West of Rhode Island you will cross into the stunning scenery of Connecticut, home to peaceful villages and beautiful countryside. The most delightdul area is Litchfield, Connecticut’s best preserved late 18th century town, surrounded by incredible state parks rich in waterfalls, lakes and an abundance of wildlife. A lakeside walk will afford you meetings with beavers, turtles, snakes and toads and it is well worth staying in the area for at least one night so that you can enjoy several walks and a delicious dinner in one of the tiny town’s eateries.
A northward journey from the Litchfield Hills, through rolling farmland, quiet country roads and awe inspiring landscapes, leads you to the Berkshires, where in the summer the cool breeze welcomes and fishing and camping beckons. Throughout these warm months cultural events abound; the Boston Symphony Orchestra summer concert series at Tanglewood pulls in huge crowds and the Williamstown Theatre Festival attracts well-known faces, both on and off the stage.
The autumn season sees a golden veil reigning over the magnificent and tranquil landscapes, awakening childhood wonderment in even the hardest of souls. Trees of orange, red, purples and gold set amongst granite mountains and pristine waterfalls make for incredible walking trails and beautiful winter skiing routes.
Local towns such as Great Barrington and Williamstown are both old fashioned and modern, home to antique shops, fine dining and over intellectualised youth - all punked up in stark contrast to the traditional atmosphere both areas still retain. Nearby Lenox is a gracious town, with resplendent buildings and a charm that still exists despite its growing population. Deep in the heart of the country you will stumble across fairy tale fantasies; sparkling waterfalls, storybook villages and the turn of the century ‘ginger bread house’ at Tyringham or the Shaker Village in Hancock, where time has long stood still.
Take as much time as possible to soak in the beautiful scenery before returning to Boston along the interstate and enjoy your last night in true Bostonian style – tuck into a juicy stuffed lobster and a delicious slice of Boston cream pie!
GETTING THERE:
Travelbag offers flights to Boston with Icelandair from £343 travelling from London via Reykjavik.
STAYING THERE:
Boston
Gryphon House is a luxurious B&B in a turn of the century brownstone building where even the smallest of rooms are spacious and equipped with a kitchenette and living area.
The Omni Parker House is the longest continually running hotel in America, boasting pristine rooms and excellent service. Perhaps more importantly it is the birthplace of the infamous Boston Cream Pie.
Provincetown
The Beaconlight Guesthouse is by far one of the superior choices in Provincetown. Superb rooms, a warm welcome and the finest home baked breakfast goods all make for a more than enjoyable stay.
Newport
The Spring Street Inn is a glorious building built in 1858, offering affordable luxury in a great downtown location.
Litchfield
Litchfield Inn is both elegant and inviting where all 32 guest rooms are impeccably presented with a number of them being delightfully themed.
The Berkshires
Dating from 1710 the Old Inn on the Green is a gem of a guesthouse, offering authentically and delightfully restored guest rooms and out of this world dining. It knocks the socks of modernised hotels any day.
GETTING AROUND:
The only way to experience New England, in all its beauty is by car. Wherever possible avoid the interstate - the back routes are much more beautiful and not much longer. Dollar Rent A Car offer a week’s fully inclusive economy car hire, with Platinum Package, from £142.00 or if you are travelling with the whole family why not upgrade to a SUV from just £285.00 per week.
In Boston the MBTA subway service (locally known as the ‘T’) has great connections, is easy to work out and cheap to travel on.
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