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The Ultimate New England Guide

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This is my complete, personally curated travel guide to the best of all six New England states. I've broken down the must-visit destinations, covering hidden food hot spots, historic haunted locations, essential cultural museums, charming coastal tow...
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Foodie Hot Spots & Hidden Gems

My definitive list of the best regional food finds and must-try restaurants, including classic clam shacks, world-class breweries, and hidden gem bakeries across New England.

 
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You must go here for the freshest seafood! Get the famous Hot Buttered Maine Lobster Roll and the incredible Neptune 'J L' Johnnycake. It's a tiny spot in the North End and they don't take reservations, so plan for a wait!
Neptune Oyster - Boston, MA
 
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Go here for authentic Sichuan Hot Pot. Get the signature spicy beef tallow broth (it's flavorful and fiery!) or a split pot with the mushroom broth. They have a fantastic, customizable sauce bar and high-quality meats. Great for a fun dinner with a g...
Da Long Yi Hot Pot - Boston, MA
 
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This is a modern Irish pub that serves elevated comfort food, not just typical pub fare. Must-try dishes include the Short Rib Grilled Cheese, the massive Fish and Chips (made with fresh haddock), and their unique Korean Chicken Bowl. They are also k...
C.F. McCarthy’s - Canton, MA
 
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This is a huge, energetic American bar and restaurant, most famous for having the world's largest selection of draft beer (over 100 taps). They have a massive menu with global-inspired dishes like Poke Nachos and Korean BBQ Short Rib Tacos, plus a gr...
Yard House - Boston, MA
 
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This is a legendary, no-frills spot for hickory-smoked, Southern-style BBQ in New Hampshire. You must try the classic Ribs (known for the smoke ring) or the tender Beef Brisket. For a unique appetizer, grab the Bacon Deviled Eggs or the PBR Onion Rin...
KC's Rib Shack - Manchester, NH
 
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This is a farm-to-table carryout and catering spot with a focus on using ingredients from over 30 New Hampshire farms. Their must-try item is the LA-style whole wheat Sourdough Pizza with creative, local toppings. They also offer wholesome prepared m...
Live Free & Dine - Nashua, NH
 
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This is a very romantic, Mediterranean-style, all-seafood bistro tucked away in the Old Port district. They are famous for their signature dishes served in the sizzling pan they are cooked in, like the Clams in White Sauce with Linguine or the Sole F...
Street & Co. - Portland, ME

Haunted & Historic Sites

The ultimate curated guide to the most historic, spooky locations, famous tours, and chilling overnight stays in New England, from Salem to coastal Maine.

 
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This is a must-do for any true crime lover visiting New England! We chose to stay overnight and it was the most immersive experience—the house is beautifully restored with period details, and sleeping inches away from the crime scene is truly surreal...
LIZZIE BORDEN HOUSE - Updated 2025 Prices & B&B Reviews (Fall River, MA)
 
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This is my go-to hotel in Salem! It’s in the absolute perfect location, right on the Common and within a five-minute walk of everything you want to see. The old-school elegant charm of the lobby is gorgeous, and the rooms feel classic and comfortable...
HAWTHORNE HOTEL - Updated 2025 Prices & Reviews (Salem, MA)
 
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A must-stay for history buffs and a charming escape! Built in 1716, you can practically feel the Revolutionary War history in the walls—it was used as a storehouse for arms! It's perfectly located right on Monument Square, making it easy to walk to t...
CONCORD'S COLONIAL INN - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (MA)
 
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The Omni Mount Washington Resort is an opulent, castle-like landmark in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, famous for hosting the 1944 Bretton Woods Monetary Conference. This Gilded Age hotel lets you relax on its massive, wraparound veranda for incredibl...
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT & SPA - Updated 2025 Prices & Specialty Resort Reviews (Bretton Woods, NH)
 
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The Inn at Jackson is a charming, adults-only New England Bed & Breakfast tucked right in Jackson Village, NH. Guests love the full, gourmet breakfast, the relaxing outdoor hot tub, and the classic, peaceful setting, but the inn is also locally r...
INN AT JACKSON - Updated 2025 Prices & B&B Reviews (NH)

Best Cultural & Niche Museums

A selection of world-class art, history, and unique niche museums that are worth planning a trip around. I've focused on the must-see cultural institutions across the region.

 
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You have to visit this historic site! It's famous for inspiring Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel of the same name and is one of New England's oldest surviving 17th-century mansions (built in 1668). The tour is awesome—you get to see the famous secret...
The House of the Seven Gables | Salem MA Museum
 
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This museum on Nantucket is dedicated to the island's perilous maritime history, earning the surrounding waters the nickname "a graveyard of the Atlantic". It is a moving tribute to the heroes of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and Coast Guard. Must-see...
Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
 
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This is the ultimate museum for basketball fans, located in the very city where the game was invented. The building itself is iconic, featuring a giant silver basketball-shaped dome. Must-do activities include the Center Court on the first floor wher...
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
 
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This is a stunning modern memorial designed by I. M. Pei, dedicated to the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. Located right on the Boston waterfront, it features a striking glass pavilion with panoramic views. The must-see exhibits include a full-sc...
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
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This is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, containing nearly 500,000 works of art. It is renowned for its collections of French Impressionism (one of the largest outside Paris), Egyptian Antiquities, and Art of the Americ...
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
 
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This is a massive, hands-on science center perfect for all ages! Don't miss the thrilling Theater of Electricity show, featuring the world's largest Van de Graaff generator creating massive indoor lightning bolts. Also, check out the Charles Hayden P...
Museum of Science - Boston
 
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This is a breathtaking museum housed in a 15th-century Venetian-style palace with three floors surrounding a beautiful, lush glass-covered courtyard. The collection includes masterpieces by Titian and Rembrandt, but the museum is famous for its uniqu...
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
 
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This is the absolutely stunning Victorian Gothic mansion where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) lived from 1874 to 1891 and wrote his greatest works, including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. The house features incredibly unique interiors decorated by Lo...
Mark Twain House and Museum
 
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This museum is a unique blend of American art and regional history, with a strong focus on Connecticut artists and the Naugatuck Valley area. Their must-see exhibits include a fascinating collection of over 10,000 buttons (many from the historic Wate...
Mattatuck Museum | Art Exhibitions & Educational Programs in CT

Essential Coastal Towns & Stays

My favorite charming seaside towns, waterfront hotels, and classic inns. This section is dedicated to the essential beaches, lighthouses, and iconic coastal escapes of New England.

 
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This is an association of several premier boutique B&Bs and Inns located throughout the scenic Mystic region, offering a more personalized and charming alternative to hotels. They provide a gateway to the area's main attractions, including the My...
Bed and Breakfast of Mystic Coast & Country
 
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This is a romantic, elegant B&B housed in a beautifully restored 1876 Victorian mansion, just steps from the famous Cliff Walk. Every room is uniquely designed with fireplaces and luxury amenities. Your stay includes a gourmet breakfast and a com...
The Cliffside Inn, Newport
 
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This is a charming, historic Sea Captain's home in the fashionable West End, just steps from Commercial Street. It’s an ideal adults-only B&B with a focus on luxury, offering amenities like private baths, an included Belgian waffle breakfast, and...
Prince Albert Guest House, Provincetown
 
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This is a great beachfront hotel located right on Long Beach with its own private beach access. It's perfect for historical sightseeing, as it's very close to Plimoth Patuxet Museums and a short drive to Plymouth Rock. Amenities include both an indoo...
Pilgrim Sands on Long Beach, Plymouth
 
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This is a fantastic alternative to a traditional hotel, offering spacious, modern apartment-style suites perfect for families or couples. It's located just steps from the beach and within walking distance of the Pier. All suites feature a full kitche...
Atlantic Ocean Suites, Old Orchard Beach, ME

Mountain Stays & Scenic Hikes

The best mountain resort stays, cozy cabin rentals, and easy-to-moderate scenic hiking trails in the Green Mountains and White Mountains, perfect for foliage season and summer adventures.

 
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This region is famous for the White Mountain National Forest, challenging hikes, and the Presidential Range (home to Mount Washington). Don't miss the scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway or a ride on the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway. M...
Visit White Mountains
 
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This is a super fun, active outdoor adventure in the White Mountains! You walk along a mile-long trail with over 1,000 stairs that take you through a steep glacial gorge. The highlight is exploring the network of boulder caves and caverns created by ...
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves - North Woodstock, NH
 
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This is a romantic, historic country inn nestled on 200 acres with stunning views of the White Mountains. The grounds were designed by the Olmsted Brothers (Central Park architects), and many rooms feature fireplaces and featherbeds. It's a perfect r...
White Mountains Inn - Bethlehem, NH - White Mountains Lodging | Adair Inn and Restaurant
 
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This is a premier luxury mountain resort set on 700 private acres with a recreational lake and stunning Green Mountain views. It offers year-round activities like a full Equestrian Center, a private beach with boats, a heated pool, and in the winter,...
Luxury Resorts Vermont | Mountain Top Resort