It’s like England…only newer 🙂

New England

After being here for a few years, I’ve gotten to sample much of what the area has to offer.  Clearly, Rhode Island will have more notable mentions, because that is my home.  However, all the other New England states are special and sweet in their own way.  Below are some points of interest I’ve gotten to enjoy.

MAINE

I would consider Maine my favorite New England state, and I can’t exactly put my finger on why.  Perhaps it has to do with its large coastline, or maybe it’s because it’s an edge of the country, a finger reaching far to the north, beckoning me to come see what it’s pointing at.  In a nutshell: it’s beautiful. 

A capital city is always a main stop on my US travel agenda, so naturally, Augusta was the first stop.  It was a small, friendly city with a nice history museum and quaint surroundings.  But, Portland was more my speed.  A coastal city has so much to offer.  Some highlights were a beautiful twilight lighthouse tour, an amazing dark cherry chocolate chip milkshake, and my first authentic “lobstah” dinner.  Portland was scrumptious. 

Finally, Kennebunkport was a mini stop before heading home, and I’m so glad I got to see it.  There’s not really that much to see, but it’s one of the cutest places I’ve ever been.  Besides the expensive homes (which is inevitable), there is plenty of small-town charm, little shops and beautiful beach. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

This was a quick get-away, but I still had a fabulous time.  Of course, Concord was the first stop…another sleepy New England city, that feels more like a town. And, once again, the coastal city of Portsmouth drew me in much faster than the hills in the center of the state. 

Portsmouth looked like a well taken care of city.  There is nothing better than drinking sweet coconut lime juice and taking a stroll through a beautifully manicured park, down to the water.  The water, by the way, seemed to have the fastest current I’ve ever seen!  Also, along the waterfront, is a thriving art community.  There are so many shops selling local pottery, glass, textiles, etc.  It was great to see a community have such pride expressing their creativity. 

VERMONT

By far, the most sleepy New England state, Vermont has a charm like no other.  The whole state seems like a small town where everyone is your neighbor.  In Montpelier, which is the size of a small neighborhood, no one monitors the parking meters and you get instant assistance from people on the street the moment you pull out a map.  🙂

The Ben and Jerry’s factory was a delicious stop, as well as the Morse Farm Sugar Works, where you taste maple syrup instead of ice cream.  All-in-all, a tasty destination!

CONNECTICUT

People from New England seem to not be very fond of CT, but it’s great, especially for history buffs. 

Mystic Seaport was a fun place to go.  It’s a step back in time where you can see what life was like “back in the day.”  You can also step on board a few boats and get a lesson in the seafaring lifestyle.  There is much to see and do in this cute family friendly town. 

You guessed it, Hartford was the next stop, and I did not allow enough time to see everything!  Many famous people were from, or had lived in CT, so many of their houses are now museums.  There are also some very old gravesites and the capital building was the most elaborate I’ve seen, as well as the surrounding grounds. 

Hartford State House

I feel like I have just seen the tip of the iceberg, so this is definitely a place I’d like to spend some more time. 

MASSACHUSETTS

There is soooo much to see!  If Florence is “quintessential” Italy, then Massachusetts is “quintessential” New England.  It’s a cornucopia of various historical points with perfect picturesque scenery peppered in for flavor.

Growing up around theatre, and reading “The Crucible,” sparked my interest in Salem.  I happened to be there during Halloween which was…interesting.  It seems like a friendly, small town with no big buildings and no hustle and bustle.  It has lots of museums and protected historical sites.  I’m sure the holiday brought lots of extra people to the area, flooding the city, but the costumes I got to see were out of this world. 

Boston (aka Beantown) requires lots of time to explore.  It’s a pretty large city.  It has beautiful government buildings, gorgeous parks, museums, theatres, and nightlife galore.  Boston has pretty much everything one could ever want, except cheap rent. 😉

Boston’s North End

But, if it’s R & R you’re looking for, then Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard may be a better location.  Whether it’s driving through rows of summer cottages that are wedged between sparkling sand dunes and the great blue, or shopping for local art made with seashells and sea glass, both locations have an endless supply of things to hold one’s interest. 

It’s also fun to be around the water and see all the boaters that sail in from all over the world in their various crafts for the sole purpose of doing exactly what you are doing…just enjoying. 

RHODE ISLAND

I’m proud to say that this state has been my home for the past few years, and probably will be for a few more.  I still remember the day I was working in North Carolina when I got the phone call accepting me to the intern program at Trinity Rep in Providence.  I was elated, considering that I only applied to 3 programs, and also that I didn’t have to go back to Pennsylvania, hehe.  That opportunity gave me wings, and when I found out the state motto is “Hope,” I took it as a sign that the stars were aligning themselves, pointing me in a certain direction.  I had to go, and I’m so glad I did. 

The beauty of Rhode Island is that there is something for everyone and it doesn’t take long to get anywhere.  Plus, the public transportation reaches just about anywhere in the state. 

The first place I lived was in Providence.  Even though there is constant change, there is never a shortage of things to do.  Every neighborhood has its historic sections and notable landmarks, as well as little museums and parks.  I addition to these items, Providence also has tons of cafe’s, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and shops.  But one of my favorite things to experience is “waterfire.”  Usually just during the summer months, the downtown area is flooded with family’s, couples, and drunk singles on Saturday nights at sunset.  In the middle of the river are burning fire pits that add a beautiful glow and aroma to the evening experience.  Combine that with beautiful music, some food, spirits and street performers, and you have an enchanted evening. 

The East Bay is where I live now.  A few miles south of Providence is like another world.  It’s very quiet and peaceful and cozy.  The town has everything I need, and I can walk just about everywhere.  Even though Fall is my favorite season, I always look forward to sunny afternoons at the town beach under a nourishing sun, and tranquil evenings at the town wharf, being lulled by the lapping water against beautiful boats under a luminous moon. 

Newport is also a fun destination.  Ocean Drive, the Newport Mansion museums, and the Cliff Walk are all must-sees while in town.  Also, just North of Newport is where I went skydiving years ago…a must-do for those adventure seekers out there.  Off the coast of Newport is Rose Island.  There is a self-sustainable lighthouse/museum/inn on the island.  You can stay for a night or a week and learn how to be a temporary lighthouse keeper! I was only there for a day and it was a cool experience. 

View from Cliff Walk

Speaking of lighthouses, Point Judith is a really pretty place to visit.  There is a gorgeous picnic area right by the lighthouse with the sea and horizon as the backdrop.  No wonder they perform weddings there 🙂

As one of the “exotic” RI destinations, Block Island should be seen at least once.  If you stay for a day or two, you can bike basically the entire island, spend a little time on the beach, do a little hiking, and reward yourself with some delicious ice cream afterwards.  Once you see it, you instantly understand why people from all around choose to stand in huge lines for a ticket on the slow ferry…it really is worth it. 

South point of Block Island, tempting huh?