New England in 9 Days: The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Road Trip

New England is a region in the northeastern part of the United States, known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and charming coastal towns. This region is composed of six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Each state in New England offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, from the colonial architecture of Boston to the picturesque lighthouses of Maine's rugged coastline. The fall foliage in New England is particularly famous, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. Additionally, New England is home to prestigious universities such as Harvard and MIT, as well as iconic sports teams like the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. Whether you're exploring historic sites, hiking in the White Mountains, or indulging in fresh seafood along the coast, New England has something to offer for every type of traveler.

This article will map a course through New England that will bring you to some of the must-see highlights as well as uncover hidden gems many tourists overlook. Because New England blankets itself in all 4 seasons this trip would be appropriate for any time of year but the majesty of autumn is something every traveler should experience at least once.

Our route begins in New Hampshire at the base of the highest peak on the east coast, Mount Washington. The most memorable way to reach its peak is on the Cog Railway. Aboard a passenger car that is pushed by a steam engine up the mountain along rails and take in the breathtaking views as you make your way to the observation center at the very top. This hub provides views for tourists and a much-needed rest and meal for hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Inside you will find a room wrapped with a 360 photograph of the views from above. Take a jacket even in summer. The weather can be drastically different from the base to the peak. 78 degrees down below can turn to 28 degrees and snow at the summit. You're welcome.

From New Hampshire, you'll venture further north to Vermont. Your first stop will be Burlington. This beautiful city sits alongside Lake Champlain and has enough to fill several days but we will focus on some memorable gems you won't want to miss. The Pancake House offers a fresh menu of options that will get you energized for the day. Order the local Green Mountain Coffee and choose from patio or indoor seating. Then spend a few hours exploring the Aquarium and Science Center. You will have some great views of the lake and learn more about the region. From Burlington, we'll venture to Stowe, a quaint postcard ski town that will leave you feeling like you just stepped into a cozy novel. Along the route make a quick stop at Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. Take the tour to learn how this ice cream giant came about and see the production lines. You'll also get to sample their test lab creations. Next, stop in at Vermont Teddy Bear Company. These delightful carefully stitched teddy bears make a great gift and come dressed up for any occasion. Once you have your teddy bear safely buckled in, continue on to a local 1800's medieval style farm to go back in time and experience farm life. Here you will get to see how cheese is made, help collect eggs from the chicken coop, tour the gardens, and even take a short walk along a nature trail in the woods.

Back on the road, we will hit up two must-experience stops as we make our way to Stowe. Cabbet Cheese, where you can sample and buy dozens of locally made cheeses, and Morse Maple Farm where you can follow the tap lines along the maple trail to the maple house. Watch and smell as they cook the maple sap into 3 distinct hues and flavors of pure syrup. A little further down you'll find the local cider mill. Watch as apples are pressed into fresh cider and enjoy a hot or cold cup and cider donuts. You'll also find lots of handmade treasures and souvenirs in their country store.

Wind your way along the country backroads of Vermont taking in the picturesque red barns, farmland, covered bridges, and lush hillsides until you find yourself on the main street in Stowe. A simple white church with a towering steeple is a focal point along with an old-fashioned general store and skillfully crafted shops, hotels, and homes. It is the quintessential New England small town.

Just outside of town are a few gems you will not soon forget. The two ski resorts boast outdoor ice skating and impressive lodges with wood-burning fireplaces. Even if you are not an avid skier, you will enjoy a few hours exploring the resort and even taking the gondola ride to the peak for a cup of coffee or an adult beverage to take in the vistas.

Just up the road from the ski resort, you will find one-horse open sleigh rides in the winter months. Complete with sleigh bells and lap blankets. There are also opportunities for dog sledding. If you are lucky enough to talk to the right locals there's a man up there who offers private tours on a nearby mountain. He will take you out on private trails and let you mush the dogs and ride in the sled. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that cannot be missed. But don't worry if you aren't able to locate him, there's a hotel outside of town that has dog sledding in the parking lot so you can still get a taste of what it's like.

Leaving Vermont our adventures will take us up to Bangor, Maine where I'll let you in on a little secret. The Sheraton at the airport has two advantages that make it worth the stay. The fresh blueberry pancakes with locally grown Maine blueberries and ordering whole Maine Lobsters to your room. Both are reasonably priced and the service there was top- notch. While in Bangor take a ride past Stephen King's home inconspicuously located in one of the everyday neighborhoods. His iron fencing and yard ornaments make his home unmistakable. Be respectful.

After taking your Instaglam photos and telling your TT Besties, venture on to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The must-do's in this coastal town are: eat a Lobster Roll, take a Whale Tour, and buy Sea Glass Jewelry. Authentic Lobster Rolls are something you will find yourself craving long after the trip and you won't be able to get them anywhere else. What makes them authentic? The buttery toasted roll and the lightly sauced and seasoned generous chunks of claw and tail meat. Get two or three you'll thank me later. What is sea glass? It's glass that has been crafted by the ocean. It may have started out as a Coke bottle or some other common glass item but the ocean polished it and shaped it into something spectacular. This glass is collected much like beachcombers collect shells but then artfully designed into one-of-a-kind jewelry. It's a better souvenir than another mug or magnet so treat yourself.

Outside of Bar Harbor, be on the lookout for Lobster Pounds. They are little shacks with pavilions alongside the road. They don't look like much but stop the car because you're in for a treat. Lobster in Maine is like chicken and burgers everywhere else. It's always available and affordable. So think back to your school days, for some of us that's a ways back but stay with me, at lunchtime you grab your brown lunch tray and make your way down the line. Well, it's like that but with whole lobsters, piles of clams and mussels, corn on the cob, and those little roasted potatoes. They just pile it up on your lunch tray and off you go to a picnic table to dig in.

Next stop, Acadia. It's a beautiful national park with trails and incredible overlooks. Get your photos and enjoy the outdoors then find your way to Jordan's Pond. It's backdropped by two tree-covered humps some people compare them to camels others well other things. Enjoy the view with a cappuccino and a delightful pastry invention called Poppers! (Get the blueberry you're in Maine. You're welcome.)

After a restful night's sleep and more blueberry pancakes, you're ready to hit the road to take on Boston! Duckboat Tours, Live Music, Savory Pizza, Mouth Watering Pastries, Tapas, Historic Markets, a giant shiny bean, a giant elbow noodle, and an impressive trail of history await you so get moving.