New England Day Trips

• Why is Newport called the 'City by the Sea'?
  • Newport, fondly nicknamed the 'City by the Sea', is a quintessential coastal city located on the beautiful Aquidneck Island.
• What are some historic attractions in Newport?
  • The historic Bellevue Avenue is lined with spectacular Gilded Age mansions, including the Vanderbilt's Marble House and an 1895 Renaissance-style mansion known as The Breakers, both of which are now house museums open to the public.
• What are some outdoor activities in Newport?
  • If you're content to simply admire the mansions from the outside, you can also stroll along the Newport Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail that leads along the shoreline.
• What other attractions can be visited in Newport?
  • Other attractions include the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the beautiful Easton's Beach, the historic Fort Adams State Park, and great restaurants.

• When was Mystic founded?
  • Mystic was founded in 1654 and is one of the most charming small towns in Connecticut.
• What are some of the top attractions in Mystic?
  • Many of the town's top attractions have a strong maritime theme. The living museum of Mystic Seaport features a replica 19th-century seaside village and a historic 1841 whaling ship, while the modern Mystic Aquarium offers the opportunity to see marine animals like beluga whales, colorful jellyfish, and dolphins.
• What can visitors do for lunch and shopping in Mystic?
  • When you're ready to have lunch or do a bit of shopping, head to Olde Mystick Village to admire the colonial style buildings, browse the gift shops, and enjoy some fresh seafood.

• How can visitors reach Block Island?
  • Block Island is located approximately 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island and can only be reached by boat or by plane, but it's absolutely worth the effort it takes to get here.
• When was Block Island first settled?
  • The island was first settled in 1661, and almost half of its land has been preserved.
• What are the main attractions of Block Island?
  • Block Island boasts 28 miles of well-maintained walking paths and 17 miles of beautiful white sand beaches for visitors to enjoy. The water surrounding the island also provides plenty of recreational opportunities, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, and charter fishing.

• Where is Freeport Crossing located?
  • Freeport Crossing is conveniently located just off Exit 20 on I-295 on the way to downtown Freeport. It's a great place to visit either on its own or as part of a trip into the city.
• What stores can be found at Freeport Crossing?
  • Several outlet stores can be found at Freeport Crossing, including specialty stores like OshKosh B'gosh and Carter's.
• What dining options are available at Freeport Crossing?
  • If you get hungry after shopping, you can grab something to eat at Dunkin' Donuts or pick up a few groceries or a pre-made lunch at Shaw's.

200 Lower Main St, Freeport, Maine 04032, Phone: 617-232-8900

• What is the Green Mountain Byway?
  • The Green Mountain Byway is a scenic driving route in Vermont that runs between the Worcester Range and the Green Mountains. It's particularly enjoyable in the fall when the leaves change color.
• What attractions can be found along the Green Mountain Byway?
  • Along the Green Mountain Byway, you can rent a kayak and paddle around the Waterbury Reservoir, hike Mount Mansfield, or take a tour of the Ben & Jerry's factory.
• What towns does the Green Mountain Byway pass through?
  • The byway passes through the towns of Waterbury and Stowe, where you can stop for lunch or do some shopping.

• What is Hammonasset Beach State Park?
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park is a two-mile stretch of Connecticut's sandy shoreline, established to protect its beauty. It's a perfect place to spend a summer day at the beach.
• What activities can I do at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
  • You can swim in the water, or if you have the right equipment, you can also enjoy scuba diving and saltwater fishing.
• Are there other things to do besides swimming at the park?
  • If you'd rather stay on dry land, you can visit the nature center, attend interpretive tours, go for a hike, or enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore.
• Can I rent bicycles at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
  • Yes, bicycles can be rented during the summer.

1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-245-2785

• What is Horseneck Beach State Reservation known for?
  • Horseneck Beach State Reservation occupies approximately 800 acres on a sandy peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean and is known for being one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Massachusetts.
• What activities can I enjoy at Horseneck Beach State Reservation?
  • The beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing in the sun, fishing, and birdwatching. It also features a boat ramp for both motorized and non-motorized boats.
• Are lifeguards present at the beach?
  • Yes, lifeguards are on duty during the summer season to ensure safety at the beach.
• Can I camp at Horseneck Beach State Reservation?
  • Yes, the campground is open between the beginning of May and mid-October, allowing you to spend the night at this scenic location.

5 John Reed Rd, Westport, MA 02790, Phone: 508-636-8816

• What is the Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area known for?
  • The Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area spans parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts and was established to protect and promote the history, culture, and land of the valley created by the upper Housatonic River.
• What historically significant sites can I visit in the Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area?
  • The area boasts more than 50 historically significant sites, including the former home of novelist Herman Melville, the childhood homesite of activist W. E. B. Du Bois, and the Hancock Shaker Village.
• What natural sights are available in the Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area?
  • You can stop at the Cathedral Pines to admire the old-growth forest, check out the 43 varieties of fern in Bartholomew’s Cobble, or snap some photos at the picturesque Beckley Bog.

• What makes Cape Cod an iconic vacation spot in New England?
  • Thanks to its gorgeous dune-lined beaches and its wonderful array of quaint little towns, Cape Cod is one of the most iconic vacation spots in New England.
• What can visitors do on the Cape Cod National Seashore?
  • Some visitors choose to pick a spot on the Cape Cod National Seashore and settle in for the day.
• What other activities can I do on Cape Cod?
  • If you're interested in seeing what else is on the hook-shaped peninsula, you'll be spoiled for choice. Spend a few hours browsing the art galleries in Provincetown, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants, or rent a bike and cycle along part of the beautiful Cape Cod Rail Trail.

• What is the historical significance of Lexington, MA?
  • Lexington, MA started out as a humble farming community, but after the famous “shot heard round the world” was fired here in 1775, it became known as the starting place of the American Revolution.
• Where should I start my visit in Lexington, MA?
  • The most obvious place to start your visit is at the Lexington Common National Historic Site.
• What are some other activities in Lexington related to the American Revolution?
  • After visiting the historic site, you can take a Liberty Ride trolley tour, stop by the historic Buckman Tavern, or visit some of the historic sites along the Battle Road Trail.