14 day self-drive literary tour from £1,799 per person with Purely New England
Today (Thursday, 3 March 2016) is World Book Day, on which children in the UK and Ireland go to school dressed up as their favourite book characters with the aim of encouraging them to appreciate the pleasure of reading.
The six states of New England (Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont) are rich in literary history and have been home to, and inspiration for, many legendary American authors.
Here are some of New England’s key literary locations and trails, from the scary to the spectacular…
For those brave enough…tour Stephen King’s hometown of Bangor, Maine
Stephen King is a lifelong resident of Maine and has written 54 novels from his Bangor home. King has also set many of his stories in Maine and visitors can take a King themed tour of his hometown, which includes some of the most iconic locations from his written work. The private narrated tour is hosted by leading King expert Stuart Tinker, who has been running the tour for nearly 20 years. The tour lasts approximately three hours and takes in 30 spots including places that inspired his writing, places where King worked and actual movie locations. The tour costs $45 per adult and children under 12 go free. For further information and to book tickets, visit www.sk-tours.com.
Rent Rudyard Kipling’s Vermont home
Naulakha, located in Dummerston in Vermont, was Rudyard Kipling’s residence from 1893-1896 and is now a listed National Historic Landmark. It was during his time here that Kipling wrote some of his most famous works including The Jungle Book. Holidaymakers can now rent this beautiful home year-round and enjoy spectacular views, hiking trails, tennis courts, skiing, golf courses, cycling routes, music festivals in nearby Marlboro in the summer, swimming and boating in the Connecticut River, and much more. Naulakha sleeps eight people and the price ranges from $390-$450 per night depending on the time of year. The minimum stay is three nights. For further information and to book, visit http://landmarktrustusa.org/properties/rudyard-kiplings-naulakha/
Follow the Herman Melville Trail through the Berkshires in Massachusetts
It was the Berkshires in Massachusetts that continuously inspired Moby Dick author, Herman Melville. Visitors can explore the spectacular landscapes and family home that Melville adored on the Melville Trail, a partnership between the Berkshire Historical Society at Arrowhead, The City of Pittsfield, Berkshire Athenaeum and The Trustees of Reservations. The trail takes in four key locations including Arrowhead (Melville’s home), Pontoosuc Lake, Berkshire Athenaeum (home to a private collection of Melville’s manuscript correspondence, first editions, family portraits, pictures and personal items) and Monument Mountain (a location where Melville frequently picnicked to gather story ideas). The trail is a self-drive tour giving visitors the flexibility to choose the locations they visit. Entrance to Arrowhead costs $18 for adults, $8 for youths aged 13-17, and children under 13 go free. Entrance to Berkshire Athenaeum at the Pittsfield Library is free. For further information on the Melville Trail, visit http://berkshirehistory.org/herman-melville-arrowhead/melville-trail/
Explore Mark Twain’s gothic-inspired family home in Connecticut
The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of Mark Twain and his family from 1874 to 1891. It was here that Twain lived and wrote some of his most important works including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Prince and The Pauper. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the 25-room home, which is a beautiful illustration of Gothic architecture featuring a dramatic grand hall, a lush glass conservatory, a magnificent library and the elegant billiard room where Twain wrote his famous books. Tickets cost $19 for adults, $16 for Seniors (65+), $11 for children (6-16) and children under six years old go free. For further information and to book, visit www.marktwainhouse.org
14 day Literary Tour of New England with Purely New England
Purely New England offers a 14 night self-drive tour of New England which visits all the destinations listed above. Price is from £1,799 per person and includes return flights from London to Boston with Virgin Atlantic, economy car hire (including all taxes, insurances, unlimited mileage and breakdown cover throughout), two nights at The Godfrey Hotel in Boston (Massachusetts) on a room only board basis (located next to the historic and famous Brattle Book shop), three nights at The Charles Inn, Bangor (Maine) on a room only board basis (within walking distance of the Stephen King House), three nights at Kipling’s Carriage House, Rudyard Kipling estate, Dummerston (Vermont) on a room only basis, three nights at Hotel on North, Pittsfield (Massachusetts) on a room only basis and three nights at Homewood Suites Downtown, Hartford (Connecticut) including breakfast. Price based on two people sharing. Tickets to museums, tours and attractions mentioned above not included.
To book call Purely New England on 0844 80 444 80, email reservations@purelynewengland.co.uk or visit www.purelynewengland.co.uk
For further information on New England, visit www.discovernewengland.co.uk