10 Underrated Small Towns To Explore In New England
New England is known for its many beautiful landmarks, rich history, and natural endearment. While many tourists visit popular destinations like Boston and Cape Cod, there are pretty small towns waiting to be discovered in this region. From charming coastal villages to quaint mountain villages, this article looks at ten underrated small towns in New England that are worth a visit. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, or a relaxing getaway, they offer a unique and authentic experience that will leave you with memories and a good time.
Waterville, Maine
Some of the best settlements you can think of are dotted along the Atlantic Coast, but the ones located a little off the coast still have a beautiful backdrop, like the Tumbledown Mountain by the alpine pond, a famous hiking spot in Waterville, that will make you marvel at nature. Waterville is one of the towns located in Kennebec County, hidden away from the Atlantic coast.
The city is home to over 16,000 people and has a good number of attractions. Its historic places include the Fort Halifax State Historic Site, Colby College Museum of Art, and the Two-Cent Bridge, which is also known as the Ticonic Footbridge. The museum gives you a peek of the County's stories and exposes you to the events that shaped its civilization. The bridge also serves up excellent views of the Kennebec River. You can also visit Colby College, which is one of the prestigious institutions in the area.
Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich is a quaint town in Fairfield County, located in southwest Connecticut. It has a lot of green space and a calm atmosphere. It is replete with many monuments that attract visitors all year round.
One of its striking outdoor attractions is the Babcock Preserve, home to about 300 acres of wilderness. It is a great choice for hiking, walking, and running. Roger Sherman Baldwin Park is another stunning landmark. It is located near the ferry landing, and you can take ferries to Great Captain Island and Island Beach. Other sites that keep Greenwich's authenticity include the Audubon Center, Putnam Cottage, and Greenwich Avenue. These places give off a country vibe and keep every visitor engaged.
Bennington, Vermont
In Southwest Vermont, Bennington County, visitors are sure to find the homely town of Bennington, which is home to the Bennington Battle Monument, which stands 300 feet and was opened in 1981, serves as a remembrance of the Battle of Bennington.
The Molly Stark Trail is one of the famous places in Bennington, and it is a forty-mile drive between Bennington and Brattleboro. Other sites include the Burt Henry Covered Bridge, which was built in the 1840s. The Silk Road Covered Bridge is another historic structure, built in the 1800s. Bennington has a nostalgic feel that continuously attracts people to its borders and keeps them fascinated. It is also one of the most populous in Vermont and is a haven for artists and musicians who crave inspiration.
Camden, Maine
Camden is a charming town in Midcoast Maine. Nuzzled between the mountains and the sea, this place is known for its ocean scenery, which you can enjoy at Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor. It offers picturesque harbor views and scenic hiking trails.
The Camden Hills State Park, with its stunning vistas and hiking trails, is a must-visit, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Its harbor, lined with boutiques and galleries, is perfect for a leisurely stroll either singly or as a couple. You can also visit the Camden Snow Bowl, which attracts a lot of ski enthusiasts, or take a hike up Mount Battie. For good accommodation during your trip, stay at the Camden Harbor Inn, which offers luxurious rooms and a world-class restaurant.
Keene, New Hampshire
Keene is located in southwestern New Hampshire, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers. It is known for being the destination of the country's famous and most hiked mountain, Mount Monadnock. If that is your thing, you may love to hike when you visit. You will get to see breathtaking views of the city's overlapping landscape. Visitors who have a knack for sightseeing and a deep sense of culture will appreciate the beauty of this town.
Located in the heart of the Monadnock Region, Keene offers historic architecture, arts scenes, and fun opportunities. You may love to explore the Keene State College Campus while there or visit the Cheshire Children's Museum to give your kids a fun experience while you take the time to socialize with other parents. Its downtown area is lined with restaurants, charming shops, and galleries that showcase impressive collections. Enjoy the best accommodation at the Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown, which does not only have modern rooms but a fitness center as well.
Ogunquit, Maine
Coastal towns have a way of standing out and leaving a lasting impression on people, and Ogunquit is no different. The city’s name means "Beautiful Place by the Sea" in Native America. It was called this name because when it was founded in 1641, it was founded in the midst of wells. When you visit, you will see how the name matches its features.
Beach lovers, foodies, and art connoisseurs would absolutely love it, thanks to its stunning beaches and coastal walks. For starters, enjoy the scenery by visiting Ogunquit Beach and basking in its elegance. For a quick history lesson, places such as the Ogunquit Heritage Museum and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art are recommended. The setting makes it very appealing to take an evening stroll or even take pictures, and you can add to this experience with an evening drive along Marginal Way, a scenic drive between Ogunquit and Perkins. Art connoisseurs will enjoy a visit to Barn Gallery or catch a show at Ogunquit Playhouse. After a long day of sightseeing, cool off with a reservation at Anchorage by the Sea, which has beachfront views and comfortable rooms.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is famously known as "The Ski Capital of the East,” and it houses many attractions beyond its snowy slopes. As the seasons change, the monuments in this town come to life and are usually frequented by warm-weather explorers. It is great for hiking as it has abundant hiking trails, such as the Long Trail, White Pine Path, and Charlie's Trail Loop, which are located in Cady Forest.
Stowe is a wonder of nature, and Smuggler's Notch State Park at Mount Mansfield is one way to explore the vast natural landscape. You can get breathtaking views of Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls and venture into Sterling Forest. Its charm makes you feel the warmth of Vermont, and to add comfort to your trip, book accommodation at Sterling Forest Lodge.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
The charming Newburyport, located in Essex County, is endowed with beauty and country charm that makes it a favorable holiday destination. Newburyport has a long history with ships dating back to 1635, when ships were built and kept in the town, and large merchants brought in goods, all before the American Revolution.
The town is home to stunning parks like Maudslay State Park and Waterfront Park, as well as the renowned Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, which has been a protected haven for wildlife since 1942. Iconic landmarks like the "Pink House" and Plum Island Lighthouse add to its character, making Newburyport a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a serene escape.
Swanton, Vermont
In 1961, the Queen of England gifted the people of Swanton with two swans called the "Royal Swans," which you can find in Village Green Park. Located in western Franklin County, Swanton is a small pastoral town that makes the perfect retreat for tourists looking to explore the natural ecosystem. Swanton has many outdoor spaces that allow visitors to explore its ecological areas.
It is home to Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, which shelters water mammals and migratory birds, allowing them to exist in their natural habitat. It also has many hiking trails, like the Old Railroad Passage Trail, Discovery Trail, and Maquam Creek Trail. Apart from the beautiful interaction of the natural environment, visitors can visit the RR Depot Museum, which only opens on Fridays, and you may dine at Cody's Cafe and Shaggy’s Snack Bar.
Eastport, Maine
Eastport is known for being the city occupied by the British for four years, from 1814 to 1818, during the 1812 War. Hidden in the farthest east of the United States, you would find this city. It is for anyone looking to enjoy a summer vacation or weekend trip.
Get acquainted with events in the borough's manufacturing industry with a trip to Raye's Mustard Mill Museum. Explore Shackford Head State Park and take a photo with "Nerida the Mermaid," a captivating bronze statue created by Richard Klyver. You can also hike through the park's 90 acres and uncover secret inlets and harbors. Art enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Tides Institute and Museum of Arts as well as the Full Fathom Five Gallery. The distinctive nature of the area makes it charming to see.
Each town offers a unique experience for travelers seeking a new experience. You will find popular hotspots known to attract visitors in any of the cities mentioned in these places. From Vermont’s enchanting Stowe to Maine’s beautiful Eastport, Camden, and Waterville, New England is definitely worth exploring. Why linger? Take a trip across this region and experience the mysteries, stories, fun, new friendships, and surprises in these towns.
