Toasts to the Coast

Poet—and native son of what is now Portland, Maine—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once recalled his youth in verse, of “the beautiful town that is seated by the sea,” of “black wharves and the slips,” and of “bulwarks by the shore, and the fort upon the hill.” Longfellow was born in 1807, but the memories of his youth match up closely with what visitors expect to experience more than 200 years later: sparkling ports, historic sites, rocky shores, sentineled lighthouses, and perhaps even a warm bowl of clam chowder.

One of the magical things about visiting the Atlantic coast of New England is how it simultaneously has not changed and how it continues to evolve in many, sometimes surprising, ways. Start with Longfellow’s Portland. While Maine is at the end of the road of New England, it’s an easily accessible destination just a four-hour drive from New York City and a two-hour drive from Boston.

Portland has all the coastal charm and activities your tourgoers desire but is an especially attractive destination for the foodies of your group. Portland’s food scene has been hailed by everyone from Rachael Ray to Anthony Bourdain and “rivals most major metropolitan cities for culinary opportunity with a staggering number of restaurants,” according to Visit Portland.

Many of these establishments are group- and motorcoach-friendly, such as Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room, a historic restaurant serving guests since 1898. Portland also is host to numerous food festivals throughout the year. Harvest on the Harbor takes place each fall and brings together the best of local food and drinks in a world-class showcase.

From one “Port” to another, head south to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, just about an hour’s drive away. Founded in 1623, Portsmouth is known for its history and its picturesque downtown and scenic waterfront that draws visitors year-round. Perhaps the best way to get a sense of that history is with a guided walking tour.

The Black Heritage Trail NH offers a variety of tours exploring the history of Black Americans in the city. And for an up-close look at the vital role Portsmouth’s waterfront played in its development, check out Portsmouth Harbor Trail Tours. These 90-minute, 1-mile tours depart from Market Square, near Portsmouth’s Old Harbour, and take guests through the people and places that made Portsmouth what it is. Private tours are available as well with advanced reservations.

Adding a third “Port” to the list, Newport, Rhode Island, is in a highly desirable location for tours visiting New York City and Boston, as it is easily reachable from both. In fact, some of Newport’s most noteworthy attractions came via its proximity to New York in the mid-1800s, when wealthy industrialists from the Big Apple built “summer cottages” around Newport and established a glittering social scene.

“Newport is the quintessential New England coastal experience,” says Pam Blauvelt, national account executive/group tours with Discover Newport. “Conveniently located between Boston and NYC, … visitors experience the island lifestyle while still being in the center of it all. Dating back to 1639, Newport is rich in history and architecture to explore, as well as our iconic Gilded Age mansions to tour.”

The Preservation Society of Newport County now maintains 11 of these historic properties, which include lush gardens to explore in addition to the grand residences. Hours and tours vary from site to site, but groups can also get a good over view of “Gilded Newport” as well as the broader coastal region through a motorcoach cruise down Ocean Drive. This 10-mile scenic route offers some of the best views in Rhode Island.

For more great views, from a different perspective, consider getting out on the water. “[Newport is known as] ‘The Sailing Capital,’” says Blauvelt. “Groups can experience Newport from the water on a sail or harbor tour, then enjoy our local seafood or even a classic clambake.” Step aboard the Coastal Queen, among the newest and largest vessels offering passenger tours in the Newport region. Groups can have their pick of specialized tours, enjoying panoramic views from both indoor and outdoor seats on decks that are fully ADA accessible.

Unlike the wealthy summer vacationers of the Gilded Age, your group need not limit its Newport visit to the warm-weather months. In fact, groups might want to consider taking advantage of off-peak pricing and smaller crowds. “Newport truly is a year-round destination with events and festivals throughout the year,” says Blauvelt, “from Daffodil Days in April and the Newport Flower Show in June to a season of fall festivals in September and October, and the bustling holiday season. For the best value and fewer crowds, mid-week and offseason can be ideal for group visits.”

While in Rhode Island, why not make a stop in the smallest state’s largest city and capital? Providence is less than an hour’s drive around Narragansett Bay from Newport but offers a host of different experiences. Named the No. 2 “Most Walkable City for Tourists In the U.S.” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice list for 2024, Providence offers scenic walks if your guests are in the mood to wander or walking tours if they want a bit of history with their exercise. Your group can find year-round walking tours of any kind, from ghost tours to food tours.

Providence is known as the “Creative Capital,” and companies like Providence Tour Co. offer journeys that highlight Providence’s cultural sights. “The Creative Capital: Art and Architecture in Providence” tour showcases the past, present, and future of Providence through the city’s varying architecture on a 1 1/2-mile tour. Rhode Island is noteworthy for being one of just two states to not ratify the 18th Amendment prohibiting the consumption of alcohol, and the state’s appreciation for libations lives on in a thriving local beer and spirits scene downtown. “Prohibition in Providence: A Drinking History Tour” examines this history and the colorful characters who helped Rhode Island fight back against Prohibition.

Coastal charm isn’t limited to New England, of course. If it’s time on the beach your group is after, you’ll find 10 miles of sand in Ocean City, Maryland. Adjacent to the beach is 3 miles of pristine boardwalk featuring traditional fun like arcades and other amusements. Summers in Ocean City are special, but the city’s annual festivals make it a destination year-round.

Springfest in May celebrates the coming summer with food vendors, local crafts, and live music, similar to Sunfest, which takes place in October. Groups can get in the holiday spirit with Winterfest in November and December, with a giant lighted Christmas tree as a centerpiece. This city of festivals also hosts a film festival and a thrilling air show each year. As the Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau states on its website, “it’s all here, all year.”

Although just a few among many examples, these coastal cities of the Northeast offer all the postcard-worthy experiences groups are looking for. Yet they also offer some surprises, containing multitudes sure to please groups of varied interests.

By Todd Kortemeier

Main Image: Bug Light Park, South Portland, Maine; Credit: Unsplash/Inera Isovic