Articles Tagged "albany"

Tired of the fast-paced anonymity and concrete jungles of urban living? According to our real estate agents, these cozy and picturesque New England towns prove that bigger isn't always better. Here's what you can expect when living in these Northern New England small towns.

Small Town Living in New England

Woodstock, VT

The name Woodstock conjures up visions of natural beauty and peaceful serenity. Woodstock was chartered in 1761, predating the Declaration of Independence by 15 years, and became known as a home for artisans and craftspeople.

• Get a look at the actual operation of a working dairy farm at Billings Farm & Museum, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
  
  
• Woodstock Farmers' Market offers a year-round bounty of locally sourced produce, meat, baked goods, and specialty foods. Shop on-site or online for curbside pickup.
  
  
• Collective is a cooperatively-owned, member-run craft gallery that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit found in Woodstock.

Franconia, NH

Thanks to its cozy location in the White Mountains, Franconia boasts impressive spring and summer scenery that gains additional appeal with the arrival of fall colors. Winter brings opportunities for some of the best skiing, ice climbing, and other cold-weather activities.

• Iconic American poet Robert Frost found great inspiration in the beauty of Franconia. Walk the grounds and sit on the front porch of the Frost Place, his cherished homestead.
  
  
• While the Old Man of the Mountain rock formation is no more, Franconia Notch State Park is still full of attractions and activities. Swim in Echo Lake, hike the Appalachian Trail and ride the tramway up Cannon Mountain.
  
  
• New England Ski Museum hosts permanent and visiting exhibits sharing the story of skiing in America, including the important role Franconia played in its development.

Camden, ME

Situated alongside Penobscot Bay, Camden has a rich history to go with its beautiful setting. The town served as a rendezvous point and encampment for American forces during the Revolutionary War. During the War of 1812, an artillery battery atop Mount Battle served an important strategic purpose.

• The High Street Historic District retains the same charming character it had as a 19th-century residential area, earning the district a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
  
  
• Since 1991, Camden's popular Snow Bowl has been the site of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. The event was inspired by the rebuilding of the town's historic 400-foot wood toboggan chute, which was originally constructed in the 1930s.
  
  
• Kids and adults alike are delighted by the sight of the Belted Galloway cattle at Aldermere Farm. "Belties," first bred in Scotland, are known for their distinctive stripes that resemble an Oreo cookie.

Stowe, VT

Stowe brings some European flavor to the New England countryside. That's only one of the features that led Travel + Leisure to name Stowe one of the "11 Best Small Towns in America."

• Of course, Trapp Family Lodge tops the list of must-see attractions in Stowe. The surrounding mountains make a picture-perfect backdrop for the Austrian-inspired resort that offers rooms, suites, and villas for rent. 
  
  
• Stowe earned the nickname of "Ski Capital of the East" due to places like Stowe Mountain Resort, which combines a wide range of activities at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
  
  
• Explore your own creative side at The Current. This historic facility is a gallery showcasing all visual arts and a studio providing hands-on experiences for participants.

Albany, NH

Covered bridges, such as the 129-foot long bridge spanning the Swift River in Albany, are a classic and beloved feature of New England's back roads. Albany also serves as the gateway to the Mount Washington Valley, based around the highest peak in the Northeast United States.

• View one of the more incredible examples of New England's legendary fall foliage on a drive along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Affectionately known as the "Kanc," the 34-mile byway passes through the White Mountain National Forest.
  
  
• The Russell-Colbath House, largely restored to its original state, provides a fascinating insight into life in the mountain valley back in the mid-19th century. 
  
  
• Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the Nature Learning Center at Rockwell Sanctuary. Hike the many trails on the 138-acre grounds or participate in one of Tin Mountain Conservation Center's programs and events. 

Bar Harbor, ME

Island living doesn't have to mean remote. Bar Harbor is a quintessential New England town located on Mount Desert Island, the largest of the islands off the coast of Hancock County.

• It's easy to see why Acadia National Park attracts more than three million visitors annually, making it one of the top ten most-visited parks in the country.
  
  
• You don't have to be a car buff to enjoy the antique autos and motorcycles on display at Seal Cove Auto Museum.
  
  
• No matter what your skill level is, you can express your creative spirit in sculpture, figure drawing, and painting activities at ArtWave. 

While we love everything New England has to offer, there's something extra special about the area's small towns. Contact us at The Masiello Group to learn more about finding your dream home here in Northern New England.