Visit These New England Destinations For A Budget-Friendly Trip
By SHANDLEY MCMURRAY
History buffs love this seaside spot. It has fun things to do year-round, with eclectic shops and charming restaurants lining the quintessential cobblestone streets.
Portland, Maine
Parking can be a pain, so we suggest ditching the car and going by foot for the most authentic (and cheapest) tour, especially through Old Port's elegant Victorian brownstones.
The Arts District is a must-see, with many galleries and performances; admission to the Portland Museum of Art is free in the late afternoon on Fridays.
This walkable wonderland is as affordable as it is adorable, with phenomenal restaurants, breweries, bars, and a hard-to-find speakeasy called Lincolns.
Burlington, Vermont
Whether biking the Burlington Greenway, cruising along Lake Champlain, or skiing at nearby Cohran Ski Area or Bolton Valley, the views inspire any time of year.
Dubbed one of the best coastal towns in America, Mystic is so beautiful that you won't want to leave. Downtown boasts a slew of restaurants and boutique shops.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport Museum is home to a recreated 19th-century fishing village, the world's last wooden whaleship, and a children's museum; spend a whole day exploring this attraction.
Visit Olde Mistick Village, an 18th-century New England Village peppered with shops housed in colorful cottages, and sample the free food at many local venues.
Sea lovers can eat freshly caught seafood, take a whale- or seal-watching cruise, or go on a fishing adventure in this picturesque maritime town.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport's most unmissable attraction is the Cliff Walk, a free, self-guided trail between the Atlantic Ocean and luxurious estates like Rosecliff, Marble House, and The Breakers.
Newport is cheap to visit in the off-season. Head downtown on foot to the fab restaurants and cute shops, as parking can be a pain year-round.
This sweet, small town on Mount Desert Island is packed with affordable things to do, from window shopping downtown to walking the land bridge to Bar Island.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Deemed one of the most budget-friendly beach towns on the East Coast, you can cruise in Frenchman's Bay, hike up Cadillac Mountain, or visit the nearby Acadia National Park.
Book a trip between early April and November to enjoy a spectacular sunset with some of the best lobster you'll ever taste.