The Best Hidden Gem Vacation Spots in New England
Do you love New England, but don’t enjoy the summertime crowds? Then check out one of these low-key vacation spots on the East Coast! From a beautiful lake in Vermont to a small coastal town at the tip of Maine, read on for the best hidden gem vacation spots in New England!
Lubec, Maine
If you love Maine but don't love the summertime crowds, go north! Waaaayyyyy north. Lubec, Maine is the easternmost town in the contiguous United States, at the very tip of the state. With a population of only 1,237, you'll find peace and quiet in this quaint seaside town that still offers up plenty of activities. If you love stunning views, be sure to check out the many hikes in area that feature dramatic cliffs dropping off into the ocean. Our favorites are Boothead Preserve and Hamilton Cove Preserve. West Quoddy Head Light is also a must-visit - this iconic candy cane striped lighthouse is surrounded by miles of beautiful cliffside views.
Back in town, be sure to check out Lubec Brewing Company, a micro brewery offering up delicious raw and unfiltered beers. For a bite to eat, check out Cohills - voted the best seaside pub in New England by Yankee Magazine, they offer up a rotating menu of delicious fare crafted with local seafood. Finish your evening with a seaside walk past the working waterfront and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean before settling in for the night.
Stunning views at West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec, Maine.
Lake St. Catherine, Vermont
If you're looking for a lakeside vacation that's quiet and pristine, look no further than Lake St. Catherine in Poultney, Vermont. This off the beaten path lake boasts 852-acres of beautiful water, perfect for kayaking, boating, or water skiing. Book an AirBnb (one of our favorites is Vermont Lakehouse) and enjoy the sweeping views, loon calls, and some lakeside grilling.
Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts
While most people associate vacationing in Massachusetts with Boston, Cape Cod, or Martha's Vineyard, sometimes we enjoy our trips to be less crowded and more low-key. The rolling hills, river views, and sophisticated small towns dotting the Pioneer Valley offer just that.
Pioneer Valley ecompasses a portion of the Connecticut River Valley, and includes Amherst, Deerfield, Northhampton, and Springfield. Stay in one of the colorful college towns and enjoy plenty of activities, including Springfield's Museum of Fine Arts, Science Museum, and George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum.
For the outdoorsy, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the Pioneer Valley's sweeping views and natural beauty. Mount Tom Reservation extends through Holyoke and Easthampton, offering up miles of beautiful trails. Or, take a bike ride through the hills of Hampshire County and enjoy plenty of beautiful sights along the way.
Lake St. Catherine in the fall. Photo courtesy of Justin Smulski, www.tidetopine.com.
Biddeford, Maine
About 30 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Portland lies Biddeford, Maine - an up-and-coming city that is minutes from some of Maine's most stunning beaches, including Fortune's Rocks and Biddeford Pool. An old mill town, Biddeford has been undergoing a renassaince over the past few years - once abandoned buildings have been converted into apartments, restaurants, coffee shops, and office space for the cities burgeoning entreprenurial scene.
Stay at the Lincoln Hotel, opening in the summer of 2022, and enjoy stylish guest rooms and a rooftop pool in the heart of downtown. The hotel is walking distance to all of our favorite Biddeford spots. Grab a cocktail at Round Turn Distilling, or a glass of wine at Lorne - an unpretensious wine bar with a punk rock, come as you are vibe. For food, check out the James Beard nominated restaurant and cocktail bar Magnus on Water, or go low-key with a burger from a local favorite, Hamburger Stand.