New England seems to be about old stuff especially with a maritime background. I’d start in Mystic CT for the ships and aquarium and then into Newport RI. Newport has everything from the restaurants, cliff walk, beaches, mansions, harbor cruises, to Fort Adams to shopping. Then hit Providence for Brown University/RISD Museum/East side/Wickenden St for perfect vibe of old Ivy League mixed with young energy. Downtown try PPAC and more restaurants. I’d then skip Cape Cod because of summer traffic and head to Boston MA Too many things to list but it started the Revolution so packed with history. Then I’d head to Portland Maine to end with a relaxing few days with more memorable food, shopping, and shoreline.