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12 day Road Trip NY-Ontario-VT-NH-MA

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Old Jun 22nd, 2014, 07:11 PM
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12 day Road Trip NY-Ontario-VT-NH-MA

Hi folks,

Posted a question for a similar trip a couple of weeks ago, but since, our trip has changed completely, so I though would be better to star a new topic.

We will be renting an RV in Susex New Jersey and spending 12 days Rving through Ontario-VT-NH and MA.

We are a family four; wife, 2 boys ( 12 & 7) and myself.

Our main goals is to enjoy time as a family while exploring new interesting places and just seeing some of the highlights along the way.

We like exploring the outdoors, mountain and trail hiking, knowing historical and interesting places, driving through scenic routes, typical old/quaint towns, experiencing outdoor adventure activities like white water rafting or canopy , etc.

Our loop looks as follows:

Day 1: Full day easy drive from Sussex NJ to Buffalo NY , driving through Ithaca (Finger Lakes) starting early morning and stopping over as necessary. Will spend the night at Branches of Niagara Campground (between Buffalo and Niagara Falls)

Day 2: Full day at Niagara Falls leaving late afternoon towards Toronto to spend the night at Indian Line Campground

Day 3: Full day at Wonderland amusement park.

Day 4: Take public transportation to visit a couple of Toronto's highlights leaving at night towards Kingston. We'll spend the night at Landon Bay or KOA Campground near Gananoque

Day 5: Take the early morning Gananoque cruise to visit Thousand Islands and then continue driving along lake ontario towards Montreal. Arrive into Camping Alouette to spend the next 2 nights there

Day 6: Take public transportation to see main couple of highlights in Montreal.

Day 7: Start Driving south in the morning into Vermont (do not have specific destinations yet, maybe Ben&Jerrys factory and Cabot creamery along some quaint towns or villages)

Day 8: Lincoln, New Hampshire (Alpine Adventures for Zipline Canopy Tour) and then drive the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.

Day 9: New Hampshire - White mountains ( do not have specifics things to do yet)

Day 10: Drive towards Plymouth Massachusetts ( do not have specifics things to do yet)

Day 11: Continue to Newport and then to Mystic

Day 12: Drive to Sussex returning RV by Noon

This loop is about 1500 to 1600 miles, which it may seems like too much driving. But at the end of the day, it is a "road trip". We like this kind of trip and have done similar milage 2 years in a row in different parts of the country.

Would appreciate your recommendation on:

- nicest routes to take, or which to avoid.

- places to visit, not to miss towns or sites

- not to miss activities, ( family fun and enjoyable places and activities in those areas)

Specially for the last 5/6 days from Montreal back to Sussex ( VT-NH-MA )

All inputs will be greatly appreciated and very helpful to put together this road trip.

Thanks in advance!
ewolff is offline  
Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 02:11 AM
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Did you verify the RV can be taken into Canada?

We just got back from Lincoln NH. Breakfasts at White Mt Bagel and Flapjacks were good. Pancakes at Polly's in Sugar Hill are better.

There are numerous places to zipline, so do some research to see which best suits your needs.

Stop at The Basin for some beautiful views with absolutely zero effort.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 03:14 AM
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Typically cars rented in the US may not be taken into Canada. Have you checked if you can enter in an RV? Not only might there be an issue crossing the border - it might invalidate your insurance even if you are allowed in.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 03:59 AM
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I always ask about taking cars vehicles into Canada because you CAN, but you require written permission ( often on the rental sheet) and proof of insurance valid in Canada. No problem, but if you haven't got them, you will be turned back at the border. It is dropping a rental vehicle across the border that is problematic.

A few comments.

You need to see Niagara-on-the-lake, the quaint town on the Canadian side, and you know, of course, that he view of the Falls from the Canadian side is much better. The Maid of the Mist is Worth It.

Allow lots of time for border crossing. It is often lengthy. Don't bring in excess alcohol, though it costs a fortune in Canada, and don't bring guns. Pistols are completely illegal and long guns create red tape. Be sure you have proof of US residence for everyone in the vehicle for your return to the US. The areas where you wait in your vehicle to cross are monitored by listening equipment. Impress upon your kids that this is NOT the time for jokes about smuggling or terrorism since someone is listening to and probably recording everything they say. We were once stopped returning to the US at a remote crossing when our kids were about your kids' ages. We had to open the back so they could make sure we weren't smuggling in a Haitian maid! People did.

I would not drive between Hamilton and Toronto any time in the late afternoon. The traffic is horrendous, though maybe not to bad going to Toronto as leaving it. Ask locally, but considering stopping for dinner and going on later.

Be prepared for the extremely high cost of gasoline. It is sold by the liter. Fill up before you cross the border. New York is more expensive than Jersey, as you know. Canada is worse.

Many people in Quebec either lack confidence in their English or for political reasons will only speak French. My children still laugh at my performance ordering in Franglais at a Mac Donald's.

Have a great trip! It will be quite an adventure!
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 04:12 AM
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Mystic to Sussex NJ is a three hour trip in no traffic. If your day 12 is a week day, be sure to leave earlier in the AM than you think you need to if getting the RV back on time matters, even if you take 95 to 9 to 84 which avoids the really bad traffic along the way.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 04:36 AM
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I think the OP verified that it was ok to take RV into Canada on his other thread.

Day 7:VT: there are places you can find if you google Vermont Swimming Holes. We picnicked at the one in Bristol. If it's not crowded, you might be able to park by the side of the road. Wear water shoes. The shallow part of river is very rocky. I think kids are thrilled with a natural swimming hole. 7 yo is probably too young to jump off ledge.

We enjoy Ben and Jerry's ice cream. The tour is pretty good but kids might get bored. Montshire Museum in Norwich VT is wonderful for children. Water play is fun so kids need to change into bathing suits. Good place for a picnic. I think there is plenty for 12 yo although the museum seems to get a lot of younger children. Norwich VT, Brattleboro and Montpelier all have large farmers markets on Saturdays. Very festive and a good place to buy food, enjoy some music, talk to some locals. I didn't realize Norwich is only a mile from downtown Hanover. I would not take an RV into Hanover. Norwich is very quaint. Might want to explore Quechee Gorge.

Since you are doing zipline you might just take your White Mountains day to let kids play and swim at the campground. We have stayed at a campground in Thornton area. Just pick one with a good swimming pool or one a good tubing river. Our son likes to take visiting families to Lost River. I think The Flume is a great place but it is very popular and might be too touristy compared to other hikes you might take.

I93 is pretty scenic until you get south of Manchester NH. If you haven't already kayaked, you can rent kayaks for a half day paddle on the Merrimack River. I have rented from this place http://www.contoocookcanoe.com/merrimack-river and highly recommend the river with many places to stop for a picnic and secluded beaches. The rental place is on the Contoocook River so you can do a shorter paddle to a secluded beach and not have to use the shuttle service but the Merrimack River is more beautiful, more secluded. This is right out side Concord NH. I have not rented from this place
http://quickwatercanoe.com/ but it is right off I93/exit 17 and one the Merrimack River. Because you end at their location it might be easier and a better deal than shuttle service both ways from the other place.

At exit 23 you can head over to Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee but instead go to Weirs Beach for the water park. Not sure where RVs can park, though. Would not drive RV thru the Weirs area, too congested. Funspot is popular with kids but we've never been.

Continue south on I93 to I293 to Everett Turnpike/Nashua and then Rt 3 to connect with I495 to skirt Boston to get to Plymouth. Except for Plimoth Plantation, I would consider skipping. When we took our son and visiting niece they really weren't interested in history. But I really liked the Indian Museum at Foxwoods in CT.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 04:40 AM
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Thanks for the inputs and tips.

We have checked with the RV rental company, and it is OK to cross the border into Canada as long as we have or acquire the proper insurance. So no problem there.

Advice for border crossing taken. Also the comment about our last leg back to Sussex. Good to have the info and tips in order to plan ahead.

Any particular recommended place for the zipline? Can my 7 year old do it as well?

Still trying to put together our route though Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Any advice on towns, places, highlights, not to miss attractions ?
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 07:23 AM
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For VT.. Yes to Ben and Jerry's, Cabot. In Burlington, there is an aquarium and science center at the lakefront park. South a short distance on Rt. 7, you'll see Shelburne Museuwm, historic buildings on large property, demonstrations of historic interest, cheese-making when we were there last time. Excellent place for you to visit with family. Backtrack north to Ben and Jeryys and continue south. Montshire Museum is a hands on children's science center on the Connecticut River across from Hanover,NH where Dartmouth College is located.
Plymouth, MA.. Plimouth Plantation is a perfect place to take your kids to learn about the Pilgrims, etc.
www.plimouth.org.It is just south of Plymouth Center on 3A, off of Rt.3. MayflowerII is docked in downtown Plymouth near Plymouth Rock, both important sites to visit.
Excellent seafood at East Bay Grill, lobster rolls, fried whole belly clams.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 07:47 AM
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When you're at Ben and Jerry's, make sure to drive in to see Stowe, a pretty New England village and a major ski area.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 08:13 AM
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Zipline...you'll need to check with the place you are interested in, some have age 7, some are age 10. They usually have weight minimums and maximums as well.

Also look into Ausable Chasm in the Plattsburgh NY area.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 08:15 AM
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This is from Alpine Adventures in Lincoln:

Weight / Height:
Due to the gravity-fed nature of our zipline tours, to keep your speed and zipline arrivals safe, and for the comfort and safety of our off-road guests, there are weight and height requirements.

SkyRider & Treetop Canopy tours: 70-240 lbs. and no taller than 6'5".
SUPER SkyRider tour: 70-220 lbs. and no taller than 6'5".
Thrillsville Aerial Park: 50-240 lbs. and no taller than 6'5". Some harder elements may require a minimum of 70 lbs.
EuroBungy Trampoline: 20-240 lbs.
Off-Road Safari tour: Not to exceed 300 lbs.
Age:

10 y.o. recommended for our zipline tours (SkyRider, Treetop & SUPER SkyRider) due to the fear factor.
6 y.o and up for Thrillsville Aerial Park. Ages 6-11 require that someone 16 years or older participate with them. 12 y.o. for level 3.
3 y.o. and up for the EuroBungy Trampoline.
3 y.o. and up for the Off-Road Tour.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 09:20 AM
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on day one, after Ithaca, set the GPS for Watkins Glen State Park and spend an hour taking the trail there... you can park the RV at the bottom lot and shuttle bus to the top of the trail for a beautiful and easy hike down... then drive up the side of Seneca Lake to Geneva...

There you will see Rt 20 west for a wonderful drive through farmland, villages, and nature... if you have time consider stopping at Letchworth State Park... This park has been called the Grand Canyon of the East and the nature is outstanding...

I live two minutes from Branches of Niagara so welcome to my neighborhood!

When you are in Niagara, start on the US side and park at Goat Island... purchase USA Niagara Discovery Passes and take the kids on the Cave of the Winds attraction and Maid of the Mist... also make sure you go on the Whirlpool JetBoats (the best attraction at the Falls) which is available on the US and Canada sides...

Driving to Toronto in the late afternoon begs for disaster as traffic is extremely chaotic until after 7pm... consider leaving then...

Have Fun!
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 11:15 AM
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Oh, yes, Watkins Glen, awesome!

I haven't been to Letchworth, but I would trust garyt22 on this. In fa t, if I am out that wy . . . .
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Old Jun 23rd, 2014, 12:24 PM
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The Billings Farm and Museum just outside Woodstock VT is a great place for kids - lots of exhibits, wagon rides, ice cream making, etc. Just across the road is the Rockefeller Estate national park, which has a nice walking trail system. In the Whites, hiking and walking thru the spectacular mountains are the top attraction. Lots of short easy hikes off the Kancamangus - you might even spot a moose. If it's a clear day, the Mt Washington auto road is very impressive.
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Old Jun 24th, 2014, 02:06 PM
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Does anybody know Landon Bay Campground? (Ontario)

It is supposed to be a beautiful place and well located for our thousand island tour. I have read very good reviews but all of them from 2 years back and no new ones.

No answer on the phone ( only voice mail) and no answer to the online booking I made.

Is it operational? Is it well maintained and managed?
Should we look for an alternative place to stay that night?
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Old Jun 25th, 2014, 06:38 PM
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Are you stopping in Boston en route to Plymouth? I can't imagine driving through (or, God Forbid, around) if you've never been. Here's my favorite low-cost, kid-friendly half to full day:

Pay to park at the Museum of Science or somewhere in that area before you get into downtown proper. This is the highest priced part of your day, expect to pay $30 or more and you'll love not having to worry about your vehicle.

Walk through the new park across the street from the Museum, which will take you on a cool footbridge right under the Zakim Bridge. There's a skate park and some playgrounds along the way.

You'll end up in Charlestown and can see the spot where Paul Revere waited to see the lanterns in the Old North Church, then visit the USS Constitution - ID required! (or if the line is long, just visit the museum, which is donation-based and very hands-on for the kids).

Take the MBTA ferry (super cheap tickets - like $3 apiece)to the Aquarium wharf and get a great view of the city from the water. Once there, wave to the sea lions in the outdoor tank and check out the Greenway with its new splash fountain for the kids (they will get soaked!).

Get a bite to eat in the North End (pizza and cannolis) and decide if you've had enough (quick T ride back to Science Park) or walk some Freedom Trail and jump on the T whenever you're tired and get back into the car and shoot down I-93 to Plymouth. Have Fun!
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Old Jun 26th, 2014, 03:51 AM
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Good advice on Boston from soxfanann. The museum of science is great for everyone too, so spend at least a few hours there too, and go to the static electricity show, it's awesome.
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