If the September and October As summer finally comes to an end and we start to make ourselves comfortable at home for the coming cold days, a trip to our friends in New England on the other side of the Atlantic.
Because it is precisely at this time that the forests along the east coast of the USA shine in a unique autumnal colors and transform the landscape into a colorful patchwork of deep yellow, orange and red that seems to stretch to the horizon. This is the "Indian Summer" , a spectacle that attracts people to the Northeast of the USA along the Atlantic every year. But New England has so much more to offer than colorful leaves at this magical time in late summer and autumn. From enchanted lighthouses, to idyllic coastal towns and historical landmarks, to wild nature and, of course, good food - New England really has something for every traveler.
Join us for a road trip through picturesque New England at probably the most beautiful time of the year, of course always accompanied by delicious and aromatic signposts.
Our journey begins after a long flight across the Atlantic with our touchdown in historic Boston , the largest city in the State of Massachusetts . In our luggage we have, in addition to waterproof clothing, hiking boots and spare batteries, a lot of enthusiasm and a good portion of hunger.
If you are suffering from jet lag, you should take the opportunity to stay a while, because our journey will take us over a distance of almost 1,300 miles (approx. 1,900 km) – that is more than three times the distance between Munich and Hamburg – through 6 of America’s perhaps most beautiful states So even if the anticipation is great, a good night's sleep can't hurt.
We recommend (as on the whole trip) a traditional accommodation in one of the many B&Bs or family motels , of course with typical American Breakfast the next morning. This is the chance to enjoy a classic American breakfast with pancakes, bacon and waffles and some absolute taste classics from New England and the neighboring states – such as maple syrup and blueberry jam – which you should definitely not miss on a trip to the region.
➡️ Wild Maine Blueberry Jam by Stonewall Kitchen
➡️ Maple syrup from Crown Maple
➡️ Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix by Stonewall Kitchen
Massachusetts Part 1 – Boston, Salem & Co.
Have you finished breakfast? Then you can get started, because there is a lot to see.
Boston is perhaps one of the most historic cities in the entire USA. Who has never heard of the Boston Tea Party But the city also has a lot of attractions to offer in terms of current events. It is the seat of the world-famous Harvard University and all sports fans will probably head towards Fenway Park move to the home of the Red Sox .
If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, you can walk along the waterfront promenade stroll before we get behind the wheel and our journey really begins.
The first part of our journey takes us just a short way from Boston to Towards the north , the idyllic, almost sleepy-looking Salem . This name is probably familiar to many people. In the 18th century, the Salem Witch Trials in which many young women were accused of being witches and condemned to death at the stake. These spooky story is still a part of the city today and especially in autumn, with Halloween just around the corner, it is worth taking part in one of the many night and haunted tours through historical (and sometimes supposedly haunted) locations.
Salem is probably known to many book lovers through the vampire novel “Salem's Lot” by Stephen King In fact, many of King's books are set in the States New England , even if not all of the locations, such as Salem, are actually real places in real life. And King is in good company here, as the unique horror classics by author HP Lovecraft especially in and around Boston.
For the perfect Spooky atmosphere , like in Salem, we recommend the great Halloween Limited Edition scented candles by Kringle Candle , also authentically from New England (we will find a chance to buy them locally later). There are also scents that are sometimes directly based on King's books or have direct parallels, such as "Redrum" or "Black Cat" .
➡️ Halloween Limited Edition scented candles from Kringle Candle
Instead of heading north directly from the city, it is worth a little excursion via the Yankee Division Highway east to Cape Ann . Here are a few tranquil coastal towns such as Rockport , which attract with picturesque beaches and delicious seafood. Our special recommendation for all those who want to take the chance and try local lobster is "The Lobster Pool" at the northern tip of the peninsula. Not only is the food first class, the view out over Ipswich Bay is also well worth a stop.
On the way back from our little detour, you should not miss a visit to the cities of Essex and Ipswich. Ipswich with its many historic districts is not to be missed. If lobster is not your thing, you should try the local mussels, the quality of which is celebrated every year at the big Chowder Festival. clam chowder is a mussel soup that is thickened with rusks. An insider tip that we definitely don't want to miss on our trip (or at home).
After the short detour, it is time to head north. Even though our route along the Highway 95 We recommend instead taking the Route 1 The road is a very special insider tip and, in our opinion, perhaps the most beautiful coastal route in all of New England.
New Hampshire Part 1 – Passing through Portsmouth
After our little literary and culinary detours, our journey takes us further along the coast Direction north and for a short while through tranquil New Hampshire. On our way we drive through the idyllic Portsmouth , with its harbour and houses in the vintage look invites you to linger and stroll.
Although our first stay in New Hampshire is very short, it will not be the last.
Maine – Stonewall Kitchen, Portland & Arcadia
Our first destination along the long coast of Maine is just 20 minutes north of Portsmouth. If you cross the bay and the state border into Maine and follow Route 1, you will soon arrive in the tranquil town of York. For gourmets and fans of Stonewall Kitchen It is worth visiting the Company Store . Given our long journey, some food can't hurt anyway and outdoor fans in particular should take the opportunity to stock up on some tasty treats that can be enjoyed quickly and easily on the go with just a few ingredients.
➡️ Everything Blend by Stonewall Kitchen
➡️ Blueberry Honey Dutch Waffle Cookie from Stonewall Kitchen
➡️ Hot Chocolate & Marshmallows from Stonewall Kitchen
From here we leave the Route 1 for another short trip east to the coast for a postcard moment of a special kind. The Cape Neddick Light is one of the most famous lighthouses in the northeast of the USA and one of the classic photo motifs in the area. Although the lighthouse itself cannot be reached by holidaymakers, as it is on a offshore island but the view from the eastern end of the Cape Neddick peninsula over the offshore island and the endless Atlantic Ocean beyond is a magical experience and definitely worth a detour to marvel and take photos.
Before we go deeper into picturesque Maine If you continue your journey, it is worth stopping off in Portland (not to be confused with Portland, Oregon). Downtown Arts District and the Harbor are worth a visit. If you want, you can also take a ferry and make a detour to the islands in the Casco Bay make. A world-famous photo motif is waiting just a little further along the coast. The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse is not only world-famous as a postcard, but also has historical significance. As the first lighthouse in the United States, it was built by George Washington personally commissioned.
In general, Portland is ideal as a hub for all Lighthouse-Hunter , as you can find a variety of most beautiful lighthouses the coast in just a short time. It is definitely worth staying for a while.
➡️ Ocracoke Lighthouse Christmas tree decoration
If you prefer to go to the lighthouses instead of the untouched nature will certainly enjoy our next destination, even if we have to make a big detour from our round trip. 3 hours the next stop takes us northbound from the city. Don't worry if it feels like we are driving further and further into nowhere. That is by design. Because our goal is pure nature in Arcadia National Park .
The national park lies largely on the offshore Mount Desert Island and is home to many impressive wild animals such as moose and Bears . A variety of seabirds have their home along the coast and in good weather you might even be able to see a whale spot. The Cadillac Mountain in the center of the island may not be the highest mountain on our route with its 505 meters, but the tree-free view over the whole island is definitely worth it and experienced hikers can try to climb the mountain early in the morning and greet the new day at the point from which one is supposedly the first in the USA the sunrise If you would like to stay longer, you can Bar Habor a small town on the island, picturesquely situated in a bay at the northeast end of the island.
Anyone who has a not insignificant detour If you are not afraid of visiting one of the most picturesque (and easternmost) points of the mainland USA, you should take the opportunity, since we are already so far north. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is good again 2 hours northeast along the Atlantic coast. From this classic red and white striped lighthouse you can, in good weather, look across the waves of the Quaddy Narrows to Liberty Point in the neighboring Canada Despite the big detour, it's definitely a long journey.
On the way back to the west Towards Augusta , from where we will continue our journey inland We should take the time to review the local specialties to try. Seafood , caught directly in front of the small coastal towns, is an absolute must. Whether lobster , oysters or delicious Fish – all those who love seafood come to the many restaurants in the coastal towns on the Atlantic just don't get around it.
➡️ Cotton lobster bib - Lobster Bib by Stonewall Kitchen (100% cotton)
New Hampshire Part 2 – Mount Washington
Our travel plan now takes us for the first time inland and far away from lighthouses and the rough Atlantic coast. But don’t worry – our new destination is at least just as picturesque as the rugged east coast beaches, if not more so. Our destination on this stretch of road is picturesque Vermont, but we'll cross through New Hampshire again along the way.
All mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts should consider making a detour into the nearby nature before crossing the border into Maine. Only about half an hour south of the exit from Route 2 in Gorham lies White Mountain National Park an impressive nature reserve that inspires every hiker. Here also rises the Mount Washington , the highest mountain in the northeastern United States, which dominates the surrounding area by up to 1,400 meters The summit is accessible via a toll road until October. accessible by car In addition to a visitor center and a cafeteria, it offers a unique view over the expanse of New England.
➡️ Mountain Sunrise scented candle by Country Candle
➡️ Mountain Chalet scented candle by Country Candle
Vermont Part 1 – Home of Indian Summer
Vermont , home of the world-famous “Indian Summer” . Even if you don’t know the name, you have certainly seen pictures of this impressive natural spectacle that you simply can’t help but be amazed by. From August to October the vast forests of Vermont shine in bright colors. Fiery Red, orange and yellow , occasionally broken up by the last green, immerse the wide valleys and imposing mountain slopes in a play of colours of a special kind. And when the sun slowly sets behind the hills in the evening, the scenery is immersed in a sea of amber colours that literally set ablaze . A forest walk or a joyride The winding avenues are particularly fun to walk through in late summer and autumn.
If you don’t want to miss the atmosphere in your own four walls, you can also enjoy the unique atmosphere with autumnal New England scents from Country and Kringle Candle take it home (an opportunity to do so will come later).
➡️ New England scented candle from Country Candle
➡️ Crimson Park scented candle by Kringle Candle
➡️ Clearwater Creek scented candle by Kringle Candle
➡️ Autumn Amber scented candle by Kringle Candle
Vermont is particularly popular with its magical autumn atmosphere and the many small, often remote holiday homes the ultimate goal for romantic holidays . So if you are travelling with your better half, you should a short break and enjoy the truly unique atmosphere. For the right ambience in the intimate togetherness, he can of course also matching flavors and culinary delights.
➡️ Knitted Cashmere scented candle by Kringle Candle
➡️ Flannel scented candle by Country Candle
➡️ Warm & Fuzzy scented candle by Kringle Candle
We also recommend the forests of Vermont as great destinations in late autumn and winter. However, you should be prepared for heavy snow flurries and many pleasantly warm hours indoors. But you can also pass the time here, for example by baking cookies with our Vermont cookie cutters in many great designs.
➡️ Cookie cutters from Vermont
Vermont Part 2 – A Paradise for Hikers
Who instead under a warm blanket to make yourself comfortable, out into nature For those who want to explore the North of Vermont, with its many lakes score points. kayaks can rent me almost anywhere here and enjoy a quiet autumn evening outside on the clear, calm water.
➡️ Lake House Hand Soap by Stonewall Kitchen
After the tranquil lakes in northern Vermont, all outdoor enthusiasts will definitely have their hearts racing at our next stop.
After our romantic break we set off towards the south along Highways 89 and 91, the Connecticut Rivers and the state border with neighboring New Hampshire. While New Hampshire is dominated by the nearby Atlantic coast, the atmosphere further west inland is completely different. southern Vermont is characterized by the Appalachian Mountains and the rain that moves inland from the Atlantic and rains down on the mountains. rustic forests and from Fog Almost ghostly veiled valleys and mountain peaks give the area an almost enchanted atmosphere
➡️ Balsam Fir scented candle by Country Candle
➡️ Balsam Fir scented candle by Kringle Candle
A little off the highways lies the Green Mountains National Forest , a national forest of over 3,000 km² and home to some of the most famous and beautiful hiking routes in the world. This includes a section of the Appalachian Trail , which begins at Springer Mountain in Maine and takes hikers over 3,540 km to Georgia, crossing 14 states. 3 million people hike sections of this trail every year and around 3,000 people attempt to hike the entire route each year - only 25% make it in the end. And the section through the forests of Vermont is an absolute highlight, especially in late summer.
You should only waterproof clothing Don't forget it in the car, because the weather can change quickly here.
➡️ Rainy Days scented candle from Stonewall Kitchen
Massachusetts Part 2 – Visiting Kringle Candle
Although we are currently only passing through and will spend some time in picturesque Massachusetts at the end of our trip, there is one point on our journey south that we absolutely cannot miss. Let us follow the Highway 91 of Vermont Towards New Haven , then we come directly through the town Bernardston . Although the tranquil town has just over 2,000 inhabitants, fans of our products can look forward to a very special highlight, because our popular Kringle and Country Candles .
A stopover here is the perfect opportunity to souvenirs that will keep the unique atmosphere of our New England trip alive for a long time to come.
➡️ Great autumn scents from Kringle Candle
➡️ Exciting autumn aromas from Country Candle
Connecticut – Bridges & maritime flair
As we head further south, we cross the border into a new state on our tour. Connecticut is diverse with maritime but also rural influences. The north of the state is particularly famous for its picturesque “Covered Bridges” , a landmark of New England. If you don’t want to miss the perhaps most famous and beautiful of these bridges, you have to leave the highway and about an hour Continue to western Connecticut. Here the scarlet West Cornwall Covered Bridge , which with its 52 meters unparalleled. An iconic photo motif of the highest class.
➡️ Snowy Bridge scented candle by Kringle Candle
Following Highway 91 we reach our next destination in the south of the state: New Haven . The city is best known for the Yale University and visitors can be impressed by the atmosphere of this prestigious institution. For all fans of classical art, almost hidden on the university grounds, lies the publicly accessible Yale University Art Gallery , where you can admire over 250,000 original works by famous artists such as Degas, Monet and Manet.
The southern Connecticut is dominated by the coast and the offshore Long Island Sound at the other end of which Long Island If you want to add destinations outside of New England to your travel plan and are not afraid of traffic, a trip to New York City in the south. In just under an hour and a half you can get from New Haven to Downtown Manhattan and grab a souvenir, assuming traffic plays along, of course.
➡️ New York Souvenirs from American Heritage
For maritime interests, it is worth stopping off at the coast in Mystic . The popular Mystic Seaport offers shopping and strolling opportunities as well as a variety of attractions such as a planetarium, a publicly accessible shipyard and history in the form of traditional wooden boats and houses in vintage style. Mystic Aquarium is absolutely worth a detour, especially for those on a short tour.
Rhode Island - Mansions & Beaches
From New Haven we drive east along the coast and soon reach the last new state on our tour: Rhode Island . Known as a holiday destination, the state attracts visitors especially in summer with its many beaches, although in autumn it is swimming and surfing probably only the really hardy holidaymakers will not find it too cold to venture into the waves.
Before we head north from the picturesque coast towards the interior, it is worth taking a short detour to Newport . The city, located on a peninsula, is known for its coastal character. The Newport Cliffs in the south of the city are world-famous for their mixture of rugged nature and historic architecture. Although Rhode Island is generally popular for its many impressive properties, the most opulent Mansions in the whole state can also be found here in the city. Especially when the weather is nice, it is worth taking a few hours out of your daily schedule and strolling along the wide streets and green spaces and exploring the buildings reminiscent of France and England. The most famous mansion that is open to the public is certainly “The Breakers” , a magnificent building with 70 rooms, built in Renaissance style.
➡️ Cheers scented candle by Country Candle
➡️ Gold & Cashmere scented candle by Kringle Candle
We leave Newport behind us and set off again Towards the north . In fact, from here it is only about 100 km back to Boston, where our journey began. Before that, however, we will make a stop in Providence . For the right holiday mood, we recommend a trip through the canals with one of the many Gondolas . You can almost feel like you are in Venice instead of the USA. Guests in October can, with a little luck, also enjoy a special sight. Every year in May and October, the "Providence WaterFire" an event in which fires placed in the river along the waterfront are lit and bathe the water in a warm orange in the evening hours.
Is everything ready? Then we set off for the definitely “last but not least” part of our tour.
Massachusetts Part 3 – Cape Cod & the Islands
Instead of driving from Providence, which is only 50 miles (about 90 km) further north to Boston, we make one last detour to Towards the southeast . Here we will find some of the most beautiful and world-famous destinations of our entire trip.
Our first port of call is the peninsula Cape Cod . The Pilgrim Fathers landed in America at this historic site in 1620. Provincetown at the very northern end of the cape is a popular destination for tourists. On the tours organized from here, whale watching tours the best chances of seeing whales live in the whole country. The city is also very popular as an artist's stronghold. So if you are still looking for a souvenir, you will certainly find one and all golf fans should take the chance and play on one of the 15 local golf courses try their luck for a hole-in-one.
If you want to end your tour with a few absolute highlights, you should use the local ferries from Cape Cod and travel to the offshore islands translate.
In the south of Cape Cod you can take a boat from Woods Hole to the legendary Martha's Vineyard . A walk along the Beach houses and villas , especially in the twilight with the sound of the sea in the background, make you think back to warm summer days even in autumn. It is not without reason that the island is a dream holiday destination for many Americans. Beach cultists and lighthouse hunters will get their money's worth here. But wildlife enthusiasts also have a lot to offer with the local seabird park a day trip destination in a unique scenic setting.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Lewis Bay, just a stone's throw from Cape Cod Airport, to the more remote island Nantucket Even though historically they were primarily used for whaling famous, the island is now primarily a hotspot for sailors and the many whales that camp off the island throughout the year, it is doing much better as a tourist attraction. Nevertheless, you should take the chance to visit the local Whaling Museum before we slowly have to start thinking about the journey home.
On the way back north along the coast of Massachusetts we take the time for a last stop in Plymouth , the unofficial Birthplace of the United States . In addition to Plymouth Rock and the National Monument of the Forefathers (the third largest statue in the USA), a replica of the “Mayflower” , the ship on which the Pilgrim Fathers arrived in America. And south of today’s city center, it is worth visiting the replica of the original pilgrim settlement , which today serves as an interactive open-air museum functions.
With the origin of the USA we unfortunately mark the end of our tour and the return trip to Boston, where the flight home awaits us. Of course, there are New England still so much more to discover, but unfortunately our time is limited and all good things must come to an end. But don't worry. The fact that we couldn't see everything means only one thing at the end of the day:
We will come back.
