8 of the Most Charming Towns in New England
New England is a historic and definitive region on the Northeastern Coast of the United States. It comprises six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is the oldest part of the United States, founded by the Puritans in 1620. at Plymouth, Massachusetts. This area is known for its historical sites, architecture, and friendly, down-to-earth people. The region has four distinctive seasons; many visitors come year-round for outdoor adventures. The region also includes some of the most celebrated seaports in America. Here are eight of the most charming towns to visit in New England.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol, Rhode Island, is a historic town on the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay. This quintessential New England town is located on 10.1 acres of peninsula, has 14 parks, and is the start of the East Bay Bike Path. It is a hub of outdoor adventures, but the town has a charming art and cultural atmosphere.
The Bristol Art Museum (BAM) displays modern art in the main Gallery and Community Galleries. Its mission is to engage its audiences with interactive exhibits, making it a must-see attraction. Linden Place is a Federalist mansion built in 1810. Several histories, including the Industrial Revolution and Hollywood, are woven throughout the magnificent decor. Bristol is a charming town offering the best of New England culture.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont, is a charming and quaint town with natural beauty and many historic buildings. Many of these historic structures are around the Green, the town square. One is the Norman Williams Public Library, built in the late 19th century.
There are also four covered bridges, an astounding number for any small town: the Middle, Taftsville, Lincoln, and Quechee. One of the hardest choices when visiting Woodstock is choosing which elegant bed and breakfast to stay at. The Woodstock Inn and Resort is a classic resort with timeless features located on the Green, in the heart of town. If you are looking for an authentically New England town, Woodstock should be at the top of your list.
Merrimack, New Hampshire
Merrimack is a rustic village in New Hampshire known for its many attractions. Popular attractions include Anheuser Busch tours, Wildcat Falls Park and Conservation Area, and the Stovall Covered Bridge. The maroon-painted bridge provides beautiful scenery and a great photo opportunity. The 87-acre hardwood conservation area includes hiking trails and joins the Souhegan River and Wildcat Falls.
The Horse Hill Nature Preserve comprises 563 acres of medium to steep terrain and two hills 400 feet high. Along with the wetlands, there are also swamps, ponds, and streams. Merrimack Premium Outlets is another popular attraction and one of the main reasons people visit Merrimack. The mall is one of the biggest in New England and has over 100 stores and restaurants.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a historic seaport in Connecticut and has the world's largest maritime museum, with exhibits highlighting the significance of the small village. The museum offers several programs, including interactive programs for children. Cultural attractions like the Mystic Museum of Art are a must-see when visiting. They have several classic and modern exhibits, including an outstanding Norman Rockwell exhibit.
The Olde Mistik Village is a pet-friendly open-air village with unique shops and restaurants. Every September, the village hosts the Annual Garlic Fest, which features food vendors, bakers, and artisans. This small coastal village's seafaring history makes it one of New England's most charming towns.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a historic seaport on the Piscataway River in New Hampshire. It is a picturesque town full of historic sites and architecture. It was founded as a fishing village and is the oldest settlement in New Hampshire. The Strawberry Banke House is a living history museum set on ten acres. It is a preserved neighborhood spanning 350 years with historic homes and an heirloom garden. The neighborhood tells the story of Portsmouth through the evolution of time.
Another fascinating museum is the Uss Albacore at Albacore Park. It is a decommissioned submarine (1972), and visitors are allowed inside for self-guided tours. The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden is a National Historic Landmark open to the public since 1912. The museum aims to tell Portsmouth's story through the inhabitants who have occupied the home. There are several other museums and cultural attractions that make Portsmouth so endearing.
Kennebunk, Maine
Kennebunk is a top boating and sailing destination in southern Maine and the only village in the world with that name. The historic town is over 400 years old and is divided into four distinctive sections: the beaches, West Kennebunk, the Lower Village, and Main Street. The charming downtown district centers around the lovely Main Street that resembles a movie set.
The Lower Village is a classic New England seaport with a row of vintage captain homes. There is also a bridge that leads to Kennebunkport, a separate coastal village, but the two are often considered the same by locals. The most historic home in the village is the Wedding Cake House, which was originally a wedding present for newlyweds. The "icing" is the intricately white Gothic trim set on top of the yellow house. It is one of 25 stops along the Museum in the Streets tour that highlights the area's architectural history.
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Nantucket is a small island off of Massachusetts and a popular summer destination. It is also home to Brant Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1901 and the ninth lighthouse at this location since Colonial times. Several museums on the island highlight the whaling industry, local art, and the shipwrecks that Nantucket is known for. The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is an interesting museum that showcases the island's history through exhibits and tours.
The Nantucket Historical Association is a whaling museum with six historic sites that interpret the history of the whaling fleet, which has helped make Nantucket famous. The Association's website is a veritable travel guide for the island and includes information about where to eat, shop, and play. One restaurant listed is the Rose and Crown, a popular bar and club. The Rose and Crown has been voted "best day drinking bar on Nantucket" and is a great place to let your hair down. Nantucket is a famous summer resort town for many reasons, and it is one of the most charming islands in New England.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Newburyport is a stunning seaport in Massachusetts and the birthplace of the US Coast Guard. Several landmarks throughout town exist, like the Custom House Maritime Museum and the Historic District. The museum explores the region's deep maritime history, including the first seaport on the East Coast. The Historic District is nationally registered and includes homes and sites dating back to the 17th century.
Among many firsts in this coastal town is the Topsfield Fair, the country's oldest county fair, which began in 1818. Unsurprisingly, Newburyport has an exceptional culinary scene, with a wide variety of cuisine. Plum Island Grille, Bob's Lobster, and the Starboard Galley are just a few examples of the different restaurant styles. Getting bored in a historic town with so much to do is impossible. Newburyport is a paradise for history buffs, architecture buffs, and foodies alike.
New England is a wonderful place to visit, and these eight towns are among the most charming in the region. Towns like Woodstock, Vermont, and Merrimack, New Hampshire, embody the rustic countryside of New England and offer plenty of outdoor activities like hiking in the Spring or skiing in the Winter.
These charming towns are also a haven for foodies and have cultural attractions like historical museums and architecture. From the historic significance of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and Mystic, Connecticut, to the summer playground of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, there is something for everyone in New England.
