New England Road Trip – [expert advice]

Taking a road trip through New England is really one of those bucket trip vacations for a lot of us. New England is scenically beautiful, and you can easily rent an RV in Boston or another larger town or city, and hit the road. So what should you know if this is something you’re considering? The following are some general tips for planning a New England road trip.

Go in the Fall If Possible

While there’s hardly a bad time for a road trip through the New England region, the fall is definitely optimal if at all possible. The idea of road-tripping in the area during the fall has become so popular that a term has been coined for these seasonal travelers—“leaf peepers.”

The best time to see the fall foliage is usually anywhere from late September to mid-October.

If you’re not going to make it in fall, the summer can be good as well, and it’ll give you the opportunity to stop and swim along the way. You’ll probably want to avoid winter because it can be harsh and the area is prone to blizzards, and spring can be wet and muddy.

The States

There are six states that are classified as being part of New England. These include Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Main and Rhode Island. Each is completely distinctive from the others and has its own feel.

If you have the time, you may visit all of them. Otherwise, you’ll have to pick a few to prioritize.

For example, Massachusetts is great for history lovers, while Vermont tends to have lots of quaint small towns and the state is known as the most rural in the U.S.

Rhode Island is perfect if you like a coastal influence and beautiful historic homes. New Hampshire is where you’re going to find the most mountains thanks to the White Mountains.

The Highlights

Just driving through New England can be enough, but if you’re going to stop along the way there are some can’t-miss highlights.

Of course, there’s Boston which is ideal if you like an urban feel and also history. There are plenty of RV parks in and around Boston as well, and many offer shuttles and public transportation options to the city.

As you’re going north Portsmouth, New Hampshire is an excellent pick. It’s known for its fresh-catch seafood restaurants and its breweries, as well as the centuries-old wooden houses.

Also notable is Acadia National Park, which is a few hours from Portland, Maine. This is the only New England national park, and a lot of visitors feel it’s one of the best in the U.S. so give yourself plenty of time here.

Finally, also worthwhile to include on your itinerary, perhaps as you’re driving back down from Maine, are the White Mountains in New Hampshire. There are waterfalls to visit at Diana Bath’s and plenty of hiking, biking and outdoor activities to enjoy.

If you’re a big fan of the mountain scenery, you can also go to the Green Mountains in Vermont.