New England News
What’s New from Discover New England
Read recent media coverage and headlines featuring New England here.
Regionwide
Award Winning Itinerary & Campaign – Under Shared Skies. New England and Southern Quebec’s Under Shared Skies itinerary won the “Best New Tourism Initiative” category at this year’s JRNY Travel Magazine America Awards.
Connecticut
Residence Inn, Mystic. Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton has unveiled a refreshed guest experience, introducing renovated suites, updated gathering spaces and contemporary amenities inspired by the charm of Connecticut’s scenic shoreline. Located just minutes from Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, historic downtown Mystic and the region’s waterfront attractions, the all-suite hotel offers travelers a comfortable home base for everything from weekend getaways to extended business stays.
Connecticut Science Center New Sharks Exhibit, Hartford. “To be great is to be misunderstood.” Debuting May 9, the Connecticut Science Center’s Sharks exhibit brings visitors face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Featuring dozens of life-sized models, ancient fossils, immersive media and engaging interactive experiences, explorers will be able to uncover the truth behind sharks and why protecting them is vital to our oceans’ health.
Connecticut Haunted History Trail, statewide. This new Haunted History Trail brings together more than 130 locations statewide connected to nearly 400 years of witch-trial history, haunted landmarks, paranormal lore and unexplained stories. The trail spans nine categories, including historic homes, museums, cemeteries, ghost and paranormal tours, restaurants, hotels, lighthouses, hiking trails and sites connected to Connecticut’s colonial witch trials. The experience also shines a light on a lesser-known chapter of American history: Connecticut’s witch trials began in 1647, decades before Salem. Designed as a self-guided experience, the trail gives visitors a new way to explore communities across the state through history, folklore and the paranormal.
Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail, statewide. Connecticut’s new TV-to-Table Trail turns national food television into a statewide culinary travel experience, connecting visitors with Connecticut chefs, restaurants and dishes featured on national food shows including “Chopped,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” “Best Bite in Town,” “Cupcake Wars” and more. The trail features more than 60 restaurants connected to 20 national food shows, giving fans the opportunity to move beyond the screen and experience the chefs and dishes for themselves. The trail launched in October with Connecticut native and James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Conant, along with many of the state’s nationally recognized culinary talents. The experience gives travelers a new reason to explore Connecticut through food while discovering the downtowns, neighborhoods and communities behind the chefs they’ve watched on television.
Maine
Sabattus Disc Golf named top short course, Sabattus. Maine has seven courses on UDisc’s top 100 list in the U.S. (second most in the country) and four courses on its top-100 list globally. The list of the 10-best courses in the state is topped by Sabattus Disc Golf: Hawk in Sabattus, which features three friendly goats, and Sabattus Disc Golf’s Owl course was named the top short course in world by UDisc.
New outdoor adventures, Bangor. Registered Maine outdoor guides have designed new adventures to expand recreation in Bangor, opening the city’s Penobscot River and surrounding highlands. Paddle the river with Skyline Maine Adventures’ guide Chris Francis, a member of the Penobscot Nation and a national whitewater canoe champion, or try a combination of bike riding and packrafting trip in Bangor with Pack Raft Maine.
L.L. Bean flagship store reopens, Freeport. L.L. Bean’s newly imagined flagship campus in downtown Freeport features a two-tier trout pond, a 6,000-gallon stream tank, and an expanded Discovery Park with 17,000 additional square feet of green space for recreation and outdoor programming. Test your new gear with an outdoor adventure at L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs.
New visitor centers in Kennebunk, Trenton and Staceyville. Three new visitor centers improve access to major public lands. The Rachel Carson Center for People & Nature offers information about Maine’s salt marsh ecosystems across the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge’s 11 properties along 6,000 acres of Maine coastline. The new Acadia Gateway Center welcomes visitors to Acadia National Park with free day-use parking and a bus stop for the free Island Explorer and commercial tour buses. Atop Lookout Mountain in the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument sits Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, with architecture and cultural exhibits designed in collaboration with tribal representatives.
New Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor (Maine MILL), Lewiston. Maine MILL unveiled a new 22,000-square-foot cultural destination designed to serve as a hub for history, culture and community connection in the heart of Lewiston. Founded 30 years ago, the museum has evolved into a dynamic community museum dedicated to exploring the intersection of labor, industry and innovation.
New farm-to-table dinners in MidCoast Maine. New farm-to-table dinners immerse guests in pastoral settings along Maine’s MidCoast. The farm-to-table ethos has always been central to Maine’s culinary identity, and chefs continue to elevate the dining experience with on-farm and kitchen-garden dinners. New this year is Applecroft in Waldoboro and the revamped The Rooting Pig at Broad Arrow Farm in Bristol.
New eco-friendly Lantern Camp, Orland. In July 2026, Lantern Camp opened 24 low-impact cabins set among a 30-acre wild blueberry meadow. The landscape hotel, located near Castine and 30 miles from Acadia National Park, offers 100-mile sunset views, walking trails, a cedar sauna and guided stargazing.
Waters Run Bed & Breakfast, Monmouth. In July 2026, “Maine Cabin Master” star Chase Morrill and his wife, Sarah, opened the Waters Run Bed & Breakfast on the historic Woolworth Estate. The property has undergone a thoughtful transformation, which can be viewed on a special TV series on Magnolia Network, featuring 12 rooms and cabins.
Massachusetts
Museum of Madeiran Heritage, New Bedford. A cultural museum celebrating the history, traditions and contributions of New Bedford’s Madeiran community through exhibits, artifacts and educational experiences. The museum offers free admission and tours by appointment.
Discover New England Member – Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, Lenox. The historic 1893 Gilded Age mansion continues its restoration and visitor programming, including work connected to the estate’s Gardener’s Cottage. Visitors can explore the mansion through guided and self-guided experiences, exhibitions, seasonal programs and events.
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-square-foot building will incorporate immersive and tech-driven exhibits and is scheduled to open in late 2026.
Boston Legacy FC. As the National Women’s Soccer League’s newest expansion team, Boston Legacy FC begins its inaugural season this year, marking an exciting new chapter for women’s sports in the region.
The Hideaway Inn, Lenox. This new 24-room boutique hotel brings playful design and relaxed hospitality to downtown Lenox. Featuring individually styled guest rooms, cozy gathering spaces, a wraparound porch and an outdoor fire pit, Hideaway Inn offers a welcoming base for exploring the Berkshires’ arts, culture and outdoor attractions.
Sawyer House, Nantucket. Newly relaunched in 2026, Sawyer House brings a fresh perspective to Nantucket’s historic downtown. Formerly the Easton House, this intimate 10-room boutique inn blends classic island charm with thoughtfully updated interiors, modern amenities and coastal-inspired design, offering visitors a stylish retreat just steps from Nantucket’s shops, restaurants and waterfront.
Greydon House, Nantucket. Greydon House continues to evolve in 2026 with the addition of four individually designed suites and The Green Room, an inviting new lounge. Located in the heart of downtown Nantucket, this boutique hotel combines historic architecture, eclectic interiors and contemporary luxury, offering a distinctive stay that celebrates the island’s maritime heritage and creative spirit.
The Atlas Hotel, Cambridge. A new 246-room hotel, adding significant new room inventory and a contemporary accommodation option for visitors.
Cambridge Common House, Cambridge. Just steps from Harvard Square, Cambridge Common House transforms a historic residence into a 16-room boutique hotel. Rich textures, vintage furnishings and thoughtful nods to Cambridge’s academic heritage create an intimate retreat in one of Massachusetts’ most vibrant cultural neighborhoods.
The Drew Hotel, Plymouth. Set within a restored historic building in downtown Plymouth, The Drew Hotel is a 25-room boutique property combining contemporary comfort with the town’s rich heritage. Just steps from Plymouth Harbor, the hotel offers a new way to experience one of America’s most historic coastal destinations.
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.
Glass in Flight, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston. A major outdoor art exhibition featuring 30 larger-than-life stained-glass and steel sculptures by artist Alex Heveri, bringing colorful depictions of butterflies, birds and other winged creatures into the garden landscape.
Laurent Grasso: Metaphysical Maze, MASS MoCA. Opening November 7, 2026, the immersive Building 5 exhibition is the largest U.S. exhibition to date devoted to French conceptual artist Laurent Grasso. Films, paintings, sculptures and architectural interventions will transform the gallery into an exploration of time, space and perception.
Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown. A new location (1090 Main St., Jct 2 & 7) and new museum is opening in 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.
New Hampshire
New rail bike tours at Granite State Railway, Lincoln. Beginning May 2026, adventure seekers can explore pristine landscapes via a Family-friendly, motor-assisted four-person e-rail bike tours following the scenic Pemigewasset River.
Discover New England Member – Lakes & Mountains of New Hampshire
Now, a new annual tradition, the Lakes Region Lantern Festival, Center Harbor. New Hampshire’s latest annual event has quickly become a signature event for the Lakes Region. Join the M/S Mount Washington and the Lakes Region Tourism Association to say goodbye to summer and light up the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee every September.
Discover New England Member– Lakes & Mountains of New Hampshire
NEW Hideaway Inn at Mt Sunapee, Newbury. A tech-forward boutique inn by Revival Hotels featuring in-room vinyl record players, rainfall showers and a 24/7 espresso bar opened fall of 2025. Minutes from Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee Mountain Resort for skiing in the winter and adventure in the summer. This is the fourth Hideaway Inn location with other locations in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont and western Massachusetts.
Renovations at Inn at Hancock, Hancock. New Hampshire’s oldest continuously operating lodging property (est. 1789). Reopened in May 2026 after a three-year transformation featuring 15 design-forward rooms and Pink’s Lounge.
NEW Under Canvas White Mountains, Dalton. Opened June 2026, An upscale safari-style glamping camp spanning 86 acres of pristine meadows near Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains. One of seventeen locations across the country.
New attraction at Alpine Adventures, Lincoln. Opened spring 2026, the “Quick Flight” thrill at Adventure Park sends riders into a 35-foot controlled free fall. Alpine Adventures is a full adventure destination offering off-road Pinzgauer rids of Barron Mountain, snowmobiling in the winter, and arial obstacle course canopy tour, ziplines, and more.
New accessible wheelchair rentals – Seacoast Science Center, Rye. Inclusive nature exploration at Odiorne Point State Park, now offering free all-terrain wheelchair rentals. Reservations required. Odiorne is a 135 acre seaside park with views of four lighthouses, miles of trails along the rocky shore and through WWII era forts.
New trip planning website by Sugar River Region. Launch of an interactive regional trip planning hub featuring storytelling, hiking maps, paddling routes and historic tours. The Sugar River region extends from the Vermont border and to the Lake Sunapee region, about two hours from Boston.
New 1-hour architecture tour of The HOP at Dartmouth, Hanover. Public architecture tours showcasing the cutting-edge newly reimagined Hopkins Center for the Arts at this Ivy League college.
Samuel Avery’s Tavern, Wolfeboro. New Lakes Region dining concept blending a traditional cozy tavern atmosphere with modern, refined culinary menus.
New Hampshire Accolades:
- The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, new property opened fall 2025, recognized Best Resort: New Hampshire by Boston Magazine.
- The White Mountains were named No. 8 best destination for fall colors by USA Today 10Best Reader Choice Awards. (September 2026)
- Santa’s Village was named best family park in the 2026 Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards. (September 2026)
- Chef Evan Hennessey of Stages at One Washington in Dover won the prestigious 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast.
Rhode Island
Scotland Partnership, Providence. Providence welcomed the Tartan Army, the passionate fans of the Scottish national football team, to Rhode Island this summer, and that friendship continues with a twinning agreement with the Town of Ayr, an upcoming celebration of St. Andrew’s Day in November and sporting activities being planned for 2027.
Discover New England Member – Go Providence
Professional American football. Pawtucket. The future home of Rhode Island spring football is in the heart of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, at the award-winning Centreville Bank Stadium, a state-of-the-art, fully electric stadium, home to Rhode Island Football Club and a variety of world-class sporting events, entertainment and community experiences. The United Football League announced the addition of Rhode Island to its league, with the home opener in the spring.
Discover New England Memberr – Go Providence
New Annual Food & Wine Festival by the Providence Culinary Collective, Providence. Providence’s Annual Food & Wine Festival will return every spring, highlighting the talented chefs and culinary visionaries who help shape Providence’s identity as a world-class food destination. Events span four days and nights throughout the city of Providence, with the next planned for April 15-18, 2027.
Discover New England Member – Go Providence
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.
Hotel Viking, Newport. The newly renovated Hotel Viking right in downtown Newport, reopened in May 2026 after six months and coinciding with its 100th Anniversary, featuring 210 rooms, four new dining spaces and a rooftop bar.
New sports venue – 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.
Vermont
NEW Sugar House Hotel by Marriott now taking reservation, Winooski. . The Sugar House Hotel, opened fall 2026, is a 115-room Marriott Tribute Hotel and will be the first net-zero, zero-fossil-fuel hotel in the world, with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum design. It will include the only rooftop restaurant/bar in the Burlington area with an outdoor rooftop covered deck, as well as maple-themed amenities throughout the property.
NEW Perry Center for Native American Art opening at the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne. In June 2027, the Shelburne Museum will open the Perry Center for Native American Art. This 11,200-square-foot facility is designed by a 100% minority- and Native-owned collaboration (Annum Architects and Two Row Architect). Shifting away from institutions dictating history, the center operates under a model of true co-stewardship. The museum is actively collaborating with over 50 Indigenous partners, including leadership and culture bearers from the local Abenaki, via “Talking Circles” to dictate cultural protocols and collection care.
Burlington Bathhouse, Burlington. Anticipated to open in late 2026/early 2027, the 8,000-square-foot Burlington Bathhouse will be the latest development from co-owners Nicole Sweeney and Dave Nelson. The duo currently owns Savu, a popular wellness experience operating as stand-alone saunas in three scenic northern Vermont locales: Burlington, Jeffersonville and Waitsfield. The Burlington Bathhouse will feature two saunas, a steam room, two cold plunges, two hot pools and a nap room. Offerings will include rituals such as “aufguss,” a multisensory guided sauna ritual originating from Europe that capitalizes on the ever-evolving wellness and analog travel trends.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield. A sought-out destination in Vermont’s Mad River valley since 2018, the iconic brewery taproom is in the process of undergoing a hospitality evolution, growing into a full beer and food experience destination. We are weeks away from breaking ground to add an extension to our taproom that will serve as a private event space, opening estimated by Q1 2027 and are expanding our kitchen so we can broaden our culinary program and food pairing experience. The Mad River Valley is a (somewhat still hidden) gem of Vermont, offering local niche food experiences, from the Pitcher Inn restaurant to the birthplace of American Flatbread and Von Trapp farmstead cheese. Visitors are immersed in the Mad River Valley’s unique charm as they explore breathtaking trails, 60 miles of single track mountain biking, hidden swimming holes and eclectic shops.
Vermont’s Champlain Valley. A new proposed federal rule will designate the “Champlain Valley of Vermont” as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) so it would become a federally recognized wine region by the end of 2026. The proposed AVA, Vermont’s first, encompasses a broad swath of land between Lake Champlain’s edge and the Green Mountains and stretches from Southern Vermont to the Canadian border.
