Boston
Boston is the gateway to New England. It is filled with all of the beauty and ambience that makes New England a tourist mecca and a vacationer's haven. In the fall, it embodies the seasonal color change that is about as breathtaking as nature can get, with foliage dressed in deep reds, bright yellows, and vivid oranges. During the winter, the area evolves into a wonderland of snow and magic. Springtime finds the city teeming with wildflowers and gardens. And summer is an outdoor celebration seven days a week. Boston's cultural diversity, artistic richness, historical atmosphere and charisma make it one of the best places to see in North America. Buzzing with energy, this is home to some of the world's best colleges and universities, and it offers a vacation experience that is as rich as its academic heritage.
You will find that there are endless possibilities for fun and relaxation from one end of the city to the other. This city is highly populated, but somehow remains unstuffy. It is sophisticated and poised, but hardly fussy. It is active and eclectic, but not disorderly. The people here are as diverse as the U.S. can be, as are their interests, foods, talents and activities that they happily display in the form of restaurants, museums, concert parks and sporting areas.
Boston is a place of brilliant juxtaposition. The city seamlessly merges all the characteristics of an urban setting with a countrified appeal that is unlike any other city. Old World charm stands strong in the face of modern-day invention in this fully historic yet state-of-the-art city. Lush green parks are revered here, but so is the subway. And whether your pace is frenzied or leisurely, you have a choice in Boston. From non-stop shopping and sightseeing, to a tranquil day by the waters of the Charles River, you can truly create a unique experience here, and can do so at your own speed. So unwind, or hurry up, and experience the jewel of New England!
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor combines beautiful, crisp weather with glorious sightseeing opportunities. Maine is a wonderful state to visit anytime of the year, and in the spring and summertime you could not ask for a more scenic location. In the winter, the weather is cold, but the new-fallen snow will have your eyes begging for more. The soft powder covers the area and it is an absolutely breathtaking sight to behold. There are several standout museums in Bar Harbor, and the Mount Desert Oceanarium, in particular, is outstanding. This city is a great place for the whole family, as there is a wide array of activities to captivate young and old alike. The dining in Bar Harbor is magnificent, and if you are a fan of lobster, you will adore the possibilities here. You can find surf and turf specials in numerous high-end restaurants, and a few places prepare magnificent meals that you will not soon forget. Pubs and bars line many of the streets, and if you enjoy good ale, Bar Harbor will definitely fit your style. The city is set up in a way that pleases the Maine locals and impresses tourists. There are a number of great historical spots, and you cannot visit Bar Harbor without visiting Acadia National Park. This destination is truly one of Mother Nature's greatest achievements, and the local government has made tremendous efforts to keep this park in its natural form. There is plenty for you to do in Bar Harbor, and both the shopping and the nightlife are rocking. From live music to the theater, the city offers plenty of great activities once the sun goes down.
The harbor and docking area are exquisite, and seem like they have remained the same for years. The locals don't want their small town to change, but it is changing, and they are accepting this fact graciously. They understand that tourism is starting to grow as an industry, which is no wonder to anyone who has visited the area. Experience Bar Harbor and see the best of the Eastern United States.
Sydney
The Mi'kmaq Indians, who lived undisturbed for thousands of years, originally settled Nova Scotia. John Cabot was the first European to step ashore, reaching Cape Breton Island in the late 15th Century. While the French were first to settle here, King James I of England proclaimed the area New Scotland, or Nova Scotia in Latin. The French and British fought bitterly over the area, with the French finally ceding the land in 1713 after signing the Treaty of Utrecht.
Sydney is Nova Scotia's third largest city. With over 26,000 people calling Sydney home, the city has certainly come a long way from its roots as a British Loyalist haven. In 1785, Loyalists from New York decided to settle here and remain under British rule. Soon after, immigrants from Scotland arrived. Sydney didn't explode population-wise until the early 20th Century, when a steel plant opened in town, attracting people from all over Nova Scotia. Coal was discovered in mines nearby, and even more people came to Sydney.
Sadly, all of this industry fouled up the environment around Sydney, and only now is the city taking proactive steps to fix the problem. More land has been designated for parks, and the people of Sydney have taken an active interest in repairing the damage done by their parents and grandparents.
Today, Sydney is a town trying to forge a new identity as a naturalist's haven and a cultural center. There are museums that have preserved Sydney's roots, as well as outdoor adventure companies to cater to those who want a closer look at Sydney's natural beauty.
Quebec City
Once you get north of Mexico, Quebec City is the only walled city in the world. This distinct characteristic is one of the unique facets that make Quebec City a magnificent place to visit. The atmosphere, official language, and culture of the town is French, and this becomes evident as you find out that 95% of the population of the city speaks in the native French tongue. Who are we to speculate, but it is most likely that this homogeneity is the reason why there are many fewer conflicts in Quebec City than in other, more diverse Canadian cities. Other regions such as Montreal constantly struggle over the French-English rivalry that has haunted the cities for decades, and is only getting worse. Meanwhile, the Anglophones (English-speaking Canadians) who migrate to Quebec City, adopt the French language and live in harmony with the rest of the citizens. The streets are safe and the locals are friendly, and the majority of the 648,000 citizens speak enough English to communicate with you effectively.
You should spend most of your time in the Vieux-Quebec district, which is the old walled portion of the city. Some of the best historical sights, restaurants and stores are here, and the surrounding architecture is glorious. The first colony in this region was built at Cape Diamond near the St. Lawrence River. This scenic area was home to traders, seamen, and merchants until the mid-1700?s, when a fire destroyed nearly everything. Thereafter, this portion of the city was rebuilt into a warehouse and wharf area, as the locals moved into much safer homes beyond the high cliffs of Quebec City. Over two hundred years later, the original Vieux-Quebec area is being rebuilt, with new cafes, entertainment, and shops to entice visitors. The ancient walled city is spectacular, and its location, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, is absolutely perfect. The air is fresh and the rustic granite houses beam with nostalgia, creating a lovely ambiance in picturesque Quebec City.
Portland
Portland has an amazing history that stretches back over 350 years, and this wonderful town has blossomed into the largest city in Maine. This close-knit community is second only to San Francisco when it comes to restaurants per capita. Old brick buildings and cobblestone streets still exist, and the blend of past and present in Portland is exhilarating. In addition to the prevalence of dining facilities, there are an unbelievable number of stores and shopping complexes in the city. From small mom and pop boutiques to outstanding malls, Portland has the upper hand on upscale shopping. You will definitely see your share of dazzling jewelry and fine art, and there is no better place to see it than in the fabulous museums and art galleries. The Portland Museum of Art and the Bayview Gallery are two of the premier establishments in town, and the equally delightful Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum is always a treat. You can take a ride on an authentic old time train around the city's harbor and see many of the extraordinary sites that have stood for decades.
Most of the city is compact and perfectly walkable. There is so much to see and do that you will never feel bored or disappointed. One thing for sure, you definitely will not go hungry or run out of places to shop! The Old Port District is the historic side of Portland, and it is a wonderful area reminiscent of America's humble beginnings.
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