New England is made up of six states in the USA – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. These states are some of the most beautiful in America, particularly in Autumn. New England is a spectacular place with mountains, ocean, farmland, lakes, forests and more. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family road trip, New England has got it all. Enjoy its rich culture and history, leisurely trail walks, pretty towns and magnificent beaches. Here are some of New England’s hidden gems, according to our travel expert Leah.
Sandy Neck Beach Park – Massachusetts
This beach is a beautiful little gem near Sandwich, Massachusetts. With six miles of shore, it’s one of Cape Cod’s longer beaches, which means plenty of space to spread out towels for a picnic or to build a campfire on the beach. This park offers guests the chance to experience the great outdoors on a camping trip, hike up adventurous trails, and even try out horseback riding. This is an idyllic and picturesque place to spend some quality time with the family.
Grafton – Vermont
Grafton is a stunning town bursting with charm, from its vintage church, to its gazebo-dotted village green and its friendly people, this historical town is a must-see destination. Farms, cafes, sugarhouses and artisanal bakeries supply tourists with the most delicious food and drinks, while the outdoors glows with colour, particularly in Autumn. Whether you sample the tasty cheeses at the Grafton Village Cheese Company or burn off a few calories on one of the groomed hiking trails, you will leave with lifelong memories.
Earthplace – Connecticut
Situated in Westport, Connecticut, Earthplace is the perfect spot to enjoy New England’s fabulous nature and wildlife. Earthplace is a nature and scientific research centre where visitors can enjoy public trails for exercise, or head indoors to interact with the contemporary science exhibits. If you love bird watching, you will feel as if you are in heaven at Earthplace. Visitors can see the birds of prey rehabilitated here up close – including owls, bats, and hawks.
Castine – Maine
Located in Penobscot Bay, in mid-coastal Maine, Castine is one of New England’s hidden gems that everyone should see. Castine is known for its cinematic seaside charms, historic farms, forts and a number of Instagrammable lighthouses. Tour the Castine and Dice Head Lighthouses Kayak or sail the bay on warmer days and get brilliant views of Maine on the Penobscot Narrows Observatory Bridge.
Norman Bird Sanctuary – Rhode Island
Located in Middletown, Rhode Island, this fabulous bird sanctuary is a treat to visit. With Over 300 acres of a wide variety of habitats providing a tranquil setting for walking, bird watching, or just connecting with nature. There are miles of trails through fields, woods, marshes and ridge lines – all offering an immersive experience with beautiful scenery and natural wildlife at every turn. Guests can enjoy a fun outing during all four seasons, there is beauty even in those harsh New England winters. However, the Norman Bird Sanctuary is best enjoyed in Autumn with those amazing Autumnal colours.
If you want some more advice on the things to do in New England, speak to one of our expert travel advisors for some of our latest offers.
