Discover New England in a week: An unforgettable road trip
New England is rich in history and folklore, giving rise to many myths and legends. The region is full of tales of witchcraft, monsters and haunted houses. Treasures hidden by pirates, outlaws and other historical figures are also frequently mentioned. For us, New England is truly dotted with treasures. It’s up to you to discover them here.
What to see and do in New England?
We offer you an itinerary that we have tested and approved. Rhythmic and captivating, it will allow you to discover the riches of the region in an optimal way.
DAY 1: Vermont
DAY 2: Western Massachusetts
DAY 3: Salem and Marblehead
DAY 4: Boston
DAY 5: Harvard, Mass. and Kennebunkport Beach
DAY 6: The village of Kennebunkport
DAY 7: Mount Washington
DAY 8: Jackson and Flume Gorge
Attention electric adventurers! Discover the key stages of this route, designed to guide you calmly through a landscape of charging stations which may be different from what you are used to. We found that it was more difficult to access these during our trip.
DAY 1
First stop: Montpelier, capital of the State of Vermont
Officially the smallest capital in the United States, Montpelier offers a peaceful and welcoming setting. Its historic city center, with its streets lined with old buildings and its local shops, invites you to stroll and explore. Seat of Vermont government, housing the gold-domed State House, the state symbol. A place of historical richness, retracing the beginnings of the state and its involvement in the American Revolution. The Vermont Historical Society Museum displays artifacts and documents chronicling the region's history.
Lunch suggestion : Three Penny Taproom
Second and third stops: Warren Falls and Texas Falls, VT
Highway 100 offers spectacular panoramic views of the Green Mountains and their waterfalls. Do not miss!
Fourth stop: Woodstock
Nestled in the green mountains of Vermont, Woodstock is known for its bucolic charm, welcoming atmosphere and numerous attractions that make it a popular destination for visitors.
Its historic city center, with its period houses, unique boutiques and welcoming inns, offers an exotic atmosphere and an ideal setting for strolling and enjoying the local art of living.
Dinner suggestion : Santé Restaurant
Hotel suggestion : The Shire Woodstock
DAY 2
Woodstock - Breakfast suggestion : Mon Vert Café
First stop: Historic Deerfield
Our visit to Deerfield, nestled in the Connecticut Valley of western Massachusetts, takes on a special dimension. This charming village, rich in history and carefully preserved, is intimately linked to our family past. Indeed, several of our ancestors were among the captives taken by the French and their Native American allies during the Deerfield Raid in 1704, a tragic event that forever marked the history of the region.
Beyond its personal dimension, Deerfield offers a real journey through time. Its streets lined with old houses, historic buildings and memorial sites bear witness to a vibrant colonial past. Historic Deerfield, an exceptional outdoor museum, invites us to explore the village's history through its meticulously restored period homes, peaceful gardens and captivating exhibits.
The Deerfield Memorial Museum, for its part, traces the history of the region from Native American times to the present day, offering a comprehensive overview of the events that shaped this community. As we walk through its galleries, we discover the stories of the first settlers, the devastating raids and the forced march from Deerfield to Quebec that our ancestors had to endure. This ordeal, marked by hunger, cold and fear, left an indelible mark on their lives and that of their descendants.
When we visit Deerfield, we not only discover a quaint village, but we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, revisit their history and honor their memory. It is an experience full of emotion and respect which allows us to better understand our origins and to forge a deeper link with our past.
Dinner suggestion : Blue Heron Restaurant, Sunderland
Suggestion for sleeping : voir Airbnb
DAY 3 – Salem and Marblehead Massachusetts is brimming with a wealth of history that captivates the imagination and transports visitors through the ages. To fully immerse yourself in this fascinating past, we highly recommend the Salem tour offered by Viator. This immersive excursion, far from being cliché, promises you an authentic and captivating discovery of this legendary city.
Salem, like its neighbor Marblehead, offers an exceptional architectural panorama. The Americans have demonstrated remarkable skill in preserving these century-old houses, some of which date back more than 300 years. Walking through the streets of these cities is like taking a trip back in time and discovering the ingenuity and know-how of the builders of yesteryear.
Marblehead: Explore this charming coastal town known for its Federal-style log homes and cobblestone streets. Visit Fort Sewell, a historic fort dating back to the American Revolutionary War.
Dinner suggestion : Nightshade Noodle Bar… for a unique experience in the Lynn area (Boston)
Breakfast suggestion : Caffé Nero - Italian-influenced coffee chain
DAY 4: Boston
From the moment we arrived, Boston captivated us with its historic and vibrant atmosphere. Rich in a fascinating past, the city revealed itself to us as we explored the Freedom Trail, a 4-kilometer hiking trail retracing the steps of American revolutionaries.
Equipped with our audio guide, we traveled this emblematic path for five hours, taking regular breaks to admire the 16 historic sites that line its route. Each step allowed us to delve a little deeper into the soul of the city, transporting us through the eras and making us relive the significant events of the American Revolution.
From Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, to Faneuil Hall, cradle of revolutionary meetings, we discovered places steeped in history. We admired the imposing architecture of the Massachusetts State House, the Old State House, where the famous Boston Massacre took place, and the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the first major battle of the Revolutionary War.
The Freedom Trail also guided us through quaint neighborhoods like the North End, Little Italy, and Beacon Hill, giving us a stunning panorama of Boston's diversity and cultural richness. We strolled the cobbled streets lined with red brick houses and admired the boutiques, cafes and boutiques.
Our getaway to Boston was an unforgettable experience, a true journey back in time to the heart of American history. The city won us over with its unique charm, its cultural richness and its welcoming atmosphere.
Lunch suggestion along the Freedom Trail : Saloniki, Greek Restaurant (in front the King’s Chapel on Tremont, Boston).
Favorite suggestion for dinner : Barcelona Wine Bar - you will spend a charming evening on the tapas bar terrace.
DAY 5
First stop: Harvard, Boston Strolling the vast green lawns of Harvard University is an essential ritual for any visitor to Boston. On the second morning, we had the privilege of soaking up the vibrant academic atmosphere of this historic location before hitting the road to the charming village of Kennebunkport.
Second Stop: Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, ME
This sublime beach, nestled in front of the majestic Tides Inn, offers a striking contrast with the intellectual excitement of Harvard. The peaceful serenity of Goose Rocks Beach promises a day full of discoveries and emotions.
Luxurious suggestion for a cocktail on the terrace, dinner or sleep : The Tides Beach Club
DAY 6: Kennybunkport, ME
Make the most of your morning at the beach before venturing towards Cape Porpoise, a small village where restaurants compete in freshness to offer you the best seafood in the region. You can watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day. Before heading to the White Mountains, take a detour through the village of Kennebunkport. Stroll through its charming streets, admire its colorful houses and enjoy the unique atmosphere that emanates from this magical place. Kennebunkport is the perfect place to do some souvenir shopping and infuse your senses with the essence of New England. Don't forget to taste an artisanal ice cream in one of the village's many ice cream parlors.
Heading to New Hampshire !
Dinner suggestion : Thompson House Eatery
Suggestion for sleep : Christmas Farm Inn and Spa
***A FAVORITE for breakfast : Autumn Nomad Café, Jackson
DAY 7: Mount Washington
Immerse yourself in the heart of the White Mountains and dedicate an entire day to exploring Mount Washington, the roof of the Northeast United States.
Two options are available to you to climb this giant:
Take the Mount Washington Auto Road, a spectacular road that will take you to the summit. Pay attention to the condition of your vehicle, as steep slopes and sudden temperature changes can put a strain on your mechanics.
Go hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of the White Mountains National Park. Numerous trails lead to the summit, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
To fully enjoy the experience, we have chosen to combine the two options. We drove up the road to admire the dizzying climb, then parked our vehicle in one of the many parking lots along the way. From there we continued our exploration on foot on the Alpine Trail and Lion Head Trail.
It was a wise choice! The view from the summit was extraordinary and we savored every moment of our hike, amazed by the wild beauty that surrounded us. We also really enjoyed our picnic at the edge of Tuckerman Ravine, savoring the tranquility of this magical place before embarking on the final ascent.
Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable day with the family, Mount Washington will not disappoint.
DAY 8: The White Mountains region
First stop: Jackson Falls Don't miss Jackson Falls! On a sunny day, we had the chance to cool off there and enjoy a breathtaking spectacle. The roar of the water and the clean mountain air created a peaceful and unforgettable ambiance. A true wonder of nature!
Last stop before returning home: La Flume Gorge An apotheosis for our trip! It is on this natural site of striking beauty that we completed our journey, captivated by a grandiose spectacle. The power of the water rushing into the narrow gorges, the majesty of the rocks sculpted by time and the lushness of the vegetation have created an unforgettable setting. A true immersion in the heart of the elements which revitalized us for the rest of the journey. An essential stopover for all nature lovers!
A road trip to New England: an enchanted interlude Let yourself be charmed by New England! This haven of peace, nestled just a few hours away, promises you an unforgettable trip. A week is enough to explore its varied landscapes and discover its hidden treasures. Picturesque villages with colorful wooden houses, tasty local gastronomy, historical sites steeped in memory and breathtaking natural panoramas: New England has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a lover of history, culture, gastronomy or wide open spaces, you will find what you are looking for here. So don't wait any longer! Pack your bags and set off to explore this magical region. New England awaits you, ready to reveal its secrets and offer you an unforgettable trip.
Leave us your comments to share your experiences and suggestions about New England.