From Kim Knox Beckius,
Your Guide to New England Travel.
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Forget skiing and biking and boating and hiking... is it outlet shopping that really gets your heart pounding? Tie on your most comfortable sneakers, flex those shopping bag-carrying biceps, and head for New England, where outlet shopping is more than a mere added vacation attraction--it's a reason to visit all by itself!

Maine is definitely the outlet shopping capital of New England. You'll be amazed at the sheer number of name brand outlet stores that line Route 1 in Kittery, and Freeport is a popular outlet shopping destination as well.

When you head for the outlets of New Hampshire, you actually have a chance to save not once, but twice. In New Hampshire, shopping is tax-free!

Massachusetts is literally littered with outlet shopping possibilities. From the Berkshires to Boston and even Cape Cod, it's possible to plan an entire Massachusetts itinerary centered around bargain hunting.

Canadian and American shoppers alike are drawn to the outlets of Vermont. You'll find the state's largest selection of designer deals in Manchester.

Connecticut's upscale outlet centers are popular with Manhattanites seeking to save money on swanky name brand duds.

Though tiny Rhode Island doesn't have any massive factory outlet complexes to call its own, you're just minutes from outlet centers in Massachusetts when you stay in either Newport or Providence.

Neighboring New York State is a great destination for outlet shoppers seeking to buy designer goods at discount prices.

Ready, set... before you race off in pursuit of New England's best deals, be sure to read my tips for smart outlet shopping. After all, returning a miscalculated purchase might require another trip to the outlets. OK, maybe that's not such a big problem!