I live in Massachusetts which is part of the 6 states that make up New England. If you've never visited or lived here you don't know what you're missing. There is so much to see.
New England offers four full seasons of outdoor, cultural, and historic entertainments
New England is well known to people across the United States and around the world as a beautiful and distinctly American region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. For visitors and vacationers, the region presents four distinct seasonal personalities: lush summers to explore beaches or to bicycle along shady country lanes; brilliant autumns to drive lazily through mountains blanketed with gold-and-red fall foliage; crystal-sharp winters to ski perfect mountain slopes or poke through Antique shops lining a peaceful village green; and verdant spring – the time to explore the museums and shopping of the cities or to get a head start on some cool day hikes in the mountains and countryside.
New England is composed of six states, each with its own character. Connecticut, an easy day hop for New Yorkers, has exceedingly pretty villages with their central commons and steepled churches; cultural hot spots like art museums, Yale University in New Haven, and the home of Mark Twain in Hartford; and lots of antique shops in the rolling Litchfield Hills of the northwest. Moving eastward, Rhode Island, the Ocean State, offers spectacular sandy beaches; the mansions, vineyards, and boating of Newport; and the crackle of hip nightlife along the rivers that wind through Providence, the capital city. Massachusetts extends from the magnificent sand bluffs and beaches of Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, through the metropolis of Boston – the birthplace of the American Revolution – to the blue-green mountains of the Berkshires, home of acclaimed music, dance, and art festivals.
Vermont, the Green Mountain State, is the place of forested mountains, great skiing and other winter activities, and many small towns busy with traditional pursuits like dairy farming and maple syrup production. It is the only New England state without an ocean shoreline, but most of its western border is the historic and lovely Lake Champlain. Like Vermont, New Hampshire, the Granite State, has dramatic mountains – including the imposing Mount Washington – skiing and snow sports, as well as lakes, beaches, and lighthouses. Lighthouses are scattered along the rocky, picturesque coast of Maine, the state with the longest coastline due to it many coves, estuaries, bays, and small islands. As with the other coastal states, whale watching is a major draw for visitors.
New England entertainments include wonderful dining on regional specialties from steamed lobster to clam chowder to Boston baked beans. Shopping is unparalleled: parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine are home to large outlets. Throughout the region, gift and craft shops offer local products from fine furniture to gourmet chocolate. Lodging businesses offer options for every taste from lavish resorts to family motels, inns, and intimate bed-and-breakfast establishments. People interested in Colonial history can start with Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts and view many places where the Revolutionary War was kindled. If it's culture that visitors are after, the region brims with art, history, and specialty themed museums. And the number of attractions and entertainments for children is staggering, from amusement parks to petting zoos. And don't forget the luxury spas for road-weary adults.
[question posted by mari61960]
responses and comments:
Sounds very inviting. If I could visit the US I think I would want to visit New England in autumn since I like all the colors and the cold weather. [chetlog]
Yes, I want to visit [mcmadjid]
I have never been to Massachusetts, but I have heard that it is lovely there. I have been to Newport, Rhode Island, which I found gorgeous, even though I was only in 7th grade. I went there to visit the Tennis Hall of Fame, and I got to play on grass courts for the first time in my life, so I thought it was great. I have also been to Vermont, I honestly can't remember. All I remember is that we took a ferry across a beautiful lake to get to a nice little cabin that was about 100 feet from this lake. We got to swim, bike, and just enjoy nature there. The nearest town was a dead town, but that didn't matter as it was just the perfect town. It is a great place and I want to visit more! [spreadingtheword]
I love Vermont, the foliage there is just breathtaking at times. I also love all the covered bridges they have and the quaint little towns and country stored. [mari61960]
My husband spent part of his growing up years in Middleton R.I. so we have visited there, usually in the summer. His sister lives in New Hampshire, and we have also made some side trips around. It is lovely there, and there are lots of places for us yet to see. One day we were at a beach and there were 13 Boxter Porsche's pulled up at a restaurant. We decided that there must be somekind of convention. I really liked seeing Green Animals in Newport. [GardenGerty]
Hi neighbor! I live in Lynn, MA quit a bit away from you as I think your on the South Shore. I'm on the North Shore. I don't think you missed a thing noting all there is to do in New England. It can be a very interesting place to visit but I don't like living here. I definately hate the weather even though the Global Warming has changed it so much! I still like San Diego much better. Gread discussion neighbor and friend! [mistymornster]
Well hello amore1, I love salem. I find all the history wonderful. We don't have the snow on the south shore either...I think they are hoarding it up north...lol [mari61960]
Thank you very much for a lot of interesting information. I remember, I used to have an album of paysage pictures of New England. Some of my American friends gave it to me. If I ever move to the USA (which is quite probable, because I have some relatives there) I would definitely give a preference to the East Coast and probably to New England. By the way. What about unemployment? How would you rate it on a general american level? [Zebrochka]
Right now the average unemployment rate in the US is about 4.3 % My area is at about 4.4% so I guess we are about average for the us. These figures are from Dec. 2006. [mari61960]
That sounds like a nice place..I'd love to go there someday..The place that I'd love to see first is New Orleans....I want to see the famous mardi gras...and see those famous voodoo stores and witchcraft.. and also their other festivals and events..I'd love to go where I've never been before and check all the exciting places out.It is one of my dreams to travel around the world. [p3halliwel2005]
nope never been, but i live in old England and i fancy going to the new one to see how similar it is. Is it particularly similar? [smuggeridge]
Hehehe I've never been to old england...lol But when I was in the 4th grade a teacher from Bridgewater England came to our school in Bridgewater Ma,usa. She gave us each a penny. [mari61960]
I am new to New England myself. I just moved to New Hampshire. My husband is originally from Vermont and my inlaws live right up the road. I am originally from California, and I miss it immensely. There are definitely things out here that I have fallen in love with, but I am still homesick. I am glad that I have been given the opportunity to live out here and experience the history and beauty. [chromecowgirl37]
I also live in Massachusetts! Small world, the internet! I live on the South Shore, in Plymouth county. From where I sit now, I can see the beach (well, I could if it were lighter!) and hear the waves. I wish this state were a little less expensive to live in, because if it were, I would stay here forever I think. Thank you for all of that interesting information! [faerieingrey]
I love the beach too. I wish I lived closer but it's 20 miles away. [mari61960]
I too live in New England. We often take weekend excursions to visit the sites that New England has to offer. We love to go to Maine! Well, maybe I do more than he does! I hope to be able to go to Boston this summer. I want to see the aquarium and visit the historic sites. There is so much to see in New England. [ElusiveButterfly]
I am from Washington, DC and have never been to New Englad but I wouldnt be opposed to visiting. Honestly i have always thought of New England as being a boring place I guess from what I have seen or heard but I would take the chance to see it for myself if I get the opportunity. [magdollars23]
Well I've never been to Washington, DC but I hope to get there some day...have your cherry trees stopped blossoming? I heard reports that they started because of the warm weather. [mari61960]
You know, a lot of people criticize me for enjoying the fact that I live in Massachusetts (and by 'a lot of people' I mean 'people who live out west-ish'). They tell me that it's so much warmer living ANYWHERE else. They ask me why I'd brave the below-freezing winters this place throws at us, when I could live somewhere warmer. In truth, it's because this place, I feel, offers everything. Plus, I love the fact that there is so much history here. I sometimes wonder, when I wake up and can see my breath (even though the heat is on), why I live here. I even think about moving somewhere else. However, I always change my mind. I don't think I could ever leave here. I love it way too much. :) [DreamIsDestiny]
I know what you mean, my friend wants me to move to Washington. I live there for 6 years but moved back here. I would love to combine the two places...that would work for me...lol [mari61960]
I love Massachusetts! I spent a summer in Northampton once and not only was it one of the most beatiful places I have visited, but it had a really nice feeling of community and was just really fabulous all-around. [shiningfae]
I have been there, and you just about covered it all. Lots of history and beautiful culture and nature. I especially liked Rockport and Boston. [margieanneart]
i have not been there,but i will go there someday,i hope it [jeans6618]
I was just in Massachusetts this past summer as me and my parents stayed at a time share resort in Hancock, MA. It was really nice up there and stayed in the mountains. I loved it there though my parents did not like the resort we stayed at. I loved the scenery and seeing the historical places and the food was great up there. I also remember candlepin bowling, which we do not have here in Delaware. That was pretty neat there as well. I might be going to New Hampshire sometime before the year is over but shall see. [kgwat70]
Wht's there to see please tell me i live in New Jersey i might visit it one day Just give me ur address i will be there some day Chal Bye girl, have a nice day [vinu123]
I grew up in New England, actually in Peterborough New Hampshire, just over the Mass. line really. I miss it a lot I moved away several years ago, and I have lived in many places in the U.S.A. -- I miss the change of seasons, here in Va. it changes but not like good old New England. I miss the White Mountains, the State Parks, oh, so many wonderful and bittersweet memories about New England for me. The snow in winter, the crisp "snap" in the Fall, and when Spring is "Born", it is awesome!, and the nicest thing about summer, not only the camping, swimming and climbing - but it actually cooled off in the evenings - here a lot it stays "clammy, and stuffy". Well now that you have me being totally nostalgic!! :) Best Wishes :) [OOHCUTE2340]
Don't you just love strolling down memory lane...lol [mari61960]
hi Really Iam delighted at reading your experience. I love travelling in cold weather and comfortably. Itslucky u people have a chance to do so. I have limited resources and with that I have travelled within India like Ooty, Shimla , Kodaikanal, Manali,these r hill stations. I have seen Andaman islands with its beaches and historic locations. I have visited Delhi, Madras, Calcutta, Bangalore, Mysore,Trivandrum , cochin ,etc WE are from India and belong to kerala state . i HAVE SEEN LOT OF FOREIGNERS FROM DIFFERENTCOUNTRIES VISITING India. Please do its an experience. I have been to dubai and abudhabi. I would like to visit european countries but god knows how because its very costly. I wont be able to afford it. WELL I PRAY TO JESUS HELP ME BYE N GODBLESS JOE [josephbhil]
I know what you mean, I would love to visit india...but I don't know if I will ever get there. [mari61960]
No yet, but I plan on visiting soon. I have recently moved back to Canada after living in New Zealand. I have been a long time Stephen King fan, so Maine is one place I've always wanted to go to. From what I've seen online, the whole area looks great.. and close to where I live. So it will be probably be one of the first places I visit in the States... [comedyaddict]
I love Maine, I go to Greenville alot to see moose. It's near the Canadian border. [mari61960]
I have been to Rhode Island , Massachusetts and Connecticut but I dont think I have even been to New England. [gwaring]
I live in Massachusetts which is part of the 6 states that make up New England. New England is not a state, it's an area. [mari61960]
Hello,I have never visite to Massachusetts.. now I am feeling that I will visite there soon. But not sure when! Thanks for the this intresting information about massachusetts. [alamzaib]
well someday i definitely will visit this place... but for a moment i thought ur talking bout OLD england(UK) but ya definitely i'll visit this place.. [fuzzytastic]
No i have never been. But it is my burning desire. [mujeebrehman]
gotten close but never made it yet [renonanapam]
I live in the Southwest USA, and I have only been to New York, sorry. [rogue13xmen13]
oh...!! that really sounds good.....but i hve ever been to there... [vamshi20]
I hope I could visit America and see the charming senery of what you described. [simplejoy]
Oh how I would love to LIVE in that area, much less visit! I absolutely love cold weather. The south is getting hotter and hotter as the years progress. When my husband's job in North Carolina was disolved, and we realized that moving was a necessity. He looked and looked in the New England area. (he looked nationwide) Due to his age, no one wanted to hire him, hiring someone younger was cheaper! Anyway, we ended up in Kentucky...the eastern side...which is by far the armpit of Kentucky as well as the United States. My husband did his Masters degree in Maine and is forever telling me how beautiful it is. We do plan to vacation in New England soon! [crazynurse]
Oh, I'm sure you will love it. Maine is beautiful, especially northern maine. I love the moose. [mari61960]
Boston is the place that stands out the most for me when it comes to the NEw England area. When I was planning my first trip there everyone said that the people were mean, rude and stuck up but it was the exact opposit. When I got lost and ended up about three miles away from the hotel I was staying at (on foot mind you), the people I asked for help were really nice and told me that if I was going to walk back, I better come inside a local pub for a quick drink and to warm up. A couple of minutes turned into a couple of hours and I made a few friends that I still keep in contact with to this day. [freak369]
Oh, I'm glad to hear it, alot of people say we are rude on the east coast. I don't think so, well some people are but aren't there rude people everywhere...lol [mari61960]
I have family from New England, but I've never been. I keep planning to go, but it just never happens. [pacodecabra]
i wish i could land up there [mikedalton]
NICE I live in Eagle lake, Maine^^ new england is my home. I was born in connecticut and moved to colorado when i was 4. 10 years later i moved back to new england because my grandmother and all the rest of my family lives in Northern Maine/(Canada now) its a great homes place with great home made meals. if im not careful i could gain a lot of weight off it lol. it is also a place where there is a lot of hard work to be done and not a lot of job opertunities as im finding out. my mother lives in colorado so i may have to move back because there is just no jobs for me T-T Im glad to find some1 else from new england ^^ [shawn2008]
I love maine, but you're right there are alot of places there that don't have employment opportunities. [mari61960]
Thanks for the piece. I love to travel and have had a visit to Maine on the top of my list for some time; But combining the entire New England States may just be the way for me to go. After your article, seems I would miss a lot if I just visited one state. Thanks again for such great insight. [florenciascorner]
Oh yes if you do get to the area it's worth taking a couple of days if possible to travel around. There is so much to see and the areas different vastly. It's almost like combining everything into just a few states..you can even see the desert of Maine...lol [mari61960]