New England - Road trip
By Amy Clarke New England’s heartland is the ideal destination for a beautiful and relaxing road trip, taking you through awe inspiring surroundings and national history.
 When it comes to planning a trip time is essential and with so much magnificent scenery on offer it is best to do selected areas well, rather than rush through the state unable to enjoy the best parts. With this in mind the south and central areas of the region offer the most diverse scenery and culture and two weeks is perfect to take in all its beauty.
The self proclaimed ‘Hub of the Universe’ Boston, is the ideal starting point for any road trip through New England, especially considering that most international trips will fly into this city. It has plenty to offer the visitor from exciting history to modern pro sports, delicious traditional seafood to traditional Italian cuisine and colourful markets to high-end shopping.
As one of America's oldest cities Boston played an intrigal role in the Revolution which is best demonstrated by the city’s Freedom Trail, linking 18 of the most important historic sites by way of a 2.5 mile red line. Away from the Freedom Trail and through Boston Public Gardens is Newbury Street, Boston's chic, tree-lined shopping district, ideal for watching the world go by amongst the quirky and fashionable students, neighbourhood kids and the social elite, all amalgamating in this cosmopolitan city. Within a few blocks are Boylston Street, Copley Place and the Prudential Center, all popular shopping meccas – with everything from designer stores to independent boutiques. Shopping in Boston is a must – there is so much on offer and compared to UK prices it is incredibly cheap.
The North End of the city is a delight to stroll through; at its most interesting early evening or at night, when its unique European feel is at its peak. Here you will find old Italian folk milling in the streets, transporting you to small town Italy, with its delicious smells.
Away from the city centre Harvard Square has it all from skate punks to preppie profs. Home to the infamous Harvard University, the Square has a unique and youthful vibe, alive with quirky street entertainers and student energy.
For your road trip you will naturally need to hire a car, which you can pick in the city centre. Drive straight down the coast towards Cape Cod, stopping along the way for a leg stretch in “America’s Home Town”, Plymouth. Spend time enjoying a leisurely journey to Provincetown, stopping off at the many little villages that you will find enroute, and taking time to walk along Cape Cod National Seashore and exploring the ponds and forests of the national parks.
 Provincetown is a curious anomaly - wild and provocative in the summer, it is famous as a Gay mecca, where the unexpected is to be expected. The quaint little streets that leather clad bikers and barely clad partiers tread are full of charm and the lively festivals and parties thrive happily along side open mike coffee houses and old fashioned lobster shacks. Pristine coastlines are perfect for summer strolls and sun worshiping and during off-season the coasts simple beauty is enhanced by magnificent sunsets and mystical sea mists. There are great whale watching opportunities and a fun filled dune safari is a great way to take in more of the seashore.
After you have had your fill of Provincetown head back across the Cod over to Rhode Island, where you will find lively city centres such as Providence, long sandy beaches and quaint town centres, the best of which is Newport, which all make for an incredibly inviting destination. Providence offers superb urban strolling, whilst Newport’s famed cliff walk is well deserving of its popularity. To one end of the cliff walk are the magnanimous Newport Mansions, the one time ‘summer cottages’ of the wealthy.
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