As the dawn of what would soon become America, New England has experienced a substantial share of American history. Fast forward to today, and its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and hardy lifestyle are prime characteristics of the typical New England spirit. However, the lifeblood of the region is more detailed than that.
In every town in New England, there is a story, a beauty, and an old but not jaded allure found in each downtown. While not all are of equal value, many downtown areas boast rich historicity, artistic beauty, and much more. In this spirit, here are seven of the best downtowns in New England.
More in New EnglandExplore 7 cozy towns to visit in New England.
Woodstock, Vermont
Vermont's brilliance comes from its nature and greenery, and the town of Woodstock is no exception. Although it is a small town in a quiet and peaceful countryside, its downtown has a vibrant atmosphere. Home to "Collective: The Art of Craft," an exquisite art gallery open to the public, it showcases materials and art pieces worthy of a master craftsman. The gallery brings a unique flair and offers handcrafted items made with love for purchase.
When hunger strikes, the Woodstock Farmer's Market offers more than just fresh produce and quality foods. It has nearly become its own regular celebration, featuring vendors who double as servers and seating areas that have essentially become informal restaurants. Whatever one decides to eat, they can be assured it will be filling enough to explore the rest of what Woodstock's classy and vibrant downtown has to offer.
Essex, Vermont
Continuing with the Vermont legacy, the town of Essex may not be as artistically inclined as its brethren, but it offers a downtown that acts as a gateway to the more extreme and beautiful activities available to appreciate the nearby large hills, mountains, and views.
But what exactly does it mean to say they offer extreme activities? It means places like Above Reality Hot Air Balloons, which offer tours of not only Essex but also the clear Vermont skies, starting near its downtown. From a bird's-eye view, the Champlain Valley Exposition is seen in all its glory, even better if a major event is occurring. But perhaps the true essence of Essex is to be found in a place called The Essex Experience, a luxurious hub of restaurants and shopping centers that have formed a bond with visitors and tourists alike.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
On the shores of the Atlantic and the great Point Judith Pond sits a fairly large town that has built its reputation on its clean beaches and yellow sands. While Narragansett's downtown is only a few minutes away from its notable shorelines, the downtown itself is not just a mere beachside show but a place of living history.
For one, The Towers are an important landmark in the town's history. Once part of a much larger casino, a fire destroyed all but the two towers that now stand. Serving as a reminder of Narragansett's strength, The Towers are open to the public for dinner theaters and events. Visitors can even expect to be greeted by them from a distance while approaching the sandy haven that is the town.
In a much more detailed and thoughtful turn, before hitting the beach, one should consider the South County Museum (right near downtown), a place whose mission includes documenting Rhode Island history, from colonial times through the Gilded Age to today. Their dedication to education is admirable, but perhaps the best part is that it sits on a park with acres of historic buildings and irreplaceable knowledge.
Tiverton, Rhode Island
In yet another town of colonial-style architecture, Tiverton is a small town that exemplifies a slow way of life, one by the beach with quaint and quiet forms of entertainment in a small town square.
While Fogland Beach is likely its greatest attraction, there are a select few places that fly below the radar and are perfectly deserving of recognition. Whether stopping by for a unique dark roast at Coastal Roasters, visiting the historic Fort Barton (an American Revolutionary War fort near the heart of Tiverton's downtown), or finishing the evening at the legendary Boat House Waterfront restaurant, there is much to do in Tiverton, and exploring its wonderful downtown is a good start.
Bar Harbor, Maine
With the nearby Acadia National Park and the great blue ocean to the east, Bar Harbor has a cemented reputation as a resort town with much to see and do. But this little resort town is special, as its greatest strength may not actually be what lies around it but instead what resides in its very center.
Culturally rich and lively, Bar Harbor offers cultural tours like the American Ghost Walks as well as tours of the small island by sea and by land. Despite the playful nature and getaway atmosphere of the town, Bar Harbor has a multitude of natural and unique museums, including the Abbe Museum. To get the most out of the experience, the Harborside Hotel, Spa, and Marina is one of a kind and a popular spot for all visitors.
York, Maine
Though York's main appeal rests on its cliffside views of rocky shores, its downtown area represents a kind of old Americana. There are small shops on every corner, trails, and paths that lead outside the town to the old shores, right next to the piers of timeless York. The town radiates a classic feel, and while some of the architecture may be colonial, the salty atmosphere certainly isn't.
What York has to offer is nevertheless something special. A well-known restaurant lies in the middle of downtown: the Goldenrod. First established in 1896, the then-small shop gained fame for its homemade saltwater taffy, but today it has expanded into both a full-blown restaurant and candy shop, maintaining its cleanliness and old family recipes. It's quite literally old-fashioned American food and candy!
For more adult pastimes, the Wiggly Bridge Distillery has also gained fame, albeit for a different reason: whiskey. The Woods family, once novices to the process and technique involved in distilling, have become masters of the craft, aging and serving some of the best whiskey in all of Maine.
Sandwich, Massachusetts
Though its name is delicious, Sandwich has a surprising number of eccentricities unrelated to its name. Being the oldest town on Cape Cod, its downtown is more of an avenue for other places and events, but that does not mean it doesn't excel at its function or what it has to offer. For instance, the Heritage Museums & Gardens is Sandwich's ace in the hole, housing a collection of lovely gardens and exhibits that rotate but are all connected with the idea of old America. Even better, the museums and gardens are near the heart of Sandwich.
On the more unusual side, there is the Sandwich Glass Museum, home to a plethora of various glasses, both old and modern, artistically strange, and featuring live demonstrations of glass blowing and its creative process. But perhaps Sandwich's charm is not just in the museums that inhabit its quaint downtown but also in what leads out of it, like the Sandwich Boardwalk, a place of picturesque scenery and unforgettable sunsets.
Why These Downtowns?
There is something unique about a place with a downtown that manages to capture the feeling of importance and wonder without becoming a grimefest like a proper city. While New England may check all the boxes for rich history, golden shorelines, and deep, serene woodlands, the towns above excel in one way or another; some may even be called overlooked—hidden gems accessible to a few. In this way, the downtown of these places is like a beating heart, and while its precious blood may be pumped elsewhere, it always returns to the center to coalesce into the beauty that now lies before it.
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Rex Eloquens July 8 2024 in Places
