Memorable New England road trips

The best scenic drives in New England

by Eric H.

Route 169 from Woodstock to Canterbury, Connecticut

With nearly 200 pre-1855 homes along with farms, historic churches and classic Connecticut village green centers, Route 169 is one of New England's true hidden gem scenic rides. The gentle rolling hills, historic landmarks and roll-down-the-windows-and-feel-good breeze of this scenic byway make Route 169 one of the most beautiful bucolic drives in New England

Acadia National Park Loop, Acadia National Park, Maine

Route 6A Cape Cod, Massachusetts

The salt-air, tree-lined Route 6A hugging the ocean with its captain's homes, fine New England restaurants and charming bed and breakfasts bring us back to the Cape Cod we remember -- not the commercial laden strips that threaten this beloved New England vacation destination. Scenic Route 6A, also known as the Old King's Highway, stretches 34 miles through endless scenes of salt marshes, harbors and seemingly endless open land in esteemed New England communities like Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans You're sure "to fall in love with Old Cape Cod" in this 34-mile stretch of travel heaven. It is, simply, one of the best coastal New England road trips.

Lake Winnipesaukee scenic drive, New Hampshire

If you're in the mood to see some of New England most charming towns and villages, along with one of eastern United States, most stunning lakes, then the Lake Winnipesaukee drive will leave you breathless. Small, unassuming places like Meredith, Center Harbor, Moltonborough, and Wolfeboro all have a scenic lake presence and plenty to do in the form of swimming, shopping, dining, lodging and, of course, picture taking. There are many great roads trips in the area, but recommended is Route 3 to Meredith, Route 25 to Moutlenborough and Routes 117 and 109 to Wolfeboro.

Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island

The scenic mansions along Bellevue Avenue is what Newport, R.I., is best know for, but around the corner is a short loop called Ocean Drive, which affords some great, sunny views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to Fort Adams State Park -- a great place to fly a kite, have a picnic and enjoy the feeling of coastal New England.

Jeffersonville to Stowe, Vermont

Jeffersonville could very well be the ultimate New England town with beautiful old colonial homes, antique shops, art galleries, Hanley's General Store, and Janna's Cupboard, serving hearty breakfasts in an informal setting to families and truckers with big appetites. Jeffersonville has a great feel to it, something that has to be experienced. Over a rugged, scenic notch where the weather can change in a heartbeat during any season is the popular and appealing village of Stowe. Stowe with great little shops, superb and diverse dining choices, state-of-the art ski facilities and some of the best lodging in New England. What matters most, however, is that despite all the development, Stowe still feels like a small, relaxed village. With that in mind, there's no better time to visit Stowe than in the fall when the leaves in this picturesque village turn brilliant colors. The beautiful views of Mt. Mansfield (the highest elevation in the state) and long and winding roads featuring farms, cows and beautiful open land lend a true New England feel. We highly recommend taking a stroll through the village or using the ideally- located bike path, marveling at the postcard-perfect classic Vermont surroundings, and reveling in some of the best foliage in New England.