New England's 9 Most Underrated Towns to Visit in 2024

New England, positioned in the north-eastern part of the United States, consists of six separate states - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Each of these states are known for famous historical locales and sites, like Fenway Park in Boston and Vermont Teddy Bear in Burlington. Yet, there are a large number of towns receiving less attention than they deserve, due to either a lack of advertising or the “brilliance” that is sometimes cast off from “more popular” attractions. Here are nine of New England’s most underrated towns - from Stowe, Vt. to Newport, RI. - that are well worth visiting in 2024.

Stowe, Vermont

The quaint town of Stowe, located in Lamoille County, in the northern part of Vermont, has attracted skiers and snowboarders with the title “The Ski Capital of the East” for quite some time. Yet, this picturesque town offers even more unique attractions. Some of the best characteristics of Stowe cater to the warmer seasons even more than winter. Smuggler’s Notch State Park, located at the base of Mount Mansfield, offers ample hiking opportunities, like Bingham Falls, the Long Trail, and Moss Glen Falls. Sterling Forest, surrounding the Sterling Forest Lodge in a valley north of town, and Cady Forest, to the southwest of town, also offer a variety of hiking trails, including the White Pine Path and Charlie’s Trail Loop.

Waterville, Maine

Hidden away from the hustle of coastal towns and the Atlantic coast, as well as concealed beneath the shadow of towns that are larger, like Bangor and Augusta, the town of Waterville still lays claim to several attractions that are well worth a visit this year. Located in Kennebec County, this quaint town of about fifteen thousand people, is home to the Colby College, albeit the Colby College Museum of Art, the Two-Cent Bridge, and the Fort Halifax State Historic Site. Both the museum and the historic site provide a sense of history while the bridge, otherwise known as the Ticonic Footbridge, offers excellent views up and down the Kennebec River.

Greenwich, Connecticut

Situated at the most south-western point of Connecticut, in the most south-western part of Fairfield County, the quaint town of Greenwich is a hidden haven for natural, historic, and modern attributes, sometimes all rolled into one. From the Audubon Center, and its many hiking trails, to Greenwich Avenue, and its individualistic stores, to Putnam Cottage, and the historic significance it brings to the town, Greenwich has a little of something for everyone. This includes the Babcock Preserve, home to 300 acres of wilderness that are perfect for walking, hiking, and running, and the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, which is near the ferry landing. The ferry travels to Island Beach and Great Captain Island.

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Located in Grafton County, the charming town of Lincoln is home to about two thousand people. Lincoln is also home to several events and attractions that make it well worth a visit this year, either alone, with family, or with friends. Home of the Georgiana Falls, the Franconia Falls, and the Pemigewasset River, Lincoln is an avid outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Yet, that is not all in the avenue of natural wonders. The town of Lincoln is also attached to the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, which offers over fifty miles of scenic beauty and ends at the edge of North Conway, one of the most sightseeing destinations in all of New England.

Eastport, Maine

The pastoral town of Eastport, the easternmost town within the United States, is home to several natural and historical attractions that add to its individuality and ambiance, and make it worthy of considering visiting this year. Raye Mustard Mill Museum, Shackford Head State Park, and “Nerida the Mermaid,” a famous bronze statue that was created by Richard Klyver between 2012 and 2015, are all located in Eastport. Shackford Head State Park, named after Capt. John Shackford, covers approximately ninety acres of land on nearby Moose Island, and offers some of the best views of Cobscook Bay and Broad Cove, as well as several hiking trails, some of which are rumored to pass by several secret beaches, harbors, and inlets.

Bennington, Vermont

Located in Bennington County, in the southwestern corner of Vermont, the rustic yet modern town of Bennington is home to the Bennington Battle Monument. This particular monument is three-hundred-feet in height and was first opened in 1891. It is now a remembrance of the Battle of Bennington, which occurred during the Revolutionary War. Bennington is also well known for the Molly Stark Trail, a scenic drive that is forty miles in length and runs from Bennington to Brattleboro, the Silk Road Covered Bridge, and the Burt Henry Covered Bridge. The Silk Road and the Burt Henry were both built over different parts of the Walloomsac River in the area of Bennington in the 1840s and are currently two of five covered bridges in Bennington County.

Newburyport, Massachusetts

The quaint, idyllic town of Newburyport is located in the northeastern corner of Massachusetts, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in Essex County. Even though it is only thirty-five miles from the outskirts of Boston, the one major metropolis in Massachusetts, Newburyport is still its own town. Along with encompassing all of the nature enthusiast’s palette with Maudslay State Park, Waterfront Park, and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which was first established on Plum Island in 1942, the town of Newburyport is also well known for the “Pink House” and Plum Island Lighthouse. The “Pink House” was built in 1925 and is now owned by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Swanton, Vermont

Hidden almost at the top lefthand corner of the state of Vermont, the pastoral town of Swanton, in western Franklin County, is a perfect retreat for the avid outdoor enthusiast. Home of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, which offers interaction with water mammals and migratory birds in their natural habitats, and a plethora of hiking trails, like Maquam Creek Trail, the Old Railroad Passage Trail, and Discovery Trail, Swanton is a step back into nature. There are also several things to do inside the town of Swanton, including the RR Depot Museum, which is open every Friday, and a variety of places to dine. Shaggy’s Snack Bar is available for fresh pizza, and Cody’s Café sells a great double-cheeseburger.

Newport, Rhode Island

Unlike Providence, which is the home of almost a quarter of a million people, the picturesque town of Newport, with its twenty-five thousand residents, is an excellent location for historical knowledge, natural beauty, and vibrant modernism. Located off Narragansett Bay, on Aquidneck Island, Newport is home to a variety of specialty museums and historical points of interest, like Thames Street, Rough Point Museum, and Fort Adams State Park. Fort Adams, located off Brenton Cove, was first established in 1799, and now offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay, opportunities for swimming, boating, and picnicking, and chances to catch a rugby game. The Newport Rugby Sevens tournament, held Fort Adams, is scheduled every year for the end of June.

The Takeaway

While there are a plethora of attractions and an overabundance of excitement within cities in New England, like Hartford, Portland, and Burlington, the towns listed in the article above, as well as several other towns, fail to receive the credit they so richly deserve. All across New England, as well as the rest of America, small towns are being passed over for places like Boston’s Freedom Trail and Portland’s Victoria Mansion. Yet, smaller places, like Newburyport, Massachusetts, have their own special attraction as well.