3 Great Places to Visit in Each North Atlantic State
Disclosure: In our articles, we independently choose products and services to feature that we think you'll find useful. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of our links, we may earn a small commission.Are you planning a trip to the North Atlantic States? With beautiful rivers, stunning views of the ocean, and great forests, I don’t blame you. This article has a brief overview of some top places to visit in each of the North Atlantic States, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Enjoy!
Connecticut
Fun facts:
- Became a state in 1788
- Home of the first nuclear submarine
1. Mystic Seaport Museum:
As the largest maritime museum in the United States, the Mystic Seaport Museum has many historic boats and ships for visitors to see. It is the biggest attraction in Connecticut. If you love old ships and sailboats, then you’ll love Mystic Seaport! Visit the website for more information
2. The Submarine Force Museum:
Connecticut is the home of the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine. Now sitting on the Thames River in Groton for everyone to see it, the submarine is able to be toured by visitors. Since it is the first nuclear submarine, and since it is the state ship, it is very popular in Connecticut. View the website to find out more.
3. The Mark Twain House & Museum:
As the house of the famed writer, Samuel Clemens, the Mark Twain house was designed by Edward Potter, and it was where Mark Twain wrote several books. Now it is made a museum that is available for touring. To find out more, check out the website.
Maine
Fun facts:
- There are 3,166 off-shore islands
- Over 32,000 miles of rivers and streams
- Largest producer of blueberries in the United States
- Only US state to border only one other state
- Donut holes were invented there
1. Acadia National Park:
The coastline of Acadia National Park is a very iconic part of Maine. As the seventh most visited US national park, it attracts a lot of visitors to see its unique mountains and cliffs. Between Sand Beach and Hunters Head, you’ll find 5 miles of beautiful shores and spectacular views of the ocean. Check out the website for more information.
2. Mount Desert Island:
Mount Desert Island is famed for the Acadia National Park and its surrounding area. Other than the nearby national park, you’ll find Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and more on this island! Mount Desert Island was first discovered by the French, and it has been popular ever since. More information on this site.
3. Portland:
With fishing wharves, warehouses, and beautiful views of the ocean from the top of bluffs, you’ll love Portland, Maine. With miles of coastlines, you can relax in Portland for days — just don’t forget your blueberries! For an iconic view of a lighthouse and the water behind it, visit the Bug Light Park. To get more information about Portland, check out the website.
Massachusetts
Fun facts:
- Home to the oldest public park in the US
- First ever basketball game was played in Springfield in 1891
- Also home of the first chocolate factory in the US
1. Boston:
Boston is the famous capital of Massachusetts. The two top things to do in Boston are to visit Fenway Park and to view the Freedom Trail. Fenway park is the renowned home of the Boston Red Sox, and it has been since 1912. To see a game there, you must make reservations. The Freedom Trail is a path leading through downtown Boston. It passes 16 places of historical importance, all in 2.5 miles. To find out more about Boston, check out the website.
2. Cape Cod:
Cape Cod is a hook-shaped peninsula on the eastern side of Massachusetts. It is known for its beautiful shores and great trails. Along the Cape Cod National Seashore, you’ll find beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and more! If you’re a biker, then you’ll love the Shining Sea Bikeway. If you’re interested in Cape Cod’s History, then you’ll like the Atwood Museum and the Chatham Marconi Maritime Museum. To learn more, check out the website.
3. Minuteman National Historical Park:
The Minuteman National Historical Park commemorates the opening battle of the Revolutionary War. The park focuses on the recreation of the important battle that began the fight for American freedom. The interactive experience makes it unique among the national historical parks. Learn more on the national park website.
New Hampshire
Fun facts:
- No sales tax
- No income tax
- First American in space is from New Hampshire (Alan Shepard)
1. Mount Washington:
As the largest mountain east of the Mississippi and the tallest mountain in the northeast, Mount Washington is a must-see. At 6,288 feet in elevation, it takes 5 hours each way or a whole day’s round trip. But to many, the views are worth the effort. From the top of the mountain, you can see the White Mountains and the surrounding area. For more information about Mount Washington, visit the website.
2. Franconia Notch State Park:
Located in the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is a popular destination in New Hampshire. With skiing in the winter, and hiking throughout the year, you’ll find much to do in the Franconia Notch. As the area between the Franconia Range and the Kinsman range, the state park has spectacular views of mountains, lakes, and forests. Find out more on the website.
3. Hampton Beach:
Hampton Beach is a great beach destination in New Hampshire. With only a small population of a few thousand, you’ll find many tourists on the beaches. With clear waters and soft sand, groups of all ages and all sizes can enjoy a day at Hampton Beach. Since it is up north, it is best to go in the summer months to keep out of freezing waters. Learn more at the Hampton Beach website.
New York
Fun facts:
- Has a greater population than 80% of US states
- Home of the largest city in the US population-wise
- First American chess tournament held there in 1843
1. Statue of Liberty:
The Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island is the national monument that is the universal symbol of freedom. It represents American liberty and enlightenment, and it is one of the most recognized statues in the world. Since it is so iconic, it attracts 4.5 million people per year. To find out more about it, visit its page on the national park website.
2. Central Park:
At between 25 and 40 million visitors per year, Central Park is the most visited park in the United States. With 840 acres of fields, lakes, and forests, you can have a wonderful, relaxing day at Central Park. You can do many activities there, such as iceskating, boating, baseball, volleyball, running and jogging, football, and more. Because of its popularity, it has many events hosted there. Learn more at the Central Park website.
3. Niagara Falls:
Niagara Falls is mentioned here because of how iconic it is. It may not be the most beautiful falls in the world, but it is definitely very well known. The water in Niagara Falls comes from Lake Superior, and it flows to Lake Ontario. With its wide arc of waterfalls, Niagara Falls is a picturesque destination that has been filmed in many movies, such as Superman. To find out more, check out the Niagara Falls website.
Rhode Island
Fun facts:
- Smallest sized state in the US
- Last of the 13 colonies to become a state
- Polo played for the first time near Newport
- First circus in the US was in Newport in 1774
1. Providence:
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island. With a population of only 180,000, it isn’t crowded. With many beautiful parks, such as the Roger Williams National Memorial or the Waterpalce Park with lights and concerts, you can have a wonderful day in Providence, Rhode Island. Visit the website if you want more information.
2. Newport:
Newport, Rhode Island, is a wonderful city with beautiful coastlines. Of the many parks in Newport, there are a few that really stick out. Cliff Walk, Fort Adams State Park, and Brenton Point State Park are the top parks. Each one has beautiful views of the water with a rocky coastline. With a wonderful nautical feeling, Newport is hard to beat. Check out more at the Newport website.
3. Cliff Walk:
If you are looking for three and a half miles of relaxation, then the Cliff Walk is right for you. You can spend two to three hours on the Cliff Walk, and since it is right next to the Breakers, a mansion museum, it is even more convenient for tourists. With views of mansions, cliffs, and the ocean, you can have a wonderful day just chilling on the Cliff Walk. Make sure you bring jackets in case it is windy — the cliffs aren’t protected by trees. To find out more, visit the Cliff Walk website.
Vermont
Fun facts:
- Only capital city without a McDonald’s
- Largest employer is IBM
- Largest producer of maple syrup in the US
- Its name comes from French for “green mountain”
1. Killington Ski Area:
Being the largest ski resort in the northeast, and having the highest vertical drop in the North Atlantic region at 3,050 feet, it is no wonder the Killington Ski Area is the “Beast of the East”. With an average of 250 inches of snowfall, Killington is great for skiing, and that attracts many people there each year. If you’re looking for recreation, especially skiing, then the Killington Ski Area is a great place to go. Find out more at the Killington website.
2. Stowe Mountain Resort:
Also known for its skiing, the Stowe Mountain Resort, made of Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, ahs a 2,360 feet vertical drop. There are debates on whether Killington or Stowe is better. That’s for you to decide. Stowe also has miles of trails, such as the Stowe Recreation Path. So, if your near Stowe or Killington, and you want some recreation, be sure to check them both out. Go to the Stowe website to learn more.
3. Shelburne Museum:
On 45 acres, this museum of art, design, and Americana has over 150,000 unique pieces of work. The artifacts alone, presented in several houses and buildings, including a boat, are enough to make people want to come. With large numbers of special collections on wide ranges of subjects, you can easily spend a couple days at the Shelburne museum. To learn more, go to the Shelburne Museum website.
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Sources:
https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-things-to-do-in-connecticut-4118604
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28928-Activities-Connecticut.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28940-Activities-Maine.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28942-Activities-Massachusetts.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28950-Activities-New_Hampshire.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28953-Activities-New_York.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28960-Activities-Rhode_Island.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28966-Activities-Vermont.html
Steve is a staff writer at Plan and Organize™. He specializes in articles about technology and education yet often delves into home, business and finance topics.