Summer is officially here. The time has come to get out and explore. Luckily, New Englanders don’t need to go far to enjoy beautiful, scenic drivers. There are dozens of great sites to visit this summer, or year-round for that matter. If you have not gotten out in a while, the time is now right to hit the road.
Looking to take your car out and see the best America’s Northeast has to offer? Whether you want to take your convertible for a joyride or bring the kids for a road trip, we have you covered. New England has scenic routes perfect for day trips and weekend getaways. Here is a list of 11 great places to drive in New England from S&E Auto Sales.
Old King’s Highway
Sagamore, MA to Provincetown, MA
Old King’s highway takes drivers for a beautiful tour of Cape Cod. Rather than taking US Highway 6, take the more scenic 6A, a path that travelers have used for hundreds of years. Drivers will see the quiet towns that dot Cape Cod. This is perfect for those seeking a relaxing summer drive or simply a new perspective of the area. Along the way, you will see many historic landmarks in addition to quaint shops.
Kancamagus Highway
Conway, NH to Lincoln NH
Famous among nature lovers, the scenic Kancamagus Highway showcases the best of New England’s beauty. This road trip is typically associated with fall driving for the incredible color. However, the trip works well in the summertime too. Along the way, there are great spots for camping and hiking. You will encounter breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls along the way. It all comes complete with winding country roads and classic covered bridges.
Vermont Green Mountains
Wilmington, VT to Waterbury, VT
Vermont Route 100 runs straight through the center of the state. Take your time traversing from the south up north through this laid-back rural highway. The road is flanked by tall, green foliage and rolling mountains. On this route, you will come across charming towns and recreation sites. When you get to history Waterbury, make sure to take a tour of the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream factory. If you feel like a longer adventure, you can even take Route 100 all the way to the Canadian border.
Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA to Williamstown, MA
Another route that works great in the summer and fall. Take a journey to Massachusetts’s Northwest as you drive the Mohawk trail along Massachusetts Route 2. This path follows the Berkshires and towns along the Deerfield River. There are plenty of small towns and highland forests to explore on the Mohawk Trail. Art enthusiasts can stop in at the MASS MoCA museum in North Adams.
Bold Coast Maine
Milbridge, ME to Eastport, ME
This is a road trip for people who want to get away and have a true adventure. Perfect for the summer months, Maine’s Bold Coast Byway is ideal for a variety of interests. During fishing season, this route features fantastic locations along Highway 1. Deviate south to the coast to explore historic lighthouses. You can also stop off at the many forest preserves or museums for daytime activities. Bold Coast gives drives an opportunity to immerse themselves in Maine’s untouched natural beauty.
Quiet Corner Connecticut
Norwich, CT to Woodstock, CT
For a road trip closer to home, consider the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. This route follows CT169 up along the state’s eastern half. Here, you will find old colonial towns that will transport drivers back in time. This sleepy highway takes you past farms and small towns and will deliver the simple joy of driving. It comes recommended for those who want to get away from the stress of urban driving for a day.
Rangeley Lakes Maine
Rumford, ME to Madrid, Maine
If you really want to get away from the city, no route beats the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. This will take drivers through the dense forests of Western Maine. Head north along Highway 17 through the hills. Don’t miss the Hight of Land Scenic Overview which will allow you to see for miles. Once you reach Rangeley, you will have several options for camping or lodging.
Chickatawbut Road
Braintree, MA to Milton, MA
For a short and easy drive not far from Boston, head to the Blue Hills Reservation. Chickatawbut Road is the main path through the reservation. This road will give you the feeling of nature without leaving the Boston metro area. Head here for a manageable day of hiking right in Boston’s backyard. The drive is only a few miles, so it is perfect for an easy afternoon.
Battle Road
Lexington, MA to Concord, MA
Another manageable day trip, this one packed with history. This drive is a must for tourists visiting Boston. The road will take drivers past historic homes and teach the history of the American Revolution. It is always a great option for family trips. Teach your young kids about the history of the Colonies without asking for too much time commitment. This trip also gives you the option to get out and walk around the towns at your leisure.
Coastal Byway New Hampshire
Seabrook, NH to Portsmouth, NH
An ideal road trip for drivers who love the sea. Take Highway 1 right along New Hampshire’s Atlantic Coast. Great for convertible drivers who want to feel the cool coastal breeze. Stop off for trips to the beach, ocean views, and more. Take a break to enjoy great restaurants and entertainment options. At the end of the trip, Portsmouth is well-known for its great dining and craft breweries.
Connecticut Coast
New Haven, CT to Stonington, CT
Staying on the topic of beachside driving, explore Connecticut’s southern coastline. Start in New Haven and follow Highway 1 through the oceanfront communities. After crossing the Connecticut River, you will want to take 156 to stay near the shore. This area has several beaches and parks to stop and explore. As you visit different towns along the Long Island Sound, you will find plenty of great activities. This route includes many smaller drives that could make great day trips individually.
About S&E Auto Sales
At S&E Auto Sales, we serve the Weymouth and Walpole, Massachusetts communities. If you want to find a quality pre-owned car, check out our dealership’s unbeatable inventory. We have a wide variety of vehicles from top automakers. Plus, our friendly sales team will make sure the buying process is easy and pain-free. To find the right car for your next New England road trip, contact S&E Auto Sales today.
