Best of New England 2026 | Summer Travel Guide
Discover our picks for the best places to eat, where to stay, and things to do this summer in our Best of New England 2026 travel guide.
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Plan Your Path to a Perfect Stay in Massachusetts
Whether by foot, bike, or boat, put yourself on the trail to outdoor adventure in the Commonwealth.
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By Amy TraversoBest of New England 2026 | Summer Travel Guide
Discover our picks for the best places to eat, where to stay, and things to do this summer in our Best of New England 2026 travel guide.
By Yankee MagazineFood
Classic New England Clam Chowder
Fresh, flavorful, and thick with clams and potatoes, this classic New England clam chowder recipe from Chatham Pier Fish Market is a keeper.
By Yankee MagazineFried Clams
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Stuffing mix is a handy shortcut in this savory stuffed quahogs ("stuffies") recipe.
By Yankee Magazine9 Favorite Oyster Recipes
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By Yankee Editors12 Favorite Brunch Recipes
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By Cathryn McCann10 New England Cookbooks to Read (and Cook From) Now
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SUBSCRIBE TODAYNew England 101
Where is New England?
Tucked into the northeast corner of the United States, New England is a region of tall mountains, rich farmland, salty seacoasts, and everything in between. Steeped in history and full of spirit, New England is home to some of the nation’s most popular cultural attractions, parks, universities, and sports teams. Four distinct seasons and the perfect assortment of big cities and small towns make New England a favorite travel destination.
What are the New England States?
New England is made up of six beautiful and diverse states. In the northeast corner is Maine. Next to Maine, on its western border, is New Hampshire. On the other side of New Hampshire is Vermont. Beneath New Hampshire and Vermont is Massachusetts, and beneath Massachusetts are little Rhode Island to the southeast and Connecticut to the south.
Map of New England

Guide to the New England States
Connecticut
Connecticut is the southernmost of the New England states, making it the closest to New York City. Nicknamed “the Nutmeg State,” it’s known for its old money, red chowder, the insurance capital of Hartford, superior thin-crust New Haven pizza, and the fictional Gilmore Girls town of Stars Hollow.
Maine
The largest of the New England states, Maine is also one of the most popular among tourists. Nicknamed “the Pine Tree State” and “Vacationland,” it’s known for its thick forests, rocky coastline, wild blueberries, scenic lighthouses, lobster boats, and mega-author Stephen King.
Massachusetts
Thanks to the bustling hub of Boston and a rich colonial history, Massachusetts is the most frequently visited of the New England states. Nicknamed “the Bay State,” it’s known for its top-notch universities, baked beans, clam chowder, Cape Cod’s summer paradise, Plymouth Rock, and the Kennedys.
New Hampshire
Bearing a kick-butt state motto (“Live Free or Die”), New Hampshire is the rebel of the New England states. Nicknamed “the Granite State,” it’s known for its primary-season political clout, White Mountains (including Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast), Adam Sandler, and Lake Winnipesaukee.
Rhode Island
This isn’t just the smallest of the New England states—it’s the smallest state in America. Nicknamed “the Ocean State,” Rhode Island is known for its 400 miles of coastline, Newport mansions, johnnycakes, and Brown University.
Vermont
Vermont is famous for its progressive, environmental vibe. Nicknamed “the Green Mountain State,” it’s also known for its ski mountains, craft beer, dairy farms, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and Champy, the mythical Lake Champlain water monster.
















