A 93-Mile Trail and Hobbit Homes: New England’s Newest Attractions

Set against the stunning backdrop of New England's forests, coastlines, and mountains, the region's towns and cities are reimagining local offerings. In Boston, certain streets are being transformed into seasonal car-free zones for dining and shopping, while Franklin Park is set to unveil a new stadium for a professional women’s soccer team. Providence, Rhode Island, and Portland, Maine, are vying for the title of New England’s culinary epicenter, showcasing innovative local eateries and bars. Meanwhile, the hills and valleys of New Hampshire and Vermont welcome new trails for hikers and bikers, broadening access to the region’s beautiful outdoors.

Summer and fall present the best opportunities to explore New England, whether you prefer a scenic road trip or a deep dive into local experiences. Visiting now means witnessing the region's creative spirit—from concerts in unexpected locations like beaches and urban forests to wines reflecting the golden glow of a White Mountain sunset. Here are some exciting new developments in New England.

New hotels to serve as your home base

Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port

Entering its second summer, the Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port boasts a prime location just steps from the waterfront and local favorites like Shipyard Brewing and Duckfat, known for its Belgian fries. Standing six stories tall, it’s one of Portland’s more impressive hotels, featuring spacious, well-appointed rooms and suites with stunning views of downtown. The highlight is undoubtedly the open-air courtyard and terrace, where guests can revel in a vibrant summer schedule of concerts, drag brunches, and performances by local musicians.

Alpine Garden Camping Village & Winery

Nestled in the enchanting heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains near Crawford Notch, this woodland retreat features cabins, tree houses, and unique domed-roof huts dubbed “Hobbit homes.” Family-owned and operated, Alpine Garden elevates the glamping experience with thoughtful amenities like complimentary record players and classic vinyl, along with an on-site winery that transforms locally grown grapes and apples into delightful beverages perfect for summer evenings.

Hotel Marcel

New Haven’s celebrated zero-emissions hotel is set within an impressive brutalist structure that towers over I-95. Opened in 2022, this property is a standout in Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, exemplifying the possibilities for a more sustainable future. The 165 rooms are adorned with locally sourced textiles, adding vibrant touches, while the in-house restaurant, BDLG, embraces a similar ethos in its menu and even offers dog treats.

Restaurants worth a drive

For years, Portland has been at the forefront of New England’s culinary scene, playing a key role in the farm-to-table movement. Each year brings exciting new spots like Room For Improvement, where renowned bartender Arvid Brown crafts a delicious selection of cocktails and dishes in Old Port. However, visitors should also explore Providence, which boasts one of the region's most innovative dining scenes, with new highlights like PVD Noodle Bar, specializing in rich umami-packed soba and udon noodles, run by graduates from nearby Johnson & Wales University.

Many chefs are also bringing their skills and heritage to quieter corners of New England. Chris Viaud merges the flavors of Haiti with the serene backdrop of Milford, New Hampshire, serving coconut chickpea curry and Creole-style smash burgers at Ansanm. In Burlington, Vermont, Cara Chigazola Tobin expands her Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Honey Road by opening the Grey Jay, a cozy breakfast spot featuring favorites like falafel Benedict. Meanwhile, in Hartford, Fire By Forge offers pan-American dishes like chifa-braised cod while supporting job training programs for individuals facing challenges such as homelessness or incarceration.

Then there’s the dynamic dining experience offered by the Lineup, one of Boston’s latest food halls. Situated in Downtown Crossing near the Boston Public Gardens and curated by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, who moved from New York to launch this project, the Lineup serves a menu that ranges from classic maple-glazed doughnuts to inventive fusion dishes like Mediterranean mezze bowls. This diversity reflects the rich culinary landscape of Boston.

“I always say, ‘Let me see your people, and I’ll show you the restaurant scene,’” Fraser explains. “In Boston, we discovered a diverse community with a blend of white-collar and blue-collar populations, where different neighborhoods contribute unique voices and histories to the culinary landscape, enhancing both high and low cuisine.”

New England’s recreational and cultural events

This spring, Boston’s Seaport district enhanced its recreational scene with the launch of the first U.S.-based F1 Arcade Bar, where aspiring racers can take to the track with 69 full-motion racing simulators. For those who prefer to stay off the roads, Boston’s Open Streets initiative will transform busy commercial avenues in neighborhoods like Roxbury and Jamaica Plain into pedestrian-friendly boulevards featuring live music, outdoor dining, and free pedicab rides.

However, you don’t need to remain in the cities to enjoy car-free adventures. The newly completed Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in northern Vermont offers a stunning 93-mile route from St. Johnsbury to Swanton, complete with locally sourced food and drinks along the way.

On the artistic front, New England showcases creativity in unexpected places. Based in Midcoast Maine, Bagaduce Music—one of the largest sheet music lending libraries in the U.S.—is reviving long-forgotten songs and sea shanties through its summer concert series, set in picturesque locations like coves, boats, and lumber yards. Additionally, Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Sound on Sound festival has transformed into the Soundside Music Festival, featuring acts like the Foo Fighters, Boyz II Men, and Norah Jones in late September. Not far from there, downtown Providence’s cherished WaterFire festival will commemorate its 30th season by illuminating the local riverway with pyres, torches, and vendors on select Saturday nights until early November.

Arrive at . . .

Terminal E at Boston’s Logan Airport, when routes permit. This international terminal recently underwent a $640 million expansion, featuring a stunning ruby red design that recalls the golden age of aviation, much like New York’s TWA Hotel at JFK. The new, sun-drenched space boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and ample cushioned seating for travelers to relax and recharge (both literally and figuratively).