10 Free Things to do in New England That You Shouldn't Miss

January 24, 2022 Marianna Hollaway

Discover the best top things to do in New England, New England including Yale University Art Gallery, Marginal Way, Stowe Recreation Path, Cape Cod National Seashore, Shining Sea Bikeway, Allagash Brewery, Harvard University, Walker's Point, Kancamagus Highway, Rhode Island State House.
Restaurants in New England

1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510-2301 +1 203-432-0600 http://artgallery.yale.edu
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
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5.0 based on 953 reviews

Yale University Art Gallery

Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in America. The Gallery’s encyclopedic holdings of more than 250,000 objects range from ancient times to the present day and represent civilizations from around the globe. Spanning a block and a half of the city of New Haven, Connecticut, the Gallery comprises three architecturally distinct buildings, including a masterpiece of modern architecture from 1953 designed by Louis Kahn through which visitors enter. The museum is free and open to the public.

Reviewed By 397markc397 - Hudson, United States

I know people are attracted for special exhibits, and the one during my visit was indeed very special, however the gallery is well worth a visit at any time. A very diverse and deep amount of art is always on display, and along with the helpful and friendly security staff, its a true pleasure to visit! Just a note on the current exhibit: Matthew Barney Redoubt. Absolutely breathtaking. If you miss this at least google. Its stunning!

2. Marginal Way

Ogunquit, ME +1 207-641-2200 https://www.marginalwayfund.org/marginal-way/history/
Excellent
89%
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5.0 based on 5,225 reviews

Marginal Way

A scenic 1.5 mile oceanside cliffwalk.

Reviewed By billwetherhornsr - Greenfield, United States

A gorgeous seaside walk on a well paved path that twists and turns its way from Beach Street to end in the picturesque village of Perkins Cove, perhaps one of the prettiest hamlets in Southern Maine. Tiny shops and restaurants wind their way around this small village, each on begging to be explored. Enjoy a succulent lobster roll at one of the dozen restuaranta and watch the boats glide into the cove. Cross the white drawbridge and enjoy the view. Then make your way back onto Marginal Way to enjoy the ocean vistas. A perfect Maine day!

3. Stowe Recreation Path

Stowe, VT 05672 +1 802-253-7321 [email protected] http://www.gostowe.com/recreation-path
Excellent
79%
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5.0 based on 1,432 reviews

Stowe Recreation Path

Between the West Branch River and Route 108 is a biking trail full of scenic vistas and small town atmosphere.

Reviewed By Turkish340

Rent some good bikes and do it. Did it with family, youngest is 10. No probkem at all as the entire path is pretty much flat and paved so it is really easy to ride. Beautiful scenery all the way through, and some really magical spots to stop and admire the area.

4. Cape Cod National Seashore

99 Marconi Site Rd, MA 02667-8142 (508) 255-3421 https://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm
Excellent
83%
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5.0 based on 625 reviews

Cape Cod National Seashore

Over 40,000 beautiful acres of protected beach and dunes, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown.

Reviewed By StacyInDC2012 - Alexandria, United States

During our visit to Cape Cod National Seashore we enjoyed relaxing beach time at Marconi Beach, complete with several seal appearances just beyond the waves and then hiked in the white cedar swamp. The park wasn’t very crowded as we were there during the week just after Labor Day. Loved the visit and the fact that it gave us the opportunity to both be active and relax.

5. Shining Sea Bikeway

Falmouth, MA +1 508-548-8500 http://www.shiningseabikeway.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,029 reviews

Shining Sea Bikeway

Reviewed By MingO_11 - Boston, United States

This is arguably the most scenic bike trail in Cape Cod. It has almost everything Cape Cod bike trails have to offer: the marsh, the cranberry bog, picturesque cape towns, and of course the shining sea. A few tips: Near the Woods Hole terminus of the trail, there is a very good bakery called Pie in the Sky, which is a good stop to refuel. Also from there, the Nobska lighthouse is close by (~1 mile away), which also worth a side trip.

6. Allagash Brewery

50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103-1042 +1 207-878-5385 [email protected] http://www.allagash.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,137 reviews

Allagash Brewery

We are currently open for tastings and sell plenty of year-round and brewery-only beer to go. We are not currently booking brewery tours, but we have a food truck onsite featuring lobster rolls and other tasty treats for you to make a day of it. So if you're in the area, stop by and say hello! Allagash Brewing Company strives to make the best Belgian-inspired beer in the world. Founded in Portland, Maine, the brewery loves giving back to the community—and state—that has supported it since 1995. In 2019 the brewery became a Certified B Corp and Allagash founder Rob Tod won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional. Allagash currently stands as one of the 50 largest craft breweries in the U.S. (by sales volume) and has earned a spot on Maine’s Best Places to Work list for seven years running. Allagash is distributed in: CA, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL (Chicagoland only), MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, and WI.

Reviewed By PowPow29 - West Hartford, United States

My friends and I booked the Saturday 1:00pm tour. (Book your tickets ahead of time; they fill up!) We had a great time sampling different beers and learning about the history of the brewery. We stayed afterwards to enjoy the beautiful weather, our favorite beers, and a quick bite at the food truck (Bite into Maine) that parks right outside. They have an outstanding lobster grilled cheese.

7. Harvard University

1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138-3800 +1 617-495-9400 http://www.harvard.edu
Excellent
58%
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4.5 based on 3,134 reviews

Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard is America's oldest institute of higher learning and one of the country's most prestigious universities. Among the illustrious alumni are civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, philosopher Henry David Thoreau, writer Gertrude Stein, composer Leonard Bernstein, cellist Yo Yo Ma and seven U.S. presidents.

Reviewed By vincentdE9094KZ - Dún Laoghaire, Ireland

The Harvard campus is a beautiful and historic place to experience calm, mature trees, and beautiful red brick buildings. If the Memorial hall is open it is worth going in.

8. Walker's Point

Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, ME
Excellent
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4.5 based on 791 reviews

Walker's Point

The oceanfront home of former President George Bush.

Reviewed By Q7081RYrichardl - Chagrin Falls, United States

Summer home of two Bush Presidents - lots of history and a place for great picture taking; it can be busy so wait patiently for a safe parking place.

9. Kancamagus Highway

Route 112, North Conway, Conway, NH https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/scenicdrivinginfo
Excellent
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4.5 based on 3,459 reviews

Kancamagus Highway

Highway 112 runs from Center Conway to North Woodstock, just south of Franconia Notch. Passing through the White Mountain National Forest, it is considered one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. and offers a number of interesting stopping off points.

Reviewed By harpazhadar - Haifa, Israel

We had only 4 hours to experience this amazing road so had to focus on few specific spots. Made some research online beforehand and decided on these 4 stops which did not disappoint! Started from the North Conway eastern entrance we stopped at the Saco Ranger Station and paid 5$ for a parking daily pass. (You have to pay only if you plan on stopping and parking on the way). There were also self service - pay your fee on site stations but you had to have the exact amount in cash to use them. Our Top stops were: 1. Albany Covered Bridge 2. Lower Falls Scenic Area 3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area 4. Sabbaday Falls We were traveling on the beginning of the Foliage season and the colors and ambiance were perfect! Not much to eat on the way so it is best to make some sandwiches and stock on some snacks and water before entering. On the other side near Lincoln we had a terrific dinner at Black Mt. Burger Co – highly recommended!!!

10. Rhode Island State House

82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903-1105 +1 401-222-3983 [email protected] http://sos.ri.gov/publicinfo/tours/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 404 reviews

Rhode Island State House

This imposing marble building houses King Charles' 1663 charter of the Rhode Island colony.

Reviewed By Decaf7

Take the half hour free guided tour, worth your time. See the House and Senate chambers, the library, portraits of former governors, portrait of George Washington painted by our very own Gilbert Stuart and learn about the history of this beautiful building. Dome is a beautiful piece of architecture.

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