New England: Yankee rule

The northeastern region of the United States known as New England consists of six small states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. While for those outside of the United States, Yankee is slang for anyone from the United States; to those from the United States, Yankees are New Englanders.

New England was the point of arrival and initial settlement for many of the colonial English settlers who landed on the shores of the “new world.” In reality, of course, the land was as old as Europe, and just like Europe, the land was heavily populated by Native Americans. But that was going to change.

Today, Americans view New England as one of the birthplaces of the nation. As a result, New England has much pride and cultural importance as a people. The first English governor and assembly in New England issued the Mayflower Compact which promised cooperation among the colonists. Some American historians see this as the seed of American democracy and, though perhaps exaggeratedly, the world’s first written constitution.

New England has preserved remnants of the colonial settlements occupied by early English settlers, allowing tourists to stop by and observe the conditions faced by those seeking their new life in America. Recreational villages and living museums like the one at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offer interactive exhibits that demonstrate how the daily struggles of the settlers were fought.

Salem Witch Trials

The city of Salem, Massachusetts, which is the site of the notorious Salem witch trials that took place in 1692, has taken its seedy past and turned it into a tourist industry that attracts thousands each year. The witch trials marked a peak in colonial religious puritanical paranoia. The “trials” resulted in the execution of almost 20 people accused of colluding with the devil, although it is highly unlikely that any of the defendants were actually involved in any form of witchcraft.

Salem has taken on the historic charges and adopted them as a tongue-in-cheek badge of honor. Even Salem police vehicles are emblazoned with the silhouette of a witch on a broom. Although it may seem like a rather sardonic take on a tragic event, Salem has embraced the macabre and turned the beautiful, historic town into a year-long celebration of Halloween. There are haunted houses, costume shops, Wiccan-themed shops, and ghost tours throughout the city. You can also find many bars, restaurants and cozy cafes on the streets of Salem.

Boston, MA

Boston, Massachusetts, in addition to being a center of American culture, ingenuity, and scholarship, has a host of historic buildings, museums, and landmarks that preserve and record the progression from those barren settlements of the early 1600s to independence in 1776. One can easily walk the winding streets of Boston imagining that they are standing next to the buckler-wearing revolutionaries who forged the most treasured and exalted cornerstones of American heritage.

But make no mistake, topicality is also very much alive and kicking in New England. Boston is a center of higher education with several universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or MIT, Boston University, Tufts University, Northwestern University, Harvard University, and others.

Boston has a very rich and vibrant cultural environment. It is the culmination of cultures and disciplines that immigrants from around the world have brought to Boston. Still, Boston, along with the rest of New England, retains a very distinctive identity and culture.

That quintessential New England accent (perhaps best exemplified in pop culture by John F. Kennedy) echoes around every corner. New England clam chowder overflows from many crock pots. New England has a charm and magnetic appeal that can hardly be put into words, but must be experienced. The stunning coastlines dotted with candle lighthouses should be enough to entice the curious traveler. A word of caution for prospective travelers to Boston: Try to keep to yourself any dissenting views on the Patriots and Red Sox. It’s for your own good.

Massachusetts coastal towns

Along the coast, you’ll find the character and charm of the fishing villages that line the brackish beaches of Massachusetts. Cape Cod is a great summer destination for those looking to hit the open sea or lounge luxuriously on the beach. From Provincetown, you can embark on whale-watching expeditions, day-long fishing adventures, and return in the evening for fine dining overlooking the ocean.

You’ll find Cape Ann another welcoming destination along the Massachusetts coast. Cape Ann is about an hour north of Boston. Like Cape Cod, it’s a beautiful and interesting culmination of a fishing village, art colonies, ocean views, and seafood restaurants.

An interesting occurrence in the Cape Ann city of Gloucester is the Feast of Saint Peter, which takes place on the last weekend of June. This annual celebration includes a carnival, a rowboat race and the traditionally comical greasy pole climbing contest. The pole is covered in grease and dozens of men individually compete to retrieve the coveted flag at the top of the pole. Locals and tourists alike line up along the shoreline or in boats in the harbor to watch the chaos unfold. While you’re in Gloucester breathing the ocean air, be sure to try a plate of long-necked clams, or “steamers,” with broth and butter sauces.

Vermont

To the north of Massachusetts you will find the picturesque and beautiful state of Vermont. Vermont has weathered the rapid population growth that has characterized much of the east coast of the US. It has the least populated capital city of any state and is the only state in the union without a single building over 150 feet. Although Vermont is landlocked, it shares the large capillary Lake Champlain with New York to the west and Canada to the north.

Vermont is home to the lush, deciduous Green Mountains. There are more ski resorts in Vermont than in any other New England state, making it a welcome destination during New England winters. When in Vermont, be sure to keep an eye out for fresh maple syrup, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and locally brewed beers.

Maine

Another state to surround yourself with natural beauty, it is heavily forested and the least populated state in New England. Maine has survived thanks to its agricultural tradition, as well as its fishing and small manufacturing industries. Maine has a dramatic, rugged coastline and is well known for its legendary lobster.

new hampshire

New Hampshire has its share of winter activities and also boasts a stunning coastline. Known as “the Granite State,” New Hampshire has numerous quarries and rock formations that add to its majestic scenery.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is geographically the smallest state in the United States, but due to its high population density it is not the least populated. The state is known for the manufacture of silverware and fine jewelry.

Connecticut

In Connecticut you’ll find a great offshoot of the New York metropolitan area, but you’ll also find it has its own New England charm. Connecticut is proud of its historical heritage and has painstakingly preserved many of its historic traditions, buildings, and monuments. Be sure to visit some of Connecticut’s beautiful towns before taking the train to New York City.

Birthplace of the Nation

New England is a land of gorgeous fall colors, vibrant colonial communities, abundant seafood, beautiful beaches and stunning views, vast expanses of forest, a temperate climate, and a list of craft beers. New England is a unique blend of the beauty of nature with an expanse of colonial architecture. A driving force in the forging of a separate American culture, this section of the United States holds a unique pride.