Photo by Discover Newport Newport, Rhode Islandĭuring the Colonial era, Newport was one of the most important seaport towns in the country. Buses are offered from Burlington to Shelburne. From there, Green Mountain Transit buses can take you to downtown Burlington. Get there: Take the Amtrak Vermonter from New York City to Essex Junction, VT. It is a great place to base yourself if you want to be close to the action in Burlington while still getting the small-town experience. This small town is located on the shores of Lake Champlain and offers a variety of attractions, including Fiddlehead Brewing Company, the historic Shelburne Farms, the Shelburne Museum and the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. Photo by Jeff Clarke Shelburne, VermontĪlthough it is located just outside of metropolitan Burlington, Shelburne feels distinct from the city. Once in North Conway, Fast Taxi will take you anywhere in the Mount Washington Valley area. From Boston, Concord Coach Lines offers a bus to the center of North Conway from South Station. Get there: The first step is to get to Boston, so consult our public transportation guide. Sunrise Shack is a great place to grab breakfast, or head to Frontside Coffee Roasters for a light bite and a cup of coffee. If you’re looking to try climbing, Northeast Mountaineering provides trips year-round. Head to Black Cap for a shorter day hike on the outskirts of town, or a bit south for a longer hike up Mount Chocorua. Endless hiking and biking trails surround the town, and there is no shortage of swimming holes or fishing streams. Located on the edge of the 700,000-acre White Mountain National Forest and in the shadows of the northeast’s highest peak - Mount Washington - North Conway is an adventurer’s paradise. Photo by Josh Laskin North Conway, New Hampshire

Regardless of what you are looking for during your time in New England, these small towns are some of the best to visit. And in New Hampshire, the rugged Presidential Mountain Range stands tall above the rest of the White Mountains, reminiscent of some of the peaks you might find out west. Further inland, white church steeples protrude towards the sky, providing a stark contrast against the mountainous landscape. In Maine, small fishing villages line the rocky coastline, accentuated by harbors filled with lobster boats and seafood shacks. Each year, travelers from around the world flock to New England in search of active adventure, relaxation and unforgettable scenery.

Most picturesque towns in new england