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The Grand Tour of New England
14nts/15days
If time allows and it is your first visit to New England, a driving tour covering all six New England states will allow you a true taste of the region with all of its beauty and diversity. Out of Boston you will find wide open spaces, a speed limit on the highways of 55 - 65 miles per hour, a friendly and hospitable welcome and also importantly some wonderful properties where your innkeepers will serve as local sightseeing guides pointing you in the right direction for that perfect spot to enjoy the scenic beauty of New England.
Day One: Boston, Massachusetts
Most international visitors arrive in Boston at Logan Airport. Conveniently located just three miles from the downtown area, Logan has a brand new international terminal which allows for a speedy transfer through customs and immigration. Once out of the terminal, there are a variety of ways to get into center of Boston (please see in 'General Information'). Remember not to rent a car until you are heading out of the city. You will not need a car in this, America's 'Walking City' and also parking fees in the downtown hotels are particularly expensive. Most rental car companies will allow for downtown pick up or failing that, the short journey back to Logan Airport is worth it on your day of departure from the city.
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the unofficial 'capital' of New England. A sophisticated and charming city, it is relatively small and so walking is the best way to get around. Many international visitors feel very comfortable in Boston as it is seemingly the most 'European' of all American cities with distinct small neighborhoods such as the North End, filled with lively Italian restaurants and cafes; the Back Bay, wonderful shopping streets filled with every designer shop imaginable and Beacon Hill with its cobbled streets and brown brick townhouses.
Spend at least 2nts in Boston
Suggested Lodging:
Day Two: Boston, Massachusetts
Spend the day in Boston exploring the city.
Suggested Highlights:
- Walk the Freedom Trail - a great way to orientate yourself to the city, the Freedom Trail links 16 places of historic interest throughout the city. You can begin any where along the route but it is easiest to begin at Boston Common where the Visitors Center is located. www.thefreedomtrail.org
- Take A Duck Tour - the 'Ducks' are amphibious vehicles that are able to go in water and on land and therefore you have a wonderful perspective of Boston and Cambridge as you are able to see the skylines from the Charles River and hear all about the unique sites of the city from your Boston driver!
www.bostonducktours.com
- Other great ways to see the city include Trolley Tours which allow you to hop on and off (www.historictours.com) or take a cruise on Boston's beautiful harbor (www.bostonharborcruises.com).
- Don't forget to visit some of Boston's rich cultural gems such as the JFK Library (www.jfklibrary.org) and the impressive Museum of Fine Arts (www.mfa.org)
Day Three: Boston - Maine Coast
Leaving Boston today, head north up the coast and into Maine. Time allowing you should stop and visit any one of the wonderful small towns on the coast (www.northofboston.org ) such as Salem, known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials and home to the amazing Peabody Essex Museum (www.pem.org), or the pretty artist's colony of Rockport. Once in Maine you will find this rugged state is as big as all the other New England states put together but you will explore a little of its spectacular coast on this tour. Picturesque fishing villages are nestled together by a dramatic and rugged coastline. Don't forget to sample some of Maine's fine culinary delights of lobsters and blueberries!
You may prefer to stay in the southern coastal areas and there are plenty of great stops such as York, Kennebunkport (www.visitthekennebunks.com), and Ogunquit (www.ogunquitmaine.com) or a little further north to Portland (www.portlandmaine.com), a lively coastal town with a rich historic and cultural heritage. Freeport (www.freeportusa.org) is also a great option, where the outlet shopping in a quintessential New England village setting offers some great bargains.
Suggested Lodging:
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Inn By The Sea
40 Bowery Beach Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-3134
(800) 888-4287
Email: info@innbythesea.com
http://www.innbythesea.com |
INN BY-THE-SEA: 57 luxuriously renovated one and two bedroom suites and rooms in 2008, full service ...
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Harraseeket Inn
162 Main Street
Freeport, ME 04032
207) 865-9377
(800) 342-6423
Email: harraseeke@aol.com
http://www.stayfreeport.com |
84 Room luxury Country Inn 2 blocks north of L.L. Bean. 23 Fireplaces, 2 Great Restaurants (wood fir...
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Kennebunkport Inn
One Dock Square, Box 111
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
(207) 967-2621
(800) 248-2621
Email: stay@kennebunkportinn.com
http://www.kennebunkportinn.com |
KENNEBUNKPORT INN: Classic New England Inn in an old sea captain's home. You will enjoy dining in o...
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Captain Lord Mansion
6 Pleasant Street
Kennebunkport, ME 04046-0800
(207) 967-3141
(800) 522-3141
Email: innkeeper@captainlord.com
http://www.captainlord.com |
Experience serenity, privacy, elegance & romance in our spacious, luxurious guest rooms: gas firepla...
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Nonantum Resort
95 Ocean Avenue
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
(207) 967-4050
(800) 552-5651
Email: stay@nonantumresort.com
http://www.nonantumresort.com |
The Ambience of a Bygone Era... Experience the Maine of yesterday on the picturesque shores of the K...
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Beachmere Inn
62 Beachmere Place
Ogunquit, ME 03907
(207) 646-2021
(800) 336-3983
Email: info@beachmereinn.com
http://www.beachmereinn.com |
A Seaside Victorian, Motel and cottage with spectacular ocean views, balconies, fireplaces, and kitc...
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Dunes On the Waterfront
518 Main Street
Ogunquit, ME 03907
(207) 646-2612
Email: info@dunesonthewaterfront.com
http://www.dunesonthewaterfront.com |
Classic New England cottages and well appointed guestrooms all exquisitely maintained for three gene...
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Stage Neck Inn
8 Stage Neck Road
York Harbor, ME 03911
(207) 363-3850
(800) 339-0358
Email: reserve@stageneck.com
http://www.stageneck.com |
Escape the Ordinary to the AAA Four Diamond Award oceanfront boutique resort hotel. Open year...
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Day Four: The Maine Coast
Spend the day exploring the coast of Maine either visiting Portland with its many small galleries, shops, restaurants and museums, or discover one of the resort town areas with their family friendly sandy beaches and fun fairs. Take a lobster boat ride out of Perkins Cove in Ogunquit and or stop by some of the fine small and different museums that scatter the coast such as the Wells Auto Museum.
Overnight in Maine
Day Five: Maine to the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Today you drive west through Maine and into New Hampshire's White Mountains region.(www.visitwhitemountains.com ) The drive will be longer today as there are no major highways that are able to take you east/west in New England. Once in New Hampshire, beautiful shimmering lakes and tall mountains dominate the landscape and pretty villages are found around every corner. A paradise for hikers in the summer and for skiers in the winter, the White Mountains provide the perfect back drop for outdoor recreation or just to enjoy the scenic beauty. You can hike to the top of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in New England (6,288 ft) or failing that take the 8 mile toll road to the top or take the Cog Railway on a steam train.
Suggested Lodging:
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Omni Mount Washington Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
(603) 278-1000
(800) 258-0330
Email: resortinfo@mountwashingtonresort.com
http://www.omnimountwashingtonresort.com |
As grand as the history behind it, Omni Mount Washington Resort is gracious in ambiance and generous...
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Sugar Hill Inn
116 Scenic Route 117
Franconia, NH 03586
(603) 823-5621
(800) 548-4748
Email: info@sugarhillinn.com
http://www.sugarhillinn.com |
Everything an Inn should be: Scenic, Relaxing & Romantic. Nestled in the White Mountains, Sugar Hill...
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The Lodge at Jackson Village
153 Route 16
Jackson, NH 03846
(603) 383-0999
(800) 233-5634
Email: info@lodgeatjacksonvillage.com
http://www.LodgeatJacksonVillage.com |
The Lodge at Jackson Village offers comfortable, spacious, lodging accommodations in Jackson, NH - A...
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1785 Inn & Restaurant
Route 16 at The Scenic Vista, P. O. Box 1785
North Conway, NH 03860-1785
(603) 356-9025
(800) 421-1785
Email: the1785inn@aol.com
http://www.the1785inn.com |
Known for famous mountain views, fine
dining and friendly service. Specialize in
relaxing vacati...
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Red Jacket Mountain View Resort & Spa
2251 White Mountain Highway
North Conway, NH 03860
(603) 356-5411
800-RJACKET
Email: rjmv@redjacketresorts.com
http://www.redjacketmountainview.com |
Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is located atop Sunset Hill in the heart of the White Mountains, wit...
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White Mountain Hotel and Resort
West Side Road
North Conway, NH 03860
(603) 356-7100
(800) 533-6301
Email: info@whitemountainhotel.com
http://www.whitemountainhotel.com |
Secluded resort featuring 80 newly renovated deluxe rooms, on-site golf course, fitness center, year...
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Day Six: New Hampshire
Enjoy the day discovering New Hampshire. Either take a wonderful loop tour covering the Kancamagus Highway, which from Lincoln to Conway is one of the most scenic in the USA and visit the Flume which with its wooden walkways and waterfalls makes a great stop…Or head a bit further south into the Lakes Region (www.lakesregion.org) where Lake Winnipesaukee offers everything from great sailing and fishing to relaxing water cruises on paddleboats. New Hampshire is also tax free so don't forget to take in the retail shopping delights of North Conway, one of the premium outlet shopping areas in the region.
Overnight in New Hampshire
Suggested Lodging:
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Purity Spring Resort
1251 Eaton Road, Route 153
East Madison, NH 03849
(603) 367-2042
(800) 373-3754
Email: info@purityspring.com
http://www.purityspring.com |
For five generations, the Hoyt family has welcomed guests to Purity Spring Resort. With four 5 sandy...
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Inns & Spa at Mill Falls
312 Daniel Webster Hwy.
Meredith, NH 03253
(603) 279-7006
(800) 622-6455
Email: info@millfalls.com
http://www.millfalls.com |
On the shores of spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee in the heart of the Lakes Region, the Inns & Spa at ...
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Day Seven: New Hampshire - Vermont's Green Mountains
Continuing the tour westwards you head into Vermont, the Green Mountain State. Known for its agricultural landscape, its rolling hills and pristine environment, Vermont offers the romance of small communities with village greens, and white wooden church spires.
There are many lovely places to stay in Vermont and you can choose to go north, central or south. You will have the opportunity to experience the twisting country roads, art galleries, country stores and local diners, working farms and small towns throughout the state.
One suggestion in Vermont includes a stop in Montpelier, capital of Vermont and the smallest state capital in the country with just 8,000 residents. The town is like a film set and dominated by the gold leafed dome of the Vermont State House. Continue on to Waterbury and take a unique factory tour at the Ben & Jerry's Ice cream factory (www.benjerry.com) and then onto Stowe (www.gostowe.com), a charming mountain resort town nestled at the foot of Mount Mansfield.
Suggested Lodging in Northern Vermont:
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Wildflower Inn
2059 Darling Hill Road
Lyndonville, VT 05851
(802) 626-8310
(800)-627-8310
Email: info@wildflowerinn.com
http://www.wildflowerinn.com |
You deserve a great vacation!!! Relax and recharge at this family-friendly country resort o...
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Trapp Family Lodge
700 Trapp Hill Road
Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-8511
(800) 826-7000
Email: info@trappfamily.com
http://www.trappfamily.com |
2,700-acre mountain resort in the European tradition by the family that inspired "The Sound of Music...
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Day Eight; Vermont
The following day you can tour the state with a visit to Burlington, Vermont's largest town and overlooking Lake Champlain (www.vermont.org). The town has a large student population which gives it a great 'buzz' and has a great blend of stores including lots of Vermont craft and artisan shops. Head south and tour The Shelburne Museum (www.shelburnemuseum.org) and see one of the USA's finest collections of Americana.
You can head back to northern Vermont for your overnight or continue to any one of these great properties further south to finish your day.
Suggested Lodging in Central Vermont:
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Hawk Inn & Mountain Resort
Route 100
Plymouth, VT 05056
(802) 672-2101
(800) 685-HAWK
Email: hawkinn@hawkresort.com
http://www.hawkresort.com |
Lakes region, 50 room Country Inn & 2,3,4 bedroom Luxury Mountain Villas w/fireplaces & full kitchen...
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Basin Harbor Club
4800 Basin Harbor Road
Vergennes, VT 05491
(802) 475-7817
(888) 339-8074
Email: sales@basinharbor.com
http://www.basinharbor.com |
Located on Lake Champlain, Basin Harbor Club is a 4th generation owned resort, offering charming cot...
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Suggested Lodging in Southern Vermont:
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Mountain Top Inn & Resort
195 Mountain Top Road
Chittenden, VT 05737
(802) 483-2311
(800) 445-2100
Email: stay@mountaintopinn.com
http://www.mountaintopinn.com |
Breathtaking natural beauty at this classic mountain lodge, with horseback riding, clay bird shootin...
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Mountain Inn
47 Old Mill Road
Killington, VT 05751
(802) 422-3595
(888) 422-3595
Email: innkeeper@mtinn.com
http://www.mtinn.com |
51 Cozy rooms nestled in the heart of the Killington Basin at the base of the mountain, within walki...
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Equinox, A Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa
Historic Route 7A, 3567 Main Street
Manchester Village, VT 05254
(802) 362-4700
(800) 362-4747
Email: reservations@equinoxresort.com
http://www.equinoxresort.com |
179 room resort featuring golf, Spa, Falconry, Archery, Orvis Fishing and Shooting Schools, Snowshoe...
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Day Nine: Vermont - The Berkshires, Massachusetts
From Vermont you head south and into the lovely Berkshire Hills (www.berkshires.org) . Charming Stockbridge is the heart of Western Massachusetts but the entire area is a gem of culture and charm. In summer the hills are literally alive with the 'sound of music' as Tanglewood becomes home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra (www.bso.org). You can also find abundant summer theater and dance performances nearby as well as cutting edge art at Mass Moca (www.massmoca.org )and the world class Clark Institute (www.clarkart.edu) in the lovely college town of Williamstown.
Suggested Lodging:
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Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club
55 Lee Road, RT 20
Lenox, MA 01240
413-637-1364
800-272-6935
Email: info@cranwell.com
http://www.cranwell.com |
Berkshires' premier year-round resort. AAA Four-Diamond Award. 35,000 sq. ft. full service spa with ...
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Porches Inn
231 River Street
North Adams, MA 01247
(413) 664-0400
Email: info@porches.com
http://www.porches.com |
Porches is the perfect home base for exploring the outstanding outdoor and cultural activities of th...
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The Red Lion Inn
30 Main Street
Stockbridge, MA 01262
(413) 298-5545
Email: info@redlioninn.com
http://www.redlioninn.com |
The historic Red Lion has been hosting generations of folks making memories and upholding family tra...
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Day Ten: The Berkshires - Connecticut
Continue your journey by heading back south and into Connecticut. Stretching east from New York City, Connecticut has a varied landscape from rocky shores to wide beaches to wooded hills and rural farmland. Many areas have beautifully preserved clapboard homes set amidst well maintained villages such as Essex and Chester. As you head along the Connecticut coast, there are many small towns that are worth exploring. Mystic is a perfect overnight where you can visit Mystic Seaport (www.mysticseaport.org), a living history village with working craftsmen. Nearby is the world-class Mystic Aquarium (www.mysticaquarium.org), certainly not just another Aquarium and not forgetting the Mashantucket Pequot Museum (www.pequotmuseum.org), an impressive museum depicting Native American life in Southern New England. Of course there are also the hugely popular casinos of Foxwoods (www.foxwoods.com) and Mohegan Sun (www.mohegansun.com)which are casinos complete with excellent shopping, dining and entertainment.
Suggested Lodging in Southern Connecticut:
Day Eleven: Mystic, Connecticut - Newport, Rhode Island
A 'must' on everyone's visit to New England, Newport (www.gonewport.com) is famous for its history and Gilded Age Mansions as well as yachting and superb summer festivals. You may recognize some of the Mansions as seen in movies such as "The Great Gatsby' or 'True Lies'. These are truly magnificent homes or 'summer cottages' as they are known, built by the wealthy industrialists of the nineteenth century as a place to escape the summer heat of New York City for just six weeks of the year. Beautifully preserved, you can tour the homes which usually take about an hour per home. Don't try and do them all in one day, you will want to explore the Cliff Walk with its great views of the Ocean or just enjoy the downtown fun of Newport with its harbor side shops, restaurants and art galleries.
Suggested Lodging in Newport:
Day Twelve: Newport - Cape Cod
A perfect way to end your visit to New England is to stay for a few days on beautiful Cape Cod.(www.capecodchamber.org) Base yourself in any one of the charming small towns and villages along the Cape and enjoy, among lots of other things, spectacular beaches, museums, music festivals, antique stores, sailing, great golf courses and of course whale watching. From spring to autumn you can take a whale watch from many spots along New England's coast as the feeding grounds for the humpback and finback whales are found just 30miles off the MA/NH coast. These magnificent creatures are the reminders of whaling all along the New England coast and the glory days of New England maritime history.
Suggested Lodging:
Day Thirteen: Cape Cod
Explore the many small towns and villages of Cape Cod, from the beautiful clapboard architecture to the high dunes and long beaches of the National Seashore. Or perhaps take a ferry over for a day trip to Martha's Vineyard (www.mvy.com) or Nantucket.(www.nantucketchamber.org) The best way to explore the islands is on a bike. With its Georgian houses, old-fashioned street lights and brick pavements, Nantucket Town is ready made for a film set. Closer to shore and larger is Martha's Vineyard more distinct neighborhoods. Both islands have great shops selling fine crafts and antiques, great restaurants and bike shops abound.
Overnight on Cape Cod
Day Fourteen: Cape Cod/Plymouth
A visit to New England would not be complete without a trip to Plymouth (www.seeplymouth.com), Massachusetts and the Plimoth Plantation (www.plimoth.org). Plymouth is where the Pilgrim Fathers settled back in 1620 after first landing in Provincetown. As well as a replica of the Mayflower, Plimoth Plantation is a 'must-see' tour. A recreated Pilgrim settlement, costumed interpreters work, eat and speak as the 17th Century colonists did, while Native Americans demonstrate traditional ways of building homes and hollowing out canoes.
Suggested Lodging:
Day Fifteen: Cape Cod - Boston for Departure
From Cape Cod you are approximately 2 hours drive from Boston (depending on your exact location on the Cape) and so on your last day you may relax on the beaches of the Cape before your overnight flight later that day or head into Boston for a remaining couple of hours to see one of the great museums you perhaps did not have the chance to see at the beginning of your trip.
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