June in New England

June in New England is blissful!  The gardens are lush and it is strawberry season too.  With jacket-free season consistently upon us, we love to explore and enjoy nature in New England during this beautiful month.  If you are looking for some special places to visit, look no further.

In Portsmouth, Rhode Island the Newport Polo Matches take place every Saturday at 5 pm which enables participants to tailgate and participate in stomping the divots during halftime.  Be sure to attend the Newport Flower Show on June19-21st at the Rose Cliff for some exquisite flower displays.  If you are exploring Providence there’s the Roger Williams Park food trucks every Friday starting at 5 pm and Roller Disco at BankNewport City Center 5-10 pm on Fridays, 12-8 on select Saturdays and sometimes even movies at the rink at sunset.  (there’s nothing scheduled on-line yet).  Check their calendar to be certain as these dates can change.

In Connecticut visit Elizabeth Garden in Hartford where spectacular arches of roses and iris bloom in over-the-top displays.  Admission is free and donations are appreciated.  Lyman Orchards, one of my favorite farms, offers Connecticut open house day, a strawberry festival, a Father’s Day BBQ and kid’s story time.  These are all free to attend! The Strawberry Festival has activities that will have additional fees. They also have a Raspberry Festival.  Nothing says June in New England like all these outdoor activities with farm fresh foods.

In Massachusetts there’s pick-your-own Strawberries from mid-June to early July at Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg.

In East Conway New Hampshire, Sherman Farm offers a play area suitable for ages 10 and under, a petting area with goats, llamas and a donkey, an ice cream shop and market with veggies, fruits, dairy and meats.

In Charlotte, Vermont there’s organic berry picking at Adams Farm.  They have strawberries throughout the month and raspberries in late June.

In Stowe, Vermont, be sure to check out the family friendly Hot Air Balloon Festival on June 26-28.  The festival has live music, live entertainment, vendors and weather dependent tethered balloon rides for additional prices, The whole family is sure to be delighted at this colorful and picturesque fair.

In Maine there’s Boothbay’s Windjammer Day’s Festival celebrating maritime culture with silly relay races, lobster eating contests, pirate festivities, boat parades and more from June 21st-June 27th.

Also on the last Saturday in June every year ( June 27th this year), there is the South Berwick Strawberry Festival.  There you will find strawberry shortcakes, local artisan-made goods and crafts, entertainment and food.

Which fun activity interests you the most for your June get-away?  The idea of so many fresh strawberries makes our mouthes water and we wish we could visit them all!  There’s nothing better than fresh strawberries to enjoy in June in New England.

For more family fun check out these beautiful beaches: Napatree in Rhode Island

Wingaresheek in Massachusetts and Rocky Neck State Park in Connecticut.  New Hampshire offers it own excitement in terms of waterways to cool off and here are a few of our picks: Diana’s Baths and Echo Lake.  Maine has numerous beaches but try Sandy Beach in Acadia Park.