13 Top Things to See and Do When At A Wedding in New England
As lifetime and portrait photographers, we love the charm and history of New England, from the coastal towns of Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut to the breathtaking mountain landscapes of New Hampshire and Vermont. The region’s picturesque geography inspires us. And we also love New England’s history, culture, and vibrant food scene.
Here are our 13 top things to see and do in New England. Be sure to put one or two on your next vacation itinerary.
Timeless beauty in Vermont
New England is renowned for its stunning fall foliage. The trees change to vibrant red, orange, and gold from September to late October. Vermont’s Green Mountains provide the perfect places to stop and marvel at this colorful vista. With over 900 miles of trails and dedicated campgrounds, the Green Mountains offer plenty of ways to get you in the autumn spirit.
To go with the foliage during your time in the Green Mountain State, stop in on a quintessential New England town, like Stowe. This world-class mountain resort town is the home of Vermont’s golden skiing days as well as a year-round destination for recreation, art, culture and history.
Tastes and sights in Maine
The coastal state of Maine is synonymous with lobster. No visit to New England is complete without trying this buttery seafood staple. Head over to Bar Harbor or Portland and try some of the tastiest lobster rolls, bisque, and mac ‘n’ cheese in the United States. The Highroller Lobster Co. is one of Portland’s many highly-rated restaurants where you can get your hands on this shellfish delicacy.
Maine is also more than just great seafood. The Pine Tree State is home to Acadia National Park, the fifth most visited park in the US. With over 47,000 acres, visitors are drawn to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast. Located about an hour from Bangor, Acadia has ocean views, mountain trails, and plenty of activities.
Seafaring adventures in Connecticut
If you’re interested in maritime lore, the historic seaport town of Mystic in The Constitution State is the best place to visit. Tour the Mystic Seaport Museum and walk through a recreated 19th-century seaport village featuring businesses transported from locations around New England. And don’t forget to stop by the Preservation Shipyard to see how the museum has taken care of watercraft since the 1930s.
The museum also operates the Mystic Seaport Express. Cost for the 30-minute cruise along the Mystic River also includes admission to the museum. Or after your tour of the museum, book passage aboard the last commercial sailing ship in Mystic, the Schooner Argia.
Culture and elegance in Rhode Island
Providence is a hub for arts and culture in New England. Visit the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD) to admire an impressive collection of more than 100,000 pieces from world-famous artists spanning millennia. The museum also features ancient Egyptian, Greek, and 18th-century American exhibits.
And you can’t think of The Ocean State without thinking of Newport and the glorious homes of the Gilded Age. Built from the 1850s to 1900 by wealthy New Yorkers and Philadelphians, many of these massive homes are now open to the public for tours. They also play host to public events during summer, fall and Christmas.
Outdoor adventure in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, known as The Granite State, offers some of the best skiing in New England. Spend winter days hitting the slopes at the Bretton Woods Ski Area in the heart of the White Mountains. Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski area with a summit elevation of 3100 ft. and a vertical drop of 1500 ft.
Not a fan of the cold and snow? New Hampshire still has you covered with Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch. A wooden boardwalk trail through the gorge winds along the Lost River with its jagged rock walls, gigantic boulders, caves, and cascading waterfalls. Experience the Giant Bird Nest for a view as far as the eye can see.
So much to choose from Massachusetts
From coastal enclaves like Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod to the rich history of Nantucket, New Bedford, Salem, and Boston, The Bay State plays host to just about any interest.
The Boston restaurant scene is always changing, but one thing that’s always on the menu is fresh seafood. From classic surf ‘n turf to the freshest catch with a twist, you’ll find it.
Naturally, history buffs will enjoy their time in Boston and surrounding areas, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate the white sand beaches of Cape Cod National Seashore. David Thoreau described the area as “A man may stand there and put all America behind him.”
Whether you’re history buffs, outdoors enthusiasts, or art lovers, New England has something for everyone. If you’re marrying here, please take a look at our portfolio. We love capturing weddings with the spectacular New England scenery as a backdrop for your memories. Then let’s talk about your special day.