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?
Three Off-the-Beaten Path Summer Vacation Destinations
According to recent research, 66% of survey respondents are more interested in travel now than they were before the pandemic. Over 75% of travel spend, is now domestic, meaning Americans will spend more time hitting popular summer vacation destinations within the good old U.S. of A. No matter how you do the math, it adds … Read more
6 Connecticut Winter Activities for Non-Skiers: The Perfect Way to Spend a Cold Day
Last updated: March 10, 2025 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. … Read more
Best New England Day Trips to Take This Spring
Spring is fickle in the Northeast, but this list of the 8 best New England day trips will reward you for taking a trip outside, no matter how the weather is behaving. The Best Day Trips in New England If autumn is New England’s glorious crown, then spring is her dedicated servant, setting up the … Read more
Submerged at Submarine Force Museum in Connecticut
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 Submarine Force Museum’s USS Nautilus In 1951, Congress authorized the construction of the Nautilus submarine. “Underway on … Read more
Lowell National Historic Park: Bringing the Industrial Revolution Back to Life
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 Historic Park doesn’t provide views of nature and wildlife like other national parks, but rather a deep delve into … Read more
Fort Wetherill Jamestown: Exploring Semi-Secret Tunnels and Other Things You Can’t Imagine
Abandoned on Rhode Island’s shores, behind overgrown trees, often overlooked, or just plain forgotten, sits Fort Wetherill in Jamestown. Once a proud active fort, Fort Wetherill’s many tunnels and structures are now covered in multicolored graffiti. Fort Wetherill Jamestown’s History In 1855, President Grover appointed the Endicott Board. Made up of members of the Army, … Read more
Why It’s Time to Start Thinking About New England Travel
You’ll find a wide range of geography across New England, from the white sand beaches of Rhode Island and the rocky shores of Maine to stony mountain peaks and cascading hills. There is no better place in the country for a road trip, and that’s coming from someone who has logged a lot of miles … Read more
Budweiser New Hampshire Brewery Tour Merrimack: A Non-Drinker’s View
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. While you can no longer visit the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales at this location, you can tour the facilities and sample … Read more
The Enigmatic Hearthstone Castle of Danbury: Once Grand, Now Abandoned
Last update May 2024 Visiting Hearthstone Castle in Danbury 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. Note: Since our initial visit to Hearthstone Castle Danbury in 2020, the fence around Hearthstone Caste … Read more
Go Kart Racing In Connecticut – Thrill on the World’s Largest Indoor Track
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, offering thrill enthusiasts a high number of hairpin turns. While some are … Read more
Unleash Your Inner Zookeeper at Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center Bolton, MA
Kangaroos, goats, snakes, oh my! Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center in Bolton MA is a sanctuary for just about every animal you can imagine. They offer guided and self- tours where you can get up close and personal with some of the furry and feathery residents. Animal Adventures, Bolton has been caring for … Read more
Copake Iron Works–Blasting into the Past: A Seconds to Go Short
Deep within the embrace of the Taconic Mountains, nestled alongside the gurgling Bash Bish Brook, lies a testament to American industrial ingenuity – the Copake Iron Works historic site. Established in 1845, this historic site in upstate New York isn’t about towering smokestacks and forgotten machinery. It’s a captivating journey through time, offering a glimpse … Read more
The Secrets Surrounding Chatfield Hollow State Park
Chatfield Hollow State Park in Connecticut, with water wheels and trails that lead to old mill ruins, is a must visit Connecticut state park. Plus like so many things in New England, it offers something for all ages. Preparing to Visit Chatfield Hollow State Park Before even starting the car to drive to Chatfield Hollow … Read more
Duckpin Bowling in Connecticut: Do It While You Can
Duckpin bowling in Connecticut is a traditional sport that is fun for all ages. Find a lane near you and learn more about this fading art. Duckpin Bowling Traditions in Connecticut It’s our family tradition when we are in Connecticut to go duckpin bowling on the day after Christmas. We descend upon Ducks on the … Read more
Hiking Case Mountain in Manchester, Connecticut
Before going to Case Mountain, I never thought of hiking in Manchester Connecticut. Apparently, I was a member of a small minority unaware of Case Mountain’s history and splendid sites. Case Mountain: New England Hiking, History and Cliff-Top Views Fall color had been dim in Connecticut, the few years before my first trip to Case Mountain. We’d become accostomed to … Read more
The Murderous Tragedy of Spooner Well in Central Massachusetts
Few people realize that the small town of Brookfield in Central Massachusetts is responsible for raising the first woman to be executed in the new America republic. However, Spooner Well, a sad and lonely spot on the old Boston Post Road, commemorates the occasion with a single lone marker. It’s the place where Joshua Spooner … Read more
New England Must-See Places
Three Off-the-Beaten Path Summer Vacation Destinations
According to recent research, 66% of survey respondents are more interested in travel now than they were before the pandemic. Over 75% of travel spend, is now domestic, meaning Americans will spend more time hitting popular summer vacation destinations within the good old U.S. of A. No matter how you do the math, it adds … Read more
Best New England Day Trips to Take This Spring
Spring is fickle in the Northeast, but this list of the 8 best New England day trips will reward you for taking a trip outside, no matter how the weather is behaving. The Best Day Trips in New England If autumn is New England’s glorious crown, then spring is her dedicated servant, setting up the … Read more
Duckpin Bowling in Connecticut: Do It While You Can
Duckpin bowling in Connecticut is a traditional sport that is fun for all ages. Find a lane near you and learn more about this fading art. Duckpin Bowling Traditions in Connecticut It’s our family tradition when we are in Connecticut to go duckpin bowling on the day after Christmas. We descend upon Ducks on the … Read more
New England Fall Activities, Planning Your Bucket List Destination
Last update: September 2024 Riotous color, historical surprises, 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 gathered the best activities across the region to get you on your way and help you enjoy the … Read more
Amazing New England
Incredible New England hikes and places you have to see to believe
Finding the Mysterious Cavern of Dover Stone Church Preserve
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
Best Connecticut Hiking Trails: 7 Hikes that Will Knock Your Socks off
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
Hiking Granby, CT McLean Game Refuge: 2 Trails That Will Make You Want to Visit This Small Town
“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
The Enigmatic Hearthstone Castle of Danbury: Once Grand, Now Abandoned
Last update May 2024 Visiting Hearthstone Castle in Danbury 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. Note: Since our initial visit to Hearthstone Castle Danbury in 2020, the fence around Hearthstone Caste … Read more
Shhhh… Listen! Do You Hear The Sound Of Bash Bish Falls?
Bash Bish Falls State Park is home to the Massachusett’s highest, single-drop waterfall. It’s a great day trip destination in New England, but is considered by some to be the state’s most dangerous as well. Bash Bish Falls State Park and the Massachusetts Versus New York Dilemma Forty-five and sunny isn’t the best spring break … Read more
The Secrets Surrounding Chatfield Hollow State Park
Chatfield Hollow State Park in Connecticut, with water wheels and trails that lead to old mill ruins, is a must visit Connecticut state park. Plus like so many things in New England, it offers something for all ages. Preparing to Visit Chatfield Hollow State Park Before even starting the car to drive to Chatfield Hollow … Read more
Ice Glen Trail, Like Ireland in the Berkshires
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! You can easily spend days driving the backroads of the Berkshires, slipping into a daydream, imagining what life would have … Read more
Hiking Case Mountain in Manchester, Connecticut
Before going to Case Mountain, I never thought of hiking in Manchester Connecticut. Apparently, I was a member of a small minority unaware of Case Mountain’s history and splendid sites. Case Mountain: New England Hiking, History and Cliff-Top Views Fall color had been dim in Connecticut, the few years before my first trip to Case Mountain. We’d become accostomed to … Read more
Rock House Reservation: Visit Massachusetts’ Slot Canyon
Travel across New England is filled with surprises, particularly when you stumble across Rock House Reservation. I never expected to find the equivalent of a slot canyon (Think Zion National Park and southern Utah) in the woods of Central Massachusetts, but Rock House Reservation features a similar, if much smaller, geographical phenomenon. Nestled amidst the … Read more
Sad Tales, Historic Remains: Lovers Leap Connecticut
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
Heublein Tower Hike: Views Atop the Talcott Ridge
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
