Below is a roundup of our recent posts on re-openings, organized by state, with announcements in reverse chronological order. A few things to note: ALL New England states are encouraging people from outside their states to stay home, for now. All the states are eager to welcome people from everywhere, but they are moving gradually, to limit spread of the virus.
Many parks and beaches are open, but parking lot capacity may be cut back below normal to prevent crowding. Lots will be closed when they fill up. If you are planning an excursion, have a couple of back-up ideas in case you are closed out of a destination.
Bring beverages and food. Many restaurants are open for take-out but it’s good to have your own supplies. Note that most public restrooms, particularly if they are located inside a building like a visitor center, will be closed.
Have a mask handy and prepare to keep your distance from others. Your own group should be no more than 10 people
CONNECTICUT
Posted May 19:
Re-Opening / Connecticut / Mystic Aquarium. Outdoor spaces at Mystic Aquarium will open May 22 at 50 percent occupancy. Safety protocols will include temperature screenings for staff and guests, online timed tickets for admission and one-way pathways. Guests must wear face protection. Outdoor space includes the Penguin Pavilion, Marsh Trek, Pacific Northwest habitats and the Arctic Coast habitat featuring New England’s only beluga whales. Buy tickets online
Posted May 18:
Re-opening / Connecticut / Restaurants & Parks. Phase 1 re-opening starts Wednesday, May 20. Restaurants may serve guests outdoors; hair salons and malls may re-open. And state parks with beaches may open on Friday, May 22. Please maintain distancing and gather in small groups. Details
Posted May 11:
The governor of Connecticut announced guidelines for Phase 1 re-opening of CT businesses, beginning May 20, Phase 1 openings will include restaurants (outdoor only); offices; hair salons and barbershops; retail stores with restrictions, including closed fitting rooms; and museums and zoos (outdoor only). Details
MAINE
Posted May 19:
Re-opening / Maine / Campgrounds. Campgrounds and RV parks will be allowed to reopen May 22, only for Maine residents and people from out of state who have finished a 14-quarantine within Maine. Reservations must be made in advance online or by phone; walk-in registrations will not be allowed. Campsites are limited to a single household. Details
Posted May 8:
The governor of Maine has eased some restrictions on retail stores, restaurants, and wilderness camping, stating May 11 and 18. See COVID-19 updates for Maine
Posted April 29:
The Maine governor is allowing limited re-openings in Maine, starting May 1. Groups are still limited to 10 people or fewer. May 1 re-openings include: health care providers, barber shops and salons, pet groomers, drive-in religious services, drive-in movies, hunting, fishing, golf and disc golf (with restrictions), some state parks and public land trails, car dealerships and car washes. See more at our COVID guidance page for Maine
MASSACHUSETTS
Posted May 19:
Re-Opening / Massachusetts / Heritage Museums & Gardens. Many of the gardens at Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, MA, will open May 30, along with restrooms that are accessible directly from the outdoors will be open, and The Shop at Heritage ( for curbside pickup). Many Heritage spring events will be held virtually, online. The live Auto Show is on the schedule for August 29. We’re so glad to have you back, Heritage!
Posted May 18:
Re-Opening / Massachusetts / Recreational Boating: Phase 1, beginning May 25, allows recreational boating and the operation of rowing and sailing facilities, yacht clubs, boat clubs and boat rentals. The occupants of a vessel should be no more than a single household group and no more than ten people are aboard a single vessel at any one time. Details
Posted May 18:
Reopening/ Massachusetts / Beaches: In Phase 1, beaches will open on May 25 (Memorial Day!), Beach visitors should maintain social distancing of 6 feet between people and 12 feet between beach blankets. No groups larger than 10. Beach visitors must wear a mask when they cannot maintain distance. Masks are not required while swimming. Organized ball games on the beach (volleyball, etc.) are not allowed. Food service is limited to take-out. Beach visitors should plan to take in/take out all trash. Shuttle services to the beach are closed. Details: https://bit.ly/2zNIDxY
Posted May 7:
Golf courses in Massachusetts re-open today, with restrictions on social distancing. See our COVID-19 coverage for Massachusetts.
Posted April 23:
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is keeping many state parks open to the public so that Bay Staters can get out for some fresh air! Keep your distance from each other and know that many parking lots are closed or limited, to reduce crowding. Plan a weekend walk; read important tips from your DCR here: https://bit.ly/3bzlH3F
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Posted April 24:
People in New Hampshire: There is plenty to know about COVID restrictions. Did you know you may use most state parks (if you keep up you distancing)? You can get take-out food and beer in many places. Details
RHODE ISLAND
Posted May 18:
Re-opening / Rhode Island / Fishing. Trout fishing in RI lakes, ponds and streams is allowed now. RI Department of Environmental Management asks salt water fishermen from out of state to stay out of RI for now. RI resident fishermen may walk – not drive — to parks and beaches to fish; entrances and parking will be blocked. After restrictions are lifted, non-resident fishermen will be welcome back to RI with the appropriate fishing license. Details
Posted May 18:
Re-opening / Rhode Island / Outdoors. Many RI state parks are now open, but parking is limited to prevent crowding. See link below for names of open and closed parks. Most state parks with saltwater beaches are closed EXCEPT East Matunuck State Beach and Scarborough State Beach, both of which will re-open on Memorial Day (less parking, no bathrooms or concessions, no lifeguards, no admission fees). State-run playgrounds and playing fields are closed. Most state-run indoor spaces (visitor centers, rest rooms, historic houses) are closed. Details
Posted May 15:
The gardens of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol, RI, re-open today. Visitors must register in advance for groups of fewer than 5 people, and wear masks. Sorry, the restrooms and visitor center are closed. The gardens of this historic house on Narragansett Bay are divine. Details
Posted May 15:
Tomorrow, May 16, is opening day at Coastal Growers Farmers Market at beautiful Casey Farm in Saunderstown RI. It’s a happy occasion provided you wear a mask and keep your distance. Eat well! More info
Posted May 11:
Today – May 11 — 15 RI state parks have reopened to the public IN A LIMITED CAPACITY. This is Phase I of reopening state parks — we ask that you practice social distancing and use parks for activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, biking, and fishing. All playgrounds, athletic courts, and sporting fields are CLOSED. Details
Posted April 30:
The mayor of Providence RI will re-open several Providence Parks on Sunday, May 3, but only for activities like walking and biking, not congregating. Parks to open Sunday include Blackstone Park, Dexter Training Grounds, Donigian Park,Gano Street Park, India Point Park, Neutaconkanut Park, Riverside Park, Roger Williams Park, Wanskuck Park. Learn more about Providence parks:
VERMONT
Posted May 20, 2020:
Re-opening / Vermont / Beaches, Pools, Yard Sales. Vermont opens yard sales, beaches and pools, with limits of 10 people in a group. Lodgings will open on a limited basis May 22. People coming from out of state must quarantine for 14 days within Vermont before entering a VT lodging. In effect, then, lodging is open only to Vermonters and people with a second home in the state. Lodgings must cancel reservations for guests from out of state through June 15. Lodgings that open must stay at 25 percent capacity or below, and cannot offer dine-in service. Lodgings include hotels, motels, B&Bs, inns, short-term rentals like Airbnb; public and private campgrounds and RV parks.
Posted May 15:
Re-opening / Vermont / Lodgings. Vermont will begin to open lodgings May 22, but new rules intentionally make it very hard for out-of-state visitors to stay overnight. Starting May 22, lodgings may accept guests who live in Vermont, and others only if they have quarantined for 14 days in the state before entering the lodging. All reservations from out-of-state guests who cannot meet the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement must be cancelled through June 15. That’s the Home State Advantage, Vermonters! Enjoy your beautiful state. Details
Posted May 6:
Re-opening / Vermont / Outdoors. Starting May 7, places of outdoor recreation requiring little physical contact, like parks, recreation associations, trail networks, golf courses, and guided expeditions, may open, with distancing and hygiene rules. See our COVID-19 page for details
