New England is a region of the United States encompassing six states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The entirety of the region is about 1,500 miles and is known for its rocky coastline, seafood cuisine, and colonial history. It is also known for its beautiful natural landscape, with many lakes, hiking trails, beaches, and coastal views.
1. Parks and Places for a Walk
The natural beauty of New England makes it the perfect place for a romantic walk. There are numerous parks and nature reserves that offer scenic trails and breathtaking views. Acadia National Park in Maine has over 120 miles of hiking trails, stunning mountain views and stunning cliffs that line the seashore. In Massachusetts, the Hoosic River Valley Trail allows walkers to take in the beauty of the forest while also offering opportunities to spot wildlife of all kinds. In Connecticut, the Shallow Brook Gorge Trail offers a pleasant walk through old forests and past small waterfalls. For a more urban stroll, The Freedom Trail in Boston is a two-and-a-half-mile walk that takes visitors through some of the city's most historic and beautiful sites.
2. Places for a Coffee Date
A coffee date is a great way to get to know someone and in New England there are plenty of places to do just that. One of the most well-known is Bloc 11 in Somerville, Massachusetts, which serves up speciality coffee and light bites from local bakers. In Connecticut, the Cafe Eclectic in Westport is well-known for their specialty lattes, teas and pastries. The Frisky Goat Coffeehouse in Portland, Maine is beloved for its high-quality coffee, craft beer, and delicious breakfast items. In Vermont, the ArtsRiot in Burlington is a great place to meet up for coffee and light bites while listening to some live music.
3. Galleries, Museums, and Exhibitions
A first date at a gallery, museum or exhibition is a great way to learn more about each other’s interests. In Massachusetts, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers exhibitions of contemporary art from around the world. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston is a great place to explore the history of the U.S. and the accomplishments of JFK. The Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut is one of the oldest university art museums in the country and features a world-class collection of art from ancient to modern times. The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts is great for exploring both history and art, with over 1.3 million objects related to American and Asian culture.
4. Live Music and Entertainment
Seeing a live show is always a great way to make a date memorable. In Boston, the Boch Center Wang Theater offers performances of many types, from Broadway shows to concerts to comedy. In Rhode Island, the Newport Folk Festival is held every summer, offering visitors the chance to see some of the best folk music acts from both local and national acts. In Vermont, the Higgins House Music Festival in Burlington features folk, rock, bluegrass, and other genres from local artists and bands. For a more intimate setting, the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, Massachusetts offers shows from local and international acts.
5. Pubs, Bars, and Restaurants
Going to a pub, bar, or restaurant is a great way to spend a first date, especially if you’re looking to have a few drinks. In Maine, the Great Lost Bear in Portland is well-known for its wide selection of craft beers, delicious food, and live music. In Massachusetts, the Toad in Cambridge is a cozy spot to have dinner and drinks and is known for its extensive wine list. For a more upscale type of restaurant, Grotto in Providence, Rhode Island serves up Italian food with an extensive wine list and a cozy atmosphere. In New Hampshire, The Foundry in Manchester is a popular spot for dinner and drinks, with a menu featuring locally-sourced, farm-fresh ingredients.
6. Other Date Ideas
For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, New England has plenty to offer. The region is well-known for its lobster, so heading out for a lobster dinner is always a great option. Exploring the local farms and farmers markets is a great way to get to know the local produce and find fresh ingredients for a romantic dinner. The region also has many trails perfect for biking, so you can take your date on a scenic ride. For a more adventurous date, rock climbing is becoming a popular activity in
