Our Trip to New England
About a month ago, my husband, son and I joined my parents and grandparents on a trip we have been wanting to experience for a few years! Neither Andrew or I had ever been to New England, but it was somewhere we both wanted to visit and were thrilled when we were invited to tag along! Our trip led us through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It was a very different vacation than we had been on before, yet it was one that will always be a favorite and stick out in my mind for the sights and variety!
This trip included quite the array of attractions from hikes, to historical monuments, to beautiful foliage, to quaint towns and country stores. We were very pleased and satisfied with everything we were able to see, but I know if we ever get the chance to go back, there will still be plenty to enjoy!
Our route led us through New York and past Niagara Falls! The day was gorgeous and absolutely ideal for seeing the falls! In April of this year, Andrew and I took a VERY quick work trip to the Boston area and had stopped by to see Niagara Falls then. However, in early April, many of the sidewalks and viewing areas were closed due to icy conditions and it was a cold, overcast day. To say the least, I wasn’t as impressed as I had expected and concluded in my mind that the Canada side must be where all the beauty and spectacular views are! Despite hearing that the Canada side does in fact have a better vantage point, this second visit gave me a newfound appreciation for Niagara Falls and we were able to see so much more than last time! Highlights included watching the boats take visitors up close to the falls and getting a close up view of a seagull! (Those were Tobias’s highlights so of course the rest of us enjoyed those too! 😉)
In Vermont, we came across the Big Moose Deli and Country Store, and after passing it, decided to turn around and check it out! The outside of the store was covered with wax figures and animals and the inside was no exception! The small country store seemed to have no end as we navigated our way through the tight halls lined with souvenirs, trinkets, home decor and exotic drinks, jams and honey. It was a fun, random stop that we all enjoyed!
Our next stop was The Bennington Battle Monument. Not only did this stop include some educational American history, but also some spectacular views that included Vermont, New York and Massachusetts!
Having a toddler on the trip called for some special stops that he would also enjoy! My dad was very thoughtful when planning this vacation and specifically found this next stop for Tobias! The Retreat Farm was a lot of fun for all of us though and included farm animals to pet, tractors to sit on and enjoy (probably Tobias’s favorite part), a play room with toddler friendly activities and a chocolate and cheese gift shop! Andrew and I enjoyed all of it, but our favorite part was meeting Carlos, their MASSIVE Brahma Red Holstein!
Ever since we moved into our home 3 years ago, The Vermont Country Store catalog has showed up in our mailbox so when my dad mentioned making it a destination, I was excited! It’s a fun old fashioned store with a large array of nicknacks, clothes, toys and candy. They sell of lot of vintage style items that you might have seen at your grandparents (or great-grandparents) house growing up. None of us bought anything except for Andrew who thoroughly enjoyed filling his brown paper bag with old fashioned candies! 🙂
Besides stores and petting farms, we were able to experience a little bit of light hiking when we stopped by the Quechee Gorge! It was a rainy day, but was still breathtaking and we all enjoyed taking pictures and walking down the trails!
Our second hike was at Flume Gorge in Franconia State Park! What a gorgeous walk it was! It included the beautiful fall foliage, wide shaded trails, and a nearly constant view of waterfalls! Like everything else in New England, it also had signs and pictures with historical facts along the way!
Although my family loves hiking we took a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to reach the summit. At the top, there was a fun, easy walking trail that wound its way around to the observation deck which allowed views of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Canada! The night before, we parked the RV at Echo Lake Beach.
One of our last stops was perfect for the rainy day that we were experiencing! The Montshire Museum of Science kept us all entertained and intrigued for hours! We were so impressed with their displays, activities and educational exhibits which included aquariums, a nature themed area, hands on bubbles station and many musical instruments to try! It was hands on, fun, educational and appropriate for a wide range of ages! I would highly recommend going if you get the chance!
On our way home, we stopped for one more outdoor adventure and took a short hike near the Appalachian Trail! It was a wonderful way to end our vacation with some walking before hopping back on the road! Tobias did fantastic and not only did way more walking than I expected, but also navigated over the roots, sticks and rocks like a pro! (with a hand to hold at times😉)
A big reason I loved this vacation so much was the variety of stops we made and places we got to see! Aside from sightseeing, the ride/stay in the RV was also a hit!
This trip was such a new experience and special time with my parents and grandparents! If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend going out east to New England!
Especially if it involves traveling with those you love in an RV! 😉
-Jen
