Nothing at The Big E represents all six New England states quite like The Avenue of States on The Big E fairgrounds.
All the state buildings on this stretch are located right next to Gate 1 of the fair and span the whole length of the States Avenue road. The road highlights each of the six states in New England — Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
When strolling down this area of the fair, guests can actually step foot in a replica of each original New England state house. And yes, you will literally be standing on each of the six states’ property right in West Springfield, as the land under each building is deeded to their respective states.
Each of the six buildings pays homage to businesses, culture and items from each state.
Starting at the closest building from Gate 1, New Hampshire is up first.
As one of the less busy buildings, it still has some iconic Big E spots like wood carving, spinning and weaving, New England milk bottles and its popular mac and cheese line.
The Connecticut building is filled with things that represent the Nutmeg State like its dried tobacco leaves and cigar bar, wine slushies and Mohegan Sun informational booth. It is also home to Danny’s Smoke House, which holds the loaded baked potato, rival to the very popular Maine baked potato.
In the Vermont building, guests can browse the Vermont Clothing Company, seeking classic Vermont attire like flannels, beanies and more. It also has endless amount of maple products, Cabot Cheese and Ben & Jerry’s.
The Maine building is home to the Maine baked potato, loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese sauce, bacon bits and chives. Sold for $8 a pop, the line is easily one of the busiest at the fair.
It is also home to salmon on a stick — dubbed the healthiest food at the fair, whoopie pies and personalized ornaments.
Upon walking in the Massachusetts building, guests are met with a wall of Boston sports memorabilia, shelves of candles from a Massachusetts business Sniffs of Adventure and plenty of food including The Pilgrim Sandwich, lobster rolls and classic New England clam chowder.
Finally in the Rhode Island building, the establishment houses iconic Rhode Island finds like Del’s Lemonade, endless seafood — like stuffed quahog clams known as stuffies — and a glimpse at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
The Big E is currently open and will end for the 2025 season on Sept. 28.