Here are Five Great Rides in New England on Go For a Ride Day

You might be forgiven for not knowing that today is Go For A Ride Day. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to get away from it all, this is it. Vague as its origin and official purpose may be, Go For A Ride Day is an excellent opportunity for all those out there who long for adventure and desperately need respite from the daily grind.

 In honor of the day, Tripda brings you 5 destinations in New England that will inspire you to get behind the wheel and find yourself some travel companions. Wherever you go, remember that life is about the journey; you’re bound to make some new friends by breaking out of your usual routine.

 #1 Kancamagus Highway, NH

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

The 34.5-mile long scenic byway known as the Kancamagus Highway (or the more easily pronounced ‘the Kanc’ for short) is a sure way to help you disconnect from the world. For one thing, there’s no cell phone reception here. Not even restaurants or gas stations interrupt the breathtaking views. With the Swift River on one side, and the imposing White mountains on the other, it’s no wonder the winding route has acquired legendary status as a place to marvel at the fall foliage.

The Kancamagus Highway takes drivers past waterfalls and gorges, climbing to nearly 3000 feet at the peak of Mount Kancamagus, before reuniting them with the modern world in Lincoln, NH.

 #2 Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia National Park, Maine.
Acadia National Park, Maine.

Though admittedly a bit further afield than most destinations, anyone who makes the journey to Acadia National Park in Maine will be rewarded in full, and then some. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this outstandingly beautiful national park.

Visitors are treated to an overwhelmingly diverse landscape spanning 47,000 acres that features deep woodlands, mountain peaks, tranquil lakes, babbling brooks and a rugged coastline. You’ll get way more than your recommended daily intake of inspiration in Acadia. Did we mention that peregrine falcons nest in the park?

 #3 Marginal Way, Ogunquit, ME

Ogunuquit, Maine.
Ogunuquit, Maine.

If you’re heading north along the picturesque Maine coast, stop at Ogunquit to enjoy the Marginal Way, a mile-long rocky paved walkway that runs from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach. The Atlantic waves relentlessly crashing against the rocks and the scent of coastal flowers will reawaken your dulled senses. The rocks and cliffs bear the dramatic scars of millennia-long geological change.

 #4 Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour, Waterbury, VT

 Tripadvisor (User: Sakana_San)

Ben and Jerry's Waterbury VT.
Ben and Jerry’s Waterbury VT.

We were originally going to restrict our suggestions to scenic destinations and drives, but then we realized that ice cream and froyo are two pretty awesome motives to get out of the house. From humble beginnings in Vermont to world renown, Ben & Jerry’s produces euphorically delicious ice cream. The Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury offers 30-minute guided factory tours for $4 per adult. After taking a look at the manufacturing process, you’ll be given the opportunity to sample brand new flavors as well as the classics. Besides, a drive through Vermont is hardly going to disappoint in terms of scenery.

 WATERBURY SCOOP, 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Waterbury, VT 05676

 #5 Salem, MA

Salem MA
Salem MA

Halloween may be behind us now, but there’s more to Salem than the notorious witch trials of 1692. Visitors will marvel at the Friendship of Salem, a magnificent reconstruction of the 171-foot three-masted ship that was built in 1797. Salem is also home to the Peabody Essex Museum, which started as a collection of sea captains’ souvenirs and has since become one of the major collections of Asian art in the US. Located on the coast of Massachusetts and only 16 miles north of Boston and 45 mile south of New Hampshire, Salem is a great choice for a New England day trip.