By Eben Diskin | Published on January 11, 2024

 
Like many distinct regions of the U.S., if you talk to someone who lives in the Northeast, chances are they'll take great pride in where they're from. At first glance, the Northeast stands apart from the rest of the country for its unique geography, with rolling tree-covered hills, rocky beaches, bucolic valleys and an abundance of lakes. But what truly makes the region special is its distinct culture and history. Intriguing Northeastern facts abound about the area's rich Native American past, Colonial history, classic architecture, seafood and, of course, natural beauty.
The Northeastern U.S. is technically composed of 13 states and territories: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Each of these entities has a unique identity that sets it apart from the others, but each is united by common geographic and cultural features. This makes the region a popular vacation destination for people from around the country. That's right — even if you're from Kansas, chances are you've longed to see Maine's brilliant fall foliage, the cobbled streets of Boston, the free museums of Washington, D.C. or Maryland's famous "crab cakes and football."
Visiting the Northeast isn't like visiting a single town or city. You can't see the whole thing in one weekend. Indeed, there are so many trails to walk, foods to try and important historic landmarks to visit in the Northeast region, it'd take years to see it all. Trust me, I've lived in New England my whole life, and I'm still discovering new facts about the region that blow me away and make me eager to continue exploring. Don't worry though. You don't have to cover the whole Northeast during your trip, but there are some exceptional experiences you should have if you're visiting for the first time. These Northeastern facts will illuminate your next trip to the region.

Wander Through The Colonial Past

Visiting the Northeast means getting acquainted with its history, which still defines the region to this day. Long before Europeans arrived, between 70,000 and 100,000 Native Americans lived in New England at the start of the 17th century, subsisting on fishing, hunting, gathering and trade with European merchants. The Pilgrims' arrival in Massachusetts in 1620 marked the beginning of a disruption to Native Americans' way of life and their gradual displacement and marginalization. Several landmarks in the Northeast region commemorate the area's Native American past. These are must-visits for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the Northeast's history.

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University is a great place to start. The museum has a huge collection of Native American materials from around the region, including paintings, drawings, prints and archaeological finds. There's also the Cyrus Dallin Museum in Arlington, Massachusetts, which is dedicated to Native American sculptures that pay homage to the region's indigenous traditions. While you're in the area, you should also check out the famous Plymouth Plantation. This open-air living history museum replicates the original Pilgrim settlement established in the 17th century. It's perhaps the most immersive historical experience you'll find in New England.
The most well-known dark stain on Massachusetts' past is also one of its biggest tourist draws: the Salem Witch Trials. Back in the late 17th century, hundreds of women were erroneously accused of being witches, and many were wrongfully executed. Though these events occurred over 300 years ago, they still capture the modern-day imagination, and Salem remains a pilgrimage site for visitors fascinated by the witch trials. In addition to spooky ghost tours and museums dedicated to the trials, Salem is a classic New England town with historic red-brick buildings (probably haunted) and a rich literary tradition thanks to Nathaniel Hawthorne.
But Massachusetts can't hog all the historic glory (or shame, depending on how you look at it). Washington, D.C. is an absolute must for any visitor to the Northeast. Fast-forwarding a little through time to the founding of the United States, the capital is the best place to immerse yourself in our nation's political history. Memorials and monuments abound here, with your pick of the majestic Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument. Of course, the White House is unparalleled as a bastion of history. Don't forget to check out the world-famous Smithsonian museums either, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Air and Space Museum. One exceptional benefit: Most of the museums are free.
I've lived in New England my whole life, and I'm still discovering new facts about the region that blow me away and make me eager to continue exploring.

Dive Into Lobster Rolls, Clam Chowder And More

It's hard to get a sense for any destination without sampling its food. One of the most interesting facts about the Northeast region and its cuisine is that it includes far more than seafood. There are also a wide range of regional dishes — apart from the classic seafood staples — steeped in cultural tradition and quirky history.

Of course, any visitor to the Northeast will want to try the fresh seafood. From clam shacks lining the seaboard to classic fish and chip joints and more upscale lobster restaurants, you won't get tired of the Northeast's seafood anytime soon. Start off with a Maine lobster roll — a staple of the region. Prepared traditionally, you can look forward to chopped lobster on a split-top hot dog bun with mayo. And then, of course, there's clam chowder. You can probably find it anywhere in the country, but no place else makes it like the Northeast. New England clam chowder consists of clams, diced potatoes and onions in a milk-based broth. Manhattan clam chowder is another option, which has a tomato base.

Once you've had your fill of seafood, it's time to check out some of the area's other delicacies. If you've ever wondered why Boston is known as "Beantown," it's because of the famous Boston baked beans. White beans are parboiled, baked in sauce and often served at barbecues. They originated in Native American cuisine and were soon adopted by the English colonists. If you're looking for something a bit meatier, look no further than a traditional Irish boiled dinner — otherwise known as a Yankee pot roast. Brought to Massachusetts by Irish immigrants, a boiled dinner consists of boiled corned meat, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. There's nothing more warming to both the stomach and the soul after wandering the cold streets of Boston in the winter.

Hike The Ancient Forests And Snow-Capped Mountains

New England is known for its historic architecture, but to some, one of the most surprising Northeastern facts is that the region's natural beauty is among the best in the country. Whether it's the forests of Maine dotted with lakes, the beaches of Cape Cod or the lighthouse-lined coast spanning hundreds of miles, New England lives up to its postcard reputation. The best way to experience the region's natural wonders is by diving into the rugged wilderness.

Mount Washington is one of the best hikes in the Northeast. As the region's tallest mountain, it stands at 6,288 feet and offers some of the most impressive views anywhere in the country. If you're not quite in the mood for a strenuous hike, you can also drive up the mountain for a shortcut to the views — and then slap on a bumper sticker that says, "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington."

Indeed, there's a reason people from all over the Northeast head to New Hampshire for outdoor adventure. Home to the White Mountains, the state boasts some of the most dramatic scenery in the region, particularly in Franconia Notch State Park. This mountain pass, between the White Mountains and the Kinsman Range, is known for its lakes, snow-capped peaks, gorges and now "deceased" Old Man of the Mountain rock formation. The Artist Bluff Trail is one of the best ways to explore the park. It's an easy 1.5-mile loop that takes you through the mountains with stunning panoramas the whole way.

But mountains and forests are just one aspect of New England's scenery. One of my favorite fun facts about the Northeast region is that some of the best hiking is actually on the beach. That's why a visit to Provincetown's Dune Shack Trail is a must for both beach goers and hikers. Provincetown, at the tip of Massachusetts' Cape Cod, is known for its lively LGBTQ culture as well as its natural coastal beauty. The Dune Shack Trail runs through the sand dunes on a pristine beach and past small cottages and cranberry bogs. It's the perfect excuse to combine some physical exercise (those dunes can be steep) with a beach day in one of the Cape's most quaint vacation towns.

Where To Spend A Northeastern Vacation

With so much to do in the Northeast, where do you even start? Unfortunately, it's impossible to see every city, climb every mountain or consume every type of fish in just one visit. First, figure out what kind of trip you want to have. Are you looking for a beach vacation? A history tour? An outdoor adventure? One of the most important Northeastern facts is this: There's something for everyone. You just have to plan accordingly.

For a beach weekend, Cape Cod is one of the best vacation spots in the Northeast. The Massachusetts peninsula is immensely popular with local residents, many of whom flock to the Cape on summer weekends. From the nightlife of Hyannis and Provincetown to the more relaxing beaches of Dennis and Eastham, Cape Cod feels like its own world, where the troubles of everyday life wash away in a salty undertow.

If immersing yourself in U.S. history is your goal, head to Boston. In addition to the city's natural historic aesthetic — with cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches and Revolution-era taverns — there's the famous Freedom Trail. Follow the route to see a collection of museums, meeting houses and cemeteries all telling the story of the American Revolution. Sites include the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution and Granary Burying Ground.

Nature lovers should pack up the car, hit the road and plunge into the lush wilderness of Maine. Bar Harbor is the best of all worlds — it's right on the ocean, with all the beach benefits you've come to expect from the region, while also providing access to some incredible hiking trails through the forest. The Bar Island Trail, Dorr Mountain North Ridge Trail and Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail are perfect for drinking in the area's natural beauty. And when you're done, stop back in the quaint town for some ice cream and lobster rolls.

Written By
EBEN DISKIN

Eben Diskin is a travel writer, amateur pizza connoisseur, avid Indoorsman, and the Senior Staff Writer at Matador Network. While traveling, he pretends to enjoy activities like hiking, camping, fine dining, and museums, when all he really wants to do is drink Jack and Cokes at the hotel bar. He has a degree in History from Wheaton College and a definitely-not-useless Master's in Fiction Writing from the University of Edinburgh.

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