7 Of The Most Charming Small Towns To Visit In New England
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the United States, New England is famous for being one of the country's most beautiful and charming regions. Named by English explorer Captain John Smith in 1614, it is unsurprising that so much of the area's charm comes from its rich history, evident in its quaint small towns. From state to state, each of these towns has its own distinct past, paired with an abundance of natural beauty, from maritime shores to majestic mountains and everything in between. Whether visiting a coastal town with stunning beaches and a fascinating shipwreck museum or a town with Vermont’s highest waterfall and a mountain path used by smugglers long ago, no two attractions are exactly the same, but each will delight visitors in their own way.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
For over 400 years, the free-spirited coastal town of Provincetown, Massachusetts, has stood as a symbol of acceptance. As far back as 1620, the Pilgrims arrived here on the Mayflower in search of religious freedom. It was in Provincetown, at the northern tip of Cape Cod, that they found solace in the region's scenic shores. Throughout the centuries, the town has continued to champion freedom, and today, it embraces visitors and residents of all faiths, ethnicities, and sexualities, making it especially popular with LGBTQ vacationers.
Upon arrival to Provincetown, you will find that the kind locals are just one of the many welcoming features. From sand to sea, natural beauty will enchant and welcome you at every turn. Bike rides are a popular way to see the town, especially along the 5.25-mile Province Lands Bike Trail, which guides you through Provincetown's famed dune system. Not too far from the trail, Arnold’s Bike Shop is a great place to snag a rental if you left yours at home. If you would prefer a hike instead, the Beech Forest Trail is a gorgeous 1-mile loop through a beech tree forest, shading strollers from the sun.
For those craving sunshine, Race Point Beach is the perfect shore to soak up some rays and enjoy the golden sand and bright blue waters, while Herring Cove has calmer waves great for families. For a break from the outdoors, Commercial Street is a fun follow-up, with 3 miles worth of adorable shops, restaurants, and attractions. Stop in at Shop Therapy for a trip memento, The Canteen for classic seafood bites, and the Provincetown Museum of Art to explore its exhibits.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, a secluded island town in Massachusetts, may require some effort to reach, but the journey is well worth it. Spring and summer draw the most visitors, enticed by this beach town's warm weather and sunshine. But what sets Nantucket apart from other resort destinations is that most of its 80+ miles of beachfront are open to the public, except for the Cliffside Beach Club. Families with young children often choose Children’s Beach for its playground and calm waters, while Brant Point reigns as the most popular shore, renowned for its soft sand, boat watching, and views of the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse.
For those seeking an adventure on Nantucket Harbor, boat agencies like Nantucket By Water offer a variety of unique tours, including Cocktail and Sunset cruises, as well as a Sip and Fish tour where kids can learn to cast a line while adults relax and sample refreshing beverages. Alternatively, land lovers can explore the town's indoor maritime attractions. The Nantucket Whaling Museum is a beloved local spot, and the Egan Maritime’s Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is also a must visit. Shortly after, in June, the Maria Mitchell Association and Loines Observatory will also reopen, offering the whole family a fun and enriching experience. Visitors can tour the Natural Science Museum, interact with a hands-on aquarium, and even gaze at the stars through the Loines Observatory research telescope.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Named after a riverside city in England, Bristol, Rhode Island, has a rich maritime history much like its namesake. To set the scene for your stay, the Herreshoff Marine Museum is a must-visit and a great first stop. The museum features a fascinating look into the area’s maritime and boating history. But for a firsthand experience of the beauty of Narragansett Bay, head to Colt State Park. Here, visitors can enjoy 4 miles of paved paths along the bay, perfect for biking (bike rentals are available at Bristol Bikes on Thames St) or strolling. This idyllic park also features numerous picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, and a canoe/kayak launch, providing ample opportunities to soak in the splendor of the bay all day long.
Next to the park, the Bristol Town Beach is a charming shore. Adjacent to this, the Coggeshall Farm Museum brings 1799 Bristol to life with its living museum depicting pastoral farm life. If you are interested in history and nature, other nearby attractions include Mount Hope Farm, another living history museum dating back to the 1680s, as well as the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. The 33-acre estate offers tours of the historic mansion and its breathtaking gardens, complete with rare plants and intricate stonework, making it a showstopper in the spring and summertime, so make sure to have your camera ready. In addition, if you happen to visit Bristol in the summertime, their 4th of July parade is legendary. Founded in 1785, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade is the oldest Independence Day celebration in the country.
Westerly, Rhode Island
If you like the sound of a town blending history and nature, look no further than charming Westerly. A little over an hour’s drive from Bristol, this Rhode Island beauty was founded by English colonists all the way back in 1661 and has diligently preserved its rich history over the centuries. The Babcock-Smith House Museum is one example, showcasing a gorgeous Georgian mansion dating back to 1734. As time marched on, the Granite Theatre emerged in 1849, built in the elegant Greek Revival Style. Today, it continues to host a diverse array of performances, from Broadway plays to cabaret.
Venturing into the great outdoors of Westerly, you will find an abundance of natural beauty. Misquamicut State Beach beckons with a half-mile stretch of sandy shore, perfect for families, complete with a playground and gazebos for those seeking respite in the shade. For a more nature-focused outdoor experience, the Napatree Point Beach & Conservation Area also offers a pretty shoreline. However, as a designated “Globally Important Bird Area,” this beach is more of a haven for appreciating nature. So, if you are yearning for that quintessential Rhode Island pier atmosphere, Atlantic Beach Park is your ideal destination. A local landmark since 1921, this boardwalk park is the epitome of classic beachside enjoyment, whether you are indulging in patio dining at the Windjammer Surf Bar, lounging by the beach, or taking a whirl on the park’s star attraction, a Herschell-Spillman Carousel built in 1915.
Woodstock, Vermont
Journeying to "The Green Mountain State," Woodstock is a Vermont village that will capture your heart from the moment you arrive. As a hub for artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs in the 1700’s, Woodstock maintains this legacy to this day. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to experience the vibrant artisan culture, with events like the Made with Pride Arts and Crafts Fair, and the farmers and craft market every Wednesday starting in May at Market on the Green. Year-round craft galleries such as Collective-the Art of Craft feature a diverse range of artisans, from glassblowers and ceramicists to woodworkers and jewelry makers.
Beyond its thriving artisan scene, Woodstock offers an enchanting outdoor experience and an opportunity to delve into the area's history. In mid-to-late August, the Billings Farm & Museum transforms into the largest sunflower house in the United States, with its 20,000 square-foot farm adorned with a breathtaking array of yellow, red, and orange sunflowers. Summertime also beckons visitors to Vermont's only national park, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Here, you can explore the historic Victorian mansion, enjoy a picnic in the gardens, and traverse over 20 miles of trails through the surrounding forests, taking in the rolling hills and scenic overlooks.
Stowe, Vermont
Located around 73 miles north of Woodstock, in the foothills of Mount Mansfield, lies the charming town of Stowe. While you may know Stowe for its ski slopes, spring and summer are equally vibrant times to visit this mountain town. Begin your visit in walkable downtown Stowe, where nearly 50 shops, restaurants, and galleries are housed in charming 19th-century buildings. Notable establishments include the Stowe Mercantile souvenir store, Whip Bar and Grill, and the Bryan Fine Art Gallery, to name a few.
For those seeking outdoor fun and a one-of-a-kind view, the Moss Glen Falls hike is only a 5-minute drive from the historic downtown. The waterfall itself is a mere quarter-mile trek from the trailhead and stands at an impressive 85 feet in height, making it the tallest and most beautiful cascade in all of Vermont. Outdoor enthusiasts can also relish in the beauty of Smugglers Notch State Park, known for its narrow pass through the Green Mountains, which was once used as a smuggling route to Canada and, later, an escape route for enslaved people. Visitors can explore the scenic pathway lined with 1,000-foot cliffs and enjoy anything from hiking, rock climbing, cave exploring, and more.
Camden, Maine
Like other charming New England towns, Camden, Maine, is renowned for its vibrant summer scene. Positioned on the shores of Penobscot Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Maine, it attracts ocean enthusiasts eager to bask in the splendor of the Atlantic. Camden Harbor Cruises offers an invigorating aquatic adventure, while Laite Memorial Beach beckons with its picturesque grassy park and pebbled shore, perfect for beachcombing and boat watching. During the summer, Camden also hosts two annual sailing celebrations: the Maine Windjammer Festival and the Parade of Sail.
For those who prefer to remain on solid ground, Camden offers a plethora of land-based experiences as well. The town's historic district boasts an array of 19th-century homes and the restored 1893 Camden Opera House, a delightful venue for a show. You can also visit Camden Hills State Park to savor harbor views from land. With 30 miles of hiking trails, many opt to witness a breathtaking sunset over the bay after trekking to the summit of Mount Battie. And for those seeking stunning views without the hike, a scenic drive up the mountain on Auto Road offers sweeping panoramic views of the bay and its islands.
Final Thoughts
With a name like “New England,” it is impossible not to compare the region to that of the British country. And while the area certainly shares certain historic and cultural ties, it ultimately stands apart as its own entity, famous for paving the way for the United States. Whether visiting Provincetown, Massachusetts, where the Pilgrims first stepped onto North American soil in search of freedom, or Stowe, Vermont, where a mountain path paved the way to autonomy and independence for smugglers and enslaved people, New England’s wealth of history and natural splendor will enchant all who visit.
