5 Best Summer Adventures in New England

The official start of summer is just around the corner, but you don’t need to wait until June 21st to have a summer adventure in New England. As the residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island already know…this part of the country is teeming with outdoor and indoor opportunities all year long (many ski areas report more traffic in the summertime than in the winter)! The summer life in New England is one of the reasons so many people come here, and why so many people decide to buy a home and stay here all year long because they simply don’t want to miss out on all the fun. CENTURY 21 North East looks forward to helping you find your perfect year round home or second home, in New England. Let the games begin! 

1. Zip-line: Zip-lining is a popular way to tour many of New England ski mountains…with an eagle eye view of the slopes (the slopes will be dressed in green, of course, for your summer touring pleasure). Bretton Woods and Loon Mountain are two popular ski resorts that offer breathtaking zip-line adventures. Loon Mountain has a 750 foot zip-line trip across the Pemigewasset River that will bring you back to the Adventure Center (where you can try your hand at the bungee trampoline and rock climbing wall too). If you’re looking for a longer aerial adventure, some of the best views of the White Mountains can be found along the three hour canopy tour at Bretton Woods. When the temperature is rising we suggest a little zip-lining followed by a refreshing dip in the water courtesy of Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Connecticut. They have eleven zip lines which all lead to the same place, the water (which you will be meeting at top speed)! 

2. Mountaintop Yoga: After an exhilarating adrenaline rush on a canopy zip-line tour or zip-line splashdown you may want to slow things down a little. You can take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain at Stratton, VT for a 90 minute yoga session or take a chairlift or hike to the top of Loon Mountain, NH for a mountaintop yoga session and harness your inner tranquility while enjoying the beautiful vista accompanied by a cool mountain breeze. Namaste. 

3. Moose Safaris: New England is home to a wide collection of wildlife from coastal ocean waters to forest mountaintops. A moose safari is a great way to view one of New England’s most majestic creatures in its native habitat. The moose tours hosted by MWV Moose Bus Tours in New Hampshire begin in May and are offered until October. This is a late night adventure starting at 8:00pm with a midnight return so you might want to take an afternoon nap before heading out. New England Outdoor Center in Maine offers three hour moose and wildlife tours in the early morning or early evening starting at 3:00-5:00pm depending on the time of the year. Here you can experience the wonders of New England wildlife from an air-conditioned van or luxury pontoon boat. Northwoods Outfitters in Maine offer a moose and wildlife experience in a more intimate setting via canoe or kayak. On their “Moose Wildlife Safari on the water,” you may see black bears, bobcats, otters, and deer along with loons, ducks, beavers, and of course…mother nature willing, the majestic moose. Just remember to pay attention and listen to your guide, as moose are very territorial and not the least bit shy. 

4. Montshire Museum of Science: The Montshire Museum of Science is a magnificent hands-on science museum geared mostly toward children 4-10 years of age … but it is fun for the whole family all year long! The museum features rotating indoor exhibits and outdoor activities along the Connecticut River in Norwich, Vermont. Summertime is the right time for your young scientists to explore the 250 foot watercourse outside in the David Goudy Science Park (alongside other outside exhibits). The watercourse runs from the museum down to the river. Dartmouth College is just a hop, skip and jump away on the other side of the river in Hanover, NH. You can take your young scientist for a college tour after visiting the museum (but don’t forget to refuel with a little brick oven pizza from Ramunto’s first). It’s never too early to think about the future, but you don’t want to do that on an empty stomach. 

5. Hang Ten: Narragansett Town Beach in Rhode Island is a beautiful New England saltwater beach. This is a favorite surfing spot for beginners and longboarders according to magicseaweed. You won’t feel out of place if you and your family are just starting to hang ten. The lineup gets a bit crowded, but maybe that means no-one will really notice that gnarly wipeout you just took on a one foot wave as the lineup will be filled with beginners figuring out how to take their turn and catch that next two foot wave. Ten foot waves will present from Mid-July to Mid-September thanks to shifting sandbars. Beginners should sit back and let the advanced surfers show them how it’s down on the 10 footers, beginners should stick to the 1-3 footers. You can bring your own board or rent a board from a local outfitter. 

We wish you a warm and adventure-filled summer in New England. We look forward to working with you when you're ready to look for a house and call New England home. Contact CENTURY 21 North East today, adventure awaits!