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15 Small New England Towns You Need to Visit ASAP
Because this region is known for a lot more than its stunning fall foliage.
Because New England basically invented the idea of the charming all-American town.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
This quaint Martha’s Vineyard town, which used to be a whaling port, boasts countless historic houses that have been restored by the community. Book a historic walking tour, hosted by the Vineyard Preservation Trust, to visit landmarks like the Old Whaling Church and the Dr. Daniel Fisher House.
Albany, New Hampshire
Albany is home to one of the most-photographed bridges in the state—this beauty is 120 feet long and sits above the Swift River.
Camden, Maine
Camden is full of hidden spots where you can sit back, relax, and watch the boats drift by on Penobscot Bay. Take a stroll down Main Street to pop into cute boutiques, galleries, and cafés (and don't forget to order a lobster roll, obviously).
Block Island, Rhode Island
This tiny island off the coast of the Ocean State is known for its low-key charm and pretty ocean views. Fun fact: It's a popular destination for U.S. presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and most recently, Bill Clinton, who stayed at the historic Atlantic Inn.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock’s annual Wassail Weekend blankets the town in Christmas charm, from the decked-out storefronts on Main Street to the horse-drawn carriage rides through town. Book a stay at the historic Woodstock Inn to participate in its gingerbread house decorating events.
RELATED: 15 Ways to Spend the Perfect Winter Day in Woodstock, Vermont
Essex, Connecticut
Situated on the Connecticut river, Essex is a quiet historical town that regularly hosts parades, concerts, and small-town community staples. Stay at the Griswold Inn, which, according to the New York Times, is said to be the “oldest continuously operating inn in America.”
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe might be best known for its ski slopes, but we’re most fond of its small-town charm, storybook-style churches, and especially the Trapp Family Lodge, an Austrian-inspired resort that fans of The Sound of Music will love.
RELATED: How to Spend a Fall Weekend in Stowe, Vermont (three words...apple.cider.doughnuts!)
Haddam, Connecticut
Haddam consists of five villages—Higganum, Tylerville, Shailerville, Hidden Lake and Haddam Neck—each with its own distinct personality. Visit the neighboring Cockaponset State Forest, the second largest forest in the state, for a scenic hike and sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Mystic, Connecticut
Fans of Mystic Pizza might flock to this Connecticut town (the locale of the beloved Julia Roberts film), but they’ll be most enchanted by the waterfront views, Colonial buildings, and seafood restaurants.
RELATED: How to Small-Town Hop Along the Connecticut Coast This Summer
Washington, Connecticut
Die-hard Gilmore Girls fans probably already know that the fictional town of Stars Hollow was inspired by Washington—and for good reason. Its small-town trappings and quaint inns make it the perfect setting for a weekend getaway. It's also been hinted that the town's Mayflower Grace hotel (pictured) inspired the iconic Independence Inn, where Lorelai Gilmore worked on the series.
RELATED: Expand your trip to all of Connecticut’s Litchfield County. Here’s our don’t miss travel list.
Franconia, New Hampshire
Though Franconia is where you should head if you want to check out some beautiful fall foliage, you might want to consider planning your trip during the winter to experience its cross-country ski trails, horse-drawn carriage rides, and snowshoeing.
Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Though Wellfleet has a population of just under 3,000 during the year, the town booms during the summer months, with visitors coming from across the country to experience the charms of this classic Cape Cod town.
Kent, Connecticut
Kent is full of the kind of small-town country charm you can only dream about. A look at its calendar of community events includes a sidewalk festival, a tag sale, a bluegrass concert, and an annual Halloween pumpkin run.
RELATED: Planning a trip? Here are more things to do in and around Kent, Connecticut.
Newport, Rhode Island
Perhaps one of the most popular destinations in the Ocean State Newport is home to some of the nation's most extravagant mansions. Most notable is The Breakers, a home built by the Vanderbilt family, which is open daily for tours.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is larger than your average Maine town, but that doesn’t make it any less charming. Surrounded by Acadia National Park, the town offers walking tours, and frequently hosts art shows, farmers' markets, and concerts.
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