New York and New England

NEW ENGLAND

Dramatic mountains, picturesque lighthouses and stunning coastal vistas blend together beautifully in this charming rural area of North America. Traditional white steepled churches and red roofed barns adorn the landscape. Recognise the covered bridges and clapboard houses from the silver screen or immerse yourself in the life of a traditional Shaker Village. This is the area of craft fairs, homemade fruit pies and early settler life.

Vermont is home to the Green Mountains with their many nature trails and tiny villages to explore hidden amongst forests and lakes. The White Mountains are situated in New Hampshire where pretty waterfalls flourish and lush foliage lies in the shadow of the indomitable Mount Washington. Here 273 lakes and ponds scatter the unspoilt landscape and charming rustic cottages remind you that it is possible to live amidst this beautiful scenery.

New England blazes with colour in ‘The Fall’ with explosions of red, orange and yellow lighting up the landscapes. The rich hues begin to form late September through October when seasonal pumpkins decorate houses for the Halloween celebrations. Each season offers unique and entrancing panoramas, however, and the local welcome is always enthusiastic.

The sea provides a spectacular background to beautiful coastlines from craggy, dramatic cliffs to soft sandy beaches where whale watching is a favourite pastime. Ocean vistas are in abundance at Rhode Island providing hidden gems including Block Island and its century old lighthouses guarding the cliffs.

Nostalgia for the days of sea-faring captains and maritime communities is prevalent in the charming inns and restaurants that abound in Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut and no visit is complete without sampling the delicious food. Succulent lobster, creamy clam chowders and flapjacks drenched in maple syrup are a staple diet here and are featured on many menus. A haven for writers who were inspired by the pretty coves and unspoilt beaches the area is an idyllic retreat full of breath-taking drives and hiking opportunities.

Boston is sophisticated and full of fine art and museums, hop on the Freedom Trail, a well-preserved pedestrian path that weaves in and out of historic neighbourhoods. Between land-marks, you can shop the fabulous stores on Newbury Street, have a delicious authentic Italian meal in the North End or browse the antique shops and distinctive red-brick buildings of Beacon Hill. Within easy reach of the city is Cape Cod stretching out into the Atlantic. A favourite haunt of the Kennedy family the shore boasts solitary lighthouses and windswept sand dunes where huge waves batter the coast. Visit the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard full of beautifully preserved historic houses, unspoilt beaches and bike trails.

NEW YORK

New York is a city of extremes from the magical snowfalls in winter to baking summers spent outdoors. The city that never sleeps is a melting pot of cultures and style and the perpetual buzz of excitement and energy is palpable. Take in a Broadway show and see the regal statue of liberty or the glory of the Empire States Building. Shopping is a must here so travel light to reap the benefits!

There is more to New York State than ‘The Big Apple’. Away from the city are fine recreation opportunities in the Catskill Mountains, the Olympic village of Lake Placid and the unspoiled forests and waterfalls of the Finger Lakes region. The north of New York State is bounded by Lake Ontario, and the St Lawrence River where the stunning 1,000 Islands wait to be explored. Visit Niagara Falls from the US side for a different view of this famous phenomenon. An exciting option is a small ship cruise along the Hudson River to admire the fall foliage, or perhaps cruise as far as Montreal or Toronto.