One of my favorite places to vacation in the USA is the New England States. From Connecticut to Maine, these northeastern states offer a range of wonderful experiences. Read on to find out my favorite trip recommendations and vacation style inspiration.
PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO
For those who love the water, visit a coastal town like Newport, RI or Plymouth, MA. There's so much to see and enjoy from historic ships, historic mansions, and pebbled beaches. Or stay near one of the region's many lakes. Swimming, boating, paddle boarding, or simply walking along the shore make for perfect warm weather activities. Visit a lighthouse, go on a whale watching tour, or soak up the sun while listening to the waves.
Nautical stripes in a breezy fabric make for an ideal seaside vibe, perfect for a lighthouse boat tour or strolling by the beach after dinner.
(Photo 1) Wearing the Bremen Top and the Nantucket Skirt, (Photo 2) Wearing the Erica Cardigan and the Nantucket Skirt
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wild beauty in the mountains and forests of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Maine is home to Acadia National Park, an amazing place to hike, canoe, and camp. Some of the mountain resorts known for skiing & winter sports also offer fun summer activities like or mountain biking, such as Stowe, VT.
A comfy tee paired with one of our athletic skorts (with built-in undershorts) makes it easy to stay modest while being active. The Emery is super practical & comfy with its drawstring waist and pockets for your essentials.
Wearing the Emery Drawstring Skort and the Mia Pointelle Knit Top
City lovers have lots of options in this region too. Boston, MA is full of historic sites related to the American Revolution and more, museums, shopping, and a gorgeous public library. Portland, ME is small yet charming, with a beautiful waterfront, adorable shops, and delicious seafood restaurants.
Here's what I'd wear for a day of shopping & visiting museums. A classic dress with clean lines, plus a cute layering piece that can be taken off if the weather gets too warm makes for an effortlessly classy look.
Wearing the Jack Pinstripe Button Down Top and the Constance Short Sleeve Ribbed Midi Dress
As a lover of books and history, I'm particularly drawn to the literary history of New England. Many famous nineteenth century American authors – novelists like Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as poets like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Emily Dickinson, plus too many others to name here – resided in this area. The small town of Concord, MA was home to Alcott, Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau at the same time! There are lots of museums and homes of these authors that can be toured all throughout the region.
Additionally, there are numerous places that offer historical reenactments of colonial times, such as Plymouth Plantation or Old Sturbridge Village, both in Massachusetts. Spots like these are great for families, but I also really enjoyed them as an adult.
The perfect simple summer dress for a literary tour or a beachside reading session.
Wearing the Savannah Square Neck Striped Midi Dress
FOOD TO TRY
I'm a bit of a foodie, so no vacation plan is complete without looking for local cuisine to enjoy the trip. Here are some New England classics that are worth the hype in my book!
Blueberry anything: Whether it's wild blueberry pancakes in Maine or a jar of blueberry jam from the farmer's market, make sure you try some version of this flavorful fruit on your travels.
Clam chowder: I love this classic creamy soup. No trip to this region is complete without a bowl of this delicious, savory chowder.
Lobster: really any seafood – since it's hard to get it any fresher than straight from the coast. I prefer regular steamed lobster over a lobster roll, which is served cold.
Here's what I'd wear for a visit to a farmer's market, followed by a stop at a local crabshack:
Wearing the Lisa Cotton Gauze Shirtdress
BE PREPARED FOR
The one downside to New England travel is the traffic. If you're driving from the south or west, access to the area requires driving through or around New York City. And, because it is an enduringly beautiful and popular spot to visit, the high volume of vehicles on the small New England highways means you should be prepared for some possible traffic jams, especially over the weekend. But if you prepare for it mentally (plus bring snacks, good music, and some audiobooks), it doesn't have to ruin your trip.
All in all, this is just a starting point for the possibilities you can consider when planning your New England visit! In my opinion, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this part of the world. Whether you travel there or not, I hope that wherever you are you enjoy some time this summer that involves sun, sand, and wind!
