Top 5: Literary Destinations in New England

There may be no other region in the world where the landscape is so thoroughly saturated with literary homages than New England. Picking the five best is like trying to pick a favorite writer between Robert Frost, Herman Melville and Louisa May Alcott — all of whose former residences you can visit, by the way. Or you could stop by Salem, Mass., to visit the setting of the infamous witch trials and the House of Seven Gables. Here are the best.

A White Dog Rose at the Green Briar Nature Center, East Sandwich, Massachusetts © Alessandro0770 | Dreamstime

Thornton W. Burgess Society

An oft-overlooked destination on the New England literary circuit, the Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich, Mass., run by the aforementioned society, is a haven for nature education and programs. With programs for both adults and children, visitors can dive into New England’s natural history and the landscape that provided the inspiration for Peter Rabbit, Mother West Wind, Grandfather Frog and the more than 15,000 other Thornton Burgess stories.

The Emily Dickinson Homestead, Amherst, Massachusetts © Bart Everson | Flickr

Emily Dickinson Museum

The birthplace of one of the most important poets in history, this homestead is a must for literary fans. The museum also offers frequent talks and programs in Amherst, Mass..

Henry David Thoreau’s former cabin along Walden Pond, Concord, Massachusetts © Erikamit | Dreamstime

Walden Pond

The inspiration and setting for Henry David Thoreau’s classic is located just outside of Boston and is the ideal retreat for those who are looking to connect with literature and nature. The pond is much the same as it was in Thoreau’s day.

The Dr. Seuss National Sculpture Garden, Springfield, Massachusetts © Robert Gray | Flickr

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

This is the perfect destination for families. Seuss’ whimsical characters are brought to life in full-size replicas in the author’s hometown of Springfield, Mass. Visitors should also be on the lookout for an interactive exhibit, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss, coming soon. Also located on Springfield’s Quadrangle are the fine art museum, history museum, science museum and more. Also find the National Basketball Hall of Fame just down the street.

The Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

The Mark Twain House & Museum

The United States’ favorite author’s former home in Hartford, Conn., was ranked by National Geographic as “one of the ten best Historic Homes in the world.” In the world. Do it. You can also find the Harriet Beecher Stowe house down the street.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Hadley, Massachusetts © MOTT | Flickr

BONUS: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Not just for kids, the Eric Carle Museum, also in Amherst, has collected an incredible display of picture book art. They also have exhibitions and events. A one-of-a kind experience.