Exploring The Northeast: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

The northeastern United States is a region of epic outdoor adventures, big cities, and quaint small towns. It is famous for its rich history, with some of America's oldest states located in the region. The best way to explore the northeast is by road, with the area boasting some of the country's most scenic routes.

The northeast packs in some of America's most iconic attractions, from the streets of New York City to the White Mountains National Forest. The region is also home to some of the country's most famous structures, including the White House and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The northeast is known for its diverse landscapes, from the rugged coastline of Maine to the forested terrain of Vermont. The region is also famous for its fiery autumn colours, making it a popular destination for leaf-peeping in the fall.

Whether you're looking for a city break, a road trip, or a chance to get back to nature, the northeast has something for everyone.

Boston, Massachusetts: Follow the Freedom Trail, eat Italian food in the North End and shop on Newbury Street

Boston, Massachusetts is a city steeped in history and culture. One of the oldest municipalities in the country, it offers a unique blend of modern city life and living history.

Follow the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long trail that connects 16 nationally significant historic sites. It includes museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution. The Freedom Trail Foundation offers guided tours led by 18th-century costumed guides, which are excellent for families, school field trips, and even corporate team-building activities. The trail passes through sites such as Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp's Hill Burying Ground.

Eat Italian Food in the North End

The North End is Boston's very own Little Italy, boasting a high concentration of Italian-American restaurants, trattorias, delis, and bakeries. Hanover Street, Salem Street, and North Square Park are the places to go to indulge in handmade ricotta gnocchi, margherita pizza, arancini, and veal saltimbocca. Some popular restaurants in the North End include:

• Table: Known for its family-style dining and dishes like chicken Milanese and eggplant parm.
• Ristorante Lucia: Specializes in the cuisine of the Abruzzo region of Italy and is allegedly frequented by Tom Brady.
• Regina Pizzeria: Serving some of Boston's best pizzas since 1926.
• Panza: Known for its lobster ravioli.
• La Famiglia Giorgio's: A Roman-inspired restaurant with an extensive wine list of over 400 bottles.
• The Daily Catch: Specializes in squid dishes, especially those served with squid ink pasta.
• Caffe Vittoria: A vintage Italian cafe serving coffee and pastries since 1929.
• Mamma Maria: Offers seasonal menus featuring local produce and an extensive cocktail list.
• Galleria Umberto: A casual spot known for its Sicilian-style square slices and fist-sized arancini.

Shop on Newbury Street

Newbury Street in Boston is a popular shopping destination, offering a mix of high-end boutiques, trendy shops, and unique local businesses. It is home to a variety of stores, including luxury fashion brands, jewelry stores, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Some notable places to visit on Newbury Street include:

• Mario Russo Salon: A premier destination for cutting-edge style and award-winning hair services.
• Akris: A stylish outpost of the Swiss line known for posh womenswear with a contemporary twist.
• Galerie d'Orsay: Boston's premiere resource for fine Master Works of art.
• Shreve, Crump & Low: One of America's oldest jewelers, offering rings, watches, and other gifts.
• Valentino: A luxury showroom for the Italian fashion house's elegant women's apparel and accessories.
• Burberry: The venerable British brand known for its iconic trench coats and cashmere scarves.
• Chanel: The iconic purveyor of high-end apparel, fragrances, accessories, and more.
• Warby Parker: A popular eyewear brand offering designer glasses and sunglasses at affordable prices.
• Georgetown Cupcakes: A destination for designer cupcakes, baked fresh daily.
• Newbury Comics: A source for music, movies, comics, and pop culture goods, with an emphasis on independent artists.
• Trident Booksellers: The last independent bookstore in Boston, located on Newbury Street.
• Sonsie: A popular restaurant offering international cuisine and a vibrant sidewalk cafe.
• Madewell: A popular denim and accessories brand.
• Uniqlo: A Japanese apparel brand offering a wide range of clothing for men and women.
• TJ Maxx: A well-known retailer offering a variety of clothing, accessories, and household goods.

New York City: See a play on Broadway, take the ferry to Staten Island and wander in Central Park

New York City is a bustling metropolis, full of iconic attractions, culture, and history. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your time in the Big Apple, specifically focusing on seeing a play on Broadway, taking the ferry to Staten Island, and wandering in Central Park.

See a Play on Broadway

Broadway, the heart of New York City's theatre district, offers a diverse range of shows, from classic plays to modern musicals. Times Square, with its bright lights and electric atmosphere, is the perfect place to start your Broadway experience. You can choose from a variety of world-renowned shows, including "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," "The Lion King," "Wicked," "Chicago," and many more. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, or musical theatre, there's something for everyone on Broadway.

Take the Ferry to Staten Island

The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to experience New York City from a different perspective. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this free ferry service provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry runs between the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island and the Whitehall Ferry Terminal (also known as South Ferry) in Manhattan. With almost 70,000 passengers daily, the ferry is a popular mode of transport for both commuters and tourists alike.

Wander in Central Park

Central Park, a sprawling 843-acre urban park, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With hundreds of special attractions, you can wander the paths and discover something new each time you visit. Enjoy the natural beauty of green meadows, lakes, ponds, and cherry blossom trees. Explore historical attractions such as Belvedere Castle, The Blockhouse, and numerous statues of iconic figures. Central Park also features music and performance centres, educational facilities, classical architecture, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.

New York City is a vibrant and diverse city, full of exciting experiences. By following this guide, you can create memorable moments and gain a deeper understanding of what makes New York City so unique.

Portland, Maine: Eat lobster, visit the Portland Head Light and the Portland Museum of Art

Portland, Maine, is a must-visit destination on your trip to the northeastern United States. Known for its stunning natural environments and seafood cuisine, Portland offers a range of attractions, including the iconic Portland Head Light, the historic Portland Museum of Art, and, of course, its famous lobster.

Eat Lobster

When in Portland, indulging in lobster is a must. The city is renowned for its fresh seafood, and lobster is one of the most popular dishes. Try the Portland Lobster Company, a local favourite, where you can enjoy a traditional lobster dinner or a classic lobster roll. Steamed lobster, clam chowder, crab cakes, and fish and chips are also on the menu. For a unique experience, attend a traditional waterfront seafood bake with Cabbage Island Clambakes.

Visit the Portland Head Light

The Portland Head Light is an iconic lighthouse located in Cape Elizabeth, just outside of Portland. The lighthouse is situated within Fort Williams Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history. Take a tour of the lighthouse and explore the surrounding park, which boasts breathtaking views of the coast.

Explore the Portland Museum of Art

For art lovers, the Portland Museum of Art is a must-visit attraction. Located in the heart of the city, the museum showcases a diverse range of artworks and exhibitions. From paintings to sculptures, the museum celebrates both established and emerging artists. The museum also hosts various events, film screenings, and art workshops throughout the year, making it a vibrant cultural hub in Portland.

Portland, Maine, is a charming city that combines natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Whether you're strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, hiking in the nearby state parks, or enjoying a fresh lobster dinner, Portland offers a unique and memorable experience in the Northeast.

Montpelier, Vermont: Visit the Vermont State House, the Vermont Historical Society Museum and Hubbard Park

Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, is a great place to visit for travellers looking to gorge on delicious food and explore beautiful history.

A great first stop is the Vermont State House, an iconic site in the city. The building is beautiful, and you can learn about the history of the city and state. The Vermont Historical Society Museum is also a great place to learn about the history of Vermont. The museum is well laid out, with excellent displays, and is very informative. It takes you on a journey through the history of Vermont, from the early inhabitants to colonisation, the American Revolution, and beyond. The Vermont Historical Society Museum is located in the Pavilion Building in downtown Montpelier and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.

For food, check out the delicious Bragg Farm Sugar House, which serves all things maple syrup. You have been warned: you will leave on a sugar high! For brunch, head to Skinny Pancake, which serves some of the best pancakes in Vermont.

Hubbard Park is another great place to visit in Montpelier. The park has beautiful nature and is a great place to watch the sunset.

Acadia National Park, Maine: Drive through or hike in the park. Visit Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is a popular destination, receiving around 4 million visits a year. The park offers 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Driving through the park

If you're driving through the park, you can purchase a pass online in advance. Vehicle reservations are required to drive the Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May to mid-October. The Cadillac Summit Road is located off the Park Loop Road and can be accessed at the beginning or end of the loop. It is a windy, paved 3.5-mile route up to the summit.

Hiking in the park

There are 158 miles of hiking trails in the park. If you plan to hike up Cadillac Mountain, you must return down the trail to an Island Explorer shuttle stop or parking area, as it is not advisable to walk down the Cadillac Summit Road.

Cadillac Mountain

Accessible by car, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. It offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. The summit is often congested with vehicles and visitors throughout the day, and sunrise is the busiest time to visit. The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, restrooms, and a gift shop are located at the summit.

Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is one of the park's most pristine lakes, with outstanding surrounding mountain scenery. Visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking, exploring nearby carriage roads, or trying famous tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House. Jordan Pond is located off the two-way section of the Park Loop Road, approximately 30 minutes from Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. It is located on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island. There is a very small parking lot, so it may be difficult to find a parking spot, especially at sunset. From the parking lot, you can take a short trail down to the lighthouse or go left to get to the rocks for iconic pictures.

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