Communities With Personality

“Mother’s taste,” late art collector David Rockefeller says, “was eclectic and ranged from the ancient world to the contemporary, from Europe to the U.S.” Like moms, the most interesting cities are the most eclectic—those that have an abundance of personality and attractions. It is something that perhaps every community strives for, but some are more successful at it than others. And in a time when so much seems familiar—the same big-box stores, the same chain restaurants—it’s refreshing when a city stands out from the crowd with unique offerings.

Luckily for group tourists, the Northeast region has many diverse cities and neighborhoods to explore. But eclectic doesn’t mean big. While some indeed are big cities, such as Boston, Massachusetts, others are smaller college towns like Newark, Delaware. Newark, for instance, is a place the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau describes as “eclectic” in its offerings. It might be considered small by some standards, but it has variety. “Visit the more than 80 eclectic boutiques in and around Newark’s Main Street,” the CVB writes, “or take in a show with one of Newark’s theater troupes: the Resident Ensemble Players or Chapel Street Players.”

Other offerings, according to Courtney Haywood, director of public relations for Visit Wilmington, include world-class museums and gardens, award-winning wineries and brewpubs, and an outrageous number of outdoor activities. She says there are plenty of group-friendly places to experience in Newark and the Greater Brandywine Valley. Among them is the Main Event, a venue that has bowling, more than 100 games, and handcrafted food. For the history buffs in your group, visit the Newark History Museum, housed in a red-brick 1877 railroad station. Exhibits tell the story of Delaware from 1758 to modern times. Groups can find outdoor adventure at White Clay State Park and then settle down at the Cafe Gelato, which has more than 1,500 bottles of wine and a cellar with over 100 varietals. How’s that for an eclectic neighborhood?

Another place to put on your itinerary is Wellsboro in central Pennsylvania, which, according to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, “offers a unique vacation” experience. Here, explore Leonard Harrison State Park, tour the Robinson House Museum, or visit the country’s last-known family-owned department store. And, the chamber says, “many quaint gift and specialty shops, and even an old-fashion dining car, contribute to the town’s overall character.” Make sure your group members try some of the area’s favorite eateries such as The Steakhouse, The Roost, and Timeless Destination.

Point your group’s compass still farther north and east to visit Amherst, a college town and the most populous in Massachusetts’ Hampshire County. Three colleges—Amherst College, Hampshire College, and UMass Amherst—call this place home and add to its popularity. But getting an education, as important as it is, isn’t the only thing to do in this small but active community. Here, visitors can enjoy pizza at Antonio’s, sweet treats at Carefree Cakery, and live entertainment at The Drake, a performing arts venue described as “The Heartbeat of Downtown.” Also in Massachusetts is New Bedford, home to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Seamen’s Bethel, site of the “Whaleman’s Chapel” in Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” The church is open to the public and for group tours.

Put Beantown on your group’s itinerary to explore the Boston area, which has historic emblems ranging from the George Washington Monument in Public Garden and the Paul Revere Statue at Old North Church to the participatory Ale Trail, “Movie & TV Tours,” and “Rock & Roll Walking Tour”—all of which give an interesting perspective of the very eclectic city that is Boston. Nearby are many neighborhoods that have their own offerings of art, culture, and vibrancy: Allston, Dorchester, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roxbury, and Roslindale. “Boston, one of America’s oldest and most vibrant cities, is an exceptional choice for group travel,” says Emily Meehan, tourism sales manager for Meet Boston. “Its rich history, cultural diversity, and scenic beauty offer a unique blend of experiences for all interests. Meet Boston, the city’s visitor and convention bureau is an invaluable resource for organizing group trips. His team can assist with dining, transportation, accommodation, guide services, and much more. Boston’s group-friendly environment includes a walkable layout, reliable public transit, and well-developed infrastructure, ensuring safety and ease of navigation. Accommodation options are abundant, ranging from high-end hotels to budget-friendly hostels catering to every group’s needs.”

Visit Boston Harbor, Quincey Market, Gardner Museum, or the Women’s Monument, all memorable stops on any group tour. And don’t forget Spectacle Island, which lives up to its name—it’s something to behold. Book a group visit to Zoo New England to experience the city’s wild side. For the seafarers in your group, there’s Boston Harbor Cruises, which provides group tourists a rich maritime history experience and the opportunity to see many of the area’s picturesque, historic lighthouses.

“Boston’s world-class museums are a haven for culture enthusiasts,” Meehan continues. “With over 60 museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, there truly is something for everyone. The city’s architectural beauty ranges from colonial-era buildings in Beacon Hill to modern skyscrapers, creating a visually stunning backdrop for visitors. Sports fans can immerse themselves in the fervor at Fenway Park or catch a game from Boston’s beloved Celtics, Bruins, or Red Sox. The city’s culinary scene is equally enticing, with fresh seafood at Boston Public Market, authentic Italian in the North End, and a vibrant food hall scene. Organized group food tours offer a delicious way to explore the city’s many signature flavors.

There’s a story in every step in Frederick County, Maryland, where history and modernity intertwine like vines on a pole. Besides the many locally owned specialty shops, there are world-class restaurants and tasting rooms. Throw in a little adventure to your itinerary with group visits to the area’s national and state parks and Civil War battlefields.

As the trek continues northward, hobbyists who like antiques will enjoy visiting Beacon, New York, which boasts many antique shops in its downtown. There’s also the Antique Show & Flea Market that annually welcomes more than 600 vendors from eight states. Here, patrons can find arts, antiques, crafts, collectibles, and much more. “Shoppers return to us year after year with some traveling over 100 miles,” according to the market, “often by the busload, to pursue the hunt for bargains.” Beacon also has baseball games, a summer concerts series, and wine tours, among many other offerings for groups. Stay a little longer in New York to visit Greenwich Village, which has been described by New York Tourism + Conventions as having “a laid-back vibe that’s youthful and upbeat.” At its heart is Washington Square Park, where even if you tried you couldn’t overlook the history of poetry and music that envelops the area. The city of Poughkeepsie, which in some ways might look different than it used to, has repurposed many of its old buildings, turning them into art galleries, restaurants, and housing complexes. The nearby Town of Poughkeepsie—different than the city of Poughkeepsie—is home to three colleges: Vassar College, Marist College, and SUNY Dutchess. It also has many memorable places to experience the local cuisine, including Essie’s Restaurant, Brasserie 292, and Mill House Brewing Co. “Shadows on the Hudson offers a breathtaking waterfront dining experience,” according to Dutchess Tourism. “For unmatched views of the Hudson River and beyond, check out the Walkway Over the Hudson, once a vital railway crossing, now the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.”

By Andrew Weeks

Main Image: Boston, Massachusetts; Credit: Unsplash/Zoshua Colah