New England is steeped in history dating back to the Mayflower. But that doesn’t mean it’s all church windows and historical plaques marking sites from the battles of the American Revolution and anywhere one of the Founding Fathers might have set foot. from charming seaside enclave Spread along the northernmost borders of the eastern seaboard to the bustling cities, the region is full of fresh energy that is a counterpoint to its rich roots. This remains as true of New England’s top food destinations and museums as it is of the hospitality scene.
If you’re more impressed by contemporary art and craft cocktails than colonial patchwork quilts and portraits of one’s ancestors, let the great ladies of Newport for history buffs and relatives with a passion for antiques. The new wave of accommodations in New England is breaking out of the constraints of tradition. Some are built from scratch, others breathe new life into existing structures. In both cases, these properties meet the needs and demands of the modern-day traveler – never sacrificing charm for pleasure, but achieving both seamlessly. From the urban extent of Boston in the small town of OgunquitMaine, these fresh-faced boutique hotels offer a visual relief from tired New England clichés and present a refreshing take on hospitality—less stuffy, more vibrant and youthful—in some of the country’s most popular destinations.
