Nobody does history and culture quite like New England. Not only do they have a lot of personality and distinctive qualities, but they're also proud of their past, and do a lot to preserve it for the future. Take advantage and enjoy this trip, which will introduce you to authors' homes, retro diners, castles, and plenty more.
New York is the perfect place to kick off this adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable trip!
The Glass House was designed by Philip Johnson in 1949, and was a landmark for modern architecture. The mostly glass one-room home is now owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and they offer tours and events and display art here. It's a wild building and one that deserves every ounce of awe it inspires.
A favorite hangout for Yale students, the Book Trader Cafe is a great place to rest and refuel after time spent on the road. Buy a used book to browse while you munch on a sandwich, pastry, or something caffeinated. If you feel so inclined, take some time to explore Yale's campus while you're at it.
The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford is where the famed author lived between 1874 to 1891, penning some of his most famous works (like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) here. Tour the huge, opulent estate, and make sure to linger in the billiards room, where he did most of his writing.
Miss Worcester Diner is located in a classic lunch car, and it's been serving grub to hungry locals since 1950. They offer various flavors of French toast, all of which are absolutely to die for (especially the crunchy French toast), in addition to omelets, corned beef hash, eggs Benedict, and other diner staples.
Walden Pond is the location where Henry David Thoreau lived when he was inspired to write Walden, a book that promoted the Transcendentalist movement and the idea of natural conservation. Stroll around the serene and lovely pond to find his cabin, and soak up as much inspiration as possible!
Whether you grab some chowdah or browse the offerings at Faneuil Hall, Boston is loaded with culture, history, and delicious local eats.
The Liberty Hotel is an extra-special experience, and you won't find another spot like it. That's because it's a former prison turned luxury hotel! The lobby is gorgeous, and cheeky, jail-themed touches throughout are super quirky.
Hammond Castle was the private home of John Hays Hammond Jr., one of America's most prolific inventors (the only American with more patents than him is Thomas Edison!) The castle is filled with art he collected from his travels and surrounded by lush gardens. If you take the guided tour, you'll get special insight into the quirky and strange man behind the patents, and why he's known as the Father of Radio Control.
Even though apples won't be in season until the fall, Russell Orchards still has has fruit wines for tasting, berry picking, a little general store with various goods for sale, and, of course, their famous cider donuts.
A cool bit of military history is the USS Albacore. This research submarine, developed in 1950, was designed by the Navy to test features that are still used in subs today. It was finally decommissioned in the 1970s, after years of tests and tweaks, and you can now tour the Albacore for yourself!
Right at the edge of the Kennebunk River, the Clam Shack is a classic seafood joint, specializing in boxes of fried deliciousness and lobster rolls, with fresh, sweet lobster on a fluffy homemade roll doused in butter and mayo. Eat it at a picnic table outside, the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
The Way Way Store has been charming visitors and locals alike since it opened in the 1920s. The unique building, with its handmade touches, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's a great little spot for ice cream, souvenirs, and penny candy. Check out the original cash register still sitting on the counter!
The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is right near the water, which makes for some killer views. It also features an amazing spa, a swanky martini lounge, and a location in an old, 19th-century armory.
Portland at last! This city has loads of history and plenty of gorgeous old Victorian buildings to explore. Stroll Congress Street or Commercial Street to uncover some cool gems! And, of course, grab a lobster roll and some blueberry pie.
