Must-see attractions in New England

  • York's Wild Kingdom

    Southern Maine Coast

    This combination zoo and amusement park makes for a diverting afternoon for families with children. You can pay a reduced rate (adult/child $14.75/9) to…

  • 1677 Harlow Old Fort House

    South Shore

    A half-mile east of Town Brook, this is one of the few remaining 17th-century structures in Plymouth. Furnished with early-American artifacts, it's open…

  • Colony Beach

    Southern Maine Coast

    Kennebunkport proper has only one stretch of sand, the small Colony Beach on Ocean Ave, which is dominated by the Colony Hotel.

  • New Hampshire Boat Museum

    New Hampshire

    Wolfeboro is an appropriate place for this boat museum. Nautical types will appreciate the collection of vintage watercraft, motors, photographs and other…

  • Keene State College

    New Hampshire

    At the west end of Main St, and with an enrollment of more than 3800 students, this small liberal arts school injects the old-fashioned downtown with a…

  • Surf Drive Beach

    Cape Cod

    Surf Drive Beach, on Surf Dr within walking distance of Main St, has full facilities and a straight-on view of Martha's Vineyard. Parking costs $15 in…

  • Left Bank Gallery

    Cape Cod

    The light, the beaches and the sights of the Cape act as an artist's muse – you can see some of the inspired works of local artists at this classy gallery.

  • Thornton Hall

    New Hampshire

    One of the four harmonious Georgian buildings that make up Dartmouth Row, just east of the Dartmouth College Green.

  • Edgartown Lighthouse

    Martha's Vineyard

    It's not a long climb to the top, but the Edgartown Lighthouse does have a pretty spectacular panoramic view of the town harbor and Chappaquiddick.

  • North End Park

    Boston

    Designed as the North End neighborhood's 'front yard,' this wide lawn is perfect for picnics, while kiddies can cool off in the Canal Fountain.

  • Boston Massacre Monument

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    Paying tribute to the five victims of the Boston Massacre, this 25ft memorial replicates Paul Revere’s famous engraving of the tragic event.

  • Oyster Pond Beach

    Cape Cod

    Oyster Pond Beach, on a calm inlet, is small but the swimming is good and parking is free (but fills up quickly). It's a popular family spot.

  • Old Narragansett Church

    Rhode Island

    Also known as St. Paul's, this white timber church still celebrates Mass and is believed to be the oldest Episcopal church in New England.

  • Dartmouth Hall

    New Hampshire

    This Georgian-style beauty was Dartmouth College's original college building, constructed in 1791.

  • Rollins Chapel

    New Hampshire

    Just north of Dartmouth Row, Rollins Chapel is a fine example of Richardsonian architecture and a peaceful place to collect your thoughts.

  • Nobadeer Beach

    Nantucket

    About 1 mile east of Surfside Beach is Nobadeer Beach, below the flight path of the airport. It attracts surfers and a beach-party crowd.

  • Statue of George Washington

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    At the main (Arlington St) entrance to the Public Garden, visitors are met by a statue of George Washington mounted nobly on his horse.

  • Olmsted Park

    Streetcar Suburbs

    Part of the Emerald Necklace, Olmsted Park features a paved path that hugs the banks of Leverett Pond and Ward's Pond in Jamaica Plain.

  • Cape Cod Maritime Museum

    Cape Cod

    Suitably close to Hyannis Harbor, this museum explores the Cape's seafaring connections, especially the local boat-building tradition.

  • Phillips House

    Massachusetts

    The Phillips House displays the family furnishings of a Salem sea captain, including a collection of antique carriages and cars.

  • Big Town Gallery

    Vermont

    The not-so-aptly named Big Town Gallery showcases small but excellent art exhibits; it also hosts a summer-long reading series.

  • Aptucxet Trading Post Museum

    Cape Cod

    Explore a slice of the Cape's past at this small, but very informative, museum at the site of a historic trading post.

  • Rangeley Town Cove Park

    Western Maine

    Just behind the visitor center in Rangeley town, this park is a scenic spot in which to enjoy a picnic.

  • Brewer Fountain

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    Dating to 1868, this lovely bronze fountain depicts four aquatic deities from antiquity.

  • Vermont Artisan Designs

    Southern Vermont

    This contemporary crafts gallery specializes in creations by Vermont artists.

  • City Hall Plaza

    Boston

    City Hall Plaza is a cold, windy, 56-acre concrete plaza, surrounded by government office buildings. Occupying the site of the former Scollay Sq, the…

  • Old Corner Bookstore

    Boston

    In the 19th century, this historic house was leased to a bookseller, Carter & Hendlee. This was the first of nine bookstores and publishing companies that…

  • Dorchester Heights

    Boston

    High above Boston Harbor, this strategic spot played a crucial role in overcoming the British occupation. The Georgian Revival tower that stands today was…

  • Park St Church

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    Shortly after the construction of Park St Church, powder for the War of 1812 was stored in the basement, earning this location the moniker ‘Brimstone…

  • Islesboro

    Midcoast Maine

    From Lincolnville (6 miles north of Camden on US 1), hop on the ferry to this small resort island (population 570), one of the finest places for cycling…

  • University of Maine Museum of Art

    Inland Maine

    The small University of Maine Museum of Art is the northernmost art museum on the Maine Art Museum Trail (www.maineartmuseums.org). It’s not the largest…

  • Salem Pioneer Village

    Massachusetts

    This outdoor, interactive museum was opened in 1930 to celebrate the state's tercentennial. Although the place has not been well maintained (changing…

  • Nathan Hale Schoolhouse

    Connecticut

    Nathan Hale (1755–76) is famous for his (alleged) patriotic statement, 'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,' as he was about to…

  • Great House Site

    Charlestown

    Besides being an urban plaza, the aptly named City Sq is also an archaeological site. Big Dig construction to reroute I-93 unearthed the foundation of a…

  • Burnham Tavern

    Down East

    History boffins may like to visit the historic tavern (now a museum) where planning for one of the earliest naval engagements of the Revolutionary War…

  • Old Gaol

    Nantucket

    To see where drunken sailors used to spend the night, visit the Old Gaol, the c 1806 jail that served Nantucket for 125 years. It was constructed using…

  • International Museum of Cryptozoology

    Portland

    Bigfoot, yetis, specter moose and other cryptids share the spotlight at this one-of-a-kind museum. Cryptids are animals thought by mainstream science to,…

  • Hood Milk Bottle

    Boston

    Towering 40ft over Fort Point Channel, the giant Hood Milk Bottle would hold 50,000 gallons of milk if it could hold a drop (that’s 800,000 glasses of…

  • Clark's Trading Post

    White Mountains

    Just north of North Woodstock on US 3, Clark's has been a traditional family stop since 1928. Children who've spent too much time in the car can burn off…

  • Pejepscot Museum

    Midcoast Maine

    Under the remit of the Pejepscot Historical Society, the Pejepscot Museum displays changing exhibits relating to Brunswick history, with photographs and…