NEW ENGLAND GETAWAYS

Looking for Things to Do in New England?

Travel tips and "trips" for your New England getaway. Select a day trip or string them together to create your own New England travel adventure.

Things to Do in New England

New England travel is a unique experience. In four hours or less you can traverse the six states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In this region, the present is still anchored firmly in the past, taking you on a whirlwind trip through prehistoric dinosaur trails, Native American cultures, and early English colonization.

If you're visiting the area from afar, consider flying into Hartford, Connecticut for central access to the major metropolitan areas of Boston and New York City and other attractions nearby.

If you’re already here, then pick a day trip below, or search for your own unique experience. There are plenty of things to do in New England.

Why Visit New England?

Where to Go and What to Do

Find your New England Getaway

A collage of images from New England Day trips
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8 of the Best New England Day Trips to Take This Spring

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 27, 2022

DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. Thanks! Spring is fickle in the Northeast, but this list of the 8 best New England day trips will reward you … Read more

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6 Connecticut Winter Activities: The Perfect Way to Spend a Cold Day

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 2, 2022

Connecticut day trips are a great way to bust the boredom of gloomy winter weather, but if you think you’re limited in options by the snow or cold, don’t worry. We’ve put together our top 6 Connecticut winter activities for non-skiers, to help you get out and explore this winter. These experiences offer some great … Read more

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Travel Trends: New England Getaways You Have to See to Believe

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 22, 2021

If you’re looking for New England Getaways, you have a lot of choices. New England isn’t a single state, but a travel destination, comprised of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. In fact, one of the best things about New England is the close proximity of the states and the easy driving … Read more

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New England Fall Activities, Planning Your Bucket List Destination

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 15, 2021

Riotous color, historical surprises, and dark night skies and some not-so-traditional sights and sounds of the season—New England fall activities are a delight that you’ll want to add to your travel bucket list. We’ve curated a list of the best activities across the region to get you on your way and help you enjoy the … Read more

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Gilmore Girls Gazebo in Granby Connecticut
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Searching for the Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow: A Connecticut Road Trip

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 14, 2019

It was a Netflix binge-fest that started the search for the Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow. Despite living in Connecticut for over twenty years, I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen that peculiar mix of Yankee spirit and mid-west charm rolled into a single street of a small thriving town. I had, however, been privileged to meet … Read more

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New England Fall Activities

Your Bucket List Fall Destination

Your guide to New England's traditional and not-so-traditional autumn happenings

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Travel Back in Time to a National Park You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

By Ali Patton | March 9, 2020

A visit to Lowell National Historic Park is a visit back in time to the 19th century during the peak of the Industrial Revolution. Located in the heart of the city of Lowell Massachusetts, Lowell National Historical Park doesn’t provide views of nature and wildlife like other national parks, but rather a deep delve into … Read more

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Walking towards the Nautilus at the Submarine Force Museum
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Submerged at Submarine Force Museum in Connecticut

By Ali Patton | February 26, 2020

The Submarine Force Museum in Groton CT is home to all things submarine, including working periscopes and the USS Nautilus. The Nautilus is submerged in water outside the museum and is open for tours. The Story of the USS Nautilus In 1951, Congress authorized the construction of the Nautilus submarine. “Underway on nuclear power” are … Read more

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The world's largest indoor go kart track at Supercharged
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Go Kart Racing In Connecticut – Thrill on the World’s Largest Indoor Track

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 9, 2020

Our First Experience Go Kart Racing on the World’s Largest Indoor Track Speed is not a thrill I typically pursue, so I approached Supercharged go kart racing in Connecticut with a fair degree of trepidation. Supercharged offers two racetracks. One is more compact, featuring a high number of hairpin turns. While some are banked, most … Read more

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UTVs driving through water, an unusual adventure in Connecticut
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UTV Connecticut: High-Adrenaline Excitement in the Litchfield Hills with Backyard Adventures

By Kathleen Hesketh | December 18, 2019

Home to revolutionary-war heroes and colonial mansions, taking a UTV ride in Connecticut may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering adventurous outdoor pursuits. In fact, the state has been shorted when it comes to high-adrenaline adventure. We’re talking about scrambling over rocky screes and blasting through the sodden leaf-strewn underbelly … Read more

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Bowling shoes in front of a duckpin bowling alley in Connecticut.
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Duckpin Bowling in Connecticut: Do It While You Can

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 6, 2019

DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. Thanks! Duckpin bowling in Connecticut is a traditional sport that is fun for all ages. Find a lane near you and … Read more

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When the Leaves Fall

Autumn in Connecticut

Connecticut shows she knows how to put on some color in these autumn adventures.

Amazing New England

Incredible New England hikes and places you have to see to believe

Dog trotting through uncrowded forest
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Three Off-the-Beaten Path Vacations for Summer Travel

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 24, 2023

According to recent research, 95% of Americans plan to travel this year. Over 65% will travel domestically, hitting popular summer destinations within the good old U.S. of A. No matter how you do the math, it adds up to a lot of travelers hitting the top destinations, such as Las Vegas, Orlando and Disney World. … Read more

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girl and golden retriever look inside Dover Stone Church
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Dover Stone Church, Our Gateway to New York’s Abandoned History

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 22, 2023

As the fall laid down a blanket of leaves and blazed in glorious colors, it seemed a strange time to leave New England, but New York state is a magnificent bastion of historical references all rolled into one endless sweep of stunning terrain. And it’s just over the Connecticut border, where a place called Dover … Read more

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Best Connecticut Hiking Trails: 7 Hikes that Will Knock Your Socks off

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 17, 2023

You don’t have to search long to come up with dozens of Connecticut hiking trails, but narrowing in on the best hikes in Connecticut often requires a little determination. Many are short, flat jaunts with little to pique your curiosity, while others dig deep into history or the ecological wonders of the state. These are … Read more

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Sad Tales, Historic Remains: Lovers Leap State Park in Connecticut

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 16, 2023

Many of New England’s hikes blend history with the modern day, but few do it as seamlessly as the trails at Lovers Leap State Park in Connecticut. Explore history against the modern backdrop of the state’s rural New Milford countryside and learn a thing or two about local legends. It’s up to you to decide … Read more

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A collage of images from New England Day trips
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8 of the Best New England Day Trips to Take This Spring

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 27, 2022

DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. Thanks! Spring is fickle in the Northeast, but this list of the 8 best New England day trips will reward you … Read more

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6 Connecticut Winter Activities: The Perfect Way to Spend a Cold Day

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 2, 2022

Connecticut day trips are a great way to bust the boredom of gloomy winter weather, but if you think you’re limited in options by the snow or cold, don’t worry. We’ve put together our top 6 Connecticut winter activities for non-skiers, to help you get out and explore this winter. These experiences offer some great … Read more

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Travel Trends: New England Getaways You Have to See to Believe

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 22, 2021

If you’re looking for New England Getaways, you have a lot of choices. New England isn’t a single state, but a travel destination, comprised of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. In fact, one of the best things about New England is the close proximity of the states and the easy driving … Read more

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A Former Stage Actor Builds Gillette Castle in Connecticut, Hides Its Secrets for Years

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 10, 2021

Traveling across New England, it isn’t uncommon to find historical residences, but Gillette Castle in Connecticut sets the stage, so to speak, for a unique experience and day trip. Entering the twilight years of his life, actor, playwright, director and innovator, William Gillette, built a stone house atop the Seven Sisters mountain range overlooking the … Read more

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Lighthouse on rocky New England coast
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Why You Should Start Thinking About New England Travel

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 10, 2021

New England travel bloggers are a rare breed. We don’t jet of to exotic locations and rhapsodize about far-off places. Instead, we write about a little-known piece of the U.S. that most people don’t really understand. New England States List Connectictut Maine Massachusetts Rhode Island New Hampshire Vermont What state is New England in? It’s … Read more

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Hiking McLean Game Refuge: 2 Trails That Will Make You Want to Visit This Small Connecticut Town

By Kathleen Hesketh | June 21, 2020

“I want the [McClean] game refuge to be a place where some of the things God made may be seen by those who love them, as I loved them, and who may find in them the peace of mind and body that I have found.” From the will of Sen. George McLean.   The small Connecticut town … Read more

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Heublein Tower as viewed from the top of the Heublein Tower Hike on Talcott Mountain
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Heublein Tower Hike: Views Atop the Talcott Ridge

By Ali Patton | May 6, 2020

What started out as a lavish gift from a loving husband to his wife, is now one of the best hikes in Connecticut. The Heublein Tower hike and trail, located atop Talcott Mountain and just west of Hartford, offers views as far as Massachusetts. I grew up hiking Talcott Mountain and visiting the tower with … Read more

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Clydesdale Stables at Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack, NH
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Budweiser Brewery Tour Merrimack, NH: A Non-Drinker’s View

By Kathleen Hesketh | April 12, 2020

Taking a Budweiser Brewery tour in Merrimack, NH isn’t just for beer lovers. It’s also an experience for history buffs and anyone who likes to understand the ins and outs of how things are made. It’s also an opportunity to take a peek at the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Picking up a Budweiser Brewery Tour in … Read more

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Travel Back in Time to a National Park You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

By Ali Patton | March 9, 2020

A visit to Lowell National Historic Park is a visit back in time to the 19th century during the peak of the Industrial Revolution. Located in the heart of the city of Lowell Massachusetts, Lowell National Historical Park doesn’t provide views of nature and wildlife like other national parks, but rather a deep delve into … Read more

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Walking towards the Nautilus at the Submarine Force Museum
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Submerged at Submarine Force Museum in Connecticut

By Ali Patton | February 26, 2020

The Submarine Force Museum in Groton CT is home to all things submarine, including working periscopes and the USS Nautilus. The Nautilus is submerged in water outside the museum and is open for tours. The Story of the USS Nautilus In 1951, Congress authorized the construction of the Nautilus submarine. “Underway on nuclear power” are … Read more

  • Save
The world's largest indoor go kart track at Supercharged
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Go Kart Racing In Connecticut – Thrill on the World’s Largest Indoor Track

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 9, 2020

Our First Experience Go Kart Racing on the World’s Largest Indoor Track Speed is not a thrill I typically pursue, so I approached Supercharged go kart racing in Connecticut with a fair degree of trepidation. Supercharged offers two racetracks. One is more compact, featuring a high number of hairpin turns. While some are banked, most … Read more

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Fort Wetherill entrance
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Fort Wetherill State Park: Exploring Semi-Secret Tunnels and Other Things You Can’t Imagine

By Ali Patton | January 23, 2020

Abandoned on Rhode Island’s shores, behind overgrown trees, often overlooked, or just plain forgotten, sits Fort Wetherill. Once a proud active fort, Fort Wetherill’s many tunnels and structures are now covered in multicolored graffiti. Fort Wetherill’s Past In 1855, President Grover appointed the Endicott Board. Made up of members of the Army, Navy, and civilians, … Read more

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Abandoned Brenton Point State Park: Searching Historical Remains of The Reef for Clues to the Present

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 19, 2020

On a breezy summer day, Brenton Point State Park in Newport, Rhode Island glistens as brightly as the sun off the ocean waves across the street. Kites fly high, and if you time it right, you might even score a Dell’s Lemonade, one of Rhode Island’s distinctive treats. However, Brenton Point State Park holds a … Read more

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Young woman and golden retriever walk in front of Hearthstone Castle ruins
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Seeking the Abandoned Ruins of Hearthstone Castle

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 15, 2020

Hearthstone castle is a less a trip than it is an exploration. For us, it tied some peculiar history into an outdoor adventure that left us a bit nostalgic for the past. Setting out for Hearthstone Castle in Danbury, Connecticut If you know much about Connecticut, you’ve probably heard of Danbury. It’s one of the … Read more

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Animal Adventures in Bolton MA featured image
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Want to Pet a Kangaroo? Try Animal Adventures in Bolton, MA

By Ali Patton | October 23, 2019

Kangaroos, goats, snakes, oh my! Animal Adventures in Bolton MA is a sanctuary for just about every animal you can imagine. They have guided and self- tours where you can get up close and personal with some of the furry and feathery residents. Animal Adventures has been caring for injured, abandoned, and homeless exotic and … Read more

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Iron blast furnace at copake iron works
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Copake Iron Works–Blasting into the Past: A Seconds to Go Short

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 25, 2019

Save DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. Thanks! Winding your way out of Massachusetts’s Mount Washington Forest, you’ll discover Copake Iron Works, a tribute to the industrial … Read more

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Bash Bish Falls State Park in early spring
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Shhhh… Listen! Do You Hear The Sound Of Bash Bish Falls?

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 16, 2019

Save DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. Thanks! Bash Bish Falls State Park is home to the Massachusett’s highest, single-drop waterfall. It’s a great day trip destination … Read more

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