There are plenty of well-documented USA road trips, from Route 66 to Highway 61. However, in this itinerary we’ll delve into a slightly lesser-known route that takes in all that New England (and beyond) has to offer; beginning in the far northeastern tip of the USA and ends in the capital city.
All the way from Portland, Maine to Washington DC, take in a road trip of a life-time with plenty for culture vultures, history seekers, and kiddies’ stuff alike. Being the oldest clearly defined region of the United States, New England and the northeast area as a whole offer brilliant history lessons coupled with vast, unique cities and stunning road scenery along the way.
First Stop: Portland, Maine
- Portland Old Port is a fully functioning port that brings in high revenues for the local economy. Visitors find this authenticity very beguiling with the sea as a constant companion.
- The Portland Museum of Art is a gift to culture vultures with a comprehensive permanent collection and ongoing exhibitions of great importance. Watch out for events for the kids, PMA Movies and curator talks.
- Portland Observatory offers outstanding views and incredible history which was used in the 1800s to track the route of ships up to 30 miles away. So take in a wonderful birds-eye view of Portland and its harbour.
Bossing it in Boston
- The Freedom Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers thatrecount the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
- The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum offers a chance to encounter the event that changed the entire direction of American history. It includes live actors, interactive shows, tea ships fully restored and the documentary Let It Begin Here.
- If the tea doesn’t do it for you and you want something a tad stronger take in the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery. You can learn about the brew process and visit the Beer Garden and Taproom but make sure you have a dry driver!
Down to the Big Apple: New York City
- The Museum of Modern Art (known affectionately as MoMA) is a thrilling experience for any culture vulture. Currently showing In America which looks at the fashion world through an artistic lens.
- The subject of many songs and poems Central Park is a beautiful 843 green acres to stroll around and lose yourself, open from 6am to 1am daily
- And a must-do is to drive the hire car over Brooklyn Bridge to a fantastic view of NYC..
Philadelphia: Where Modern America Was Formed
- To compete with MoMA Philadelphia has its own Museum of Art which boasts of exhibiting the likes of van Gogh’s Sunflowers, some surrealism from Marcel Duchamp and a Rodin Museum.
- The Museum of the American Revolution looks at the astounding story of the American Revolution displays weapons, personal items, documents and works of art.
- Liberty Bell Centre may now be silent but it remains a symbol of American freedom.
Fina Stop: Washington DC; America’s Political Heart
- One last stop for you culture vultures is the National Gallery of Art currently showing The Double: Identity and Difference in Art since 1900.
- And a final stop-off point for the kids is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with the world’s biggest collection of natural history specimens and human artefacts.
- And how about ending the East Coast road trip with a visit to Ford’s Theatre, the site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln,
- And then all there is to do is hand back the keys at the end of an immensely enjoyable trip full of diversity and a wide range of amazing experiences. All with one click…
If you like the sound of this epic road trip across New England and northeast America and want the freedom and hassle of a hire car yet without the restrictions of having to have a credit card, then get in touch with us today and we can help make this dream road trip come true.