Frommer's Favorite Experiences

Strolling Around Rockport Massachusetts: The town surrounds the small harbor and spreads out along the rugged, rocky coastline of Cape Ann. From the end of Bearskin Neck, the view is spectacular -- fishing and pleasure boats in one direction, roaring surf in the other.

Biking or Driving the Outer Cape: From Eastham through Wellfleet and Truro, all the way to Provincetown, Cape Cod's outermost towns offer dazzling ocean vistas and a number of exceptional bike paths, including the Province Lands, just outside Provincetown, that are bordered by spectacular swooping dunes.

Heading "Up-Island" on Martha's Vineyard: Many visitors never venture beyond the port towns of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. Though each has its charms, the scenery actually gets more spectacular "up-island," in towns like Chilmark, where you'll pass moorlike meadows and family farms surrounded by stone walls. Follow State Road and the scenic Moshup Trail to the westernmost tip of the island, where you'll experience the dazzling colored cliffs of Aquinnah and the quaint fishing port of Menemsha.

Cruising Newport's Ocean Drive: After a tour of the fabulously overwrought "cottages" of the hyper-rich that are strung along Bellevue Avenue, emerging onto the shoreline road that dodges the spray of the boiling Atlantic is a cleansing reminder of the power of nature over fragile monuments to the conceits of men. To extend the experience, take a 3 1/2-mile hike along the Cliff Walk that skirts the edge of the bluff commanded by the largest mansions.

Sitting in a Rocking Chair: The views are never better than when you're caught unawares -- such as suddenly looking up from an engrossing book on the front porch of an oceanside inn.

Watching the Leaves Change Color at Walden Pond State Reservation: Walden Pond is hidden from the road by the woods where Henry David Thoreau built a small cabin and lived from 1845 to 1847. When the leaves are turning and the trees are reflected in the water, it's hard to imagine why he left.

Visiting Plymouth Rock: Okay, it's a fraction of its original size and looks like something you might find in your garden. Nevertheless, Plymouth Rock makes a perfect starting point for exploration. Close by is the Mayflower II, a replica of the alarmingly small original vessel. The juxtaposition reminds you of what a dangerous undertaking the Pilgrims' voyage was.

Stopping in at the Paul Revere House: We often study the history of the American Revolution through stories of governments and institutions. At this little home in the North End, you'll learn about a real person. The self-guided tour is particularly thought provoking, allowing you to linger on the artifacts that hold your interest. Revere had 16 children with two wives, supported them with his thriving silversmith's trade -- and put the whole operation in jeopardy with his role in the events that led to the Revolutionary War.

Cruising on a Windjammer in Maine: See Maine as it was first seen for centuries -- from the ocean looking inland. A handsome fleet of sailing ships departs from various harbors along the coast, particularly Rockland and Camden. Spend from a night to a week exploring the dramatic shoreline.

Whale-Watching off Provincetown: Boats leave MacMillan Wharf for the 8-mile journey to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for several types of whales. Nothing can prepare you for the thrill of spotting these magnificent creatures feeding, breaching, and even flipper slapping.

Slurping down "Chowdah:" The Bite in Martha's Vineyard is your quintessential "chowdah" and clam shack, serving up exceptional chowder, potato salad, and fried fish. Those in the know bring their picnic dinner over to nearby Menemsha Beach, where the sunsets are awesome.

Antiquing on Charles Street in Boston: Beacon Hill is one of Boston's oldest neighborhoods, and at the foot of the hill is a thoroughfare that's equally steeped in history. Hundreds of years' worth of furniture, collectibles, and accessories jam the shops along its 5 blocks.

Visiting a Literary Landmark: Concord is home to a legion of literary ghosts. The homes of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott are popular destinations, and look much as they did during the "flowering of New England" in the mid-19th century.

Hiking Monhegan Island: The village of Monhegan in Maine is clustered around the harbor, but the rest of this 700-acre island is all picturesque wildlands, with miles of trails crossing open meadows and winding along rocky bluffs.

Driving the Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park: This is the region's premier ocean drive. You'll start high along a ridge with views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands, then dip down along the rocky shores to watch the surf crash against the dark rocks. Plan to do this 20-mile loop at least twice to get the most out of it.