New York's Summer Playground

Sag Harbor

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Sag Harbor offers pristine beaches, breathtaking ocean views, historic homes, antique shops, hideaway inns and gourmet eateries in a truly unique setting of century old streets. Lunch or dinner at Sunset Beach Hotel and Restaurant feels more like St. Tropez than Eastern Long Island, making Sag Harbor an excellent place to start your New England cruising.

Block Island

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Known for excellent cycling, hiking, sailing, fishing, surfing, and beaches, Block Island was named by The Nature Conservancy as one of the twelve sites in the list of “Last Great Places” in the Western Hemisphere. Approximately 20 percent of the island is set aside for conservation. Visit the Mohegan Bluffs, just walking distance from the Southeast Lighthouse. A long staircase of over one hundred steps leads to the bottom of these clay cliffs and looks out over the Atlantic. A visit to Block Island is not complete without a stop for a bowl of New England Clam Chowder at the National Hotel.

Falmouth

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This relaxed, picturesque seaside town on Cape Cod’s southern shore mostly draws visitors passing through en route to and from Martha’s Vineyard, but if you stay long enough to explore its beautiful waterfront and historic streets, you’ll understand why many visitors often come back to stay year-round. Wander around the traditional, historic Main Street area, with its cute boutiques, trendy restaurants, and classically New England village green, and slow down to the Falmouth pace of life. Visit the colonial churches, hike out to the old lighthouse, and sail along the shore to get a glimpse of the rugged coastline and typical New England coastal architecture. Spend an afternoon lounging on its endless soft beaches, making sure to catch the sunset before heading in to the marina for dinner at a classic clam shack.

Martha's Vineyard

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The beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard is a world apart, offering a vacation ambiance unlike any other. The seaside villages attract year round visitors to their stunning beaches, gingerbread houses, bountiful recreational activities and unique New England Charm. Martha’s Vineyard boasts the oldest working carousel in the country, complete with 22 wooden horses with real horsehair manes. If traveling with kids, you might also consider taking a tour of the Farm Institute, where you’ll see Milk Goats, explore lush vegetable and flower gardens, and see lambs, piglets, and calves. And no trip to the Vineyard is complete without stopping for some Murdick’s fudge.

Provincetown

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Perched way out on the edge of Cape Cod, this friendly and relaxed seaside town also happens to be home to the country’s oldest art colony. As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, it has miles of gorgeous beaches for you to explore on foot or by boat. Get out into Province Lands for miles of scenic hiking and bicycling routes through majestic dunes and rugged wilderness, as well as for the stunning views both out over the Atlantic and in towards Boston and the rest of the Cape. Set up shop in one of the appropriately charming inns and then join locals and tourists alike in walking around the cute streets, stopping in designer boutiques, locals shops, friendly cafés, and acclaimed restaurants. Check the calendar before you come, as there are always festivals going on in Provincetown, from a film festival in June to a Tennessee Williams festival in September.

Portland

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As you sail along the coast toward Maine’s largest city and creative hub, we hope you’re noting the lighthouses. They dot the shore all the way along the state, each majestic and iconic in its own way. Nothing will prepare you for the historic charm and beauty of Portland, though, which has managed to become one of those cities that moves forward by maintaining its heritage; in this case, that’s lobster and local arts and crafts. Add that to one famously booming restaurant soon and you’ve got one of New England’s best destinations. Wander amongst the cute boutiques and design shops of the Old Port, meander up to the parks and cafés of Munjoy Hill, explore the galleries and studios of Congress Street, stock up on Maine-made goods at the Public Market House, and delve into the renowned dining scene at Duck Fat and Farmer’s Table. Bike along the rocky, picturesque coastline, or get the best views from above in a hot air balloon. Sail around the bucolic islands of Casco Bay, and don’t forget to have a lobster roll.

Camden

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Nestled in the heart of Maine’s mid-coast region, where the mountains tumble all the way down to the water, these two towns offer some of the best hiking opportunities in the state – with the best views, too, of course. Head up into Camden Hills State Park and up Mount Battie as much for the panoramic view back over the harbour as for the scenery on the hike. Explore the bay on one of the area’s signature windjammers, or kayak inland past Islesboro. Back in the charming towns, explore the waterfront lobster shacks and dine waterfront with a glass of local wine; Maine’s first vineyard, Cellardoor Winery, is just ten minutes away. Head inland a bit to the surprisingly large Farnsworth Museum, with a good collection of Maine art, and to take a cooking class at the highly-acclaimed Salt Water Farm.

Penobscot

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The head of Penobscot Bay is frequently called the “Gateway to Down East Maine”, It’s also the “Gateway to Acadia”. Enjoy the view from the top of Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory at historic Fort Knox. Check out the panorama of Deer Isle and Camden Hills from Caterpiller Hill along route 15 in Sedgwick. Visit the picturesque coastal towns around the bay or explore Penobscot and join its ecclectic crowd. Neighboring areas are worth visiting for arts, crafts, dining, outdoor recreation, boat building, organic fruits and vegetables, unique history, and just plain relaxation. If you like the sound of wind in the woods, waves on the shore, and birds in the brush; the smell of fresh cut hay and beach roses; the taste of wild blueberries, fresh seasfood and local produce, you’re going to love it here.

Acadia

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Acadia National Park is one stop that is a must see for nature lovers and those who simply appreciate wildlife. One of the most unique historical apects of how Acadia National Park formed is that it is due to the vision and donations of private citizens who anticipated the dangers that overdevelopment would bring to this coastal wonderland and acted quickly to prevent it. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., played a critical role by buildng the now famous carraige roads and donated over 11,000 acres of land. There have since been countless others who have donated their time and resources towards the continued realization of this dream so that we may all experience its raw natural beauty. Take a trip out to the beautiful park for a long hike and breathtaking views. You will not be disappointed!