New England is a region in the northeast of United States composed of six states: Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. New England is rich in culture, history, and panoramic beauty , which make them a perfect vacation destination for all seasons. In this how to visit New England page, you can find some basic information about visiting the region.

New England is one of the first European settlements in America. It is the center for English ethnic group and culture in the US. Some of the most famous writers and philosophers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Edgar Allan Poe, and Sylvia Plath were born or lived in New England during their lives.

New England is the vacation destination for all season. Summer vacation in New England means fishing, canoeing, or swimming in lakes. Camping and having a picnic are also great during the summer. The region is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change colors. The weather is perfect for hiking or cycling, and if you are lucky you may experience the Indian Summer where the weather is warm like summer. In winter, you can ski and snowboarding at the ski resorts.

New England’s living cost is higher than the other regions in the US. Credit cards are widely accepted in formal businesses. Tips are expected in restaurants and hotels except in self serving or fast food restaurants.

There are many direct flights from all over USA and other countries to New England’s Logan International Airport in Boston. If you live in the US or travel from other states in US, you can come to New England by driving a car. Driving a car also gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery and to get around New England.

In New England you can choose several types of accommodations, luxurious hotels and resorts, motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Favorite accommodations in New England are the bed and breakfasts which offer warm and rustic atmosphere with much lower price than a hotel or resort.

Most of New England specialties are homemade dishes. New England cuisine uses fresh picked seasonal vegetables, fruits, meat, and newly caught seafood. Eating in restaurants with scenic sea view in Connecticut is something you should not miss. Maine is famous for its lobster. Find authentic maple syrup and locally brewed beers in Vermont. Apples are one of the most popular ingredients in New England and you can find applesauce, apple cider, and apple pies in diners and restaurants all over New England.

Some of the New England specialties are fiddleheads during the spring, clam chowder, steamed lobster, and Boston baked beans.http://www.visitnewengland.com/current_category.2964/companies_list.html

New England is a shopper’s paradise with its array of designer stores such as Coach, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and many more. New England also has low to no sales tax. The biggest sale events in New England usually near or coincide with holidays such as President’s week, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and year end sale.http://www.discovernewengland.org/new-england-shopping/sales.php

Some of the best outlets and malls in New England are Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center in Connecticut. In Massachusetts, go to Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, Cape Cod Factory Outlets, and Prime Outlets. Find Kittery Trading Post and the megastore L.L Bean which opens 24 hours a day in Maine. There are no tax for shopping in New Hampshire and Vermont so you can shop to your heart’s content at Settler’s Green Outlet Village, Manchester Designer Outlets, and Essex Shoppes and Cinema.http://www.discovernewengland.org/new-england-shopping/outlets.php

New England is a family oriented destination. Children will love visiting some of the New England’s amusement parks. Do not miss the Six Flag Theme Park in Springfield. Other amusement parks in New England are Bromley Sun Mountain Adventure Park, Coco Key Water Resort, Edaville USA, Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park, Ocean Beach Park, Quassy Amusement Park, Santa’s Village, and Story land.http://www.visitnewengland.com/current_category.2888/companies_list.html

Boston and Portland

Boston is the gateway of New England and the center for academic and culture. For an American history enthusiast, follow the Freedom Trail to bring you to the Colonial and Revolution War sights.http://www.newenglandtravelplanner.com/go/ma/boston/index.html Do not miss Boston’s museums. Buying a Boston City Pass will save up to 50% of total admission price to some of the most popular Boston’s attractions: Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Fine Arts, and you can choose either Harvard Museum of Natural History or John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.http://www.trustedtours.com/store/Boston-City-Pass-C236.aspx?PID=1514561

Portland is the alternative city to Boston. It is also a center for culture. Portland also has scenic harbor. The city is famous for its lobster dishes.

Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail is a famous hiking trail in New England. The trail passes some of the states in eastern America and continues to Canada. The trail is designed for hikers and there are some facilities that are especially built for hikers. Some hikers spend the entire season hiking on this trail. This trail is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.

The other places for outdoor activities and hiking are Acadia National Park, White Mountains, and Litchfield Hills.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-england

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is the collection of fishing towns in Massachusetts along the Atlantic coast, which turns into tourist spots with some of the America’s most popular seaside resorts. You need to book in advance because the accommodations are often full, especially in summer.