New England News

What’s New from Discover New England 

Connecticut

 

Bradley International Airport Infrastructure Upgrades, Hartford. New England’s second largest airport – offering small airport convenience with big airport-like amenities will be unveiling more than $250 million in infrastructure upgrades, which will make international travel on the daily Aer Lingus flights even more seamless.

DNE Member Partner – Bradley International Airport

Green Ledge Light, Nowalk. One of the only offshore lighthouses in the US where you can not only tour the lighthouse, but you can also spend the night. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on its own private island in the Long Island Sound, the lighthouse offers an exceptional overnight experience.

Greenwich Hospitality, Westport and Mystic. Both locations have been added to the Greenwich Hospitality portfolio with their hotel brand, Delamar Hotels. These high-end hotels offer private tours by luxury automobiles and yachts year-round.

The Stanton House, Mystic. This four-story building has guest rooms and an event space with the fourth floor as the penthouse (two of them!) with amazing view of Downtown Mystic.

Great Wolf Lodge, Mashantucket. This will be the company’s 23rd resort in North America and third resort in the Northeastern U.S. The 549-room resort, which is being built as part of a partnership agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, will be located on 13 acres adjacent to the Foxwoods Resort Casino and will feature a 91,000-square-foot indoor water park and a 61,000-square-foot family entertainment center.

Virtual Theme Park at Foxwoods, Mashantucket. Bee VR will be opening a location in the casino next to Johnny Rockets. It’ll be the second store location, with the first in Caribou, Maine. The theme park will have several immersive rides like rollercoasters and 60 immersive simulations.

Quassy Amusement Park & Waterpark, Middlebury. Introducing two new rides this year: a spinning family roller coaster featuring a thrilling figure-eight track design with cars that rotate as they glide along the course, and “Aladdin Wave Swinger,” a swing ride inspired by the movie Aladdin.

The Aldrich Museum, Ridgefield. Recently expanded its outdoor space by adding a new sculpture garden, a pollinator-friendly walkway, and an amphitheater.

New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks. A new exhibit has been added to the museum called “Through the Eyes of Igor Sikorsky” where guests can explore the life and legacy of helicopter pioneer Igor Sikorsky.

Arethusa Farm, Litchfield. Transformed into an educational center offering agricultural programming and hands-on experiences, the 140-acre property will host various educational initiatives, aiming to engage visitors of all ages and is hosting its first 4-H Camp this summer. Arethusa Farm recently made history at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, winning Best in Show for the second consecutive year—an honor no creamery has achieved in 40 years. Its Europa cheese was named the best among 2,400 cheeses in the competition.

Stonington Kelp, Stonington. Connecticut’s largest kelp farm recently started offering eco farm tours from February through June. The team takes guests on a journey aboard its harvest vessel to the farm site where they’ll learn about its role in the ecosystem and, when available, help with harvesting.

Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, Simsbury. After a major renovation, the town will be reopening its newly improved Flower Bridge located in the heart of downtown Simsbury. Originally designed and built in 1892, the bridge spans 183 ft. and is lined with beautiful flowers suspended 18 feet over the Farmington River.

Wells Boat Hall at Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic. The historic seaport museum will be opening a brand-new 35,000 square-foot exhibition space this fall that will house the American Watercraft Collection. The museum started its private watercraft collection in 1931 and has grown it to 560 vessels. Visitors will be immersed in sea stories as they wander among a collection filled with vessels.

Brownstone Nordic Spa, Portland. A new adults-only Nordic Spa is currently being built on 6.3 acres of land at Brownstone Quarry and is expected to open in fall 2025. Utilizing a combination of hot and cold pools to stimulate a range of health benefits, a Nordic Spa aims to create a space for deep relaxation and connection with nature.

Connecticut Oyster Trail, Statewide. The first-ever statewide trail dedicated to oysters features more than a dozen oyster farms and over 20 restaurants and stores where visitors can savor delectable oysters harvested in Connecticut.

Fork and Band Slingshot Shooting Gallery, Bristol. Come to the planet’s only dedicated indoor slingshot shooting gallery. The handmade slingshots used in the facility are customized for each player’s reach with hand-tied elastic band sets, elevating both safety and customer experience through increased accuracy.

Saybrook Point Inn, Old Saybrook.  The 82-room luxury hotel, located on the Long Island Sound, now offers Butler Service in addition to its Fresh Salt Restaurant and a full-service spa.

Lime Rock Park, Lakeview. After a 14-year hiatus, NASCAR will once again race at Lime Rock Park as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series makes its debut at the Connecticut circuit on June 27-28, 2025.

DELMAR Mystic, Mystic. Open seasonally, this new boutique hotel situated on the Mystic River offers 31 rooms, all with water views, and La Plage Restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining on the water.

Stanton House at The Whaler’s Inn, Mystic. Opening this summer, the Stanton House offers sweeping panoramic views of the Mystic River and the iconic Bascule Bridge. The four-story building features both suites and guest rooms along with world-class amenities. Each premier suite boasts spacious living areas, indoor-outdoor fireplaces, and private balconies.

Hunt Hill Farm, New Milford. Now reopened, this dairy farm includes 10 historic buildings—some dating back to 1760—nestled on 185 acres of nature preservation. It’s the birthplace of the New York Pops and home to The Silo Cooking School, Connecticut’s first recreational cooking school.

Connecticut Accolades

  • Shipwright’s Daughter Chef David Standridge has been recognized as a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef, Northeast in 2024. Located in the Whaler’s Inn, in downtown Mystic.

Maine

 

Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, opened summer 2025, sits atop Lookout Mountain and was created to welcome the global public to Katahdin Woods National Monument. Tekαkαpimək is Penobscot for as far as one can see – pronounced de gah-gah bee mook. The architecture, landscape and cultural exhibits are the result of an extensive process with representatives of the Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, and Penobscot Nation.

Portland Hearts of Pine, Portland. Sports lovers are in for a treat now that professional soccer has come to Portland. The wildly popular Portland Hearts of Pine is part of the USL League One and fans watch them in action at their home field, Fitzpatrick Stadium. The team has brought an unprecedented level of excitement and engagement to the state just in time as fans around the world gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Maine Gear Library Network (MGLN), Statewide. A first-of-its-kind statewide alliance of gear libraries has officially launched providing affordable access to high-quality outdoor equipment. From bikes and kayaks to tents and camp stoves, the network is a community-driven gear lending program committed to equitable access to outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. MGLN is actively supporting new gear libraries through technical assistance, equipment sharing and public education. Its new website offers a statewide directory and information on the benefits of a gear library.

The Skowhegan River Park (also known as Run of River). The projecrt will redevelop an industrial downtown river corridor into an accessible outdoor recreation asset with an expanded trail network and enhanced whitewater activities. The river park will improve river access and free recreation opportunities in central Maine.

Sugarloaf Bike Park, Carrabassett Valley. Established ski mountain Sugarloaf has opened the, New England’s newest gravity-fed bike park with unlimited access to the Sugarloaf Bike Park Friday through Sunday, with zero blackout dates. Bikers can choose from single-day lift tickets, full season passes, or as an add-on option for 2025/26 pass holders whose home mountain is Sugarloaf.

Union River Sculpture Park, Ellsworth. The latest collection of outdoor art in Maine can be found along the Union River Sculpture Trail extends the existing quarter-mile Riverwalk in Ellsworth into a 0.75-mile pedestrian loop connecting downtown Ellsworth, Knowlton Park, and U.S. Route 1. The trail features sculptures on loan from Maine-based artists, blending public art with outdoor recreation.

Breakwater Inn, Kennebunkport. One of the region’s historic and most beloved ocean view hotels reopened in 2025 following the sale of the property and complete renovation of its harborside guest rooms and the debut of a brand-new restaurant and bars. The inn is now owned and operated by the same creators of popular Maine establishments Mabel’s Lobster Claw, Robert’s Maine Grill, Bob’s Clam Shack, and The Maine Catch.

The Skowhegan by Kasa, Skowhegan. Opened in 2025 in the Kennebec Valley town of Skowhegan as part of an overall redevelopment of the old Spinning Mill, a textile mill and manufacturing site along the Kennebec River. Kasa is known for its tech-enabled hospitality.

Residence Inn/Moxy Hotel by Marriott, Portland. This opening in 2026 marks the first hotel to be built at Thompson’s Point, Portland’s pre-eminent entertainment venue for concerts, events and seasonal ice skating. Neighbors include the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Bissell Brothers Brewing and Stroudwater Distillery.

Maine Accolades

  • Maine’s Bold Coast was named one of 25 Places to Travel in 2025 by AFAR
  • Bar Harbor was named one of 30 of The World’s Best Places to Visit for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report
  • Ogunquit Beach was named one of the 8 Best Beaches on the East Coast by Conde Nast Traveler
  • The Viewpoint Hotel in York was named one of The World’s Greatest Places of 2025 by TIME magazine
  • Acadia National Park was listed as # 1 of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in America by Conde Nast Traveler

Massachusetts

 

The Framingham Collection, Framingham. Renovations on the 375-room castle-like Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center, just 30 minutes from Boston, include the addition of new attached properties, the TownePlace Suites and the Fairfield Inn. The tri-brand renovation has rebranded as The Framingham Collection and expansions were in October 2025.

DNE Member Partner – MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau has just launched a series of walking and driving tours of the region. These free itineraries give visitors an opportunity to engage more deeply with the region and its sites and stories. You can download the free SmartGuide app to access the tours, which include “Many Cultures, One Heart” public art tour of Framingham; Play Ball! (a baseball tour of the region); Stories of the Land (Indigenous history and sites); Black Heritage Trail; and It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint (sites related to the Boston Marathon).

DNE Member Partner – MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Boston Legacy FC. In 2026 women’s professional soccer takes the pitch in the greatest sports town in the world. Boston will get professional women’s soccer again thanks to the National Women’s Soccer League awarding an extension team, set to begin play in 2026

Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Boston. The Holocaust Legacy Foundation is constructing New England’s first dedicated Holocaust Museum and Education Center. The six-story, 33,000 sq ft building will incorporate immersive and tech-driven exhibits and is scheduled to open in late 2026.

FIFA World Cup, Foxborough. Gillette Stadium – which will be renamed Boston Stadium – is set to host seven FIFA World Cup matches in the summer of 2026, including 4 Group Stage games, a knockout and quarterfinal. Get ready for 40 days filled with special events and celebrations, uniting people to enjoy the tournament and everything the region has to offer.

Cambria Hotel & Suites, Plymouth. Cambria recently opened with 107 rooms and upscale amenities. This is the ideal location close to historic Plymouth Rock and Colony Place Shopping Complex and gives guests the opportunity to plan the ultimate Massachusetts getaway, whether visiting for work or leisure.

John Carver Inn and Spa, Plymouth. Boston-based real estate and hospitality investment firm The Mount Vernon Company has acquired the John Carver Inn & Spa, a beloved 80-room property located in the heart of historic Plymouth. The property will be repositioned and reimagined to deliver an elevated guest experience while honoring its storied history.

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Westminster. Wachusett Mountain is in the process of upgrading its lift system with a new six-passenger high-speed detachable chairlift. The $20 million project includes features like self-locking restraint bars and aims to enhance uphill capacity and rider comfort.

The Beachside Hotel, Nantucket. The newly reopened Beachside Hotel blends mid‑century charm with modern amenities, featuring warm terracotta and cream tones, hand‑cut marble mosaic floors, and custom lighting throughout. Nestled just steps from downtown and a short walk to Jetties Beach, the 3.5‑acre resort offers a revamped pool courtyard, Barnaby Kids Club, arcade game room, gym, and complimentary bikes for leisurely island exploration.

Gull Air, Nantucket. Travelers will soon have another way of getting to and from Nantucket. Gull Air is making a comeback on the island. The revived airline will offer limited weekend flights between Nantucket and Hyannis as it works toward obtaining full commuter authority approval to provide daily service.

Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown. A new location (1090 Main Street, Jct 2 & 7) and new museum is opening 2027. The new museum will be a space designed with students in mind, fostering a sense of belonging for campus members and the wider community, and an inclusive experience for all visitors. The building will offer substantial gallery space for showing more of the 15,000 works in the museum’s collection.

RiverView Park & RiverWalk Projects, Shelburne Falls. The RiverView Park & RiverWalk are linked projects designed to welcome locals, tourists, and bicyclists to downtown Shelburne Falls and West County located in the northeastern Berkshires “Hilltowns” of Franklin County. The RiverWalk with nine mosaic murals connects the Bridge of Flowers (BOF) to The Mill at Shelburne Falls. It adds a significant tourist and local amenity to the cultural, architectural, and historical village. Grand opening is set for July 1, 2026.

New Hampshire

 

Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway. Now offering year-round excursions. For the first time in 60+ years, travel by train over scenic Crawford Notch during the wintertime. This is a seasonal variation of their Mountaineer train, offering stunning views of the White Mountains. Starting this summer, the Conway Scenic Railroad will begin offering the opportunity to take the Mountaineer from Crawford Notch to our North Conway train station, with a 30-minute layover in North Conway before departing back to Crawford Notch. Tentatively, the train will depart from Crawford at 11:15 AM and arrive at North Conway at 1 PM. The train back will depart North Conway at 1:30 PM and arrive at Crawford at 3:15 PM.

DNE Member Partner – Conway Scenic Railroad

DoubleTree by Hilton Concord Downtown, Concord. Opening fall 2025, located in downtown Concord, just steps from shops, restaurants and cultural destinations like the NH State House and Capital Center for the Arts, the hotel is positioned to be a central hub for travelers.

Homewood Suites by Hilton, Portsmouth Downtown. Opened August 2025, the new four-story hotel and suites is a 116-room property that offers amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, a fitness center, laundry, and on-site EV chargers. Located in the heart of the city.

The Hop at Dartmouth, Hanover. Take a free, guided tour of the new center to explore its stunning venues and reimagined gathering spaces, learn about architectural and design process of art, and experience the new performance spaces in action.

Arts Alley, Concord. Open spring 2025, a new hub for arts, culture, food and fun in the Capital City. Arts Alley will be a blend of restaurant, entertainment and upscale event spaces. The space will feature The Friendly Toast, the South Main Street Surfer Bar, an outdoor entertainment space featuring a rooftop deck, fire pits, bocce court and a repurposed Airstream rebuilt as a full-service bar. The courtyard will host a 1942 Silk City Dingman Diner.

The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, Tilton. Opening late summer/early fall of 2025. Experience the serenity of lakeside living along the quiet ambience of the calm waters of Lake Winnisquam. Multiple dining options on site with James Beard Foundation Award nominee and Top Chef alum Chef Chris Viaud as Director of Culinary Arts.

Hilton Garden Inn, North Conway. Opened October 2024 and situated in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley, this new 90-room upscale property is minutes from local preserves, amusement centers, outlet shopping, and a number of other attractions.

The Viewpoint North Conway, North Conway. Opened spring of 2025, this brand new, 3-story, 70-room luxury property is located right in the center of North Conway. This mountain retreat offers guests unparalleled luxury, relaxation and convenience in the picturesque Mount Washington Valley with stunning views of the Presidential Mountain Range. A rooftop bar and grill are also located on site.

New Hampshire Accolades

  • Omni Mount Washington in Bretton Woods was named #7 in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Hotel for the Holidays
  • Dancing Lion Chocolate in Manchester was named Confectionery Store of the year by Luxury Travel Guide of the 90,000 submissions from around the world.

Rhode Island

 

Newport International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport. The Newport International Tennis Hall of Fame reopened its doors in May after going through a multimillion-dollar renovation. This is the first museum renovation the Hall of Fame has undertaken since 2015 and includes a new Hall of Famers’ Gallery, a Celebration Gallery, a Rolex experience featuring Roger Federer and a journey through the major tournaments, the creation of a Newport Tennis Traditions gallery, the opening of a Hall of Famers’ Lounge, a new Museum Retail footprint and a reimagined Welcome Center.

DNE Member Partner – Discover Newport

Asian American Pacific Islander History Museum, Providence. First in the nation Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Museum – located in the city’s historic Jewelry District, the museum features images, videos, and audio under four overarching themes of activism, identity, migration/immigration, and solidarity.

DNE Member Partner – GoProvidence

Track15, Providence Food Hall, Providence. The long-awaited food hall opened in February 2025, featuring a full lineup of new local vendors and culinary experiences. This will be a hot spot for food lovers and a significant addition to the city’s dining scene.

DNE Member Partner – GoProvidence

America 250: Telling Rhode Island’s Stories, Statewide. As the country gears up for America’s 250th anniversary, Rhode Island is embracing its role with a fresh spotlight on local heroes and untold stories. The state will honor America’s first Black Regiment, Revolutionary figures like Gilbert Stuart and Nathanael Greene, and Newport’s pivotal role during the Revolution—putting Rhode Island’s big stories on the national stage.

Newport Historic Society’s Black History Museum, Newport. Opening soon, this museum will offer a deep dive into Rhode Island’s Black heritage. It’s designed as a fully immersive experience, shining a light on voices and stories that have far too often been overlooked.

Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket. Pawtucket is about to get a major boost with the new Centreville Bank Stadium—a fully electric, 10,500-seat venue on the Seekonk River. This will be the new home for Rhode Island FC, the state’s USL Championship League soccer team. But it’s more than just soccer: the stadium will host concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings all year round.

Troll Trail: Art Meets Adventure. Outdoor lovers, families, and anyone with a sense of wonder can now discover the Troll Trail. Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo’s giant, hidden troll sculptures are dotted along this imaginative path, turning a regular hike into a whimsical quest.

The Spring House in New Harbor, Block Island. Block Island is raising the bar for luxury with the debut of a new upscale inn. The Spring House in New Harbor features ten custom suites, blending breathtaking views with designer furnishings and attentive service. It’s the place to stay for travelers who want a more refined island experience.

Rhode Island’s Outdoor App: Explore Like a Local. The state’s Commerce Department is rolling out a new app that connects visitors to Rhode Island’s wild side. With rich photography and interactive features, the app makes it easy to discover state parks, beaches, and trails across the Ocean State.

Beach Saunas: Rhode Island’s Winter Ritual. A new coastal tradition is taking off: beach saunas. Imagine a wood-fired sauna set right on the sand, with the Atlantic just steps away. From Altaer Sauna at South Shore Beach in Little Compton to Small Wave Sauna at Surfer’s End in Middletown and Newport Sauna at Third Beach, these pop-up saunas have become a fall-to-spring must-try.

Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket. The home of Rhode Island FC is now the flagship destination for sports and entertainment in the state and hosted the 2025 Major League Rugby (MLR) Championship. This new multi-use stadium is expected to draw larger events and more visitors to the region.

Island House Newport, Newport. The biggest new accommodation opened in Rhode Island in 2025 was Island House Newport, a boutique hotel in Newport. The hotel was developed by Marshall Properties and is operated by Main Street Hospitality, marking a major addition to Newport’s hospitality scene.

Rhode Island Accolades

  • Forbes named Newport #3 for “Most Welcoming Cities in the U.S.” (Feb 2025)
  • Cosmopolitan named Newport #1 “Best Girls’ Trip Destinations in the U.S.” (Feb 2025)
  • Time Out named Newport Folk Festival as one of the “Best Music Festivals in the United States” (Feb 2025)
  • Travel & Leisure named Newport one of the “20 Best Weekend Getaways in New England” (Jan 2025)

Vermont

 

AC Mariott Hotel, Burlington. With 161 rooms and a restaurant on property, the hotel is situated just steps from the historic Church Street Marketplace, the city’s four block pedestrian shopping and dining district.

Landmark Trust, Dummerston. There is a new one-bedroom studio on their Nualakha property, where Rudyard Kipling wrote the Jungle Book, available through TourMappers. Guests can add on a personal chef service that will feature local ingredients made to suit their personal tastes.

Sun & Ski Inn and Suites, Stowe. They are building an addition which will give them 62 rooms and will be complete by Dec. 15, 2025. Amenities at the Sun & Ski include the Stowe Bowl and the Stowe Mini Golf Park (available through TourMappers).

Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee. The resort is offering lodging discounts as part of their wildly successful summer concert series (available through TourMappers).

The Green Trails Inn, Brookfield. The inn has re-opened after a major renovation and near the inn, 1000 Stone Farm has just opened The Farmers’ Hand, a farm to table cider house and kitchen.

Vermont Wayfinders, Springfield. A new company offering private guided tours to show people the hidden gems on the back roads of Vermont in an off-road ready Ford Bronco. Vermont Wayfinders will also be offering self-directed audio tours which don’t require a cell signal, perfect for visitors who want to explore more of the state.

Rebranding Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, Stowe. 2025 marks the 75th Anniversary of the iconic Trapp Family Lodge and the unveiling of their new name and brand identity as the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort. Per the official press release, “The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is so much more than a name. It’s an enduring commitment to hospitality, natural beauty, and the values that have guided our family for decades.”

Vermont Accolades

  • Vermont was named the #1 Greenest State in the US in 2025 by Wallet Hub.

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