Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
These New England travel destinations scream summer
Plus: A jazz festival and a chowder festival in early June.
You’re reading Scenic Six, Boston.com’s guide to New England travel. Sign up to get hidden gems, travel tips, and must-visit spots in your inbox every week.
Welcome back to Scenic Six.
Now that Memorial Day weekend is in the rearview mirror, it’s time to think SUMMER. And perfect timing — a gorgeous New England spot was just named one of the best summer destinations in America.
Also, I’ve got info about great local hikes, a chowder festival in New Hampshire, and a local gas-saving program for campers.
Island vibes, anyone?
Block Island is loaded with activities that scream summer: beaches, hiking trails, lighthouses, waterfront restaurants, and more. The island was just named among the 10 best summer travel destinations in America by USA Today readers. Check out the hotels and inns where you can stay, as well as what island activities are happening this season.
Take a hike
You can immerse yourself in nature without traveling too far from the city, and these 10 great hikes within an hour of Boston prove it. A spot on the list that I’ve particularly enjoyed with my family is the Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, which inspired Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 “Walden” (don’t forget to visit the replica of Thoreau’s single-room cabin!).
An immersive train journey debuts in New Hampshire this summer
Here’s a chance to explore Plymouth, N.H. and nab a scenic train ride to boot. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, part of the Granite State Railway, is launching an immersive round-trip train journey from Meredith to Plymouth. The 4.5-hour excursion, called the Alouette, offered four times this summer, will showcase breathtaking views and include a two-hour layover in Plymouth for dining, shopping, and sight-seeing.
Travel Tips
- Enjoy plenty of live jazz during the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in downtown Burlington, Vermont June 4-8. International jazz artist Anthony Tidd will curate this year’s 42nd festival.
- Head to Portsmouth, N.H. on June 7 for live music, giant lawn games, raffles, and plenty of chowder made by local restaurants during the 38th Annual 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick-Off at Prescott Park.
- Spend time at a nationally recognized beach on the Cape this season in Eastham at Coast Guard Beach, just named among the best beaches in the U.S. by “Dr. Beach.”
Deals and Steals
- From live music to colorful festivals to outdoor workouts, discover 10 free things to do in Boston this June.
- Spacious Skies Campgrounds is helping campers save money with a new “camp and chill” gas-saver program at six of its 15 campgrounds (including three in Maine and two in N.H.). Campers can leave their RV at the campground for up to four weeks and return for camping fun on the weekends. This offer is available for the remainder of May, as well as in June, September, and October.
- Save money while adventuring with the kids in Maine this summer at Northern Outdoors, an outdoor adventure resort in western Maine where kids under age 18 can go rafting for half price midweek on the Kennebec River and Penobscot River from June to August.
I’ll leave you with this photo of the Boston Calling ferris wheel, taken at this year’s festival by our very own producer Kelly Chan. This year was a rainy one, but filled with a lot of great moments, particularly for the elder Millennials in the crowd.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Advertisement:
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com