Mara Vorhees - New England

Population of six New England states: 14.3 million

Total area of New England states: 72,000 sq miles

Miles of coastline in New England: 4965

Lobster sheds its shell in the first five years of life: 25 times

Unemployment rate in six New England states: 4.5%

Number of tea crates emptied into Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773: 342

Gallons of maple syrup produced in Vermont annually: 430,000

Number of thru-hikers who started the Appalachian Trail in Springer Mt, Georgia in 2007: 1125

Number of thru-hikers who finished the Appalachian Trail in Katahdin, Maine in 2007: 159

Although New England is geographically small, it contains an unlimited array of outdoor adventures, culinary treats, cultural diversions and artistic masterpieces. The main challenge in planning a trip may be deciding between them! So here is our first word of warning: dont try to pack too much into too little (and were not talking about your suitcase). If you find yourself with some unprogrammed time on your hands, there is no shortage of spontaneous pursuits to engage you on the spur of the moment.

That said, its worth making a few advance arrangements if you are combing the beaches of Cape Cod in summer, leaf-peeping in the Green or White Mountains in October, or celebrating with the students during graduation week in Boston. Reserving a room in advance is advisable, especially if you have your heart set on staying somewhere in particular.

For the most flexibility and freedom of travel, consider renting a vehicle or bringing your own. Except for the city of Boston, New England is prime road-trip country. Driving your own car (or bicycle!) will ensure that you explore more back roads, browse more antique shops, devour more diner specials and engage in more of what New England has to offer.

With four distinct seasons, travel in New England presents four different faces. If youre prepared to roll with abrupt and dramatic weather changes, you can explore New England year-round. Although many travelers think of New England primarily as a summer destination, that would unduly discount the entire catalog of winter sports ().

If temperate spring weather lasts a while, traveling from late April to early June can be glorious, with apple and cherry trees in bloom and farmers out tapping maple trees for sap (see the boxed text, ). If spring is short, as it usually is, it may arrive on a Tuesday, and be followed on Wednesday by the heat and humidity of summer.

In July and August, summer resort areas are very busy, accommodations are fully booked and restaurants are crowded. With the exception of the coast or mountains, summers can be uncomfortably humid. Unless your heart is set on swimming, time your travel to occur between mid-May and mid-June, before local schools close and families hit the road (but avoid Boston at the end of May when the city is packed for college graduations).

Another great time is early September after the big summer rush but before the leaf-peepers (foliage tourists) arrive. The weather in these shoulder seasons is generally warm and sunny. Autumn harvest time means fresh cranberries on sale in the markets, pick-your-own fruit days and cider-making at orchards ().

Early November is a serene, almost haunting, time before the snows hit and icy winds blow. Winter can be severe or moderate, but its rarely mild. December to March is ski season in the mountains. Almost all of interior New England experiences harsh weather with lakes iced in until April. When its not snowing, however, youll likely find winter in New England to be bright and sunny.

For more details, see the Climate sections in individual regional chapters.