse in the nation is a mere 15 minute drive from the center of Portland.
3 ) Rockland, Maine
Home of the annual lobster festival, this seaside town has plenty of small town charm, but is not lacking in fun or beauty.
4) Mystic, Connecticut.
This coastal town was not only the set of the classic Julia Roberts movie, Mystic Pizza, but is a scenic location for vacationers looking to be a beach bum this summer.
5) Boston, Massachussetts
If you want to thoroughly enjoy Boston, you must plan for an extended stay. The city is steeped in history, and the Freedom Trail makes for an excellent walk on a warm summer day. However, it also has attractions such as the New England Aquarium, the North End/Little Italy, and of course, the famous Fenway Park.
6) Concord, Massachussetts
Concord is the site of Walden Pond, which was immortalized in Henry David Thoreau’s book of the same name. For a peaceful, nature-oriented vacation, this spot is the perfect idea.
7) Waterbury, Vermont
The entire state of Vermont is filled with natural beauty, and any nature or outdoor enthusiast can find more than enough to satisfy their craving for the wilderness. However, in Waterbury, there is something that everyone will love; a tour of the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory.
8) Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Old Orchard is a popular destination for many visitors from Quebec. Though the beach is often crowded during the day, it is still beautiful. Immediately off of the beach is a boardwalk and pier with arcades, plenty of fried food, and the Palace Playland amusement park.
9) Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Hampton Beach is along the same lines as Old Orchard, but it also has a casino and a venue that often hosts popular, big name concerts.
10) Newport, Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be a small state, but it is home to some of the largest homes in the nation. The mansions of Newport create a beautiful background to the picturesque rocky coast, and touring any of them will provide you with great historic insight into the early American entrepreneurs.
in New Hampshire
