Places to Visit in New England

1. Providence

The capital and most populous city in Rhode Island, Providence was founded in 1636 and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Providence boasts a vibrant art scene and the city is filled with writers, musicians, dancers, architects, jewelry designers, and painters.

There are many museums located throughout the city dedicated to the fine arts as well as many yearly recurring events that draw many tourists to Providence. With many performing theaters, guests are likely to find, on any given night, a well-known Broadway play, a show, or concert from a local or national artist.

2. Newport

Since the Gilded Age, Newport has been a premier summer destination for the nation's rich and powerful. A few more ups and downs eventually shaped Newport into the city it is today, and its rich history can be explored through many museums and tours, both by sailboat and helicopter.

Tours and history aren't all Newport has to offer; on the contrary, guests will find many art exhibits, theaters, unique restaurants, romantic places to stay, and outdoor activities to whet their desire for adventure.

3. Portland

Portland offers a deep and intricate history to be explored by guests, lived by locals, and reflected on by future generations. The greater Portland area offers many man-made attractions, such as lighthouses and museums, for guests to explore as well as many naturally occurring sights to behold.

Guests can take whale watching tours, stay in lavish accommodations, and eat locally sourced food.

When it comes to local cuisine, Portland is well known for its lobster and other seafood dishes.

With everything from luxury restaurants to local food trucks, foodies are sure to find something to please their palate.

4. Cape Cod

Cape Cod maintains a local population of approximately 216,000 throughout the year, however that number nearly triples during the summer months as tourists flow in to enjoy the beaches, local beer brews, and unique ice cream.

But Cape Cod has attractions to offer all year round, not only during the warm months, and some may find it more enjoyable to visit this destination during the off season when it is less busy. Awe inspiring Atlantic Ocean sunsets can be enjoyed no matter what the season, and the seafood is fresh all year.

5. New Bedford

Settled in 1652 by Plymouth colonists, New Bedford was originally a fishing community that grew into a whaling port and shipbuilding site.

Today, New Bedford is a quintessential New England seaport and one of America’s major fishing ports. Located in Buzzards Bay on the Acushnet River, New Bedford is also recognized as one of the country’s most artistic towns, a major tourist destination, and a sailing port for the Cape Cod region.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is a great place to learn about New Bedford’s history. The New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! features contemporary as well as traditional artworks by local and international artists.

Buttonwood Park Zoo is one of the country’s best small zoos, providing home to animals from all continents, such as mountain lions, black bears, bald eagles, seals, and many others.

6. Block Island

With a rotating array of seasonal attractions, Block Island is sure to keep guests coming back time and time again to experience all that it has to offer. Set off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is well known for its free public beaches, preserved open spaces, sheer bluffs, and clear waters.

Visitors can arrive to the island by plane, private boat, or ferry, and there is a large selection of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and established restaurants to service guests.

During the summer months, many guests travel to Block Island to enjoy their special Fourth of July celebration, while other guests prefer the solitude and relaxation of the winter months.

7. Boston

Boston is a city bathed in history, from the Freedom Trail to Fenway Park, Harvard University to Beacon Hill, nearly everywhere in Boston has an elaborate history to share.

Known as America's Walking City, guests can partake on one of many walking tours offered in the city to see first-hand what makes Boston so historic.

For those seeking more than walking tour history, Boston has many museums that cater to many different crowds; from the New England Aquarium to the Children's Museum, families and individuals are sure to find something fascinating when perusing these collections of fine art, animals, and exhibits.

8. Stowe

Stowe combines the classic architecture and atmosphere of a 200-year-old village with Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Stowe is reminiscent of many European ski villages, untouched by many modern distractions, and has much history and many events to share with guests. For those seeking more information on the history of Stowe, a visit to the Stowe Historical Society Museum is certainly in order.

For guests of all ranges, Stowe offers accommodations to fit their needs, from budget to high luxury, as well as many diverse and unique dining options to please even the pickiest of eaters.

9. Cambridge

Located just north of Boston across the Charles River, Cambridge was originally named in honor of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Home to both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge is well known for these two world-renowned prestigious universities.

However, Cambridge has more to offer than high education, and guests are encouraged to explore its many museums, historic houses, and specially designed bars and restaurants.

For guests who prefer a more catered experience, there is a free walking mobile tour available to guide them through the many neighborhood intricacies throughout Cambridge.

10. Hartford

Known as the Insurance Capital of the World, Hartford has more to offer than its main industry would let on. Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, Hartford is home to some of the oldest landmarks and establishments, such as Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum, and the Hartford Courant, the oldest continuously published newspaper.

Hartford is also home to the Mark Twain House, the residence in which the famous author lived while writing his most famous works as well as where he raised his family.

Hartford is also the final resting place of abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe, who moved to Hartford to live out her life and came to rest in the city's graveyard.