From botanical gardens to sculpture gardens, and from cruises to wineries and vineyards, the Northeast has endless outdoor opportunities to offer groups touring the region.
Beautiful in all seasons, the botanical gardens here are truly awe-inspiring. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine, offers a discount to groups of 15 or more and a unique coastline, cultivated gardens, expansive wooded areas, and features permanent sculptures of giant trolls. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, is a museum of trees and is “one of the most comprehensive and best-documented collections of temperate woody plants” in the world, according to a description on its website.
The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, Massachusetts, has something for everybody among its 18 distinct garden spaces, including meadows, woodlands, trails, and a view of the Wachusett Reservoir. Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens in Stamford, Connecticut, has 13 garden collections, walkable trails, colonial stonewalls, and wetlands. The Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, New York, offers a 500-acre “outdoor museum.” Large-scale sculptures are located along the center’s hills, meadows, and forests.
Out On the Water
A variety of cruises and river boat tours exploring lakes, the coast, rivers, and islands in the region are a great option for groups looking to sightsee with a refreshing breeze. Cruises operated by New Hampshire Travel and Tourism take groups on a tour through the state’s landscapes, lakes, forests, and shoreline towns, highlighting cultural and historical landmarks, sometimes offering catering and live music. Boston Harbor Cruises in Boston, offers groups memorable ways to experience Boston’s rich maritime history and many historic lighthouses.
Credit: St. Clement’s Island Museum
Explorer River Tours in Central Falls, Rhode Island, can take groups on private charters, giving opportunities for close-up sightings of unique wildlife. St. Clement’s Island Museum in St. Mary’s County in Maryland offers a boat ride around the island and tours of the museum and lighthouse. St. Clement’s Island was the landing site of English colonists in Maryland.
Inland Excursions
While visiting the national monuments in Washington, D.C., leaves you awestruck, touring them by moonlight is a truly magical experience. Monuments by Moonlight Night Tours gives groups the opportunity to experience the monuments when they are illuminated against the dark sky, with significantly fewer people around, and experience the city from a new perspective. Groups can book the entire tour bus and can tailor the experience to the group’s preferences and schedule.
For groups looking to quench their thirst and indulge their taste buds, the Northeast has renowned wineries and vineyards dotting the region. The Averill House Vineyard, located in Brookline’s historic Ice District in New Hampshire, offers an 1830s tasting room and a picturesque view. Storm King Art Center, New Windsor, New York Newport Vineyards and Taproot Brewing Co. in Middletown, Rhode Island, is the largest winery in the state, offering an on-site brewery, a farm-to-table culinary program, and a Private Tour & Tasting experience. Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut, is based out of a World War II-era airplane hangar, creating a dynamic and unique experience for guests in its coastal location. Finger Lakes Wine Country in Corning, New York, offers groups numerous wineries, businesses, wine trails, lakes, waterfalls, and a stunning backdrop to a once-in-a-lifetime group travel experience.
By Maya Mackinnon
Main Image: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine; Credit: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
