New England (United States of America)
From World travel guide
New England is a six-state region in the northeast corner of the United States of America. Although it is one of the oldest settled parts of the US, most of the area retains a rural charm and low population. Most of the area is well-travelled and has a thriving and somewhat corny tourist industry. But there are still hidden gems to be found in New England.
Contents |
States
Cities
There are many cities in New England; these are some of the more major ones.
Understand
There's an expression in New England: "If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes." New England winters are especially harsh -- if you plan to visit between November and March, be prepared for subzero temperatures, wicked winds, and chills that take a couple of cups of coffee to dent. "Dress warmly" is an understatement -- prepare for nuclear winter might be more accurate advice for travelers.
The Month of April & May is New England’s best-kept secret. In southern Vermont you will find off season rates in many historic inns, but as noted local Robert Frost once so eloquently put it, "Nature's first Green is Gold". The area is bursting with daffodils, tulips & lilacs and the temperatures are mild with cool nights, just perfect.
New England summers can range from mild to uncomfortably humid.
New England shines during autumn. New England foliage is world-renowned for displays that rival pyrotechnics for their intense colors, rapid appearance, and equally rapid disappearance. Peak season ranges from early September at the farthest north points of Maine to early November for Southern Connecticut. Combine that with local festivals, hay rides, fresh-pressed apple cider, and fruit harvesting, and you have the recipe for a wonderful time.
Weekly reports on the best locations to visit throughout the "leaf-peeping" season can be found at The Foliage Network
Other destinations
Talk
English is, as with the rest of the US, the de-facto official language. Some areas with large Hispanic populations might have a majority speaking Spanish, but most have at least basic English skills (and these are off the tourist path). French is also spoken in Northern Maine, near the Quebec/New Brunswick borders.
Get in
By Air
New England is served by several airports: Logan (Boston), TF Green Airport (Providence), and Manchester Airport. Logan is by far the largest, but Manchester and TF Green are growing and are designed to take some of the load from Logan. Typically flying into Manchester or Providence is less expensive.
By Train
Amtrak also operates several routes into New England, most notably the Northeast Corridor. Also the "Vermonter" goes from New York/DC to western Massachusetts and Vermont.
By Bus
The Chinatown Bus goes from New York to Boston for about $30 round trip. Greyhound also offers slightly more expensive bus service to and from other areas of the country. Vermont Transit offers service from Montréal.
Get around
By Train
Amtrak covers urban New England pretty extensively with the Northeast Corridor (Boston-RI-Conn), the Vermonter (West Mass-Vermont), and the Downeaster(Boston-NH-Portland). The MBTA covers the greater Boston area with it's commuter rail network, including Providence, Lowell, and Worcester.
By Bus
Greyhound has several routes in southern New England, and is affiliated with Vermont Transit that serves Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. New Hampshire and Maine are also served by Concord Trailways.
By Car
Much of rural New England is underserved by bus/train, driving could be required to visit much of Vermont, New Hampshire, Western Massachusetts, and Maine.
See
There are many historical sights in New England. Check out the universities, monuments and architecture. Stop in some of the historical mill towns (Lowell, Manchester) that have been revitalized.
Do
Ski or snowboard in the White Mountains. There are tons of mountains for beginners or advanced skiers/boarders.
Eat
Drink
Boston is known for it's pubs. (See the section in the Boston article)
Stay safe
New England is one of the safer regions of the country. Though, of course, some urban neighborhoods are unsafe. As in the rest of the US, 911 can be called for emergencies (even pay-phones).
Get out
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