Nouvelle-Angleterre : Le domaine de Yankee
The northeastern region of the United States known as New England consists of six small states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. While to those outside the United States, Yankee is slang for anyone from the United States; to those in the United States, Yankees are New Englanders.
New England was the point of arrival and initial settlement for many of colonial English settlers that landed upon the shores of the "new world." Actually, of course the land was as old as Europe and like Europe, the land was heavily populated by Native Americans. But that was to change.
Today, Americans see New England as one of the birthplaces of the nation. As a result, New England holds a great deal of pride and cultural importance as a people. The first English governor and assembly in New England issued the Mayflower Compact which promised co-operation among the settlers. Some American historians see this as the seed of American democracy and although perhaps by overstatement, the world's first written constitution.
New England has preserved remnants of the colonial settlements that the first English settlers occupied, enabling tourists to file by and observe the conditions endured by those seeking their new life in America. Reenactment villages and living museums like that at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts, provide interactive exhibits demonstrating how the day-to-day struggles the colonists were combated.
Salem Witch Trials
The city of Salem, Massachusetts, which is the location for the notorious Salem Witch Trials that took place in 1692, has taken its sordid past and turned it into a tourism industry that draws thousands each year. The witch trials marked a peak in colonial religious puritanical paranoia. The "trials" resulted in the execution of nearly 20 people accused of being in cahoots with the devil, although it is highly unlikely that any of the defendants were actually involved in any form of witchcraft.
Salem has taken the historic accusations and adopted them as a tongue-in-cheek badge of honor. Even the Salem police vehicles are adorned with the silhouette of a witch on a broomstick. Though it may seem a rather sardonic take on a tragic event, Salem has embraced the macabre and turned the beautiful historic city into a year-long Halloween celebration. There are haunted houses, costume boutiques, Wiccan themed stores, and ghost tours throughout the town. You can also find many bars, restaurants, and cozy coffee shops lining the street in Salem.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, besides being a hub of American culture, ingenuity, and academia, has an abundance of historical buildings, museums, and landmarks preserving and chronicling the progression from those barren settlements of the early 1600's to independence in 1776. One can easily walk the winding streets of Boston imagining they are alongside the buckle-shoed revolutionaries who forged the most cherished and exalted cornerstones of American heritage.
But do not be mistaken, the present day is also very much alive and kicking in New England. Boston is a center of higher learning with a number of universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, Boston University, Tufts University, Northwestern University, Harvard University and others.
Boston has a very rich and vibrant cultural atmosphere. It is a culmination of cultures and disciplines that have been brought to Boston by immigrants from throughout the world. Still, Boston, along with the rest of New England, retains a very characteristic identity and culture all its own.
That quintessential New England accent (perhaps best exemplified in pop culture by John F. Kennedy) rings out on every corner. New England clam chowder overflows from many a clay pot. New England has a charm and magnetic allure that can hardly be put to words, but must rather be experienced. The breathtaking coastlines peppered with candlepin lighthouses should be enough to draw the curious traveller. A warning to potential travellers to Boston, try to keep any dissenting views about the Patriots and the Red Sox to yourself. It's for your own good.
Massachusetts Coastal Towns
Along the coast, you will find the character and charm of fishing villages lining the briny beaches of Massachusetts. Cape Cod is a keen summer destination for those seeking to get out on the open water, or lie luxuriously on the beach. From Provincetown you can embark on whale watching expeditions, day-long fishing adventures, and return at night for fine cuisine with accompanying ocean views.
You will find Cape Ann another welcoming destination along the Massachusetts coastline. Cape Ann lies about an hour north of Boston. Like Cape Cod, it is a beautiful and interesting culmination of fishing village, art colonies, ocean vistas, and seafood restaurants.
An interesting occurrence in the town of Gloucester on Cape Ann is the St. Peter's Fiesta, which takes place the last weekend of June. This annual celebration includes a carnival, a rowboat race, and the traditional and highly comical greasy pole climbing contest. The pole is coated with grease and dozens of men compete individually to retrieve the coveted flag at the top of the pole. Locals and tourists alike position themselves along the shore or in boats in the harbor to watch the mayhem unfold. While you are in Gloucester taking in the ocean air, be sure to try a plate of longneck clams, or "steamers", with broth and butter dips.
Vermont
North of Massachusetts you will find the quaint and beautiful state of Vermont. Vermont has resisted the rapid population growth that has characterized much of the east coast of the U.S. It has the least populated capital city of all the states, and is the only state in the union without a single building above 150 feet. Though Vermont is landlocked, it shares the large capillary Lake Champlain with New York to the west and Canada to the north.
Vermont houses the lush and deciduous Green Mountains. There are more ski resorts in Vermont than any other state in New England, so it serves as a welcome destination during the New England winters. When in Vermont be sure to keep a lookout for fresh maple syrup, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and locally-brewed beers.
Maine
Another state to surround yourself with natural beauty, it is densely forested and the least populated state in New England. Maine has survived on its agricultural tradition, as well as its fishing and small manufacturing industries. Maine has dramatic and craggy coastline and is very well known for its legendary lobsters.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has its share of winter activities and also brags a breathtaking coastline. Known as "the Granite State," New Hampshire has numerous quarries and rock formations to add to its majestic landscape.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is geographically the smallest state in the United States but because of its high population density it is not the least populated. The state is known for the manufacture of silverware and fine jewelry.
Connecticut
In Connecticut you will find a large offshoot of the New York metro area, but you will also find it has its own New England charm. Connecticut takes pride in its historic heritage and has painstakingly preserved many of its historic traditions, buildings, and landmarks. Be sure to take in some of the beautiful villages of Connecticut before you catch the train to New York City.
Birthplace of the Nation
New England is a land of beautiful autumn colors, vibrant colonial communities, plentiful seafood, handsome beaches and stunning vistas, vast tracts of forest, a temperate climate, and a list of craft-brewed beers. New England is a unique blend of the beauty of nature with an expanse of colonial architecture. A driving force in forging a separate American culture, this section of the United States maintains a unique pride.
Allen Routledge is a backpacking travel veteran with extensive experience 'on the road' in Europe, Australasia, and the Americas. Read other articles about his personal experiences and practical travel information at http://omnitraveller.com/.
