aliska

Daughter will be getting done with Spring semester around Mother's Day weekend in May 2008. Was thinking of coming at end of semester and spending 4-5 days relaxing in Cape Cod or touring New England at nice resort. What will weather be like at that time of year? Seems doubtful that we will be able to go into ocean, but wanted Fodorite opinions. Other options are to meet up in Florida at Grandma's, but we will have been there in December and March; thought about NYC, but that seems stressful after final exams and she wants relaxation. Have been to Boston numerous times, don't really want a city trip. Any suggestions? Thanks!

tchoiniere

Weather will just be getting warm so going in the water will not be possible. Weather probably will be in the low 70s during the day, 50s at night. Cape will not be too busy then unless you go Memorial Day weekend.

volcanogirl

We went to Nantucket in September, and it was very nice - lots of shopping, pretty beaches, and good restaurants. We went sailing, although I think it would be too cool in May to do that. My husband thought Nantucket was the perfect spot for a girl's trip. Lots of cute B&Bs, etc.

Anonymous

May is pleasant on the Cape if you have no expectations about the beach. Officially, swimming season starts on the Fourth of July.

yellowbyrd

Although the water is still cold on Cape Cod in May the sun is warm and everything is open so if you dress in layers, shedding as the day warms up, you will be fine. The outer Cape is one of our favorite destinations because of the Cape Cod National Seashore...the perfect place to relax after a busy semester. www.nps.gov/caco I took my niece on a vacation there several years ago and we stayed in the Nantucket cottage at the Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast in Eastham. www.forthillbedandbreakfast.com It was wonderful to wake up to a full breakfast, walk out the door to nature trails along Nauset Marsh and the Red Maple Swamp with a cup of coffee, and relax on our private patio while gazing at the Atlantic Ocean. My niece really enjoyed shopping in Orleans, Chatham and Wellfleet and we caught a show in Provincetown after a wonderful dinner at Front Street. The bike trail, whale-watching, museums etc. are all nearby and there is a gym and several spas within 5 minutes away for a workout, relaxing massage or full spa treatment.

John_T_Cuttino

May is full spring in New England. It will be beautiful but the water will not be warm.
Might try Newport. Lots to do there.

volcanogirl

We also stayed at the Inn by the Sea on Cape Elizabeth, Maine near Portland - thought it was very charming. I agree that Newport would be worth considering; we looked at going there for a trip, and there was a lot to do, great old mansions to tour, etc.

Tess_Durberville

Nix on the ocean idea -- NO way the water would be warm enough for a dip, unless you're a member of the polar bear club.

Weather 'probably' will be pleasant . . . then again, New England/Boston can be variable at that time of year. Heck, after my recent Thanksgiving trip to the area I experienced temps ranging from 63 degrees (ON Tday) and then plummet down to 30's within 48 hrs.

dfnh

I think it really depends on how you like to relax. My sister and BIL like to weekend at places with an indoor pool but swimming is not something my husband and I enjoy. We've been to Maine mid-June on a couple of occasions. It is very cold out on the water if you take a boat trip. We live in NH so I love early Spring when the leaves are just coming out. Apple orchards are blooming mid-May. It could be a bad time of year for hiking because of black flies. I'm sure, however, that you could find places for a spa type of weekend. You might actually get weather warm enough for sunning outdoors. Sometimes it's warm enough for people to be out on the beach. If not warm enough for sunning, there's usually people walking, kite flying, etc.

oceankayaker7

I would go with Newport or Nantucket.