The ULTIMATE New England Bucket List
Sleepy Hollow Farm, Woodstock, VT
The ULTIMATE New England Bucket List:
50 Things To Do in New England
We created the ULTIMATE New England Bucket List! Here’s a list of 50 things we want to see and do before our military contract in the Northeast comes to a close. Let us know if we have any Bucket List activities in common, if you’ve crossed any off of your list already, or if you have additional suggestions!
So far, we've completed 22 out of 50 (44% complete!).
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
*Disclaimer: Since we're based in Massachusetts, it's a little more MA-focused!*
1. Indulge in a Lobster Roll (or 2!)
You can find lobster rolls all throughout New England! The one pictured here was from our favorite spot in Boston, James Hook & Co. Whether you prefer your lobster roll chilled or warm with butter, you can't go wrong!
2. Enjoy a Bowl of New England Chowder
3. Go Lighthouse Hopping
Photogenic light houses can be found all throughout New England! Some of the popular ones include Scituate Light House in Massachusetts (pictured), Nauset Light House in Massachusetts, and Portland Head Light House in Maine.
4. Search for Covered Bridges
In addition to lighthouses, covered bridges are a unique icon to New England. Some are more photographed than others, but discovering both the familiar and hidden is what makes the experience feel like a scavenger hunt! The one pictured here was one that we found in New Hampshire!
*More about our NH winter adventure on a previous blog post here.
5. Visit a Sunflower Field in the Summer
6. Go Apple Picking in the Fall
Lucas and I have never gone apple picking before! For our first fall in New England, we couldn't resist going to Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, MA to pick up some Cortland apples and WOW were they a game changer! We had so much fun climbing up the tall ladders to find the freshest apples!
*More about our apple-picking adventure on a previous blog post here.
7. Try an Apple Cider Donut
We have never heard of an Apple Cider Donut until moving to New England! Have your sweet tooth ready, because one of these will easily turn into four if you're not careful! We tasted our first Apple Cider Donut at Honey Pot Hill Orchards but you can find them throughout New England.
*More about our apple-picking adventure on a previous blog post here.
8. Go Searching for Fall Foliage
There is nothing like Fall in New England! The colors are really something else, and we can totally understand why tourists flock to New England during the autumn season! You can find beautiful colors all throughout New England - the Berkshires, the White Mountains, and tons more!
*More about our fall foliage adventures on a previous blog post here.
9. Go Ice Skating on a Frozen Lake
10. Own a Pair of L.L. Bean Boots ;)
Given that L.L. Bean is a Maine-based company, that they keep your feet warm, and look great - it makes sense why you can't walk around New England during the winter without seeing someone else wearing a pair too ;)
11. Travel to the Gilded Age at the Newport Mansions
The three most visited mansions out of all of the Newport Mansions are the Breakers, the Marble House, and the Elms! As soon as you walk through the doors, you get transported to another time - the Gilded Age! Take in the magnificent architecture and interior design while learning about the history behind these "summer cottages."
*More about our Newport adventure on a previous blog post here.
12. Walk Along the Cliff Walk in Newport
Right along the Newport Mansions, there's a beautiful seaside path that you can walk on (stretches about 3.5 miles). There's nothing more peaceful than walking alongside the ocean and watching the waves crash along the shore!
*More about our Newport adventure on a previous blog post here.
13. Visit Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island
14. Walk Boston’s Historic Freedom Trail
Take in the historic landmarks that make up America's history as you walk along the Freedom Trail that weaves through downtown Boston. Paul Revere's House and the Boston Massacre Landmark are only a couple of the historic stops that you'll see!
*More about our Freedom Trail adventure on a previous blog post here.
15. Try a Cannoli in Little Italy
Word on the street is that there's a little friendly competition to who makes the best cannolis in Boston... We're still learning the ways of cannolis so take our opinion with a grain of salt! That said, we loved the cannolis that we tried at Mike's Pastry! The experience was even more wholesome since we got to enjoy them right outside of Paul Revere's House!
16. Go Whale Watching Off the Boston Harbor
Lucas surprised me by booking us tickets for a whale watching tour that embarks from the Boston Harbor! It was a truly amazing experience to see so many humpback whales and dolphins! An amazing way to spend the day!
*More about our whale-watching adventure on a previous blog post here.
17. Walk on the Cobblestone Roads in Beacon Hill
Arguably the most picturesque part of Boston is Beacon Hill. The cobblestone streets, antique shops, local treats, and brick buildings make for quite the charming scene!
*More about our Beacon Hill adventure on a previous blog post here.
18. Have a Picnic at Boston Common
19. Stroll Through Harvard Yard
We spent a Saturday afternoon strolling along Harvard Yard, walking by Memorial Hall, Widener Library, and Memorial Church. We couldn't wrap our minds around the fact that this was America's very first University! To think that notable people like, John Adams, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Michelle and Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Bill Gates, were all students here - is incredible!
20. Visit "Julia Child" Tourist Spots
21. Visit Martha’s Vineyard
22. Have a Beach Day at Cape Cod
Compared to the PNW, the beaches on the east coast just hit differently! Sand for miles and miles with the ocean lapping up against the shore.
23. Have Lunch at Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
Have you eaten yet? There are so many options to choose from over at the Quincy Market! Choose a stall and enjoy!! We're particularly fond over the Hazelnut Macarons from the North End Bakery.
*More about our first impressions of Quincy Market on a previous blog post here.
24. See Bish Bash Falls
25. Stay at the Omni Parker House
26. Go to a Bruins Game at TD Garden
27. See a Red Sox Game at Fenway Park
28. Celebrate Halloween in Salem, MA
You don't have to be a Hocus Pocus fan (like me ;) haha), to enjoy Salem during the Halloween season! Whether you decide to go on a DIY Hocus Pocus filming location tour, walk around the local shops and eats, or learn about the Salem Witch Trial history, Halloween season in Salem is a sight to see!
*More about our Salem halloween adventure on a previous blog post here.
29. Go to a Patriots Game at Gillette Stadium
30. Visit the Flavor Graveyard at Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory
31. Photograph Sleepy Hollow Farm
Need a break from the city? Take a drive over to Woodstock, VT to see one of the most photographed farms in America - Sleepy Hollow. A scene that can be enjoyed all throughout the year, but fall is just extra special with all the autumn colors!
*More about our Woodstock, VT adventure on a previous blog post here.
32. Try Sugar on Snow in the Spring
33. Ride the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster
34. Sample Vermont Maple Syrup
A MUST TRY! Just trust me!
*More about our Woodstock, VT adventure on a previous blog post here.
35. Hike in the White Mountains
We have yet to explore the famous Flume Gorge, but we were able to hike to this beautiful view during our first fall in New England! Not quite Washington views (lol), but still a sight to see and a great trek up!
*More about our fall foliage adventures on a previous blog post here.
36. Drive to the Top of Mt Washington
37. Drive Along the Kancamagus Highway
38. Ride the Cannon Aerial Tramway
39. Spot a Moose
40. Visit the Ice Castles
We couldn't find Elsa, but we had so much fun walking around the Ice Castles that are found in Woodstock, NH during the winter season. Bring the whole family! There are slides, snow tubing and plenty of hot chocolate.
*More about our NH winter adventure on a previous blog post here.
41. Visit Stephen King’s Mansion
42. Visit Acadia National Park
43. Follow the Maine Beer Trail
44. Eat at the Lost Kitchen
45. Attend the Lobster Festival in Portland, ME
46. Ride on a Lobster Boat
47. Visit Mark Twain’s House in Hartford, CT
48. Stroll Through Mystic Seaport, CT
Nothing beats a seaport stroll through Mystic, CT! Whether you’re picking up a pizza at the iconic Mystic Pizza Restaurant, or enjoying a root beer float as you watch the Mystic River Drawbridge in action - you won’t regret your time in Mystic.
49. Follow the Connecticut Wine Trail
50. Visit the Gillette Castle State Park ("Sherlock Holmes' Home")
Annnd that’s a wrap!
We plan to complete all 50 before our contract ends! Hope you'll follow along on my blog and join us on our New England adventure!
'Til the next one,
Gen
