Welcome Contents

There are few places in this world where you can sip your coffee (or mimosa) with your feet dangling off a sailboat watching the sun rise over the ocean, and then find yourself on a hiking trail surrounded by ruggedly beautiful mountains by the afternoon. But that is what a vacation in New England promises: the chance to see and experience everything from sea to shore, from storybook villages to world-class cities—all within a few hours of one another.

Each of the six New England states possesses a unique way of life, and yet they’re all connected by history, tradition, and landscape so rich and varied that whether you come for a week, or a month, or more, every day promises new discoveries. There’s no other destination where so many adventures for all ages can be found in such a small area. You can fill your appetite with fresh harvests from the land and sea, and tap your toes to local music pouring through the air in small towns and cities alike. You can immerse yourself in the history and heritage of people who have long called this place home, and also explore the New England of today, a mosaic of cultures that continuously enrich the region with new flavors, ideas, and experiences. You can come play in a winter wonderland, delight in the fresh blooms and festivals of spring and summer, or dive into the wonderful colors of New England’s famous fall foliage season.

New England is the full package, celebrating diversity and sustainability, a place that is worth returning to again and again. I am thrilled that you want to discover more about our home and the stories that we have to share.

On behalf of the great states of Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut, I welcome you to New England!

1121 Main St., P.O. Box 520 Dublin, NH 03444 603-563-8111; newengland.com

Discover New England copyright 2023 by Yankee Publishing Inc.; all rights reserved.

PUBLISHER

Brook Holmberg EDITOR

Mel Allen

ART DIRECTOR

Katharine Van Itallie

PHOTO EDITOR

Heather Marcus

MANAGING EDITOR

Jenn Johnson

TRAVEL EDITOR

Kim Knox Beckius

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Kate Hathaway Weeks

SENIOR ADVERTISING MANAGER

Valerie Lithgow

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Brian Johnson

SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST

Jennifer Freeman

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Robert Curley

Michele Cota Executive Director Discover New England

ON THE COVER Day-sailing off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island. Photograph by Maria Burton

7 ADVENTURE

8 On the Water: From surfing on the coast to rafting on mighty inland rivers, water sports enthusiasts can get their fill in New England.

10 Winter Thrills: When the temperatures drop, these outdoor (and indoor!) diversions offer a world of excitement.

11 Bucket-List Trails: New England invites exploring with these famously scenic routes to travel by foot or by bike.

15 PEOPLE & CULTURES

16 Indigenous Heritage: Join in celebrating the art, music, languages, and stories of New England’s first peoples.

18 World Cultures: Dive into this region’s rich collection of global influences—in food, festivals, and much more.

19 Black History: Learning centers and landmarks bring the many contributions of Black New Englanders to light.

23

THEN & NOW

24 Heritage Foods: New England’s traditional drinks and dishes are also a modern-day food lover’s delight.

26 Timeless Stages: Historic theater venues provide thrilling showcases for today’s performing talents.

27 Living History: Step back in time at immersive museums that breathe new life into New England’s past.

31 Family Fun

32 Stay & Play: Planning a trip with extended family? New England’s resorts can be your home away from home.

34 All-Ages Cruises: Get out on the water with gentle sightseeing voyages perfect for travelers young and old.

35 Scenic Strolls: Take a walk through some of New England’s loveliest landscapes at a pace everyone can enjoy.

39 ECO-TRAVEL

40 Eco-Friendly Hotels: Environmental innovation plus classic hospitality provide the best night’s sleep.

41 Green Experiences: Get closer to the earth with farmfresh dining, off-the-grid overnight stays, and more.

42 Wildlife Encounters: Delve into New England’s varied habitats and native species on these learning adventures.

46 Hidden Gems

48 Art Discoveries: Beyond the big-name museums are amazing masterpieces and collections worth seeking out.

50 Secret Gardens: The most unexpected places often hold blooming wonders that are worth the drive.

51 Behind-the-Scenes Food: Special trails for gourmands lead right to the source of New England’s best food and drink.

54 Resources

Ready to experience all that New England has to offer? The state tourism officials for each individual state— Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—have compiled need-to-know information and essential contacts to get you started.