Autumn (the Fall) is an ideal time to visit when the leaves on the trees turn from green to thousands of different shades of gold, red and orange, a sight not to be missed! In the winter you can ski in the mountains and enjoy cosy fireside evenings at the inns of Cape Cod. In spring and summer New England is the place to be for hiking and biking in the mountains and around the lakes and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Dining out in New England is an experience in itself. Seafood is a specialty in coastal regions, especially lobster and clambakes, not to be missed on your direct holidays to America.
Places of Interest
Plymouth
Here you can explore a replica of the Mayflower II where actors re-enact the lives of the pilgrims. Just outside Plymouth is another replica, Plymouth Plantation where you can see what life was like for both settlers and Native Americans.
Rhode Island
This is the smallest state of the USA but is home to a fifth of the country's historic landmarks.
Newport
Explore the history of sea trading and smuggling here in the world's yachting capital. Newport became a colony in 1639 and is famous for privateering and the 'triangle trade' of slaves, rum and molasses. Today visitors can enjoy gazing at the expensive yachts in the harbour whilst sipping a cocktail in one of the waterfront restaurants and bars.
Salem
Located just up the coast from Boston, Salem is full of beautiful buildings and the Salem Witch Museum which is dedicated to the infamous witch trials which were held here in 1692. Although this is the main attraction here there are other museums relating to early colonial life and there is also the Peabody Essex Museum which showcases local and international art and culture.
Cape Cod
Once a major shipbuilding and whaling centre, Falmouth is now a typical picturesque Cape town. This is where the Pilgrims made a stop. It is said that they were terrified of the huge lobsters and refused to eat them but were amazed by the gigantic cod. The Cape has glorious beaches, including the huge National Seashore, quaint fishing villages and rural inland areas where you will find village greens complete with duck ponds! Catch a ferry from Falmouth harbour to visit Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
New Hampshire and Vermont
Here you will find rolling mountains with forests, charming villages and winding country lanes just waiting to be explored.
Sturbridge
Wandering around the 200 acres of rolling fields with ponds and ancient trees, you will feel as if you have been transported back to New England in the 1800's. Actors in period costumes demonstrate their crafts, cooking and farming methods whilst eerily telling you about their lives in days gone by.
Berkshires
Once homes of the 19th century millionaires from Boston and New York, these historic mansions here are now museums, inns and performing venues. Two of the best to visit are The Mount with amazing interiors designed by the novelist Edith Wharton and Chesterwood which has absolutely beautiful gardens.
Maine
If you are looking for some of Americas best seafood then look no further than the rugged coastline of Maine. Here you will find fishing communities complete with lobster pounds and lighthouses.
Rockport
Once a major granite shipper, Rockport now attracts visitors who want to sunbathe on the rocks and beaches, walk along the coastline, whale watch and wander through the honeysuckle woods. Rockport is also home to Thatcher Island which has two lighthouses, Halibut Point State Park and a number of art galleries and quirky shops.
Mystic
Built around the mouth of the Mystic River, the town was once a whaling and fishing community. Today visitors can learn about the local trades and crafts from costumed guides at the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Steeped in history and culture, New England is the ideal destination for family holidays to America as there is something of interest for everyone.