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The Complete Guide to a Perfect New England Summer

Beaches, mountains, pristine wilderness, and—of course—lobster rolls: these are just some of the things that make summer in the Northeast so special. We partnered with Down East magazine in Maine to map out the best hikes, breweries, islands, and more so you can experience the magic for yourself.

The Wild Side

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There's way more to this area than just the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Non-thru-hikers, pack your bags.

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Islands are probably not what come to mind when you think of a trip to New England, but they should be. These spots are all accessible through ferries and tour operators and will show you a side of the Northeast that few think to explore.

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No matter your skill level or the type of adventure you're seeking, New England's two dominant mountain ranges offer plenty of opportunities to explore. Here's your guide to getting the most out of them.

Megan Michelson

Want to see some wildlife in New England? Moose are your best bet. Here's where to find them—and get some great outdoor adventuring while you're at it.

Where the Locals Go

We tested 9 places to enjoy the classic New England food and mapped out some nearby adventures, too

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The region is known for its craft brews. Here are eight places we recommend visiting for the best of the best.

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In the Northeast, you'll find many of the nation's oldest and most interesting gear shops—and some of its younger and most innovative

The Mainer Way

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John Olson has been on the water for nine decades—and he's still working

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In a world where our time and attention are fractured into smaller and smaller bits, legendary biologist and runner Bernd Heinrich is a throwback, a man who has carved a deep groove in his patch of Maine woods

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New owners are revitalizing Shaw's, the beloved hostel on the Appalachian Trail