Have you been to New England? Even born and bred New Englanders may have difficulty answering that question with an authoritative affirmative. Though New England is a relatively compact region by size, its vacation possibilities are vast. You could literally spend a lifetime exploring New England's nooks and crannies, and then you'd need at least another lifetime to revisit them all again at a different time of year, when they are blanketed in fresh snow, bedazzled with spring blossoms, baked in summer sun, or brush-stroked by autumn's magical hues.
The good news is, the sheer variety of things to do, places to see, and experiences to collect during all four unique seasons makes it possible to tailor a New England vacation to your family's interests. Do you love art? amusement parks? literature? lighthouses? history? hiking? seafood? snow sports? museums? mansions? sandy beaches? bargains? Then there is a New England travel itinerary just waiting for you.
The bad news is, with all these options, once you decide to visit New England, you may be overwhelmed by the number of choices still to be made. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teens, grown children or grandparents, this
If you've never visited New England, there are a few things you should know at the outset. The peak tourism season is definitely the fall, when nature puts on its annual color bonanza. Many prospective leaf peepers book their accommodations a year in advance for predicted peak foliage weeks, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a last-minute opening anywhere in the region from late September through mid-October.
Massachusetts is New England's most popular state with about 24 million visitors annually. Its central position within the region makes it a hub that many New England travelers arrive via or pass through, even if they are en route to other destinations. Its proximity to metropolitan New York also makes Massachusetts an ideal weekend getaway for a large population. With New England's largest city, Boston, and several of its most popular vacation hot spots including the Berkshires, Cape Cod, and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, within its boundaries, Massachusetts has drawing power that is unmatched in the region.
Some of the less obvious destination selections, however, may actually offer you a unique getaway that's more memorable and less crowded and harried.
If you are already familiar with New England, you'll also discover within these pages a wealth of information on lesser-known attractions that you may not have encountered. Even locals may find a few new haunts to frequent and some fun activities close to home.
For more help, check out helpful New England websites and a comprehensive guide to state tourism organizations. These regional promotion organizations are happy to provide you with additional information and free brochures to help you design and enjoy a New England vacation all your own.