8 Towns in New England that Were Ranked Among US Favorites
We have all visited that one town, or perhaps it was more than one, that served the tastiest lobster or showcased the most interesting war artifacts. That same town also seems to be one of the ones mentioned every time talk turns toward planning a vacation. From Maine’s coastal region through the ravines and valleys of the White Mountains in New Hampshire to Lake Champlain in Vermont, and from Cape Cod in Massachusetts through Connecticut and around to the rugged shores of Rhode Island, there are a variety of great towns within New England. Here are eight of the most favorite, as ranked in the United States.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Whether it is the Seashore Trolley Museum, St. Anne’s Church, Ocean Avenue, or Goose Rocks Beach, the town of Kennebunkport is a haven for those who enjoy a nice blending of the historical, the artistic, and the natural. Situated within York County, this town of barely three thousand residents is also home to Goat Island Lighthouse, which stands at a height of twenty-five feet and was first constructed in 1880, President Bush’s Summer Compound, and Ganny’s Garden, honoring the former First Lady Barbara Bush. There are also a variety of hometown shops and eateries in Kennebunkport, including Daytrip Society, Chez Rosa, and the Hurricane Restaurant, all three of which are located within what the locals have deemed as Dock Square.
North Conway, New Hampshire
Seventy miles to the northwest of Kennebunkport, the town of North Conway is known best for the Conway Scenic Railroad, offering visitors and residents alike the opportunity to take a scenic journey through a portion of the majestic White Mountains. This town of barely two thousand people is also home to some rather famous geological formations, like Cathedral Ledge, Diana’s Bath, and White Horse Ledge, all of which provide more of that natural element the upper half of New England is known for. Plus, if you enter the town of North Conway from the south, through what the locals call “The Strip,” you will pass by several outlet stores like L.L. Bean, as well as eateries like the Beef & Ski Restaurant.
Bennington, Vermont
Located in the southwestern corner of the state of Vermont, the quaint town of Bennington is home to a plethora of great attributes, like the Bennington Museum, which showcases some of Grandma Moses’ paintings, the Old First Congregational Church, where Robert Frost is buried, and the Park-McCullough House, displaying the history of the area from as early as 1852. There are also several natural attractions to be enjoyed in Bennington, including walking through the Burt Henry Covered Bridge, first built in the late 1830s, the Papermill Village Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1889, and the Silk Road Covered Bridge, first built in 1840; all of which span the Walloomsac River at some point.
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
As it is situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, across the estuary of the Connecticut River from the town of Old Lyme, Old Saybrook is perhaps best known for its lighthouses, Saybrook Breakwater and Lynde Point. Lynde Point was first established in 1838, while Saybrook Breakwater was lit for the first time almost fifty years later. Old Saybrook, a great coastal town of barely ten thousand residents, is also home to a variety of restaurants, including Fresh Salt on Bridge Street and Liv’s Oyster Bar on Main, as well as an abundance of mom-and-pop shops. There are even several antique shops, like Re-Unique, Tava’s Vintage Shop, and the Trove, in downtown Old Saybrook, for those who like to browse through history.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Whether it is swimming at Race Point or Herring Point Beach, strolling along the Provincetown Causeway, or exploring Beech Forest, Provincetown is filled with a plethora of natural amenities catered to visitors. There are also several historical venues within Provincetown, Massachusetts as well. The Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum showcases the first landing of the Mayflower in 1620 while honoring the Mayflower Pilgrims with a 235-ft tall monument. And then there is Commercial Street, which runs between the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and Bradford Street, offering up a variety of quaint local shops, comfortable lodging choices, and elegant seafood restaurants, like Heavy Petal, Angel’s Landing, Mews Restaurant & Cafe, and the Lobster Pot.
Lincoln, Rhode Island
The town of Lincoln, with a population of around twenty-two thousand residents, is home to a variety of attributes that make it a perfect vacation destination. Both the Lincoln Woods and the Blackstone River state parks have fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, hiking, and even horseback riding opportunities, while a visit to Arnold House and Hearthside House caters more to the historical enthusiast by allowing a touch of the past to glow on the present. There are also a plethora of great shops and restaurants in the town of Lincoln, Rhode Island, including the Wicked Good Bar & Grill, famous for broadcasting professional football, and Fred & Steve’s Steak Restaurant, known best for being owned by two former professional football players.
Woodstock, Vermont
From three covered bridges in close proximity to town, with the Middle Covered Bridge located in downtown Woodstock, to shops and eateries like the Vermont Flannel Company and the Prince and the Pauper Restaurant, the town of Woodstock is a popular choice for a vacation destination. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Historical Park honors the town of Woodstock with events like a guided hiking trip up the South Peak of Mount Tom and the Forest Festival. The Forest Festival takes place in September, displaying the importance of ecology and the history of the forest while having venues like horse-drawn wagon rides, woodworking classes, and even a walk under the canopy of the forest with a guide who is intimate with the history of the area.
Camden, Maine
Possibly one of the most favorite towns in all of New England, with the exception perhaps of cities like Portland, Boston, and Burlington, the town of Camden is home to a wide variety of natural and cultural attributes. Camden Hills State Park offers everything from hiking and fishing to picnicking and camping, while downtown Main Street features several mom-and-pop shops and restaurants, like the House of Logan and Mixed Greens. There are also many historical aspects in and around Camden, Maine, including the Camden Opera House, which was first opened in 1894, and the High Street Historic District, displaying what an early 20th-century neighborhood would look like, right down to several different structures.
The area known as New England, located in the northeastern corner of America and comprising six states, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, is filled with a plethora of great towns. These towns, from Kennebunkport, Maine, and Goat Island Lighthouse to Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and its antique stores, and back to Camden, Maine, and Camden Hills State Park, are ideal for spending a weekend or even an entire week with family, friends, or even alone.
