What do the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut all have in common? They are all members of New England, one of two divisions within the Northeast region of the U.S. These six states border Canada and the Atlantic Ocean and are known as some of the first states to exist within the U.S. Their place in our country’s history and diverse geography make it an attractive location for a U.S. clinical experience. Not convinced? Continue reading below for additional information on this established region of the U.S.
Geography
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains, New England has a unique geographic profile which includes forests, rivers, lakes, mountainous regions, lush valleys, and rocky coasts that give way to sand spread beaches. Despite being comprised of some of the smallest states in the U.S., this region has great geographic diversity. No matter what outdoor setting you prefer, it can be found in New England.
Want to take advantage of the topography? Blend in with the locals by going for a hike or bike ride. If you decide to brave the cold and visit New England in the winter, you might decide to go skiing or snowboarding. For details on when to expect a cold spell in New England, continue reading below.
Climate
Like New England’s geography, its climate is diverse. All six states experience four seasons, with the northern-most states experiencing winters to a harsher degree. Winter in New England runs from late November into March, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. Snow and ice are common. With spring beginning in April, warmer weather arrives. Warmer temperatures mean the maple trees are ready to be tapped. New England is famous for its maple syrup, which can be a great souvenir.
As spring changes to summer, New England becomes more lively. Temperatures surge, landing between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (26-32 degrees Celsius). Both tourists and locals attend festivals dedicated to music, food, and various heritages. These festivals continue into fall, which is the most popular time for tourists to visit New England. During the fall, the region’s trees change color turning the landscape into a sea of golden hues, making it the perfect destination for camping, hiking, and making memories.
Tourism
New England is a popular tourist destination all year round. Visitors frequent historic Boston, MA, a city at the forefront of art, culture, and education. In the summer, many escape to Massachusettes’ coastal town to spend time in Cape Cod and Nantucket, enjoying the beaches and fresh cuisine. For more history, consider visiting Portland, ME, and Newport, RI, which pack must-see staples, like Newport’s White Horse Tavern, who’s been pulling pints since 1673. Both cities are great for experiencing Victorian architecture as well as mansions of the Gilded Age.
Want to explore the outdoors? Green Mountains, VT, and Litchfield, CT, both offer fishing, hiking, biking trails. If you decide to brave the cold, you might go skiing or snowboarding at one of New England’s well-known resorts, like Bretton Woods in New Hampshire.
Popular Locations
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- Boston, Massachusetts
The capital of Massachusetts, Boston, also happens to be the state’s most populous city. Locals and tourists alike flock to Fenway Park for baseball games and hotdogs, enjoy hiking, biking, running in the city’s myriad of outdoor spaces, and listening to music at the symphony. For ideas on what to do in Boston, check out AMO’s city guide to Boston.
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- Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island is notable for two things: being the oldest state in the U.S. and being the capital of the smallest state in the U.S. That’s not all though, Providence also has great restaurants, beautiful architecture, and walkable streets. The city is perfect for visitors looking to adopt a slower way of life, even if it’s just for a short while. If you do end up getting restless though, there is plenty to do in Providence. Tourist hot spots include the Nature Lab, where visitors can connect with beautiful plants and animals, and the RISD Museum, which is home to hundreds of art pieces.
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- Portland, Maine
This coastal town is anything but dreary. Portland, Maine gives visitors a view of what it’s like to live in a mini-metropolis. The bustling city center is filled with locally owned and operated restaurants and boutiques rather than chains. When visitors to Portland want to get away from it all, they can head to the beaches, the best and busiest of which include Old Orchard, Scarborough, and Pine Point.
Culture
New England is known for its fresh seafood, historic landmarks, beaches, and Ivy League colleges. If you enjoy seafood, you’ll get your fill in New England. Lobster and oysters are a staple in the area and can be found almost anywhere in the region’s six states. If you’re worried that still won’t be enough, you might consider attending Maine’s Annual Lobster Festival. In addition to seafood, classic New England foods include maple syrup, cranberries, and English baked goods.
If you don’t have the palate for seafood and maple syrup is sickeningly sweet to you, New England’s historic landmarks and esteemed educational institutions might be what draws you to the area. If you are a sports buff, you might enjoy visiting Fenway Park in Boston or watching the New England Patriots play at Gillette Stadium. Fenway Park is the oldest baseball stadium in Major League Baseball and home to the Boston Red Sox. If you want to get close to the coast, take a trip to the Portland Head Light in Portland Maine. The lighthouse has been around since the last 1700s. If you are the scholarly type, you might try taking a tour of Brown University, Harvard University, Dartmouth College, or Yale University. No matter where your interests lie, there is enough in New England to keep anyone and everyone busy.
New England Clinical Experiences
Click below to explore the clinical experiences offered at the following New England states:
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