A 7-day grand tour of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island
The Best of Three States - from $2,775.00 for 2 persons (*includes our tour planning services plus direct lodging)
Highlights:
> 6 nights in charming B&B's with 4 abundant breakfasts (booked directly by you)
> 1 dinner at the award-winning Inn at Woodstock Hill
> Bike paths along the Charles River, Minuteman Trail, Blackstone River and Narragansett’s East Bay
> Visit historic sites from the American Revolution in Concord and the Industrial Revolution at Slater Mill
> Ride through Ivy League campuses of Harvard and Brown
> Meet local artists and shop in their studios
> Enjoy an optional hike around Thoreau's Walden Pond
> Luggage transfers (done by you)
> 6 nights in charming B&B's with 4 abundant breakfasts (booked directly by you)
> 1 dinner at the award-winning Inn at Woodstock Hill
> Bike paths along the Charles River, Minuteman Trail, Blackstone River and Narragansett’s East Bay
> Visit historic sites from the American Revolution in Concord and the Industrial Revolution at Slater Mill
> Ride through Ivy League campuses of Harvard and Brown
> Meet local artists and shop in their studios
> Enjoy an optional hike around Thoreau's Walden Pond
> Luggage transfers (done by you)
Day 1: In the Footsteps of American History
We begin in Boston’s historic North End, then cruise along the Esplanade bike paths and savor views along the Charles River. Pedal on through Harvard University and connect with the Minuteman Bikeway to Lexington. From here you’ll closely follow the route the British took in April 1775 in the skirmish that launched the American Revolution. Enjoy the 1716 Colonial Inn’s relaxing Tap Room for refreshments after your ride. (25 mile route)
Day 2: Classic Massachusetts Countryside
A short distance from your Inn is North Bridge where the ‘shot heard round the world’ was fired. Further away Carlisle offers a quiet road through a cranberry bog and our second favorite ice cream stand (who says you can't have ice cream for an early lunch!). Consider a stop at Walden Pond to see a replica of Thoreau’s cabin, and then take a spin through the deCordova modern sculpture garden. After your ride enjoy the central location of your Inn as Concord is an interesting town on foot too. (37 mile route)
Day 3: Woodstock in the Quiet Corner
We will shuttle you to a new starting location allowing you to cycle through the well-preserved village of Grafton Center. In Sutton visit a renowned gallery that produces chalkware Santas. You’ll head west to the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut. On your way you will pass Thompson Hill Common featuring a grand collection of 18th and 19th century homes. The award-winning Inn at Woodstock Hill will be your home for tonight and consider a stroll after dinner (included) to the expansive town green of Woodstock with stunning Roseland Cottage. (30 to 40 mile route options)
Day 4: Rural beauty of Pomfret and Brooklyn
After a hearty breakfast at the Inn, head south to Pomfret and Brooklyn with their open farmland, stately homes and rolling countryside. Stop at Bafflin Audubon sanctuary, with miles of hiking trails and some of the best birding in Connecticut. Further along are the carefully maintained grounds of Sharpe Hill Vineyard and the tasting room is a nice stop. Then enjoy a treat at our all-time favorite ice cream stand with delicious homemade flavors. Cycle by a Revolutionary War cemetery and the oldest continuously operating church in Connecticut. An optional ride to another local winery & brewery is available. (28 and 34 mile route options)
Day 5: Mill Villages & Blackstone Valley Bikeway of Northern Rhode Island
We shuttle you to Rhode Island to pedal past diverse Industrial Revolution era mill towns. One example is Slatersville, America’s first planned industrial village. French Canadians immigrants fueled Woonsocket’s growth, and riding along the Blackstone Valley Bikeway will provide glimpses of the mills they helped run. Much of the bike path is on the original canal tow path and then follows well-marked streets past the original Slater Mill (now a museum). The route proceeds through the trendy east side of Providence then cuts through the campus of Brown University to your B&B. (35 mile route)
Day 6: East Bay bike path to Bristol
Today's loop ride of up to 38 miles travels from Providence to the charming small port of Bristol, RI following the East Bay bike path. With views of Narragansett Bay, a side trip through Colt State park and Bristol at the southern end of the bike path, make this one of the most diverse rail-to-trail routes we have cycled. Bristol offers an interesting spot to relax and explore. There are several neat restaurants, a wooden boat museum and Blithewold mansion's gorgeous grounds. Ride back to your Inn and enjoy one last night in Providence. The vibrant downtown offers many fun dining options, including Federal Hill’s Italian neighborhood. (optional 'out and back' 38 mile route)
Day 7: Exploring Providence
Before checking out, consider a walking tour of Rhode Island's capital city. Your B&B is located close to several captivating self-guided tours filled with history and local folklore.