Massachusetts Has One Of The Best Canal Cities In The Country
Massachusetts is filled with all different types of beautiful landscapes. And in a recent feature by Traveling Rauf, a Massachusetts area was named one of the best canal cities in the country.
“One unique attraction you can’t find everywhere is canal cities in the US with waterways and waterbodies – towns connected by a network of waterways for transportation purposes.,” Traveling Rauf says.
These artificial waterways are typically spacious and deep enough to allow boats and is often used for shipping. Commercial concerns aside, spending time at a canal is a relaxing excursion and a beautiful way to take in the unique charm of a city.
There are some scenic canal paths through America that have a lot to offer. You can enjoy a waterfront lunch in San Antonio, Texas. Or explore the jaw-dropping residential communities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Then, there’s Lowell. That’s right. This northern Massachusetts area was named one of the best canal cities in the country.
Lowell Ranked #6
In case you are not familiar, not only does Lowell have canals and waterways, but they also have four themed walks you can take along them. “The Locks and Canals Historic District includes all of Lowell’s 5.6 mile canal system, associated dams, locks, gatehouses, mill yards, and corporation boardinghouses,” the City of Lowell explains.
As for additional canal adventures to explore here, the Pawtucket Canal offers boat tours. Here you can “explore how mill owners and engineers harnessed and directed water through the city,” the Lowell National Park Service explains.
The only other New England waterway named here was in the Lake Champlain area of Vermont. In fact, New York was the only other northeastern state that was recognized for having some of the best canal cities in the country.
Six Of New England's Best RV Sites
Massachusetts - Pine Lake RV Resort
These grounds were completely renovated and reopened in November 2020. It is located in Sturbridge, which is in the south-central region of the state. There is an eight-acre lake onsite, a large pool, and an indoor recreation center for movies and games. Pine Lake also has cottages that you can rent.
Connecticut - Acres High RV Park
Labeled a “luxurious camping resort,” Acres High is open year round. It is located in East Lyme, CT off Chesterfield Rd. There’s a large fishing pond that has a beach area on the south side and a brook with paddle boats available. There are great hikes right at the base of the grounds. Moreover, if you’d like to explore attractions in close proximity to the park, Foxwoods Casino and the Children’s Museum are a close drive.
Rhode Island - Ashaway RV Resort
Settled peacefully near Westerly, RI, Ashaway inspires relaxation. It’s more of a flat ground, but does allow bikes to explore the all the sites. You can chill with your feet up at Ashaway or you can be very active. There are go-carts, basketball courts, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and mini-golf.
New Hampshire - Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
There are 152 campsites with 65 full hookups for RV’s. Sea Coast is right off US Route 1 in North Hampton, NH. It is surrounded by green trees. The closest shoreline beach is just four miles from the grounds. Onsite they are pet friendly and offer a large playground. While there is not a ton of swimming options outside your door, this is a great location to hit multiple New Hampshire vacation favorites. In addition to the stretches of beach, Portsmouth is only eight miles up the road.
Vermont - Sugar Ridge RV Village
Sugar Ridge is settled on 68 acres of maple and pine trees. You can even rent 40-foot campers at this family-friendly village. It is located on Old Stagecoach Rd. in Danville, VT. There are two swimming pools, horse wagon rides, and dedicated hiking and bike trails. Sugar Ridge organizes daily activities you can partake in as well.
Maine - Balsam Woods, Spacious Skies
Spacious Skies has two locations in Maine, however, Balsam Woods is where RV’s go to really feel the spacious sky overhead. This is in Abbot, Maine, and while you share the grounds with cabins, you have the choice to pull your RV up to a woods or non-woods site. Regardless, there are miles of hiking trails. As for unique amenities – gem mining or jumping on a giant pillow trampoline anyone?
