100 Things to do in New England
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
51. Take a walk through Burial Hill, one of New England’s oldest cemeteries
Historic Burial Hill dates back to 1622. Numerous Mayflower passengers are buried here, including Governor William Bradford. Because earlier grave markers were made out of wood, they are no longer legible today. Walking around you will notice how weathered the earlier gravestones have become due to the hands of time. The earliest stone marking is that of Edward Gray, marked 1681. It’s kind of spooky and surreal walking around.
This cemetery is quaint and peaceful. Because of its’ location atop a hill, tremendous views of the ocean can be seen while you are strolling around.
Additional information on Burial Hill
Location: Leyden St Plymouth, MA 02360
52. Bike the Cape Cod Canal Trail
This 7 mile out and back trail features great views of the canal and Sagamore Bridge. It’s not uncommon to see a tugboat passing through. The Army Corps of Engineers uses and maintains the path. This ride is completely flat, although it can get windy. If the wind is strong enough, this can make the ride quite hard – my windiest bike ride adventure was along this trail and I barely made it, but got in a nice leg workout. Check the weather forecast in advance to save your legs some extra effort. After your ride, relax at beautiful Scusset State Beach reservation, conveniently located near the end of the trail.
Location: Rt 134 South Dennis, MA 02660
53. Enjoy nature and explore wildlife at Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy a peaceful nature walk at Tiverton’s tiny wildlife preserve, a quaint place featuring great views of the woods, marshes, and Sakonnet River. Bird watching opportunities, notably egrets and great blue herons, are ample. It’s one of the best places in Bristol county to take a scenic nature walk in my opinion. You won’t get in a big workout, but it is a great place to decompress, get off the computer and phone, and just take some time to enjoy the simpler things.
Location: Seapowet Ave Tiverton, RI 02878
54. Go back in time to the Salem Witch Trials
Salem is most well-known for the infamous witch trials of 1692. In the late 1600’s, 20 men and women were executed after being found guilty of witchcraft. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial consists of 20 stone benches with the names of those who lost their lives. On my first visit, I had to check it out. You will see that many visitors leave flowers and other gifts. After visiting the memorial, you can walk over to the adjacent Old Burying Point Cemetery where John Hawthorne, one of the primary judges in the trial, is buried.
Location: Liberty St. Salem, MA 01970
55. Take a peaceful drive during fall foliage season
No matter which state you are visiting, you are guaranteed amazing fall foliage. No matter where you go you will find yourself surrounded by dazzling fall colors, whether on a drive, in a park, or scattered throughout a city. One of my favorite areas to drive around during fall foliage season is East Haddam, Connecticut, which is ranked among the top US towns for foliage. After hiking and biking, driving is my 3rd top means of enjoying the dazzling colors of the season.
Check the Peak fall foliage map to time your drive just right.
56. Spend the day shopping at historic Olde Mystic Village
Shopping at this quaint New England village is like taking a step back in time. I love browsing the antique stores, while taking in the gorgeous architecture and landscaping. It’s a nice place to walk around and enjoy nature on a mild summer day. Note: Don’t miss out on Raining Cats & Dogs, a fantastic pet store filled with anything you can imagine for your furry friends. Hallmark fans will be interested to know that a new Christmas movie (called Mystic Christmas) is currently filming throughout the area! If you haven’t already seen the movie Mystic Pizza will Julia Roberts, you may want to check it out.
Location: 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355
57. Be Amazed at the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Rhode Island’s great little zoo is more well known for their annual Halloween extravaganza, the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, which has been featured on Travel Channel’s Halloween Crazier special.
This is one of the best Halloween events in New England. 5000+ intricately carved pumpkins light up the festive Halloween trail, which features a special theme each year, ranging from movies, politics, history, etc. Halloween will never be the same again for me after attending this event. To date, this is easily one of my favorite Halloween events in the country. This is saying a lot, as Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year!
Location: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
58. Head over to Fairhaven for a ride on the Phoenix Bike Trail
This scenic short bike path in the Southeast Massachusetts town of Fairhaven packs in a lot of scenic views in just ~3 miles. The route is tree lined the entire distance with great views of marshes along the way. The perfect place for anyone seeking a quiet, non touristy place to exercise. Mike and I did not see a single rider the entire route. As a bonus, there are a few historical markers including an old cemetery along the route.
Location: 8 Main St Fairhaven, MA 02719
59. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at peaceful Copicut Woods
Fall River is a former manufacturing city with only a handful of green areas. However, if you head over to Copicut Woods you will find a secluded little park which offers the perfect escape from the traffic and noise of the city. There are a handful of short, yet scenic hikes providing great views of the forest and streams. This is a great place to escape the tourist crowds which will be centered around the waterfront area and Lizzie Borden house. On a side note, I would not be surprised if these woods are haunted. A few times Mike and I left early because we heard lots of strange noises and the vibe is just eerie.
Location: Indian Town Rd, Fall River, MA 02790
60. Dine Italian style in the historic Little Italy of Providence
Providence is well known for its’ high concentration of Italian restaurants, especially in Federal Hill, also known as “Little Italy.” There are dozens of great restaurants to choose amongst including top rated Sienna and Camille’s. Tip: There’s almost always at least one Italian restaurant featured on Groupon. Save some money and check out a new restaurants at the same time – it’s a win-win! Pictured below is a delicious Shrimp Scampi entree at Andino’s, one of my personal favorites.
Location: Atwells Ave. Providence, RI 02903
