Check out these New England spots over the summer
Summer break is just weeks away, and after a tough academic year, students deserve a much-needed vacation. With the majority of Roger Williams University students originally from New England, there are a number of places they can safely visit outdoors over the next few months.
Gillette Castle State Park – Connecticut
Gillette Castle was built in the late 1910s and was the home of William Hooker Gillette, who is best known for playing the original Sherlock Holmes on stage. It sits on a 184-acre estate in East Haddam, Conn.
Gillette designed the 24-room home himself, and he made it so that the outside appeared like a medieval castle. The walking trails throughout the estate were also designed by Gillette. They were unusual like the house, with wooden trestles and arched bridges.
In the spring, summer, and fall, visitors can travel across the Connecticut River on the Hadlyme ferry to reach Gillette Castle. Along the way, they can see beautiful views of the park.
Acadia National Park – Maine
As the only national park in New England, Acadia National Park is a place all New Englanders should visit. There are amazing scenic views for visitors to see as they hike, kayak, bike, and so much more.
There are several ways to travel through the park. There is a carriage road system that winds its way through, which was originally developed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. There is also an Island Explorer bus that drives through, allowing visitors to see many different points in the park. A common way of travel is driving on Park Loop Road, which is full of scenic overlooks.
Provincetown – Massachusetts
On the northern point of Cape Cod sits Provincetown (also called PTown,) which is well known for being the spot where the Mayflower landed. The Pilgrim Monument is built where the landing site is, and nearby, the Provincetown Museum exhibits the history of the Pilgrims. There is also the Race Point Light, which is a historic lighthouse that allows visitors to stay overnight in the Keeper’s House.
Provincetown is also known for being a safe haven for those in the LGBTQ+ community, and it is home to many artists. Commercial Street in particular is filled with art galleries, eateries, clubs, cabarets, and stores.
Mt. Monadnock – New Hampshire
Mt. Monadnock is the world’s most climbed mountain, and for good reason. Travelers can climb it easily in a day, and there are different options for climbing as well. There are five main trails that hikers usually use, however the 35-mile trail for those who wish for more of a challenge. The mountain stands alone, thus allowing for incredible views from its summit of the surrounding forests.
Bellevue Avenue Mansions – Rhode Island
Along Bellevue Avenue in Newport, R.I., grand mansions stand along the ocean. Visitors can walk on the Cliff Walk, taking in views of the ocean and the mansions together.
One of the mansions Rosecliff was designed after Louis XIV’s Grand Trianon at Versailles, and its grand ballroom was the setting for The Great Gatsby and True Lies. Another one of the mansions Marble House was designed after the Petit Trianon at Versailles, and it had an opulent gold-encrusted ballroom that was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
Lake Champlain – Vermont
Lake Champlain extends for 120 miles between Vermont and New York, and its watershed covers more than 8,000 square miles. Travelers love to visit the different attractions offered, including areas where they can canoe, kayak, and sail.
The lake is a natural sanctuary for wildlife, with 318 species of birds and 81 species of fish residing in the area. There are several wildlife reserves that protect the lake’s shore and nearby wetlands, such as the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). There are also several museums visitors can check out nearby, including the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.
Its namesake Samuel de Champlain was also the first to claim that a 20-foot serpent-like creature swims in the lake, which was later named “Champy.” Make sure to check the waters while sailing for any slithering shadows.
