Colors of New England

As the site of the famous "tea party," Boston is known for its sense of independence. Founded in the 1630s as a city in one of the original 13 colonies, Boston has a long history from the War of Independence and America's struggle to freedom from British rule. Famed sites include the Old North Church made famous by Paul Revere, Faneuil Hall, the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues and the USS Constitution or Old Ironsides.

This quintessential Vermont village is characterized by its Village Green, general store, farmers market and covered bridge. Framed by fire colored leaves in the fall, Woodstock is a perfect place to stroll, shop or dine.

Graced with a historic Main Street, white steepled church and surrounded with wonderful views, Stowe was settled in 1794. Essentially a farming community, Stowe became a tourist destination by the Civil War era. Though nicknamed the Ski Capital of the East, autumn allows visitors to enjoy local products such as apple cider and maple syrup in its many eateries.

Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire's famed White Mountains, the Rocks Estate is a reserve featuring a Christmas tree farm and Maple Sugar Museum. From mid February to the middle of spring, maple trees are tapped for the creation of maple syrup. With the help of a virtual tour and museum, visitors can learn of this centuries-old NH tradition.

Traverse the 34 mile long (54 km) famous highway for a meandering view of New Hamphire's scenery. The "KANC," as it is known, has no evidence of the modern world. Restaurants, hotels and gas stations are left behind providing visitors the chance to focus on nature's glory.

This largest lake in New Hampshire is distinguished by crystal clear water and dotted with over 200 islands. Nearby attractions include a Rhine River styled castle, a family fun beach and a scenic railway. The lake has been a tourist destination for over a century drawing visitors from nearby Boston and New York.

Once home to sea captains and known now as one of America’s Coolest Cities,” Portland is all about vibes: funky, historic, cultured and cultural. On its perch over Casco Bay, Maine’s largest urban area is bursting at the maritime seams with enough museums, boutiques, bars, and restaurants to rival any concrete metropolis. Among centuries-old brick buildings and cobblestone streets, find yourself in the middle of the action at the historic Old Port. In eyeshot of the Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest, most photographed lighthouse, see the commercial fishing boats come and go out of Portland Harbor, and watch the crab traps being pulled out of Portland Harbor. Experience a world-class dining scene where a culinary boom has embraced seafood crudo and foie gras, but hasn’t abandoned the lobster roll. Discover Portland – a vibrant example of Maine’s singular motto: Vacationland.

When the first European settlers reached North America, lobsters would reportedly wash up on shore in piles up to two feet high. Routinely fed to prisoners, slaves, apprentices and children during the Colonial era and beyond, lobster became known as the poor man's protein. Considered a delicacy by WW II, American lobsters (or Maine lobsters) can grow up to 40 lbs (18 kg) and be 3 feet long (91 cm).