New England is a great summer vacation destination. There are countless beautiful beaches and scenic spots to easily enjoy. Some of my greatest childhood memories are summer vacations all over New England. Here are a few of my favorite summer vacations in New England.
Mount Cardigan: Gold and Alexandria, New Hampshire
Cardigan Mountain is a 3,155 foot mountain located in western New Hampshire. It is also known as “Old Baldy” because the top of the mountain was stripped of all vegetation by a nasty fire in 1855, none of the trees or brush ever came back. The mountains are surrounded by some of the best natural scenery New Hampshire has to offer.
Activities and attractions
Cardigan Mountain is less than an hour’s drive from scenic Lake Winnipesaukee and local summer hot spot, Beach Weirs. There you can go kayaking and boating 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 swim.
Place and Camp
Cardigan is next door to the mountain hotel. This lodge is nestled at the foot of Mount Cardigan and is open year-round, with its winter service. Guides and families are available at the hotel and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner during summer. For reservations call 1-603-46-2727.
A camp was also placed at the foot of the mountain. The sites are within walking distance of the lodge. There are outhouses located near each site and group sites are 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 many fun and educational things to see and do in Plymouth during your summer vacation.
Activities and attractions
Plimoth Plantation is a recreation of a settlement built by settlers in 1627. Here you can wander around the village, guided 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 pilgrims.
The Mayflower II is a replica of the original ship that brought immigrants to the new world. Visitors can see it for a small fee at the City Pier in Plymouth Harbor. A few blocks 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.
There are fantastic restaurants in town where you can eat authentic New England cuisine. You can also go on whale watches, cruise the harbor or just have fun on the beach at Plymouth harbour. Be sure to bring extra change for the park if you want to park right on the beach. Free parking is available just a short walk on and off Main st. and the court of st.
Place
If you’re looking for something right on the water that’s really homey, then bed and breakfast is your only choice. The only private house is also a bed and breakfast in Plymouth Harbor. Accompanying guests have their own private entrance and breakfast can be served on board. 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 a short walk from the harbor. They offer many different types of entertainment. They also have a spa and have a great restaurant attached to the Inn called Fire ‘n’ Kettle. In the center of the Inn is a themed Peregrine Cove Indoor Pool Pool. 80′ water slide, features Jacuzzis and waterfalls. Reservations and information at www.johncarverinn.com.
Kancamangus Via
The scenic road is the Kancamangi road which runs through the Great Smoky Mountains Forest. The road covered nearly 35 miles through splendid landscaped surroundings. The road reaches a height of about 3,000 ft. it reaches Mount Kancamango.
Activities and attractions
The area that the Kancamangus road crosses is rich with wildlife, which can be easily seen both from the road and hiking. You can swim at the Rapid River Gorge Scenic Area, which is within walking distance of the Falls Lake. There are many trails all along the way. Trail maps can be purchased at the Saco Ranger Station in Conway or the Information Center in Lincoln.
Place and Camp
Campsites are available at several locations along the way. Sites are available on a first come, first served basis. If you want to stay at the Gilcrest Cabins and Motel within a 15 minute drive from the Lincoln entrance to Kancamang Road. All of them include a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a refrigerator and a microwave oven. For reservations or more information call 1-888-741-0129.
Sources
Kancamangus Girl
Kancamangus Village, New Hampshire
Cardigan Campsites
Mt.Cardigan-3121′, retrieved 6/7/09, hikethewhites.com/cardigan.html retrieved 6/7/09, foris.org/lodging/lodges/cardigan/cardigan-campsites.cfm Retrieved 6/7/09, nhtourguide.com/tripreports/kancamangus_highway_new_hampshire.html retrieved 6/7/09, nhliving.com/kancamangus/index.shtml
