The Big E Avenue of States: A Building-by-Building Guide
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The Avenue of States is what makes the Big E different from every other fair in the country. Six replica colonial-style buildings, each representing one New England state, lined up along a central walkway — part food hall, part gift shop, part cultural showcase. It's the heart of the Eastern States Exposition, and for many visitors, it's the reason they come back year after year.
Here's what you'll find in each building, and how to make the most of your walk through.
Maine Building
The Maine building leans into what the state does best: seafood, blueberries, and coastal charm. Expect lobster rolls, whoopie pies, wild blueberry products, and Maine-made crafts. The lobster roll is one of the most popular items on the entire Avenue — it's pricey, but the quality is typically solid.
Don't miss: The blueberry pie and any maple products from Maine producers. The craft vendors rotate, but you'll usually find quality woodworking and pottery.
New Hampshire Building
New Hampshire tends to showcase a mix of local food, craft beer, and artisan products. Apple cider, apple crisp with ice cream, and granite-state themed gifts are common. The building often features live demonstrations from New Hampshire craftspeople.
Don't miss: The apple cider donuts when they're available, and whatever local craft beer is on tap.
Vermont Building
This is the building with the longest lines, and for good reason. Vermont brings its A-game to the Big E: maple creemees (soft-serve made with real Vermont maple syrup), cheddar cheese samples from some of the state's best creameries, maple candy, and apple cider donuts.
Don't miss: The maple creemee. It's the single best soft-serve you'll have all year. Also worth trying: the sharp cheddar samples and any maple products you can carry home.
Massachusetts Building
The host state's building typically features clam chowder, cranberry products, and a rotating selection of Massachusetts-made goods. The chowder is a reliable choice for a warm lunch on a cool September day.
Don't miss: The New England clam chowder and any seasonal cranberry products. Massachusetts also tends to showcase local chocolate and candy makers.
Connecticut Building
Connecticut brings a few surprises that visitors from other states might not expect. Steamed cheeseburgers — a central Connecticut specialty cooked in a steam cabinet — are a regular feature. You'll also find local wines, craft products, and New Haven-style pizza when it's offered.
Don't miss: The steamed cheeseburger. It sounds unusual, but it's delicious — the steam keeps the meat incredibly juicy and melts the cheese perfectly.
Rhode Island Building
The smallest New England state brings big flavors. Del's Frozen Lemonade is a staple — a Rhode Island institution that's essentially a lemon slush with real lemon pieces. Doughboys (Rhode Island's version of fried dough), coffee milk products, and other Ocean State specialties round out the offerings.
Don't miss: Del's Frozen Lemonade if you've never had it. It's simple and refreshing, and it's one of those things that's worth trying at least once.
Tips for Walking the Avenue
Go early. The Avenue of States is the most popular section of the Big E, and by mid-afternoon on weekends, the buildings are packed and the lines are long. Hit it in the first hour after gates open for a much more relaxed experience.
Start at one end and work your way through. Don't bounce around — pick the Maine or Rhode Island building and walk the full Avenue in order. You'll see everything and waste less time.
Pace your eating. Six buildings with food in each one adds up fast. Share portions, sample small, and save the big purchases for the items you like best.
Check out the non-food vendors. Each building has artisan and craft vendors selling state-specific products — maple syrup, cheeses, candles, jewelry, woodwork. These make great gifts and support small New England businesses.
Weekdays are dramatically better. A Wednesday afternoon on the Avenue of States feels like a completely different event than a Saturday. Shorter lines, more room to browse, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
For the full Big E experience, read our complete guide to the Eastern States Exposition in 2026.
Last updated: April 2026