New England

Hidden gems of New England

5 Hidden Gems of New England: Must-Visit Spots for True Adventurers

Bold landscapes, charming villages, and hidden gems of New England make the Northeastern US one of the most captivating regions to explore.

Throughout New England, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore. But it’s the places that feel like well-kept secrets that draw those in the know.

That’s why this curated list of five must-visit hidden treasures is the perfect guide. Each destination offers beauty, adventure, and the feeling of discovering a place all your own.

Continue reading to plan your off-the-beaten-path journey through New England.

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The Best Towns of Cape Cod to Explore When You Visit

Cape Cod Massachusetts is world-famous as one of the best beach destinations to visit. It’s well-loved for a down-to-earth vibe and 500 miles of Cape Cod coastline and natural beauty. You’ll find fifteen unique towns and countless charming villages in this popular New England destination. So when you’re planning a Cape Cod vacation, where do you start? Read on to learn about which of these best towns of Cape Cod and the Islands are perfect for you!

Editor’s Note: This article was updated in November, 2023 to keep the content fresh and up to date.

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33 Most Festive Things to Do in Newport RI in the Winter

Newport in the winter is magical. That’s because you’ll enjoy so many festive things to do in Newport RI in the winter. You might think of it as a summer destination (and it is), but today we are reframing this fabulous coastal destination in New England to share the best Newport activities for winter. Here are 33 of our favorites, below.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated in November 2023 to keep it fresh and up to date.

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Best Peaks Island Golf Cart Rentals to Explore Island off Portland Maine

Peaks Island Golf Cart Rentals are a great option when you’re exploring this picturesque island off the coast of southern Maine for a few hours or more. That way, you’ll maximize your visit, whether it’s a great day trip from Portland ME or you’re staying on Peaks Island. Keep reading to find out more about getting around Peaks island by golf cart, and what you’ll see when you’re on this delightful little island.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in Nov. ’21. I’ve updated it in October of 2023 to keep it helpful and up to date.

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What to Do in Martha’s Vineyard For a Day (or Two!)

You’ve searched for the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway in New England, and landed on the coastal island of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Great choice! Now, we’ll help you nail down the important details, including how to get there, getting around, and what to do in Martha’s Vineyard for a day or two. 

Read on to discover fun things to do and your best options while experiencing this Cape Cod gem.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated in August of 2023.

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Closest Hotel to Gillette Stadium? Unparalleled Convenience at Foxboro’s Best

If you’re looking for the closest hotel to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA, look no further.

This quality hotel is within walking distance (.2 mi.) from the home to six-time Super Bowl winners, The New England Patriots. It offers panoramic views of the stadium, comfortable luxury, and all the amenities you could ask for.

Whether you’re looking forward to a Pats game, heading to a fun summer concert, or just want to enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment at Patriot Place, this is the best place to stay in Foxboro. You won’t get closer to the action than this.

Continue reading to find out why this is one of the best Foxboro hotels, offering quality and unparalleled convenience to Gillette Stadium.

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These Are the Best Things to Do in Portsmouth New Hampshire

You’ll discover some of the best things to do in Portsmouth New Hampshire when you visit this charming New England city on the coast. 

With its rich history, scenic location, unique shops, and excellent dining options, Portsmouth is a hidden gem worth your time. In fact, after your first visit, it may become your favorite coastal destination in New England!

Continue reading to learn all about the fun things to do and see when you plan a trip to Portsmouth, NH.

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Spring in Boston: 19 Beautiful Botanical Gardens and Garden Spaces!

Spring in Boston arrives a bit later compared to the rest of the U.S, despite its astrological arrival in March. Sometimes it’s not until mid-April that cheery daffodils herald the warmer weather. 

But once these beautiful signs of spring finally arrive, it’s cause for celebration!

I counted no less than nineteen well-tended gardens, festivals, and tours in Boston that are a prelude to our celebrate the short but gorgeous growing season. 

It’s a brief but well-orchestrated show of gardens worth catching.

If you’re planning a trip for spring in Boston, you’ll want to get a few of the 19 eye-catching gardens and events below on your itinerary.

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Bailey Island Maine: How to Plan a Trip to “Lands End”

This is much of what I love about Maine. The rugged wilderness. The untamed Atlantic. A string of islands close to Harpswell’s shore made of shoal and sediment and sand—and perfumed by wild roses that somehow manage to take root. So, it should come as no surprise that the charming, ocean-swept Bailey’s Island makes an extraordinary destination. Learn why you might want to plan a day trip (or longer) to Bailey Island Maine with a visit to scenic “Land’s End,” too.

Editor’s Note: We updated this post in July of 2022 to keep it current and add new information.

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A Delightful (Easy) Seaside Hike to The Knob Falmouth MA

The Knob in Falmouth is a landmark familiar to locals but largely unknown to Cape Cod’s many visitors. It’s a delightful seaside hike suitable for all skill levels that takes under an hour. This easy Falmouth walking trail winds through a woodland area, ending at a viewing platform with panoramic ocean views.

The Knob is one of many attractions in Falmouth you might enjoy. Read on to decide whether a visit to this hidden gem in Cape Cod belongs on your itinerary.

Editor’s Note: We updated this post in June 2022 to keep the content fresh!

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Boston to Salem Day Trip: 13 Thrilling Attractions Beyond Halloween

Salem, Massachusetts is a favorite fall destination in New England that’s especially popular during October. It makes a great Boston to Salem day trip.

With historic and present-day ties to witchcraft, Salem rings in the Halloween spirit with loads of seasonal activities from pumpkin carving to a Witches Ball.

But did you know Salem is a waterfront hub brimming with fine dining, cultural attractions, and a vibrant arts community worth visiting year-round?

I spent a magical day discovering a cool summer slice of this historic colonial town. It was a quick day trip from Boston, but I could have lingered or spread these activities (and more) over a long weekend.

Instead, I powered through one day in Salem I won’t soon forget. Check out these things to do in Salem most any time of year.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated in May of 2022.

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Best New England Road Trips | Enjoy Travel Life

9 Gorgeous New England Road Trips You’ll Want to Take This Year

Itching to set off on a good, old-fashioned road trip? Then New England is just the place for you. Whether you’re on the hunt for an epic hike, taking in the history of some of America’s oldest towns, or simply enjoying the views, New England road trips offer something for everyone. 

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10 Awesome Breweries in Cape Cod You’ll Want to Visit

You’ll want to visit these awesome breweries in Cape Cod when you visit. After all, what’s better on a hot summer day that a cold brew? You could even try a new one each day you’re vacationing on the Cape. With that in mind, check out our top picks, below.

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The Best Things to Pack for Summer in New England [Printable Checklist]

Making plans for summer in New England? You’ll have a great time, as summertime promises quite a bit of sun and warm weather.

But you’ll find some unpredictable weather in summer, too, so it is important to pack accordingly.

That’s why we’ve put together this Packing Checklist.

That way, you can prepare for all that a New England summer has to offer and have the time of your life!

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Need an Easy Packing Checklist for Spring in New England? [Free Printable]

Spring in New England presents the opportunity to experience all four seasons in one day. So how do you pack for a visit? It’s easy–that is, if you know what to expect.

That’s why we’ve put together this easy packing checklist to help you plan what to pack. Read on to learn what to pack for spring in New England from a seasoned New Englander.

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Can You Guess Where You’ll Find the Best Wineries in New England?

When you think of wine-tasting in the US, Napa Valley and Sonoma, California top the list. But did you know you can stroll lush vineyards and sample from the best wineries in New England?

High-acclaimed wine made in the northeast offers a distinct flavor which is a product of the cooler, wetter climate–and it’s popularity is taking root! Read on to find out which vineyards and wineries to add to your itinerary when you visit New England next.

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Best Haunted Houses in Boston for Halloween Fun

No doubt, you’ll find plenty of historic places to visit in Boston, Massachusetts, but do you know which ones are haunted? This vibrant, pre-Revolutionary city with a past holds a few secrets, and in some instances, they are downright disturbing.

In fact, all kinds of spooky things are going on. You just need to know where to look. Whether you book a haunted tour or plan a self-guided expedition, these mysterious spaces and places will enchant you. So, read on to learn more about the best haunted houses in Boston–and more!

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5 Elegant Bed and Breakfasts in Cape Cod For Couples

If you’re looking forward to a couples getaway on the east coast, you’ll want to consider these elegant bed and breakfasts in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Not only are they pristine, luxurious, and near the beach, each offers unique amenities.

Learn which of these excellent lodging options in Cape Cod is a perfect match for you and your special someone.

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Culture Trip: The Best Art Museums in New England

Perhaps New England is known best among travelers for its quaint towns, historic charm, and vibrant fall foliage. As if that weren’t reason enough to visit, you’ll find plenty of local and world-class art in the region.

Here are what we think are the best art museums in New England to round out your itinerary.

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What to Pack for New England Winter Getaways (Plus Winter Things to Do in New England)

Ultimate Packing Checklist for Winter in New England

If you’re wondering what to pack for New England winter getaways, take it from a local: you’d better be prepared. While winter offers gorgeous, dramatic scenes worthy of Ansel Adams’ photography, when temperatures drop, it literally takes your breath away.

I’ve created this Ultimate Packing Checklist for Winter in New England to tell you everything you’ll need to bring.

Whether you plan to explore New England’s photographic beauty, snuggle up by the fire, or enjoy winter sports, don’t miss the printable packing checklist download to make packing easy for your New England winter getaways. Bonus: It even covers survival gear.)

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Romantic North End Seafood Restaurant Celebrates Feast of the 7 Fishes

As you navigate the narrow waterfront streets of Boston’s “Little Italy,” you could easily overlook il Molo. But you won’t want to miss it, especially if you love fresh seafood.

Once you experience this romantic North End Seafood Restaurant, it may just become one of your favorite places to eat in Boston.

I had the recent pleasure of being hosted at Il Molo on my birthday. Read on to hear about our dining experience.

You’ll also learn a bit about the North End of Boston and an Italian Christmas Dinner tradition served Christmas Eve known as the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.”

Editor’s note: We updated this article in June 2022 to keep it up to date.

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Awesome Cape Cod Family Resort in Dennis | Fun for All

Sesuit Harbor House Lodging

I explored the charming town of Dennis, Massachusetts and discovered miles of soft-sand beaches, delicious fine and casual dining options, and a friendly New England community within Barnstable County. I stayed at Sesuit Harbor House, a Cape Cod family resort that was a pleasure to call home for the weekend.

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Best Seafood Restaurant in Brunswick Maine

Where to go in Brunswick ME for Seafood

I love discovering great places to eat amidst a sea of overpriced dining and chain restaurants when I’m on the coast. There’s a good selection of dining options in Brunswick, Maine’s downtown. But we were looking for a hidden gem. And that’s exactly what we found at Pepper’s Landing. In fact, we may have found the best seafood restaurant in Brunswick Maine.

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Where to Stay in Boston: Mandarin Oriental

Luxury Boston Hotel Delights the Senses

I was deciding where to stay in Boston for a conference when I became utterly enchanted by Mandarin Oriental Boston. My senses were uplifted by an intoxicating fragrance the moment I stepped through the door at 776 Boylston Street. The scent placed somewhere between freshly baked cookies and the luscious center of a fragrant rose. It begged me to stay.

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Discover Waterfront Luxury at this Bed and Breakfast in Falmouth MA

Falmouth Massachusetts is one of the best destinations on Cape Cod. Situated on the southern coast of what’s called the “Upper Cape,” it boasts multiple inlets that create miles and miles of coastal access, beautiful beaches, and waterfront properties along the Atlantic Ocean. That’s just one reason I loved staying at Inn on the Sound, a luxurious bed and breakfast in Falmouth.

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Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge MA Interior

10 Reasons To Love the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge Mass.

We took a day trip to Western Massachusetts to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge MA. Just over two hours from Boston, the museum holds the world’s largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art. It is home to hundreds of the artist’s original paintings, This includes the famous Norman Rockwell self-portrait (“Triple Self-Portrait”), the “Four Freedoms,” and “The Runaway.”  In addition, the museum showcases the complete Rockwell series of Saturday Evening Post covers and Rockwell memorabilia.

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Cape Cod Escape

Enjoy Chic Hospitality at The Parsonage Inn on Cape Cod

The Parsonage Inn - Orleans Cape Cod

Orleans, Massachusetts is just under an hour from the Bourne Bridge in Cape Cod and a perfect lower Cape escape.

It is home to beaches on both the Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and is a treasure trove of excellent dining, art galleries, and unique shops. You‘ll also find hiking spots and kettle ponds carved into the earth by ancient glaciers. (See the Orleans Bonus Section at the end of this post for a list of things to see and do!)

Orleans is part of what’s considered the “Lower Cape,” which also includes Brewster, Chatham, and Harwich. It’s a great base for further exploration of the Cape.

That was exactly our pleasure during an off-season getaway, where my friend and I experienced Orleans in a way many “summer people” don’t.

Regardless of which season you visit Cape Cod–whether it’s the slower pace of the off-season or the warm beachy summer months, we know you will enjoy the chic hospitality of The Parsonage Inn.

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Comfort and Foodie Heaven at The Inn at Sweet Water Farm

Comfort & Foodie Heaven at The Inn at Sweet Water Farm

A Quick Winter Trip to The Berkshires

I set out one weekend to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Stockbridge is part of the Berkshires, clear across the state from my south-of-Boston home. In fact, it’s next to the last town in Western Massachusetts before you’re in upstate New York. But, with Rockwell’s original works on display and a chance to see his final studio, U knew it would be a worthwhile trip. Plus, I was itching for a winter change of scenery. Rather than make the round trip in a day, I extended my travels to an overnight and discovered comfort and foodie heaven at The Inn at Sweet Water Farm.

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The Brown Jug in Sandwich

Best Quick Gourmet at The Brown Jug in Sandwich

The Brown Jug in Sandwich is a gourmet grocer in the historic district of Sandwich Village, Massachusetts. You’ll find it nestled among a handful of unique boutiques and antique shops, charming restaurants, and historic inns of this “Upper Cape” Cod town founded by the pilgrims.

Find out why it’s worth a visit, below.

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5 Festive Holiday Events at the Newport Mansions

Each year, the Newport Mansions put on a festive celebration to usher in the holiday season. Christmas trees and lavish decorations festoon the mansions, once homes to prominent families of Newport, Rhode Island. You’ll find Nutcracker performances, dinner parties, and music events that lead right up to New Year’s Eve.

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Luxury Lifestyle: The Newport Mansions Decorated for Christmas

The Newport Mansions at Christmas

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission every time you make a qualifying purchase through one of my affiliate links (if applicable) at no additional cost to you.

Scenes from the Gilded Age

A visit to Newport, Rhode Island is incomplete without seeing the Newport Mansions at Christmas.  There are ten incredible estates that The Preservation Society of Newport County maintains year-round. Guests may explore independently or follow guided tours by a headset.

Of course, the mansions are a “must-see” at any time of year, and especially nice as part of a romantic getaway to Rhode Island.

Through the holiday season, though, four mansions are open daily to visitors: The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, and Marble House. Each was once a private residence for the well-to-do, including famous families like the Vanderbilts, who retreated to the mansions’ grandeur along the cool shores of Rhode Island for summer months.

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A Visit to Bethel Maine

Winter Scenes from the Mountain Village of Bethel Maine

Bethel, Maine is a charming New England town I visit each year to meet friends who ski in the area. The quaint mountain village lies between some of the highest mountains in Maine. Winter in Bethel Maine offers ample opportunity for outdoor sports, including alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic and cross-country skiing, snowmobile trails, snowshoeing, and more.

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My Weekend Stay at the Chatham Tides Inn (Hotel Review)

In a tranquil Cape Cod neighborhood steps from the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find a casual beach resort with comforts of home. Here, a footpath perfumed by beach roses and gentle seagrass invites you to a private beach. Adirondack and lounge chairs wait beside the fixings for a campfire on the beach. You’ll take in panoramic views of Nantucket Sound and Monomoy National Wildlife Preserve. Sound good? Welcome to Chatham Tides where I spent a restorative waterfront weekend in Chatham, Massachusetts.

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An Off-Season Waterfront Weekend in Sandwich, Cape Cod

89 North Shore Boulevard

I couldn’t have been happier with the accommodations at this adorable two-bedroom cottage located on East Sandwich beach just steps from the ocean. Owners Tom and Ellen went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed for an off-season weekend stay at their property, which has breathtaking views of the ocean. This space offers comfort, peace, and privacy, and is ideal as a beachy getaway for 1 to 6 people on- or off-season.

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Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams [Book Review]

If you’ve ever been to Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, you know it’s a very special place. Being from Massachusetts myself and only about an hour’s drive from the ferry, I’ve dreamed about making a permanent move. Well, that’s just what author Susan Branch considered in her book, Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams.

This unique book offers so much to absorb!

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