A STATE OF MIND
New England, is not only a destination nestled in the northeastern corner of the United States, – it’s a state of mind. A comforting embrace of cozy coastal towns, vibrant autumn foliage, and a sip of hot apple cider. It’s the sound of waves crashing against rocky shores, or the scent of freshly baked apple pie. New England embodies a sense of connection and nostalgia, like being part of something timeless. Discover the hidden gems of New England here.
For more inspiration on things to experience in Boston, read A Walker’s Guide to Beacon Hill and Surrounding Gems or Biking Boston – A Guide to the Ultimate Urban Adventure.
If you want to know how life in a tiny Boston apartment turned out for us please read, Comfortably Uncomfortable – How to Adjust to Simple Living.
New England dreamin’
Before leaving California, I dreamt of traveling through most of New England. I just didn’t realize how big a region New England actually is. Consisting of six states, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, it’s a pretty large area to cover. However, during our time in Boston, we ventured north of the city a few times and explored the beauty, history, and culture of rural Massachusetts.
Hidden New England gem in the countryside
breathtaking Beauty
We took the scenic byways through the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. The transformation of oak, maple, and birch into radiating golden hues was spectacular. No doubt that we’d chosen the best time of year to visit. We drove through small, quaint villages, each with their own charm and character and we were captivated by the authenticity and simplicity around us.
Newburyport
From the countryside, we headed towards Newburyport, a coastal town along the Merrimack River, about 50 minutes north of Boston. We wandered around the cobblestone streets in the charming downtown area with unique little boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Well-preserved historic buildings around the vibrant waterfront offered a glimpse into the busy seaport Newburyport once was.
Rockport
On our way back towards Boston, we drove along the beautiful, rugged coastline and sandy beaches of Cape Ann Peninsula. Right before sunset, we arrived in the little town of Rockport and watched how the sky slowly turned pink above the small fishing village. The rocky shores around the harbor created a captivating backdrop for the colorful fishing boats. Yellow lobster traps were stacked in front of the iconic red fishing shack Motif 1, giving an impression of simpler times.
Rockport Harbor and Motif 1 at sunset
We walked through Bearskin Neck, a narrow peninsula, lined with unique little boutiques selling handcrafted jewelry, souvenir t-shirts, and locally made crafts. We knew we had to return during the daytime to explore more of this picturesque little village.
Rockport at sunset
Cape Ann Peninsula
The second time we visited Rockport we drove up along the rugged coastline and sandy beaches of the captivating Cape Ann peninsula. We made a short stop at America’s oldest seaport, Gloucester, and just tried to take in the timeless beauty along the coast as much as possible.
Lobster Rolls
Rockport, we finally had lobster rolls, a classic New England favorite. There are several options for seafood at Rockport ranging from simple shacks to fine dining. We wanted an authentic experience and got our lobster rolls from Roy Moore Lobster Shack at Bearskin Neck.
Lobster Shack and bookstore at Bearskin Neck in Rockport
Overlooking the pretty harbor from a simple bench in the back of the lobster shack, we indulged in this culinary delight. The lobster rolls had big chunks of succulent lobster meat, in a toasted split-top bun. One roll was served warm with melted butter and one was chilled with a creamy mayo-based dressing. We got the impression that for Easterners it’s either or but we liked them both ways.
Yellow lobster traps in the Rockport harbor
Apple Picking
Fall is apple picking season in New England. As the air turned crisp and the leaves on the trees began to change people flocked towards the orchards across the region. And so did we. We headed north to Boston Hill Farm, an orchard in the scenic countryside. We walked among rows and rows of apple trees bursting with crisp, ripe apples and sampled a few along the way. Boston Hill Farm has a cute farm store with a wide selection of fresh produce and baked goods. We sat outside in the soft, descending sunlight, sipping hot apple cider, and tried freshly baked apple cider doughnuts for the first time.
Apple picking at Boston Hill Farm
Cape Cod
It takes more than a day to explore Cape Cod. However, we got a little taste of this New England gem on our way to New Jersey. When it was time to leave Boston, we made a detour to Cape Cod. A bit of a detour it turned out. An hour and 45 minutes drive from Boston to Sandwich, at the beginning of the cape, and another few hours back and forth to Provincetown at the northern tip. This, of course, didn’t include all the stops we took along the coast.
Cape Cod is a small, pointed, extension of land stretching 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular vacation destination along with Nantucket and Martha’s Vinyard. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, charming seaside towns, and rich maritime history. We clearly came out of season so it was quiet everywhere, but it was a beautiful sunny day, and no traffic.
Lighthouses
There are quite a few lighthouses on Cape Cod and I was determined to see as many as possible. We saw the Nauset Lighthouse, the Chatham Lighthouse, the Three Sisters Lighthouses, and the Highland Lighthouse but there are more to explore. There is something so fascinating about the iconic towering, silhouette of a lighthouse and the picturesque settings on rocky shores or sandy beaches. Not to mention how these lighthouses have guided ships through hazardous waters throughout centuries. I will take a detour any day to see a lighthouse!
Cape Cod lighthouses (Chatham, Three Sisters, and Nauset)
Provincetown
We finally made it to the northern tip of the cape where we had lunch at The Squealing Pig Provincetown. Provincetown has a reputation for being something else. A place where individuality and freedom of expression are celebrated. We had way too little time to explore but we instantly felt that there was something magical about this place.
If you want to know more about how to spend a weekend in Provincetown check out this post from Travel+Leasure
Explore More!
There is nothing but hidden gems in New England, and I would love to go back someday and explore more of these fascinating six states. If you want to know more about a not-so-secret gem, Boston – keep reading!