You don't need a week to see the Northeast, New England holds many historic and cultural activities fit for a day trip.
Starting with the northernmost state, Maine is home to Kittery - an outlet seeker's dream. Located along Rt. 1 North, this strip of outlets has everything for the shopping enthusiast: sports stores, shoe stores, clothing and beauty shops, home décor and restaurants. Or just off of Rt. 1A in York, Maine, you can visit Cape Neddick Light - an active lighthouse to help the U.S. Coast Guard navigate.
Boston is just a couple hour commute from anywhere in New England. It can hold many days worth of activities, or you can come into the city for just a day trip into a specific part of the city. The North End is home to little Italy, or catch a game or take a tour at Fenway Park, or take a stroll through the shops and cafes on Newbury Street. You can take the path of the Freedom Trail, a three-mile trail that will lead you through a walking tour of 16 sites of Boston's history, through Boston, and across the bridge into Charlestown. Or if you'd like to remember your days back in college, hop on the Red Line (the MBTA subway line) into Cambridge and check out Harvard's campus. Beautiful and trendy, you can find all types of shops and restaurants in Harvard Square, and just sit to enjoy the scenery.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire is the place to look for antiques. Tucked a little off the beaten path, the windy roads into the center take you past antique shops and small picking farms. Once into town you can walk through the center, and browse the specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. If tours are your idea of fun, check out Redhook Brewery. It is known as the largest brewery on the Seacoast. The Strawbery Banke Museum takes you back in time to historic New England Life. It has restored homes and working artisans. Portsmouth has the feel of a small town, caught back in time.
If you're looking for something for the sports enthusiast, Fenway isn't your only option. Check out the Fleet Center, home to the Bruins and the Celtics, or Gilette Stadium, in Foxboro, where you can watch the New England Patriots play.
Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod are included in the small string of towns along the southern shore of Massachusetts. During the summer is a great time to explore this part of the Northeast. It comes alive with all the seasonal visitors, the restaurants, outdoor activities, nightlife and the laid-back feel beach-side towns can offer.
A little further out, but only a couple-hour trip on the train, you can visit New York City. The town that's awake all night needs no introduction. From central New England, this is a great option for those looking to make their way to a different type of big city.
No matter what you're looking for in New England, you're bound to find it. Whether it's shopping, sports, attractions, recreation - you'll find it all here!
