svicious22

We have three days and three nights driving coming up between Montreal and NYC. We'd like to see some of the coast in that time (have already done Green and White Mtns on past trip). Previously, we've spent time near Acadia and in Camden, Bar Harbor and Boston. These were all enjoyable with Camden being the favorite. Also Portland ME, which wasn't so great. (may have just been the bad hotel and restaurant experiences, the city itself is very interesting).

Anyway, we'd like to do the same sorts of things but avoid repeating past visits. I am thinking Newport and possibly Mystic, and maybe a beach or port town in Mass or Southern Maine. We would like to end up close to NYC on the third day (thinking Mystic or nearby) and are open (planning even) to spending one night each in three places.

What great places have we missed out in the past and should consider now? Thoughts are appreciated.

gail

I might consider spending 2 nites in Portsmouth, NH/Newburyport, MA general area and then heading on the inland route to NYC on day 3.

corwin

a most excellent suggestion gail.

portsmouth is laden with scrumptious restaurants, a nice hotel in town, and the luxurious-by-new england-standards wentworth by the sea on the south side of portsmouth. the beachs in rye, nh are to die for. in newburyport, the garrison inn is like a small budget hotel with two diverse and really good restaurants. there are international good eats all over both newburyport and portsmouth. amesbury as well has utterly delightful restaurants downtown on the pow wow riverwalk.

all three towns are oriented to walkers versus drivers in the downtown areas; there is much to delight the senses on foot. add the bonus of the beaches in southern maine and northern mass. there's a new four star inn called blue on plum island. it too is more of a small hotel, but more top drawer, luxurious like wentworth by the sea on a more intimate scale. (wentworth is pretty large).

my favorite seafood restaurant is the plum island grill. heaven on earth is maudslay state park (acres interspersed with ruggedly formal new england gardens nestled in the woods along the merrimack river, threaded by seemingly hundreds of dirt paths. sandy point is plum island's best kept secret.

need i go on?

dfrostnh

I'd vote for Portsmouth, too. I think you'll be much happier with the choice of restaurants than you will in Mystic. On your way between Montreal and Portsmouth you might be able to make Simon Pearce in Quechee VT in time for lunch although someplace in Burlington VT would be nice, too. Spend two nights in Portsmouth. Take a leisurely harbor cruise, explore the area. Spend a day at the beach in Rye or Hampton.

svicious22

Thank you all so much for your replies. I will definitely make Portsmouth a stop on the itenerary.

amaclise

I totally agree with Newport and Mystic too. The mansions are so much fun as is Mystic Seaport.

For beaches try Misquamicut in RI. Also Jamestown area of RI is nice and love Block Island for a true get away experience. You can day trip it from Point Judith.