Your trip is likely done and over, but I thought I'd chime in for your next visit. I'm born and raised in New England, Massachusetts to be specific, the southeastern portion known as Cape Cod. I highly recommend south coast New England (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, including Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket) for the first half of a driving tour. Rent a comfortable car and just follow the coast. Make sure to stop and spend some time in Mystic, Connecticut, and in Newport, Rhode Island.
Then, once you'd had your fill of the ocean, head north and check out the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Make sure to stop in North Conway & Jackson and then take the Kancamagus Highway across the White Mountains and head toward Franconia Notch. So much to do up there!
