New England is a great summer vacation destination. There are countless beautiful beaches and scenic areas that are easy to enjoy. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my summer vacations all over New England. Here are just a few of my favorite summer vacation spots in New England.
Mount Cardigan: Orange and Alexandria, New Hampshire
Mount Cardigan is a 3,155 foot mountain that is located in western New Hampshire. It is also known as “Old Baldy” because the summit of the mountain was stripped of all vegetation during a nasty forest fire in 1855. None of the trees or shrubs have ever grown back. The mountain is surrounded by some of the best natural scenery New Hampshire has to offer.
Activities and Attractions
Mount Cardigan is less than an hour drive away from scenic Lake Winnipesaukee and local summer hot spot, Weirs Beach. There you can go kayaking and canoeing or even see the famous mansion, Castle in the Clouds. From Mount Cardigan you can also hike to Welton Falls or Wellington State Park where you can go swimming.
Lodging and Camping
The Cardigan Lodge is the closest lodging to the mountain. This lodge is nestled at the base of Mount Cardigan and is open year round, in the winter it is self-service. Guides and family activities are available at the lodge and they serve breakfast, trail lunch and dinner during the summer. For reservations call 1-603-466-2727.
Camping is also situated at the base of the mountain. Sites are within walking distance of the lodge. There are outhouses located near each site and there is a group site available.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts is a town rich in history. It is the town where the Pilgrims and their ship, the Mayflower, landed in 1620. There are a lot of fun and educational things to see and do in Plymouth on summer vacation.
Activities and Attractions
The Plimoth Plantation is a re-creation of the settlement built by the pilgrims in 1627. Here you can wander around the village, unguided and see first hand how these early settlers lived. Costumed actors throughout the village represent real Pilgrims and can tell you the name and history of the pilgrim they represent.
The Mayflower II is a replica of the original ship that brought the Pilgrims to the new World. Visitors can view it for a small fee at State Pier in Plymouth Harbor. Just a few blocks away from the harbor is Burial Hill, one of the first forts built by the settlers and the site where they buried many of their dead.
Throughout the town there are fantastic restaurants where you can eat authentic New England cuisine. You can also go on whale watches, harbor cruises or just have fun on the beach at Plymouth Harbor. Be sure to bring extra change for parking if you want to park right on the beach. Free parking is available just a short walk away on and off of Main st. and Court st.
Lodging
If your looking for something right on the water that is really homey, then By the Sea Bed and Breakfast is your only choice. It is the only private home that is also a bed and breakfast on Plymouth Harbor. The guest suite has its own private entrance and breakfast can be served right on the deck. For more information or reservations call 1-800-593-9688.
The John Carver Inn is one of the nicest places to stay in Plymouth and it is only a short walk from the harbor. They offer many suites with different amenities. They are also a spa and own a great restaurant that is attached to the Inn called the Hearth ‘n’ Kettle. Inside the Inn is a themed pool area called the Pilgrim Cove Indoor Pool. It features an 80′ water slide, Jacuzzis and waterfalls. For reservations and information go to www.johncarverinn.com.
Kancamangus Highway
The Kancamangus Highway is a scenic highway that runs through the White Mountains National Forest. The highway weaves through the gorgeous landscape for nearly 35 miles. The road reaches an altitude of almost 3,000 ft. on Mt. Kancamangus.
Activities and Attractions
The area that the Kancamangus Highway cuts through is teeming with wildlife that can be viewed easily both from the road and while hiking. You can go swimming at Swift River in the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, which is within walking distance of Falls Pond. There are numerous trails for hiking along the entire road. Trail maps can be purchased at the Saco Ranger Station in Conway or the Information Center in Lincoln.
Lodging and Camping
Camping is available in several places on the highway. Sites are available on a first come first serve basis. If you want to stay indoors Gilcrest Cottages and Motel is a 15 minute drive from the Lincoln entrance to the Kancamangus Highway. All of their cabins include a microwave, refrigerator, fireplace and cable television. For reservations or more information call 1-888-741-0129.
Sources
Kancamangus Highway,
Kancamangus Highway New Hampshire,
Cardigan Campsites,
Mt.Cardigan-3121′, retrieved 6/7/09, hikethewhites.com/cardigan.html retrieved 6/7/09, outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/cardigan/cardigan-campsites.cfm retrieved 6/7/09, nhtourguide.com/tripreports/kancamangus_highway_new_hampshire.htmlretrieved 6/7/09, nhliving.com/kancamangus/index.shtml
