Bayonne, New York 

Located less than 20 miles from Central Park, Bayonne is one of New Jersey's unsung heroes. Nestled alongside the Hudson River, it is a charming city with a rich industrial history, famed for its picturesque views of Manhattan and ample green spaces. Because of this, along with the above-par public school system and proximity to NYC, Bayonne attracts a lot of young families, and there are plenty of cafes, bookshops, sports facilities, walking paths, and waterfront areas for relaxation and leisure activities. The city has a plethora of historical landmarks, such as the Robbins Reef Lighthouse, which has guided ships through the harbor for over a century, and Bayonne Bridge, connecting to Staten Island, stands as an engineering marvel. While it may still be transitioning from its industrial past, Bayonne maintains a close-knit atmosphere, making it a unique and evolving urban enclave in the Garden State.

Provincetown  

At the very end of Cape Cod, on a gorgeous untamed coastline of sand dunes and beautiful beaches, lies Provincetown, a destination steeped in rich American. Nearly 400 years ago it was in this harbor that the Mayflower pilgrims sought shelter from difficult seas on their journey en route to the Colony of Virginia. Before moving on to settle in Plymouth, it was here, too, that the pilgrims drafted and signed the Mayflower Compact, often referred to as America's first constitution. Throughout the last century, P-town, as it is affectionately known, attracted an eclectic mix of writers and artists, drawn by its welcoming vibe to all manner of characters as well as its surreal light - in fact, Provincetown is regarded as the nation's oldest continuous art colony. 

Portland, ME

The largest city in Maine and the state's social and economic capital, Portland is a vibrant and historic destination. A favorite place for strolling, dining, shopping and entertainment is the Old Port, a revitalized warehouse district made all the more interesting for its connection to the working waterfront. The Arts District is situated just a few blocks away and is considered the city's secret treasure. Word is fast getting out, however, because the neighborhood is home to an array of art galleries, antiques shops, artists' studios and world-class museums such as the Portland Museum of Art. Any exploration of the Arts District should include a walk along Congress Street for a glimpse into the city’s history, a highlight of which is the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the 19th-century home of the famed poet. Another well-known writer, Stephen King, was born here in Portland in 1947.

At Sea