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New England Travel Guide – Places to Visit

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:25:28 +0000

New England Travel Guide: Boston Area

Boston is considered the cosmopolitan "capital" of New England. With such a rich cultural history, Boston is certainly a great vacation spot as it has much to offer the entire family. However, because of the way Boston is laid out, it can be tricky maneuvering it by car, and it is easy to get lost on foot. The South Station Transportation Center is the ideal place for tourists to start. This terminal includes the MBTA subway station, which includes not only subways but buses as well. South station houses the Commuter Rail and intercity Amtrak trains. The Bus Station resides within South Station and handles interstate and regional buses.

Some of the places to visit while in Boston include:

- Boston Common which is Boston's Central Park and is the center of Boston.
- Beacon Hill is quaint and charming with its 18th century and 19th century houses on narrow, colonial-days like streets
- The Charles River Esplanade - an area along the Charles River where The Hatch Memorial is the site for open air concerts.
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market is a historic and well known area featuring all sorts of shops, taverns and food vendors.

New England Travel Guide: Connecticut

The Shoreline in Connecticut reaches between the well-to-do neighborhood of Greenwich to New Haven, a much different city than Greenwich in that it is more a town of based on industry and business. Due to the frequency of train travel, these neighborhoods are considered suburbs of New York City.

Places to visit while visiting the Connecticut Shoreline include:

- Hammonasset State Park, is a preferred resort area because of its fine sandy beaches and somewhat warm water.
- Wineries and vineyards. There are over a dozen in Connecticut alone with many of them along the shoreline. Thanks to geography (moderating influence on the climate by Long Island Sound) the grapes love this area.
- Connecticut River is dotted with charming, historical towns. Many of them are wealthy towns due to shipbuilding ventures in the 1700's and 1800's.
- Mystic Seaport is a place for kids and adults alike. Horse-drawn carriage rides, climbing aboard sailing vessels, as well as boat rides along the Mystic River.

New England Travel Guide: Getting in Touch with Nature in Vermont

Vermont is the perfect area for all sorts of outdoor activities: hiking, biking, skiing and camping. Where should you go when visiting Vermont? Try Montpelier, Middlebury, Northeast Kingdom and Plymouth, just to name a few.

- Visit in the spring, or "Mud time" when Vermonters take collect sap from maple trees and turn it into maple syrup. This is a fun, environmentally friendly activity for everyone in the family.
- Killington is one of the finest spots for skiing. Even with its long winter season, Killington is well noted for its snow production and grooming.
- If you're looking for a taste of Europe, Stowe is the place. The home of Vermont's tallest mountain, the town has rolling emerald hills, steep slopes and windy roads.

There are many interesting and historical towns and cities to enjoy in the New England area. While each state might just be a little bit different, they all share the same great New England qualities: clean air, healthy living and beautiful scenery.

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New England Travel Guide – Places to Visit

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:23:51 +0000

New England Travel Guide: Boston Area

Some of the places to visit while in Boston include:

New England Travel Guide: Connecticut

Places to visit while visiting the Connecticut Shoreline include:

New England Travel Guide: Getting in Touch with Nature in Vermont

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South West England – Climate, Coastline and Legend

admin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:08:30 +0000

The temperate climate and impressive coastline of South West England make it one of the United Kingdom's most popular regions. Inland too, the varied landscapes of upland moors, steep river valleys and rolling hills provide the visitor with a diverse and intriguing escape. It is a region notable for its coastal cliffs and steep upland moors, drained by a network of rivers and streams.

To the west of Somerset, the land rises to the heath laden Quantocks and Brendon Hills before reaching Exmoor and Dunkery Beacon, Somerset's highest peak at 1700ft. The brooding granite uplands of Dartmoor, the result of ancient volcanic activity, dominate Devon. Its northern coast consists of sweeping sandy beaches and imposing cliffs, while further inland, country lanes and high roads criss-cross a remote, windswept landscape. Towards the south coast a diverse range of plant species flourish including Palm Trees and sub-tropical flowers. It a dramatic coast which illustrates the relentless incursions of the sea. This is most evident at Hartland Point, where rock ridges reach out to sea and provide ghostly reminders of how far the coastline once stretched.

Parts of the South West maintain certain characteristics and customs that set it apart from other regions in the United Kingdom. Nowhere is this more evident than in Cornwall. As the marauding Saxon tribes drove the Briton's westwards during the Middle Ages, Cornwall became a Celtic haven. Its inhabitants maintained the Celtic language and its customs, which caused Cornwall to become detached and isolated from the rest of the country. In contrast, neighbouring Devon became the 'stage of history' during the reign of Elizabeth I with famous sons Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh contributing to the struggle against Spain and its armada.

The South West is peppered with remains that showcase a long and eventful history stretching back over 5000 years. Much of this history is intrinsically linked to the surrounding land. The Mendip Hills provided the limestone for countless historical buildings including Wells Cathedral. And the rich pastures found in Somerset were once fenlands, drained during the Middle Ages to improve local farming. The remains of barrows, hut circles, cairns and standing stones can be found throughout the region - these historical remains illustrate a diverse history that can be linked to the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age tribes. The Roman occupation is also represented by attractions such as the Mendip lead mines, and the Roman baths of Acuae Sulis, now know as Bath.

The town of Bath is home to a large number of historical buildings. Its beautiful Georgian terraces are renowned throughout the UK as are its well-preserved Roman Baths. The Cathedrals of Exeter and Wells are also notable with both providing magnificent examples of medieval architecture. The style is evident in a large number of buildings in the south-west including Pendennis Castle, Cotehele and Montacute House. South west England is one of the premier holiday destinations in the UK and is well-suited to short breaks. It is region steeped in legend and lore, with a romantic, varied countryside that inspired the likes of William Worsworth, Samuel Coleridge and R.D. Blackmore.

By: John Dale

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Four Romantic Getaways in New England

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:14:18 +0000

New England is famous for its historic inns, luxurious resorts, and intimate bed and breakfasts. But now add in the varied and startling scenery of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines and the lakes and mountains, and you've the ultimate in choices for romantic getaways.

But where would I choose to visit and stay? Here are four destinations for romantic getaways in New England that would always make my list.

ACADIA REGION IN MAINE:

Travel further north than the shopping outlets and the Boothbay Harbor region and you enter another Maine of dramatic coastline, beautiful villages and islands, and Acadia National Park. Here you can cycle on carriage roads with breathtaking views, walk through silent forests or hike to mountain summits, or drive on scenic roads.

Visit the park but then slip away to Deer Isle on Penobscot Bay and take in the historic villages of Castine and Stonington, or travel north to the Schoodic Peninsular and tour along coastal Route 1 where fishing villages dot the inlets and secluded harbors all the way to the Canadian border. Places to stay that specialize in romantic getaways can be found in Bar Harbor and Ellsworth both just outside Acadia National Park's boundary.

BERKSHIRE HILLS IN MASSACHUSETTS:

The rolling Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts have long been popular with the rich and famous but more recently discovered by those seeking an alternative to the crowded beaches and hiking trails of more popular New England destinations. Nestled in valleys between mountain ranges, and along rivers and streams, are villages where during the day you can discover the outdoors, and at night experience Shakespeare or a musical in any of the towns dotting the region. This is also a recommended spot for fall foliage romantic getaways.

The Berkshires is also home to many of New England's most exclusive resorts and historic inns centered in the towns of Lenox and Stockbridge.

CAPE COD IN MASSACHUSETTS:

Drive a few extra miles from the tourist haven of Hyannis and you'll enter what the locals call the quiet or lower cape. This is the Cape Cod National Seashore region with miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches and stunningly beautiful cliffs, dunes, and ocean. You can take a walk through a salt marsh or visit historic sites and see for yourself the forces of nature erode and redistribute land in this geological wonder.

Or you can just share a walk along a sandy lane to a kettle pond and forget about the commitments to keep at home. Recommended towns to stay include Chatham, Orleans and Eastham, all of which have inns and resorts that specialize in lodging and amenities for romantic getaways.

WHITE MOUNTAINS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:

One of the first areas of New England to be developed for tourism the White Mountains in New Hampshire once boasted a large choice of grand resorts. Today just a few of the resorts remain but the spectacular views and wide-open spaces are still a magnet for those seeking to discover places off-the-beaten path, and explore the peace and quiet of the northern woods. Spectacular scenic drives and mountain villages dot the valleys and invite a stop to admire a covered bridge or take a walk to a waterfall and a picnic lunch together.

The fall foliage in this area is considered some of the best viewing in New England and makes an ideal time for a romantic getaway to one of the inns in Jackson or Bartlett Village or any number of hideaways nestled in Mount Washington Valley.

These are just a small sample of ideas for romantic getaways in New England and I hope they inspire you to start planning your next trip together today.

By: Cliff Calderwood

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New England Travel Guide – Places to Visit

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:09:45 +0000

New England is a beautiful area of the world any time of the year. New England refers to the northeastern states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Travel around this area can be done by bus, car, train, plane, seaplane or ship.

New England Travel Guide: Boston Area

Boston is considered the cosmopolitan "capital" of New England. With such a rich cultural history, Boston is certainly a great vacation spot as it has much to offer the entire family. However, because of the way Boston is laid out, it can be tricky maneuvering it by car, and it is easy to get lost on foot. The South Station Transportation Center is the ideal place for tourists to start. This terminal includes the MBTA subway station, which includes not only subways but buses as well. South station houses the Commuter Rail and intercity Amtrak trains. The Bus Station resides within South Station and handles interstate and regional buses.

Some of the places to visit while in Boston include:

- Boston Common which is Boston's Central Park and is the center of Boston.
- Beacon Hill is quaint and charming with its 18th century and 19th century houses on narrow, colonial-days like streets
- The Charles River Esplanade - an area along the Charles River where The Hatch Memorial is the site for open air concerts.
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market is a historic and well known area featuring all sorts of shops, taverns and food vendors.

New England Travel Guide: Connecticut

The Shoreline in Connecticut reaches between the well-to-do neighborhood of Greenwich to New Haven, a much different city than Greenwich in that it is more a town of based on industry and business. Due to the frequency of train travel, these neighborhoods are considered suburbs of New York City.

Places to visit while visiting the Connecticut Shoreline include:

- Hammonasset State Park, is a preferred resort area because of its fine sandy beaches and somewhat warm water.
- Wineries and vineyards. There are over a dozen in Connecticut alone with many of them along the shoreline. Thanks to geography (moderating influence on the climate by Long Island Sound) the grapes love this area.
- Connecticut River is dotted with charming, historical towns. Many of them are wealthy towns due to shipbuilding ventures in the 1700's and 1800's.
- Mystic Seaport is a place for kids and adults alike. Horse-drawn carriage rides, climbing aboard sailing vessels, as well as boat rides along the Mystic River.

New England Travel Guide: Getting in Touch with Nature in Vermont

Vermont is the perfect area for all sorts of outdoor activities: hiking, biking, skiing and camping. Where should you go when visiting Vermont? Try Montpelier, Middlebury, Northeast Kingdom and Plymouth, just to name a few.

- Visit in the spring, or "Mud time" when Vermonters take collect sap from maple trees and turn it into maple syrup. This is a fun, environmentally friendly activity for everyone in the family.
- Killington is one of the finest spots for skiing. Even with its long winter season, Killington is well noted for its snow production and grooming.
- If you're looking for a taste of Europe, Stowe is the place. The home of Vermont's tallest mountain, the town has rolling emerald hills, steep slopes and windy roads.

There are many interesting and historical towns and cities to enjoy in the New England area. While each state might just be a little bit different, they all share the same great New England qualities: clean air, healthy living and beautiful scenery.

By: Wendy Pan

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Secret Holidays in England

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:40:26 +0000

When you think of holidays in England I wonder what images enter your head first? Maybe the famous red buses in London? Or possibly the splendour of Windsor Castle, the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace?

All of those images point to some great features of England for visitors but there is a hidden side to the country. If you try and move away from the well-trodden routes of the tourist trail you’ll find some real gems.

A great example of this is the South West of England. This is a region of the country that is sometimes overlooked by visitors and yet contains all of the key elements for a wonderful stay. You can certainly be forgiven for knowing little about this area, so maybe you’re unaware that it contains the finest Roman spa town in the country, sandy beaches, an indoor rainforest and some great surfing. A real mixture for all the family!

There are so many wonderful places to visit in the south west that it’s difficult to know where to start. Indeed, you’ll find that this article only gives you a small taster of what the region has to offer.

To begin with, let’s turn our attention to Bath, the unique city that is a World Heritage Site. The city of Bath was founded before the Romans even arrived in the British Isles but it is the Romans who expanded the city and helped to build its reputation. This was primarily due to their construction of the extensive Roman Baths complex, which is still open to visitors. Indeed, you’re still able to drink the spa water, produced from a natural spring!

The city is also renowned for its splendid and distinctive Georgian architecture – nowhere is this more evident than when you see the Georgian crescents. As you would expect of an English city, you’ll also find a more modern mix of shops, restaurants, theatres and pubs. The beauty of Bath is that the modern and the ancient seem to live side by side.

Elsewhere in South West England, Cornwall is a hidden gem that seems to have remained that way despite the fondness of the English for visiting the county on their own holidays.

The world famous Eden Project has provided a central focus for tourism in the region but it is by no means all that is on offer. You’ll find quaint, traditional seaside towns, as well as modern locations where you can relax on the beach and even enjoy the best surfing conditions in the country (St Ives is particularly popular for this pursuit).

By: Keith Barrett

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