Travel Question of the Day: Simon Calder on what to see in New England

Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our expert Simon Calder

New Haven is home to Yale university as well as excellent museums and galleries

Q We have arranged a two-week holiday to New England in October to see the Fall. Can you recommend six must-see locations?

Kevin Pugh

A You may well be flying in and/or out of Boston, which is one of America’s greatest cities. The Massachusetts state capital is where the US was born. You can immerse yourself in the story of America’s 18th-century struggle for freedom from its British colonial overlords, or simply indulge in cuisine and culture. Our most recent 48 Hours in Boston is here: bit.ly/48Boston.

Next, visit Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, which provides you with a boat trip from Boston as well as some good hiking trails and beaches; the Atlantic should still be warm in September, though cooler in October.

Heading south, Rhode Island is an adorable little state; the city of Providence is a smaller, more manageable version of Boston, while Newport is fascinating for its “old money” extravagance in lovely natural surroundings.

New Haven is the home to Yale, an “Ivy League” university with superb museums and galleries. It is also the birthplace of the hamburger, at least according to Louis’ Lunch (established 1895).

My final two recommendations are both in southern Maine, near Portland. Old Orchard Beach is a classic US seaside resort, with superb food on offer as well as a good old, fashioned pier and funfair. And Chebeague Island, accessible by ferry from Portland, is a magical combination of beaches, lobster huts, woodland and quiet charm.

Every day, our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles readers’ questions. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder