Internet Access

Cities in every state are peppered with Internet cafés which rent computer terminals (usually in 15-minute increments), as well as regular cafés that offer wireless Internet access (sometimes free, sometimes free only with a food purchase, and sometimes for a nominal fee) to those who bring their own laptops. Even outside cities, most midsize towns have cafés that charge either the cost of a cup of coffee or an hourly rate (a few dollars is average). You’ll also find plenty of access sites (several large-scale transportation buildings offer it for free) that charge a few dollars per hour, and these days, almost all hotels offer wireless access for either free or a $5 to $10 per-day charge. Local libraries are also a good place to find easy Internet access, as many (if not all) offer free terminal use in varying time increments.

In smaller country towns, finding Internet service can be difficult. Thankfully, more and more lodging options are coming with wireless Internet standard. It’s not just exclusive resorts either—even chain motels and small bed-and-breakfasts often advertise a wireless router as an added perk to their guests.

Business Hours

Business hours vary widely between cities and towns, but most stores and offices in state capital cities follow a schedule of 9 a.m.–5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon–5 p.m. on Sundays. In smaller cities and town, particularly those in rural areas, expect more erratic weekend hours—or the possibility that they may simply stay closed until Monday. Opening hours are the one vestige of New England’s Puritan past. As recently as two decades ago, it was difficult to find retail stores open on Sunday—and liquor stores in some states were even forbidden by law to open. Thankfully, those so-called “blue laws” have eased in recent years, so that Sunday is now like any other shopping day. Visitors from other parts of the world, however, are often shocked by local laws ensuring that most bars and clubs close their doors by 2 a.m. at the latest (and oftentimes by 1 a.m.). New Englanders have learned to adjust by starting their partying early.

Tipping

A 15 to 20 percent tip is customary in all but the most rural areas of New England (which are usually accustomed to just slightly lower percentages), in restaurants, bars, and hair salons and spas, if you are satisfied with the level of your service. At hotels, $1 per bag for porters is the norm, doormen usually receive $1 for hailing a taxi, maids usually receive $1–2 per night, and concierges are given anywhere from a few dollars to $20, depending on the services they have provided. In taxis, 10 to 15 percent is customary.

Magazines

Several regional magazines provide useful information for travelers, including: New England Travel, an annual but comprehensive magazine exploring all of the region’s attractions and Yankee Magazine, for events, festivals, landmarks, restaurants, and tours all over New England. Several states and cities and even sub-regions produce their own magazines as well, including Boston, Cape Cod Magazine, Rhode Island Monthly, Vermont Life, and Down East, the monthly periodical dedicated to all things Maine.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition