Abounding with cultural attractions, quaint towns, historical sites and scenic beauty, the six states of New England—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont—offer something for everyone.

Many vacation in New England during the autumn months, when the region’s famous fall foliage transforms the countryside into a riotous explosion of red, orange, yellow and purple. The “leaf-peeping” season usually lasts from late September to late October, with the peak viewing time varying depending on the region and the year’s weather conditions. A wintertime visit can satisfy those who yearn for a white Christmas, as the region often gets a lot of snowfall (especially northern New England) and boasts many ski areas. A New England family vacation can be a great educational opportunity for school-aged children. As one of the earliest English settlements in the New World, the region boasts many important Colonial sites. It’s also home to some of the nation’s oldest architecture, many of its finest universities, fascinating museums, mountains, beaches, picturesque small towns and diverse cities.

Compared to the western U.S. states, the New England states are small, making it possible to visit several by car during one visit. Many start their New England vacation in Boston, considered New England’s capital and home to Logan International Airport. Other major airports in the region include Bradley International Airport outside of Hartford, Conn.; T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, R.I.; Portland International Jetport in Portland, Me.; and Manchester Airport in Manchester, N.H. For more information on New England travel, log on to the official tourism sites for the New England states: www.ctvisit.com (Connecticut), www.visitmaine.com (Maine), www.massvacation.com (Massachusetts), www.visitnh.com (New Hampshire), www.visitrhodeisland.com (Rhode Island) and www.travel-vermont.com (Vermont).