Eco-Travel➼

New England is the most densely forested region in the United States, but it’s not just all those trees that make this area “green.” The world’s first wind farm was built right here, in New Hampshire, back in 1980. Massachusetts claims the earliest solar-powered house (1948), while North America’s first offshore wind farm was established off the coast of Rhode Island (2016). More recently, in a ranking of U.S. states by their recycling rates, New England took four of the top five spots.

Speaking of green achievements, Connecticut is where you’ll find Hotel Marcel, the nation’s first net-zero hotel, which bypasses fossil fuels entirely in running its nine-story, 165-guestroom facility. It sets the standard in a region already populated with hotels and inns known for sustainable building practices and energy efficiency (lists of “green hotels,” in fact, are often included on state tourism websites).

And even as earth-conscious travelers have their pick of places to stay in New England, there’s an array of immersive and exciting ecotravel activities, too—from taking a self-powered tour by bike or kayak; to celebrating local agriculture with a farm dinner or farm stay; to getting a close-up look at native wildlife and learning how to protect these species and their habitats.

All in all, New England offers a spirit of environmental innovation and awareness in cities large and small, easing the way for travelers wanting to visit these places while leaving a small footprint—and, of course, having the trip of a lifetime.