New England is one of the most beautiful regions of the U.S., a place where natural beauty, history and culture collide. Those in New England can explore its famed quaint streets, coastal scenery, and busy cities and towns. New England’s downtowns and main streets can especially allow visitors to experience the culture and community the region offers. Let’s look at some of the best downtowns and main streets to visit across New England.
Dover, NH
Dover is a city in New Hampshire famed for its history as a colonial seaport. Dover was an important manufacturing and shipbuilding community, and its history stretches back hundreds of years. Today, it is a pleasant and scenic town located on several rivers along Maine’s border. Dover’s downtown is lined with quaint stores, historic buildings and local restaurants. It is an excellent place to shop for handmade jewelry, explore small galleries and studios and eat delicious seafood.
Mystic, CT
Mystic is another New England town with an extensive history as a shipbuilding hub. Mystic is a small town in Connecticut along Mystic River and Mystic Harbor. It has all the coastal appeal that New England is famous for, with deep blue waters and nearby lighthouses. The downtown has many tasty restaurants, including the famed Mystic Pizza, along with plenty of international options. There are more than 80 independently-owned shops and galleries in Mystic’s downtown, making it perfect for buying local goods.
Portland, ME
Portland is Maine’s largest city, a picturesque community on the water that embodies the appeal of New England. It sits along Casco Bay and has a vibrant downtown area with historic buildings and plenty of shops and eateries. The Old Port waterfront is where many spend their time in Portland, where old warehouses have been converted into shops and restaurants. The famous Portland Museum of Art and many other galleries boast Portland’s arts scene as well. There are also excellent restaurants serving Maine’s famous seafood.
Kennebunkport, ME
Kennebunkport is a Maine city that is particularly busy in the summer, with beautiful sandy beaches and stunning coastal settings. But visiting Kennebunkport any time of year is amazing due to the city’s prominent downtown. While Kennebunkport has a small population of less than 4,000, its downtown is still bustling. The downtown is by the water, with thriving local markets, clothing stores and restaurants. There are small art galleries, incredible seafood eateries and historic buildings.
Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth is a historic port city that was founded in 1653. There are still many historical buildings still standing throughout the town, and these colonial buildings combine with the waterfront to make Portsmouth a classic setting. The entire downtown core is part of the Portsmouth Historic District, which has buildings and shops whose history traces back hundreds of years. The downtown is defined by Market Square, which is the primary commercial heart of the city. Many red brick shops and restaurants have appealing offerings, and exploring the city’s architecture is a great way to spend a day.
Brunswick, ME
Brunswick is known for its tight-knit, college-town feel. It is home to Bowdoin College, the first college in Maine, and has a mid-sized population of around 20,000. It is a picturesque community located along several bodies of water and surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery. The Brunswick downtown has a busy arts scene, with museums, galleries, theaters and live music venues. The main street has historic buildings, local markets, restaurants serving Maine’s famous seafood and many local shops and artisan stores.
