Cape Ann in Massachusetts

New England is often described as "quaint", and here, among the rambling byways and quiet communities, you'll discover this much-used word rings true. Tucked into the snowy northeast corner of the United States, New England brims with colonial homes and old-school churches, tidy green lawns trimmed with white picket fences and comfort food like cranberries and maple syrup.

New England is also vintage Americana, tracing its origins to the staunch group of Puritan pilgrims who barely survived their first winter here in 1620.

Maybe it's this hardy ancestry or perhaps it's the harsh winters, but New Englanders are still viewed as a little reserved and rough-around-the-edges. This salty charm only adds to its appeal, however - New England has a pull-yourself-up-by-the bootstraps spirit and a gorgeous, challenging landscape to match.

New England (comprised of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) is very much marked by its four distinctive seasons. Winter is snowy, blustery and full of snowshoes, hot cocoa and skis (though the season can feel decidedly less romantic after three hours of shoveling). Springtime comes as a much-needed respite from the winter, with a mild climate and bright daffodils. Summer is hot and muggy (temps reach up to 33 degrees C) and locals generally head east to the coast, or to one of its three breezy islands. During the beloved fall, New England's meandering roads are filled with tourists gaping at the foliage - colorful leaves that swirl together in fiery reds and yellows.

Whenever you decide to go, expect an open road marked by rambling countryside and spirited discovery.

Survival Guide

Outside of the major cities, public transportation is largely unavailable. To truly get a sense of the area, it's best to rent a car. Boston, however, is an exception to this rule - one should not drive here (unless you're feeling particularly adventurous) as the streets are notoriously confusing and the drivers shamelessly aggressive.

New England's climate ranges wildly according to the season and it's a good idea to dress appropriately, with down coats for winter and shorts and T-shirts for summer. Fall is perhaps the most spectacular time to visit, with crisp, sunny days (temperatures are around 7 degrees C) and trees in vivid displays of color.

Accommodation is readily available throughout the area, although prices tend to go up in the fall and summer. If you plan to visit a seaside spot in the summer (say, in Nantucket or Cape Cod), definitely book ahead. The same can be said of fall, where, particularly around northern Vermont, it's advisable to book in advance.

One detail that's handy to know in advance: due to a number of archaic "blue laws" there are areas of New England where alcohol cannot be purchased on Sundays. There are also a number of "dry towns" spread throughout the region that don't have liquor stores (usually though, you can just drive down to the next town to pick up what you need). Basically, if you're looking to liquor up, do a little investigating before heading out.