New England

Why New England

New England blends colonial history, academic hubs, and coastal charm with four-season scenery—ideal for donor weekends, alumni learning, and retreats. Boston’s Freedom Trail and Harvard Yard connect to American history and service stories, while Maine’s lighthouses and Cape Cod resorts offer quiet spaces for gatherings and fundraising dinners. Vermont foliage drives, Berkshires arts venues, and New Hampshire lakes create reflective moments year-round. With short drives, boutique inns, and seasonal experiences, leaders can focus on storytelling while we handle permits, coaches, and local partners.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Boston & Cambridge: Freedom Trail, Old North Church, Paul Revere House, Harvard and MIT campus tours, and museum evenings.
• Coastal Maine: Portland Head Light, lobster cruise, Kennebunkport strolls, and seaside gatherings on the rocky coast.
• Vermont & New Hampshire: Green Mountain National Forest, Route 100 foliage drives, White Mountains cog railway, and lakefront retreats.
• Berkshires & Western Massachusetts: Tanglewood concerts, Norman Rockwell Museum, Shaker Village, and farm-to-table dining.
• Cape Cod & Islands: Hyannis harbor, Cape Cod National Seashore, Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket day trips with beach devotions.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Boston & Cambridge Anchors

• Base downtown or in Cambridge for easy access to Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, and museum districts.
• Visit Old North Church, Park Street Church, and American Congregational archives for faith heritage.
• Evening donor receptions at Boston Harbor venues or university clubs keep gatherings central.

Coastal Maine & Seaside Retreats

• Drive Boston ↔ Portland (~2 hrs) for lighthouses, lobster boat outings, and Old Port dining.
• Continue to Kennebunkport or Ogunquit for boutique inns, beach walks, and historic chapels as heritage stops.
• Add Acadia National Park (5 hrs north) for Cadillac Mountain sunrise and Bar Harbor charm.

Vermont & New Hampshire Seasons

• Foliage loops through Stowe, Woodstock, or White Mountains with covered bridges, maple tastings, and scenic trains.
• Lake Winnipesaukee or Squam Lake provide waterfront retreats with kayaks, bonfires, and quiet mornings.
• Ski resorts convert to summer/fall conference centers with built-in meeting rooms and lodging.

Berkshires & Cultural Highlands

• Stockbridge, Lenox, and Williamstown offer arts venues, historic inns, and Appalachian Trail trailheads.
• Pair with Springfield or Hartford for museum visits and service with regional organizations.
• Tanglewood concerts or theatre at Shakespeare & Company make donor evenings memorable.

Cape Cod & Islands

• Stay in Hyannis, Chatham, or Falmouth for seaside villages and accessible beaches.
• Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for retreat days, biking, and lighthouse gatherings.
• Provincetown and Cape Cod National Seashore add dunes, art galleries, and whalewatching.

Trip Length & Pacing

6 Days

• Arrive Boston; Freedom Trail highlights and welcome dinner in Beacon Hill.
• Boston museums, Park Street Church visit, and evening harbor cruise for donor networking.
• Drive to Portland; lighthouse tour, lobster cruise, and seaside gathering.
• Coastal retreat morning, drive to New Hampshire lakes region for rest and small groups.
• Return via Boston with Lexington & Concord heritage stops; afternoon free time and farewell dinner.
• Depart via BOS with optional Cape Cod stay.

8 Days

• Adds Cape Cod overnight with National Seashore hike and island day trip to Martha’s Vineyard.
• Includes Vermont foliage drive or Berkshires arts day with donor reception at historic inn.
• Provides service project with regional partners, college chaplain programs, or food pantry.

11 Days

• Comprehensive loop: Boston, Maine coast, New Hampshire lakes, Vermont foliage, and Berkshires arts.
• Adds Acadia National Park or Adirondack extension, plus retreat days for leadership development.
• Allows a quiet morning, fundraising gala at coastal resort, and multiple partner meetings.

Best Time to Go

• September–October delivers iconic fall foliage, crisp air, and ideal temperatures—reserve 9–12 months ahead for peak weeks.
• Late May–June offers spring blooms, graduation energy in college towns, and moderate crowds.
• Summer (July–August) is warm with coastal breezes; plan for higher lodging rates and beach traffic.
• Winter (December–February) brings snowy retreats, ski resorts, and Christmas markets; ideal for cozy gatherings with fireplaces.
• Shoulder months (April, November) offer quieter cities and value pricing; weather varies, so we incorporate indoor alternatives.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Boston Logan (BOS) serves most itineraries; regional airports include Portland (PWM), Manchester (MHT), and Providence (PVD).
• Transport: Private motorcoaches or mini-buses handle regional loops; ferries serve Cape Cod islands; scenic trains or trolleys add local color.
• Typical drives: Boston ↔ Portland ~2 hrs; Boston ↔ Cape Cod ~1.5–2 hrs; Boston ↔ Stowe, VT ~3.5 hrs; Portland ↔ Bar Harbor ~3 hrs.
• Lodging: Downtown hotels, boutique inns, retreat centers, and coastal resorts with meeting rooms and catering.
• Meals: seafood dinners, farm-to-table restaurants, clam bakes, maple brunches, and chowder tastings; dietary needs easily accommodated.
• Mobility: moderate—cobblestone streets, ferry ramps, and some hilly walks; we plan accessible routes and rest breaks.
• Fundraising moments: harbor cruises, lighthouse sunset receptions, colonial inn dinners, and historic chapel concerts.

Extensions & Combos

• Mid-Atlantic: Continue to New York or Washington, D.C. for urban programs and donor meetings.
• Canada Maritimes: Add Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island for coastal storytelling.
• Quebec heritage: Pair with Canada for Montreal, Quebec City, and bilingual programs.
• Appalachian retreat: Head to Smoky Mountains or Kentucky for contrast.
• International stopovers: Connect via Iceland or Ireland on transatlantic routes.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: When is peak foliage season? A: Typically late September through mid-October, shifting north to south; we map dates and secure hotels up to a year ahead.
• Q: How much walking is involved? A: Expect moderate walking on cobblestones and historic sites; we build in rest stops, accessible routes, and trolley alternatives.
• Q: Can we include service or partner visits? A: Yes—partner with Boston-based organizations, coastal outreach, or rural charities; we align schedules and volunteer requirements.
• Q: What about weather variability? A: New England can shift quickly—we provide packing guides, indoor alternatives, and weather alerts for each island or mountain segment.
• Q: How far in advance should we plan? A: Foliage and summer resorts sell out quickly—book 9–12 months ahead for prime inns, ferries, and group dining slots.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add New England to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.