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The quintessential United States autumn destination – New England! Fall foliage, rolling mountains, and quaint little towns reminiscent of Stars Hollow make it the coziest destination in the autumn months. This fall, I set out on a road trip around New England to see the country I reside in, yet have seen so little of. I visited Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachussets (all within 8 days) – it was quite a busy week but an absolutely wonderful time! Here’s my full itinerary, including things to do, where to stay, and where to eat!
OLD PORT | Quaint historic district with cobblestone streets, old fishing piers, and great boutique shopping!
WEST END | The most photogenic part of Portland with beautiful Victorian architecture.
EASTERN PROMENADE | A great place to go for a stroll and enjoy all the fall foliage!
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHTHOUSE | The oldest lighthouse in all of Maine, commissioned in the 1700s by George Washington himself! It’s the most famous lighthouse in Maine, both for its history and the gorgeous scenery surrounding it.
BITE INTO MAINE | When you arrive at the Portland Head Lighthouse, snag a lobster roll from this adorable food truck. They’re quite expensive, but well worth the price!
LONGFELLOW | An elegant hotel with several rooms offering views of the sea!
BLIND TIGER CARLETON | A boutique hotel with unique and stunning decor. Each room is different! The hotel offers a garden and a terrace.
BLIND TIGER DANFORTH | Another Blind Tiger option with more beautiful and unique rooms!
KANCAMAGUS PASS | A gorgeous 34.5 mile highway through the fall foliage! A truly beautiful drive the whole way.
ARTISTS BLUFF HIKE | I’m not an avid hiker, but this is an easy 1.4 mi hike with insane views.
VISIT THE TOWNS | Check out the adorable towns of North Conway and Jackson.
I’ll be honest – there’s not MUCH to do here. But if it’s on your route like it was for me, it’s a fun stop to see all the pumpkin people! Many business and residents will put out really fun pumpkin displays.
SCENIC RAILROAD | A beautiful train ride through the fall foliage! I didn’t have time to do this on my visit, but definitely will in the future. Book your ticket here.
WALK THROUGH TOWN | I found this quaint little town so adorable. It reminded me a little bit of Gilmore girls! It’s a good stop for coffee or lunch on your road trip.
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON | A five star luxury accommodation with panoramic views and beautiful facilities. Features several restaurants, a spa, and an observatory deck! Even if you’re not staying here, I recommend visiting and grabbing a drink.
GLEN HOUSE | A cozy hotel with incredible mountain views!
THE INN AT THORN HILL | A quaint inn with cozy rooms, mountain views, and a spa!
I want to go ahead and preface this section by telling you – this was my FAVORITE part of the trip! Stowe is absolutely unmissable. I felt like there was so much to do here, the town was so incredibly charming, the people were so nice – I think this is a place I will return to over and over again!
GONDOLA | Take the gondola up the highest peak in Vermont, White Mountain, for beautiful views! The lines get long, so book in advance!
HIKES BARNES CAMP | A moderate 1.5 mi hike with stunning views.
EXPLORE TOWN AND VISIT THE VIEWPOINT | A real life Stars Hollow! Here’s the coordinates for my favorite view of the town!
VON TRAPP FAMILY LODGE | You can stay here, or get a day pass to explore the grounds and see the animals! Such a lovely time.
RED BARN | Simply a cute photo spot and nothing more. If you visit Von Trapp you’ll pass by it!
GOLDEN DOG FARM | Books out WAY in advance and since my trip was last minute I missed this – but it looks incredible. A farm with dozens of golden retrievers. Heaven.
APRÉS ONLY | An adorable cozy ski-inspired spot we stumbled across and ended up going twice! Great drinks, snacks, and tableside s’mores. They also have live bands and events!
COLD HOLLOW | An incredibly famous (and busy) cidery just outside of Stowe. The cider and doughnuts are phenomenal.
BLACK CAP | The line was out the door every single day for their famous maple latte!
STOWE VILLAGE INN | Another Gilmore Girls reference – this feels like the real life Dragonfly inn! So charming and cozy.
VON TRAPP | A family lodge and resort with stunning mountain views, spacious rooms, several restaurants, and a farm!
FIELD GUIDE LODGE | A charming boutique hotel with luxuriously cozy rooms!
AWOL | A rustic lodge with gorgeous rooms, a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub.
PLEASANT STREET | A short residential street with pumpkins lining the fences and beautiful autumn decorations. Highly photogenic!
HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE | Another great photo op!
SUGARBUSH FARM | Maple and cheese tastings just outside of town!
SHOP ON CENTRAL ST | Great boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, and ice cream parlors!
WOODSTOCK INN + RESORT | A stunning resort with beautiful rooms, a spa, tennis courts, and a pool! Exudes quiet luxury.
WOODBRIDGE INN | The most adorable historic bed and breakfast! Has the loveliest hosts, beautifully decorated rooms, and a garden and sun terrace.
BEACON HILL | The prettiest neighborhood in Boston! Get some pics on Acorn Street, check out Beacon Hill Books (a 3-story bookstore), and get lost on the cobblestone streets!
BOSTON COMMON | The public garden – enjoy a quiet afternoon strolling or having a picnic.
PUBLIC LIBRARY | Stunning library with Renaissance architecture and art. Was unfortunately closed for a holiday when I tried to visit 🙁
SHOPPING ON NEWBURY | Street lined with every shop you could ever think of!
TATTE | Uber popular café with good coffee and pastries. There’s several locations!
BLANK STREET | In my opinion, this was better than Tatte. One of the best matcha lattes I’ve had! Also has several locations.
SALTIE GIRL | Adorable seafood spot. Oysters were 10/10, and their lobster roll is famous!
GIGI | Cute Italian spot with a great ambience and good pasta!
THE LANGHAM | 5 star hotel with luxury rooms, a pool, and three restaurants.
THE NEWBURY | An aesthetic hotel with modern rooms, a lounge, a garden, and a restaurant!
CITIZEN M | A uber-modern hotel with high tech rooms and great views of the city!
Note: Purchase your train ticket on the MBTA app the morning of travel!
WITCH HOUSE | The only remaining house in Salem with ties to the witch trials – a witch didn’t live here, rather the judge that tried the women for their “crimes”. You can go inside for a tour, just make sure to get tickets early. This is somewhat widely regarded as the only museum in Salem that’s worth visiting.
ROPES MANSION | The house from Halloweentown! You can’t go inside, just a good photo op.
WITCH TRIALS MEMORIAL | A free memorial to visit remembering the 20 women executed in the trials.
ESSEX STREET | The main street in Salem, with tons of shops, cafés, and restaurants. The shops on the west end are SO interesting and unique, but I found the shops on the east end pretty kitschy.