Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Bedford, New Hampshire and Scituate, Rhode Island
By: OpenAI (AI language model)
Are you looking for a thrilling road trip adventure that passes through two beautiful states in the eastern United States: New Hampshire and Rhode Island? Look no further! This article provides a guide to the best things to do on a road trip from Bedford, New Hampshire to Scituate, Rhode Island, with a stop at Wellesley, Massachusetts.
This road trip is approximately 120 miles long, taking about 2.5 hours to complete, making it a perfect day trip with family or friends. Along the way, you'll pass breathtaking sceneries, historic landmarks, and fun-filled activities for all.
Top 5 Things to Do
1. Drive-through Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Franconia Notch State Park is a park located in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains. This park is untouched by urbanization, making it a perfect place for a serene and scenic drive. Visitors take a 7.6-mile long drive that runs through the center of the mountains, passing the Cannon Mountain Ski Area, the aerial tramway, and the Flume Gorge. The scenic outlooks offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Fun fact: Franconia Notch State Park was the location of the famous "Old Man of the Mountain" rock formation which unfortunately, collapsed in 2003.
2. Explore Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport Museum is a living history museum located in Mystic, Connecticut. This museum brings to life the seafaring history of New England and the United States. From old wooden ships to restored coastal villages, visitors can explore 19th-century America and gain insights into the lives of sailors, whalers, and fishermen.
Fun fact: Mystic Seaport Museum has a shipyard that constructs authentic wooden ships using traditional methods.
3. Visit the Newport Mansions, Rhode Island
The Newport Mansions are a series of grand, historic mansions located in Newport, Rhode Island. These mansions are a remarkable testament to the extravagance of America's Gilded Age, boasting luxurious homes formerly owned by some of America's richest and most famous families, including Vanderbilt, Astor, and Berwind. Visitors can take guided tours of these mansions and learn about their unique history, architecture, and their former inhabitants.
Fun fact: The Breakers Mansion, one of the most renowned properties of the Newport Mansions, was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, in honor of his family's fortune.
4. Walk through WaterFire Providence, Rhode Island
WaterFire is an award-winning art installation in Providence, Rhode Island, that creatively combines the elements of fire and water. This art installation features over 80 blazing bonfires and enveloping smoke, tethered to floating buoys, along the three rivers that pass through downtown Providence. Visitors can enjoy the canoe patio, live music performances, and the various food options available at the event.
Fun fact: The first-ever WaterFire event was held in 1994 by sculptor Barnaby Evans.
5. Enjoy the Hoppin' John Fest in Wellesley, Massachusetts
Hoppin' John is an old traditional southern dish made with beans and rice served on New Year's Day. However, a group of food enthusiasts in Wellesley, Massachusetts, has taken it beyond New Year's Day, and turned it into a food festival. This festival features a variety of hoppin' john dishes served by local chefs. Visitors can also sample other southern dishes, enjoy live music, and explore the festival grounds.
Fun fact: Hoppin' John Fest coincides with the annual Scotch-Irish festival in Wellesley, Massachusetts, held for over 30 years, featuring live music, a parade, and traditional dances.
Overall, this route provides a perfect mix of history, culture, art, and fun activities for the whole family. Whether you are driving through the White Mountains or exploring the Gilded Age mansions, the road trip from Bedford, New Hampshire to Scituate, Rhode Island, has something for everyone.
After visiting all the locations mentioned above, visitors can enjoy the beaches and recreational facilities at Scituate, Rhode Island, and unwind in the charming coastal towns.
In conclusion, the scenic route from Bedford, New Hampshire to Scituate, Rhode Island, is approximately 120 miles long, taking about 2.5 hours to drive. This road trip passes through two beautiful states, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, with a stop at Wellesley, Massachusetts. The route covers a mix of iconic landmarks, museums, festivals and offers beautiful scenic drives, making it a perfect day trip that combines adventure, art, history, and relaxation.