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There are six fabulous states that make up the New England region of the United States. A summer vacation in any of these states is sure to be a memorable one. Perhaps you will choose to vacation in the more northern states of Vermont, Maine or New Hampshire. If you are lucky enough to have long weekends or a lot of vacation time to use, you will also have the great states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut to choose from! New England has a charm all of its own and the states are close enough that you can visit each of them if time allows.

Choosing ten great New England summer vacation ideas is not easy because there are so many. However, the following are some not to be missed spots to spend a day, a long weekend or even a week exploring this summer!

Rhode Island: The smallest state in the union has the greatest summer vacation spots. The popular Newport Mansions are always a great tourist destination in Rhode Island. You can purchase tickets to tour multiple mansions and then travel into the bustling summer resort in 'downtown' Newport. Filled with restaurants that boast great New England seafood and breathtaking views of the ocean, you will find it hard to leave Newport. Take a tour of the coastline by train or charter a sailboat for an unforgettable experience. Find more information about Newport on their site Go Newport.

Another incredible Rhode Island vacation destination is Block Island. It is a wonderful vacation hideaway that you will not forget! Block Island is twelve miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island and accessible by a scenic ferry ride at a reasonable cost. Cyclists find Block Island a real haven as there are very few cars on the Island. Kayaking, biking, hiking and even mopeds are common ways to enjoy Block Island. Sit back and relax on seventeen miles of incredible beaches on Block Island and then enjoy a fabulous meal at one of the many restaurants on the island. Most have outdoor seating.

Rich in history and abundant with great seafood restaurants, beautiful beaches and historic homes, Block Island is a great getaway for a day or a long weekend. Book far in advance for overnight stays as this is a popular destination! More information on Block Island at Block Island.com and schedule information for the ferry can be found at BlockIslandFerry.com.

Another great New England vacation spot is the State of Connecticut. There are many incredible vacation spots in this historic state. The eastern section of Connecticut has endless places to spend several days of your summer vacation. Mystic Seaport is a popular destination in the eastern section of Connecticut. The Mystic Aquarium is one of the leading aquariums in the United States. Shows, events and incredible exhibits make the Mystic Aquarium a must on the vacation to-do list.

Mystic Seaport also has so much to see and do that it may require more than one day to explore. From the Tall Ships to the 19th Century Village, the history in Mystic Seaport makes for a fun and educational vacation spot. There is a planetarium as well as childrens activities and the most beautiful 19th century gardens to explore. Mystic Seaport also hosts a variety of events that will be of interest to tourists of all ages.

Massachusetts hold the key to so many great vacation ideas. Whether you find the peaceful beauty of the Berkshires or the bustle of Boston, there are so many ways to spend your summer in Massachusetts.

Summer is not complete without a trip to a baseball game. Fenway Park in Boston opened on April 20, 1912 as the second home to the Boston Red Sox who were known as The Boston Pilgrims until the name was changed by owner John Taylor in 1907. Although tickets are often sold out for many games at this popular ball park, bleacher seats are often available and still provide a great view of the game.

If baseball is on your list of summer favorites, take a tour of Fenway Park while you are in Boston. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $10 for children to get a historical fifty minute walking tour of the ballpark, guided by an official Fenway Park Tour Guide.

Get your feet ready if you plan on staying in Boston for more vacation fun. There are walking tours of Boston that show off Boston's rich architectural and historical heritage. You can also visit the incredible New England Aquarium and then dine in historic Fanueil Hall! Plan ahead and make your summer vacation in Boston a memorable one. Find more information on HistoricBoston.com.

Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire also have so many great spots to spend your summer vacation. Beautiful Vermont boasts plenty of places to visit such as the Norman Rockwell Museum . Perhaps a tour of Sugarwoods Farm, where you can see how real Vermont maple syrup is made.

Maine is a great destination for shoppers. A shopping vacation is something extra special in Maine because the scenery in the state is absolutely breathtaking. Kittery and Freeport are popular shopping spots in Maine. A trip to Freeport to visit LL Bean is an important stop on your shopping tour. It opened in 1912 and is still open 24/7 for shoppers who choose to shop around the clock. Maine is well known for its discount outlets, so plan your trip to include shopping and breaks in between for some delicious food in the great variety of restaurants. Find more information about shopping in Maine go to VisitMaine.com.

New Hampshire is a summer paradise for those who love the outdoors. From the gorgeous Lake Winnipesauke in central New Hampshire to a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack, New Hampshire, there is something for everyone in New Hampshire during the summer. Find more information about beautiful New Hampshire go to VisitNH.com.

New England is a summer vacation spot where you will never run out of ideas for something to do. Whether you have a day or a week to spend, New England is an amazing destination for summer travelers.

Learn more about this author, Cheryl A Phillips.
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