Prepare to be amazed at how real the famous Salem Witch Trials become at the Salem Witch Museum which sets the stage with life size figures, lighting and narration. The home of American literary giant Nathanial Hawthorne who chronicled this story for all the world to read is not far away. If there's time explore all of Salem with a Salem Heritage walk guide.

It's a pleasant drive from Boston to Kennebunkport Maine through the Essex Heritage area to the Coast. Some folks call the Kennebunk Beach the 'Kennebunk Workout'. You'll call it spectacular. The string of beaches, some sandy, some rocky that stretch along Beach Avenue from Gooch's Beach past Lord's Point are all connected by sidewalks - a feature that makes this great stretch of seaside a favourite with walkers, joggers and roller bladers any time of day or evening.

Take an early morning stroll past long stretches of beach, shorefront homes and inns before the sun worshippers spread their towels on the sand. Enjoy the warmth of midday or the romance of an orange and purple sky reflecting off the water at sunset. Kennebunk Beach is readily accessible. You can drive to the beach and park or you can take the trolley and leave your car behind.

Accommodation: White Barn Inn & Spa or similar

Stowe was here for nearly 200 years before the Von Trapp family arrived from Austria to make America their home. Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak gives Stowe a character reminiscent of great European mountain resorts. The Trapp family merely added to that mystique when they settled.

Known for their fierce independence, Vermont is the home of the Green Mountain Boys and for about two decades it was an independent republic before becoming a US State. On your way between Dixville Notch you'll encounter Smugglers Notch Road Scenic Byway. Nearby the Mad River Byway is known by it's classic New England landscape and architecture. Mountain ridgelines, winding rivers, hillside farms and steepled villages greet you along the way.

Accommodation: Stoweflake Reosrt oar similar

Those who want to get out in the outdoors can take the Berkshire Scenic Railroad from the historic station in Lenox to either Lee or Stockbridge. Western Gateway Heritage State Park features a model railroad display and a re-enactment of the building of the Hoosac Tunnel. Hiking is popular along the Shaker footpaths of Shaker Village on the wooded trails of Pittsfield State Forest, in the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and in Kennedy Park in Lenox. Take a tamer stroll at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens.

Accommodation: Stoneover Farm or similar

Get ready for the wonders of Newport today. Opulence reigned here for decades during the Gilded Age. The wonderful houses along the cliffs and Bellevue Avenue were the 'summer cottages' of the rich and famous from New York and Philadelphia who descended on Newport for a summer social season. Houses modeled after French castles and other royal residences were the site of lavish parties, dalliances and intrigue. When no longer occupied by their owners a collection of the mansions were purchased by the Preservation Society of Newport and have been opened to the public. You can pack your day in Newport as full as you would like. The Breakers and Rosecliff are must sees. Newport is also a great walking town. You can take the Harbour Walk North and The Harbour Walk South, both of which begin at Perrotti Park and the Cliffwalk which follows the coastline and cliffs. There is also a 10 mile scenic driving tour which begins at The Elms and the Newport Winery.

The Preservation Society of Newport County has preserved 11 Gilded Age mansions, many the summer cottages of the rich. The 70 room Breakers is the most famous. The interior features rare marbles, alabaster and gilded wood. Marble House, also owned by the Vanderbilt's cost a reported 11 million dollars to build in 1892. Rosecliff, which dates from 1902 was the site of some of Newport's grandest parties.

Accommodation:  Hydrangea House or similar

Today we suggest a trip by ferry to Nantucket Island, one of the most unique, historic and visually stunning places in the World. Originally a booming whaling port, the National Historic District of Nantucket has changed little since the 17th century, when many of the seaside cottages were built and old fashioned whale oil lamps lit the street. Today nearly 40% of the remainder of the island is protected conservation land. You can walk wide sandy beaches, swim in the sparkling waters of Nantucket Sound or brave the Atlantic on the island's south shore. If land is more to your liking browse the many boutique shops, art galleries and museums or sign up for a tour of the island.

Right next door, Edgartown, the most famous town on Martha's Vineyard could not be more different from Nantucket. Martha's Vineyard actually has six different towns that are as different as night and day. Once a thriving whaling port, the island is now home to writers, artists, architects and designers who come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of Boston. There are no chain restaurants, no shopping malls and no speed over 45 miles an hour on Martha's Vineyard.

Want relaxation? Spend the day here...

Accommodation: Inn at Cape Cod or similar