Experience the Sights and Sounds of New England
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Pick-up your rental car, leave New York and travel north toward New Haven, Connecticut. New Haven was founded in 1637 by affluent puritans. Shipping and manufacturing were the mainstays upon which the economy was built. Now the focal point of New Haven is Yale University, a world-famous college founded in 1716. Stop and visit the campus and visitor center. Guided tours are also available. New Haven’s charm is can be found on the tree-lined Wooster Square, the historic Town Green, and the restaurants and shopping area of the College-Chapel Street district. Other claims to fame include the premiere of the hamburger in 1895 and the introduction of pizza to the United States. Continue on to Mystic. This seaside town has a tidy downtown laced with shops, galleries and antique stores. Nearby homes built for the rich sea captains of bygone days radiate charm. The 17-acre (7-ha) museum town of Mystic Seaport exhibits the workshops, buildings and shops of 19th-century Mystic, with the paraphernalia of the whaling era showcased in displays and films. Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum, and a unique seafaring experience for families and individuals of all ages.
Accommodations:
(STD) Howard Johnsons Mystic or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Whitehall Mansion or similar (1 night).
Depart Mystic this morning and begin driving toward Rhode Island. Make a stop in Newport. In the early 1800s many wealthy New Yorkers escaped to Newport during the hot summer months. You will see a myriad of exquisite estates The Breakers is the most palatial of them all. Built in 1890, it was inspired by French and Italian design influences of the period. Take a drive through “The Cottages” as named by the wealthy summer people, see the almost luxurious mansions built here in the last decades before the 16th Amendment to the Constitution permitted an income tax. Most of these residences are still privately owned. The grounds and interiors of nine are open to the public. Take a ride on Newport’s dinner train. Enjoy the peaceful waters of Narragansett Bay on this classic red dinner train’s 22-mile, journey. Dine by candlelight on these restored vintage rail cars with red velvet curtains, white tablecloths, crystal, fine china and silver. Or, visit Bannister’s Wharf. What used to be the center of Newport’s commercial seaport in the colonial days, is now the hub of Newport’s harbor side shopping and dining, where you can find eclectic boutiques, sophisticated and casual restaurants. A National Historic Landmark, take a walk through tennis history and explore six acres of historic grounds and experience the Hall of Fame’s world-class museum, showcasing the sport’s pioneers and champions through he to the stars of today. Continue on to Cape Cod. A two night stay has been arranged here.
Accommodations:
(STD) Hyannis Harbor Hotel or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Ocean Edge Resort & Club on Cape Cod or similar (2 nights).
No trip to Cape Cod is complete without a whale watching cruise. No matter where you embark, your cruise will take you to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, the whales’ favorite feeding grounds. Each year, beginning in late winter, whales return to The Sanctuary, which encompasses over 600 square nautical miles. Because the water is shallow here, plankton upon which whales feed rises closer to the surface. You may also want to travel to the outermost point of the cape where you can visit Provincetown. Provincetown is an artist’s haven, a historic and active seaport, and a shopping and dining paradise. Most activities center on Commercial Street, known for its galleries and shops, Portuguese bakeries, and restaurants catering to a variety of tastes line the streets. Martha’s Vineyard is a charming typical New England island next to Cape Cod reachable by Ferry. The best way to see the prettiest spots on the island is on foot or bicycle. Whether you want to cast your line for a feisty bluefish, ride the surf on a boogie board, look for sunken ships and lost schooners on a scuba excursion, go horseback riding on the beach at sunset or soar above the Island in a biplane this charming New England town will accommodate you.
Leave the Cape behind and travel by way of Plymouth Rock to Boston. Pilgrims, fleeing religious persecution, left Europe on the Mayflower and landed at Plymouth Rock in December 1620. Visit the Plymouth National Monument, a tribute to the pilgrims. Become part of the living history experience at Plimoth Plantation. Through its primary living history exhibits, the 1627 Pilgrim Village and Hobbamock’s Homesite, Plimoth Plantation seeks to re-create the people, time and place of 17th-century. On the Mayflower II – a full-scale reproduction of a 17th-century vessel – visitors learn about the Pilgrims’ 1620 ocean crossing. Continue on to Boston, the home of over 400 movies and TV shows. From recent blockbusters such as Mystic River and Good Will Hunting to classics such as The Verdict and Thomas Crown Affair, Boston has long been a favorite of Hollywood producers. Located in the Beacon Hill area of Boston, the Boston Movie Mile is the most filmed part of Boston. It starts at the beginning of Charles Street and continues up Charles Street until taking a left onto Beacon Street. Passing the Massachusetts State House, the Boston Movie Mile ends at 1 Beacon Street. Guided Boston Movie tours are available. Visit Downtown Crossing, an eclectic mix of historic sites, shopping, and hip restaurants and clubs. Sift through the bargain shelves of the book shop, watch musical street performers, visit the Old South Meeting House, or enjoy a fine meal at one of the numerous restaurants in the neighborhood. A two night stay has been arranged here.
Accommodations:
(STD) Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Boston Park Plaza or similar (2 nights).
The historic landmarks of Boston have played important roles throughout American history. This tradition continues as Boston is a world leader in industry and financial power. Visit Boston Commons, the majestic U.S.S. Constitution Memorial and Beacon Hill, which is reminiscent of jolly old England. Walk the Freedom Trail, one of Americas’ first historic walking tours. This is the perfect introduction to Colonial and Revolutionary Boston. The walking tour takes visitors to 16 historical sites, covering two and a half centuries of America’s most significant past. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a collection of boutiques, eateries and pushcart vendors housed in converted 18th century warehouses. Enjoy the street entertainers that frequently perform outside. Visit Paul Revere’s House, the oldest building in downtown Boston. It served as the home of Paul Revere and his family from 1770 to 1800. Revere left here for his famous midnight ride. Walk through history as you visit each of Boston”s sites. Visit the dock where it all began, Boston Tea Party, the revolution that changed the world.
Leave Boston and drive north toward Salem. The famous Salem was home to the witch trials of 1692. A group of girls and women in Salem Village, who had been dabbling with the occult, began acting in a strange manner. A local doctor claimed they were afflicted by the “evil hand,” setting the stage for the accusation of approximately 190 people for witchcraft. The trials ended after 15 months. Well aware of its infamy, Salem has a number of attractions centered on this uneasy time, including haunted tours and re-enactments. The Witch House is a restored house was the home of Jonathan Corwin, one of the magistrates involved in the Salem witch trials. Guided tours are offered which recount the history of the witchcraft trials. Salem has a rich heritage beyond the infamous trials. Consider a visit to the House of the Seven Gables. This 17th-century Salem mansion was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Built in 1688, this house contains a hidden staircase and is located on Salem Harbor. The house where Hawthorne was born has been moved to this property and is also on the tour. Other historic buildings and fine architectural examples can be found throughout Salem. After exploring the city, continue on to Rockport for a two night stay at the charming Emerson Inn by the Sea. This is Cape Ann’s only historic grand hotel. Referred to by many as a “baby grand,” this lovely Rockport inn is a historic gem. Thirty-six beautifully appointed rooms have been restored to reflect the quality of yesteryear, and with amenities including spa tubs and private enclosed balconies. Enjoy the view from the veranda, or have a treatment at the spa.
Accommodations:
(STD & SUP) Emerson Inn by the Sea or similar (1 night).
Depart Rockport by way of Hartford toward New York. Enjoy the rivers, lakes and hills abound in this region that borders New York State. Hartford was founded in 1636 and is now metropolitan city that serves as Connecticut’s state capital. Visitors enjoy touring the Old State House, which was completed in 1796 and is considered the oldest statehouse in the United States. Bushnell Park is another historic site, as it is the nation’s oldest public park. Visit Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens. The centerpiece of this 102-acre park is its 15,000-bush rose garden. The park also has annual, perennial, shade, and herb gardens as well as a greenhouse. Continue to New York and drop-off the rental car.
Hike through some of New England”s most beautiful parks, enjoy the coast and explore charming towns. Follow Boston”s historic Freedom Trail, wander the beaches in Maine, hike in the White Mountains and Franconia Notch, and discover the beauty of the Green Mountains of Vermont. Hike the Berkshires and explore Mystic Seaport then on to Cape Code.
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D And JH, York England –
The arrangements were smooth and without incident. The standard accommodation was high and each place very different, some quirky, some stylish and modern and a few historic. Highlight was the Governors Inn in Ludlow VT where the hospitality was wonderful. A memorable vacation, thank you for all your help.