Your New England Travel Guide, Inspired by “Weekends With Yankee”

Explore New England like a local with this travel guide inspired by “Weekends with Yankee”—featuring top destinations, hidden gems, and unforgettable food.

Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn

This summer, I joined Yankee in a short-term role and spent several weeks uploading video segments from seven seasons of Weekends with Yankee to platforms like YouTube and NewEngland.com. Immersing myself in so much New England content gave me a fresh appreciation for just how fascinating, beautiful, and delicious this region truly is.

Now that the project is complete, I want to give some of my favorite segments a little extra love. Over the years, viewers have traveled all across New England with cohosts Richard Wiese and Amy Traverso—this list highlights the very best of those adventures. If you’re planning a trip to New England, consider these itineraries your starting point.

The majestic Omni Mount Washington in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

The White Mountains, New Hampshire

Weekends with Yankee has a White Mountains itinerary for those looking to get into nature, perfect for the end of summer and early fall. Stay at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods for unmatched hospitality and access to various activities. In the nearby town of Jackson, stop at Thompson House Eatery for a meal guaranteed to be both delicious and innovative. If you aim to tackle Mt. Washington or the Appalachian Trail, Weekends with Yankee has all the need-to-know info for a harmonious trip; however, if you want to enjoy the view without the hassle, try the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Lastly, for those early autumn visitors looking to score big on fall foliage sights, Richard joins up with Yankee Editor Mel Allen to hit all the best spots.

Most Beautiful Lighthouses in New England Portland Head Light Maine
Portland Head Light in Portland, Maine.

Portland, Maine

Co-host Amy Traverso declared Portland, Maine, her favorite food town. This little city has lots of good eats, sights, and storefronts. Plus, it's close to the beach! While visiting, you must try a lobster roll. Luke's Lobster has some of the best, so good in fact that they've gone global. For a sweet treat, there's nothing better than the Two Fat Cats Bakery's blueberry pie. Shopping is one of the best ways to explore the city, and we recommend checking out Sea Bags and Cross Jewelers for some fashionable mementos. If you're itching for a beach day, check out the nearby town of Ogunuquit, Yankee's best beach town in New England.

Summer Farm Dinners at Chatham Bars Inn
Reserve seats early for summer dinners at the Chatham Bars Inn Farm.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Just south of Boston, Cape Cod’s white sandy dunes draw a crowd every summer. With delicious food, beaches, art, and activities, there's something for everyone. Weekends with Yankee has the perfect itinerary for a Massachusetts beach day. Chatham Bars Inn is the place to be for a luxurious stay paired with the best of farm-to-table dining. For a peek at Cape Cod's famous dunes, check out Art's Dune Tours. If you tire of the beach, explore Provincetown, New England's most eccentric village. End the day with a stop at the Whydah Pirate Museum for a history lesson on the world's only authenticated pirate ship.

Rosecliff, one of the Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is as picturesque as they come. Known for its opulent mansions and thriving sailing community, the sights are endless. With lots to see and do, it's the perfect coastal destination for an end-of-summer trip! When in Newport, touring the Newport Mansions is a must. Nearby, Rose Island Lighthouse is worth a visit, known for its picturesque views and stunning scenery. To experience the vibrant sailing culture, don't miss the Newport Yacht Club, known for hosting some riveting races.

A view of Middle Bridge, one of four covered bridges spanning the Ottauquechee River in or near Woodstock, Vermont.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont, is rich with history, art, and culture. Weekends With Yankee compiled a list of must-see artist attractions. The Woodstock Inn & Resort offers a lavish but comfortable stay and locally sourced, delicious food. To get a feel for this crafty and caring community, check out The Naked Table Project. Take advantage of the artisan culture and stop by Farmhouse Pottery for exquisite handmade ceramics, and be sure to stock up on some goodies at F.H. Gillingham & Son's, the ultimate Vermont country store.

Getting up close with beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystical as it sounds, this coastal town has a celebrated maritime history. Interactive and entertaining, Weekends with Yankee's Mystic itinerary is jam-packed with family fun. Start by visiting the Mystic Aquarium, where you can be an animal trainer for a day! Down at the harbor, get a history lesson on board the Mayflower II, followed up by a trip to the Mystic Seaport Museum.

Unlock Your Roots – One Free Account, Endless Discoveries.

Get access to New England templates, research tools, and more.