New England: Leaf Peeping, Boston, Lobster Rolls, & More

Outdoor Adventures Across the Seasons

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of New England life, and every season offers fresh opportunities to explore its natural beauty.

In summer, coastal destinations like Cape Cod, Acadia National Park, and Block Island offer sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. Inland, the Appalachian Trail and Vermont’s Long Trail wind through pristine forests and mountain ridges, perfect for hiking and camping. Families love the Lakes Region of New Hampshire for swimming, boating, and lakeside cabin stays.

Winter brings snow-covered landscapes, turning the region into a haven for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. Resorts in Vermont (Stowe, Killington), New Hampshire (Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods), and Maine (Sugarloaf, Sunday River) offer top-notch winter fun, while cozy inns and cabin retreats deliver warmth and charm.

Spring in New England marks the return of blooming gardens, rushing rivers, and the start of maple syrup season. Tour working sugarhouses, sample fresh syrup poured over pancakes, and enjoy scenic drives through the countryside, where buckets hang from maple trees and steam rises from sugar shacks. Botanical gardens, wildflower trails, and baby animals at local farms make spring especially magical for families.

Coastal Beauty and Island Escapes

New England’s coastline is as diverse as it is stunning. From the rocky shores of Maine to the sandy beaches of Cape Cod and the sailing culture of Newport, Rhode Island, every mile offers something new.

Ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket open the door to car-free island life—think lighthouses, seafood shacks, charming villages, and bike paths that lead to windswept beaches. Block Island offers a quieter escape with dramatic bluffs and sweeping coastal views.

Bar Harbor, Camden, Rockport, and Kennebunkport in Maine offer coastal walks, lobster rolls, lighthouse tours, and whale watching excursions that capture the essence of maritime New England.

Charming Small Towns and Scenic Drives

New England is known for its postcard-perfect villages, white church steeples, weathered barns, and tree-lined town greens. These small towns are full of charm, history, and local pride — the kind of places where time slows down and visitors feel instantly welcome.

Visit Woodstock, Vermont, for its covered bridges, classic country stores, and walkable downtown lined with cafés and artisan shops. In Essex, Connecticut, ride the vintage steam train along the Connecticut River and explore a town that feels like it stepped out of the 1800s. Little Compton, Rhode Island, is a quiet coastal retreat with windswept farms, stone walls, and hidden beaches that feel blissfully untouched. Camden, Maine, offers a rare blend of seaside and mountain scenery, with a bustling harbor, local bookstores, and easy access to hiking in Camden Hills State Park or sailing along Penobscot Bay.

These towns aren’t just charming — they’re also surrounded by some of the most scenic drives in the country.

Don’t miss:

• Kancamagus Highway (NH): A 34-mile stretch through the White Mountains, with mountain overlooks, covered bridges, waterfalls, and brilliant fall foliage.

• Route 100 (VT): Vermont’s most famous byway, running north to south through rolling hills, farm towns, and maple syrup country.

• Mohawk Trail (MA): One of the first scenic roads in the U.S., this route winds through forests, mountain ridges, and historic villages in western Massachusetts.

• Maine’s Route 1: A coastal drive that passes through working fishing towns, historic lighthouses, seafood shacks, and rocky shorelines.

• Enjoy fresh seafood along the Maine coast

• Bike through Nantucket’s scenic trails

• Kayak the lakes and rivers of New Hampshire or Connecticut

• Stroll through the mansions and Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island

• Sample cider and artisan cheese on a farm tour in Vermont