Cape Cod, Boston, Maine and Acadia September trip any Suggestions?
Apr 26th, 2012, 04:14 PM
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Cape Cod, Boston, Maine and Acadia September trip any Suggestions?
My Husband and I are in our mid 40"s and planning to celebrate our 25th anniversary with a 9 day trip to the New England states. Something I suggested for our honeymoon 25 years ago but...... we went to Florida.
We have two kids in college and one in junior high yet, so we can't go too extravagant but plan to have a great time and use vacation savings. I could use some ideas of places to not miss and maybe some that is not worth our time.
We want to see historical sights, walk the shorelines, go on a whale watch, see light houses and visit some of the quaint fishing villages to enjoy the lobster. Hopefully a bit of relaxing as well!
We are flyng into PVD "Providence RI" late afternoon September 10th and getting a rental car. I then thought to go to Plymouth MA to spend our first night somewhere near there. We have reservations in Cambridge near Boston for the next 2 nights where I have learned to leave the car parked and travel by subway or bus while we are there.
After Boston, I've heard Gloucester has good whale watching cruises?
Portland ME is a city we don't want to miss and may spend a night there. Further north I would like to spend 2 nights at Oceanside Inn near Winter Harbor while visiting Acadia Park and Bar Harbor.
After Leaving Acadia would like to take a different route back. I've read that White Mountain shouldn't be missed and Jackson is the town to stay in?
This plan leaves us with two and a half days to get back down to Cape Cod and spend those nights there. I've looked alot at places to stay and prefer the Inn at the Oaks in Eastham Ma. as well as any other, kind of centerally located on Cape Cod. We don't need to be back to PVD till mid afternoon to return the car and fly out.
So does this make sense with travel time and not totally being exhausted? Like I said earlier I've wanted to do this forever so I'd like to make the best of it. Any suggestions or helpfull hints would be appreciated.
We have two kids in college and one in junior high yet, so we can't go too extravagant but plan to have a great time and use vacation savings. I could use some ideas of places to not miss and maybe some that is not worth our time.
We want to see historical sights, walk the shorelines, go on a whale watch, see light houses and visit some of the quaint fishing villages to enjoy the lobster. Hopefully a bit of relaxing as well!
We are flyng into PVD "Providence RI" late afternoon September 10th and getting a rental car. I then thought to go to Plymouth MA to spend our first night somewhere near there. We have reservations in Cambridge near Boston for the next 2 nights where I have learned to leave the car parked and travel by subway or bus while we are there.
After Boston, I've heard Gloucester has good whale watching cruises?
Portland ME is a city we don't want to miss and may spend a night there. Further north I would like to spend 2 nights at Oceanside Inn near Winter Harbor while visiting Acadia Park and Bar Harbor.
After Leaving Acadia would like to take a different route back. I've read that White Mountain shouldn't be missed and Jackson is the town to stay in?
This plan leaves us with two and a half days to get back down to Cape Cod and spend those nights there. I've looked alot at places to stay and prefer the Inn at the Oaks in Eastham Ma. as well as any other, kind of centerally located on Cape Cod. We don't need to be back to PVD till mid afternoon to return the car and fly out.
So does this make sense with travel time and not totally being exhausted? Like I said earlier I've wanted to do this forever so I'd like to make the best of it. Any suggestions or helpfull hints would be appreciated.
Apr 27th, 2012, 03:00 AM
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I agree. You're going to be seeing an awful lot of interstate with that kind of plan. You're supposed to have time to sit, watching the ocean, enjoying your favorite beverage and thinking it's been 25 great years. I would cut out the White Mountains and spend more time on the Maine coast. Definitely spend at least one night in Portland. If you've been out on a whale watch (one thing I've never done) you'll need some Portland time. We enjoyed the foodie tour last fall and that alone takes up a good chunk of the day.
You'll have to double-check lobster shack hours since they usually change to weekends only after Labor Day. You can get lobster year round at a lot of places but we really like the outdoors at a picnic table next to the water experience. Rockland is about 2 hours from Portland and the short, easy hike to Owls Head Light would give you a break from all that driving. I enjoyed the Farnsworth Art Museum (focus on Maine artists) but dh prefers the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Probably the prettiest lobster shack place/view is 5 Islands. (see their website).
We are usually in a hurry to get to mid-coast Maine so we stay on I95 until we get to Brunswick and then travel Rt 1 which will take you thru Wiscasset and Camden but will make you slow down. Check with the Maritime Museum in Bath ME to see if they have any lighthouse cruises going on.
http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/v...fall-schedule/
We really lucked out when we discovered this because at the time they offered a full day cruise and you brought a picnic lunch to enjoy on a little island. Loved the narration. Probably one of our all time best Maine experiences but the one we went on was quite a few years ago.
We usually stay in Wiscasset and haven't been to Acadia since 1997. We've been thinking about making it a day trip (we're not hikers) from Wiscasset but it would be a long drive. Our general scheme is to drive around the peninsulas because that's where life is more quiet and who knows what good lobster place we'll find. (Wiscasset is central to several.)
You'll have to double-check lobster shack hours since they usually change to weekends only after Labor Day. You can get lobster year round at a lot of places but we really like the outdoors at a picnic table next to the water experience. Rockland is about 2 hours from Portland and the short, easy hike to Owls Head Light would give you a break from all that driving. I enjoyed the Farnsworth Art Museum (focus on Maine artists) but dh prefers the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Probably the prettiest lobster shack place/view is 5 Islands. (see their website).
We are usually in a hurry to get to mid-coast Maine so we stay on I95 until we get to Brunswick and then travel Rt 1 which will take you thru Wiscasset and Camden but will make you slow down. Check with the Maritime Museum in Bath ME to see if they have any lighthouse cruises going on.
http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/v...fall-schedule/
We really lucked out when we discovered this because at the time they offered a full day cruise and you brought a picnic lunch to enjoy on a little island. Loved the narration. Probably one of our all time best Maine experiences but the one we went on was quite a few years ago.
We usually stay in Wiscasset and haven't been to Acadia since 1997. We've been thinking about making it a day trip (we're not hikers) from Wiscasset but it would be a long drive. Our general scheme is to drive around the peninsulas because that's where life is more quiet and who knows what good lobster place we'll find. (Wiscasset is central to several.)
Apr 27th, 2012, 03:03 AM
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You are going at the very best time of the year. The weather should be great, and the crowds will be gone except maybe a bit on weekends.
I think all the places you want to go are good places to go, but you will be exhausted and not have a lot of time to celebrate because you are moving too much. Here are a few suggestions for streamlining.
Plymouth is boring. Go straight to Cambridge from PVD. You could get to Boston by bus and pick up the car when you leave, saving two days of car rental and possible parking fees.
Boston to Gloucester, out and back on a whale watch, then on to Portland is a real long day. Be aware that many people get seasick on whale watches, which might make it seem even longer. If you feel queasy, just go ahead and throw up and enjoy the rest of the trip.
Portland to Acadia is longer than it looks, especially if you take the more scenic Route 1, which is two lane for most of the way beyond Bath and has major bottlenecks in Wiscasset and Camden.
Jackson, NH is at least four hours from Bar Harbor by the scenic route, and the other route isn't worth the trouble. It is another 4 1/2 hours to Eastham from there, not scenic at all, so all you are doing is getting to spend the night.
See the problem? I would leave out either the Cape or Gloucester. Then list your days, what you want to do, how long the driving will take according to Google maps, and see what that looks like.
I think all the places you want to go are good places to go, but you will be exhausted and not have a lot of time to celebrate because you are moving too much. Here are a few suggestions for streamlining.
Plymouth is boring. Go straight to Cambridge from PVD. You could get to Boston by bus and pick up the car when you leave, saving two days of car rental and possible parking fees.
Boston to Gloucester, out and back on a whale watch, then on to Portland is a real long day. Be aware that many people get seasick on whale watches, which might make it seem even longer. If you feel queasy, just go ahead and throw up and enjoy the rest of the trip.
Portland to Acadia is longer than it looks, especially if you take the more scenic Route 1, which is two lane for most of the way beyond Bath and has major bottlenecks in Wiscasset and Camden.
Jackson, NH is at least four hours from Bar Harbor by the scenic route, and the other route isn't worth the trouble. It is another 4 1/2 hours to Eastham from there, not scenic at all, so all you are doing is getting to spend the night.
See the problem? I would leave out either the Cape or Gloucester. Then list your days, what you want to do, how long the driving will take according to Google maps, and see what that looks like.
Apr 27th, 2012, 03:26 AM
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If you decide to spend more time on the Cape, you can take a whale watch from Provincetown also, or if not the Cape then go on one from Boston.
When DH and I travel we seldom spend more than two or three nights in the same place and rather than finding it tiring, we find that invigorating. We are recharged when we get back and if a bit jet lagged, can rest at home. Only you know what your travel style is.
If you dare, be flexible and you will probably not need reservations mid week except for Boston.
When DH and I travel we seldom spend more than two or three nights in the same place and rather than finding it tiring, we find that invigorating. We are recharged when we get back and if a bit jet lagged, can rest at home. Only you know what your travel style is.
If you dare, be flexible and you will probably not need reservations mid week except for Boston.
Apr 27th, 2012, 07:34 AM
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Thanks for the ideas! I agree with emalloy and we are not concerned with moving every few days as we have no kids with and will be light on luggage anyhow. What I don't want is wasted time on interstates, we can do that in Iowa, lol. The time in Plymouth arriving early evening will be short,just the next morning then going to Boston that afternoon. Our car comes with the flight so we will be parking it at our hotel in Boston already booked 2 nights.
I feel we need more time up the coast to Acadia and figure if we will be at Acadia we could skip the White Mnts.
Love the idea of the lighthouse cruise, we will have seabands for sure, great reminder! Where do I find the foodie tour for Portland?
Again great advice, I'm really excited for this adventure!
I feel we need more time up the coast to Acadia and figure if we will be at Acadia we could skip the White Mnts.
Love the idea of the lighthouse cruise, we will have seabands for sure, great reminder! Where do I find the foodie tour for Portland?
Again great advice, I'm really excited for this adventure!
Apr 27th, 2012, 08:57 AM
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I agree that since you only have 9 days, Plymouth is a silly detour. Have dinner somewhere, then head into Boston after traffic hours. That will still just give you two full days to see what's in and around Boston, and then after your 3rd night/2nd full day in Boston you can head up the coast. Plymouth you can stop and see on your way to Eastham.
I also wouldn't stop in Gloucester if you have to make it all the way up to Bar Harbor and have only two nights there. You seem to be planning your nights instead of your days. Two nights, arriving late the first night to Bar Harbor, means that you only have one full day near Acadia before packing up and checking out the next morning.
I also wouldn't stop in Gloucester if you have to make it all the way up to Bar Harbor and have only two nights there. You seem to be planning your nights instead of your days. Two nights, arriving late the first night to Bar Harbor, means that you only have one full day near Acadia before packing up and checking out the next morning.
Apr 28th, 2012, 03:07 AM
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We did the walking tour.
http://www.mainefoodietours.com/tours.html
On the way to Portland, you can exit I95 in Kittery (the outlet mall area will be very congested if it's a weekend) and stop at When Pigs Fly and Stonewall Kitchens which also have food samples.
The tour ends within walking distance of Duckfat where it's worth the wait to get their french fries or poutine. Top off a late lunch with the ice cream sampler at MDI Ice Cream on Exchange Street. Go when it's not busy so you can taste a few strange flavors before you choose your sampler. I did not like Chocolate Wasabi but loved Blackstrap Banana. Besides Portland, their only other location is Bar Harbor.
We also routinely stop at Cellar Door Winery for a tasting. The original location in Lincolnville ME is my favorite and is not far off Rt 1. Their new store on Rt 1 is south of Camden.
http://www.mainefoodietours.com/tours.html
On the way to Portland, you can exit I95 in Kittery (the outlet mall area will be very congested if it's a weekend) and stop at When Pigs Fly and Stonewall Kitchens which also have food samples.
The tour ends within walking distance of Duckfat where it's worth the wait to get their french fries or poutine. Top off a late lunch with the ice cream sampler at MDI Ice Cream on Exchange Street. Go when it's not busy so you can taste a few strange flavors before you choose your sampler. I did not like Chocolate Wasabi but loved Blackstrap Banana. Besides Portland, their only other location is Bar Harbor.
We also routinely stop at Cellar Door Winery for a tasting. The original location in Lincolnville ME is my favorite and is not far off Rt 1. Their new store on Rt 1 is south of Camden.
Apr 28th, 2012, 07:21 AM
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yes tracy I suppose I was counting nights, so we will be bypassing Gloucester. Eating at Kennebunk clam shack, planning a stay in Portland then on to Bar Harbor.
I just read the Oceanside near acadia is vegetarian, we are beef farmers. Pretty sure how that will fly with my guy
but I guess we will only be eating breakfast there. It just sounds like the only relaxing part of our trip. We do like to be kept busy though.
I just read the Oceanside near acadia is vegetarian, we are beef farmers. Pretty sure how that will fly with my guy
but I guess we will only be eating breakfast there. It just sounds like the only relaxing part of our trip. We do like to be kept busy though.
Apr 28th, 2012, 01:30 PM
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I like to keep busy too. In fact I'm in the midst of planning a trip this summer to Europe that includes 7 countries! (It's not as bad as that sounds). I say that so maybe you'll know where I'm coming from when I say that what you have planned will not be as much fun as you might think.
I would do as everyone here is suggesting and go straight to Boston/Cambridge. Three nights, two full days - you'll just barely scratch the surface.
Then spend the next day driving up the coast of Maine to Portland - take the coastal route once you cross into Maine and do York, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. If you like lighthouses don't miss Nubble light in York and Portland Head just south of Portland. Those two are both very scenic and easy to find. Two nights in Portland so you can do a whale watch on the day in between.
Spend the next day driving up to Acadia - stop in Boothbath, Rockland (Owl's Head Light), Camden. It will take all day to get up there via the coastal route with lots of little detours.
Spend two nights so you can relax for a whole day.
With the last two days, if you want to see a little of interior New England you could go over to the white mountains - it's about four hours from acadia but you could spend an afternoon, and one night. Or you could drive down to Portsmouth NH, also about four hours. For the last night I would actually go to Newport RI - a little different from the Maine coast but still a "quaint/historic" town. I really don't think you have time for the Cape, or even for Cape Ann (Gloucester). And I agree with the person who said Plymouth is boring (unless you are into living history museums in which case Plimouth Plantation is interesting).
Here's my notes from a recent trip to Acadia and link to photos of the areas you are considering
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-and-tips.cfm
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/new_england
I would do as everyone here is suggesting and go straight to Boston/Cambridge. Three nights, two full days - you'll just barely scratch the surface.
Then spend the next day driving up the coast of Maine to Portland - take the coastal route once you cross into Maine and do York, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. If you like lighthouses don't miss Nubble light in York and Portland Head just south of Portland. Those two are both very scenic and easy to find. Two nights in Portland so you can do a whale watch on the day in between.
Spend the next day driving up to Acadia - stop in Boothbath, Rockland (Owl's Head Light), Camden. It will take all day to get up there via the coastal route with lots of little detours.
Spend two nights so you can relax for a whole day.
With the last two days, if you want to see a little of interior New England you could go over to the white mountains - it's about four hours from acadia but you could spend an afternoon, and one night. Or you could drive down to Portsmouth NH, also about four hours. For the last night I would actually go to Newport RI - a little different from the Maine coast but still a "quaint/historic" town. I really don't think you have time for the Cape, or even for Cape Ann (Gloucester). And I agree with the person who said Plymouth is boring (unless you are into living history museums in which case Plimouth Plantation is interesting).
Here's my notes from a recent trip to Acadia and link to photos of the areas you are considering
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-and-tips.cfm
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/new_england
Apr 28th, 2012, 04:44 PM
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Consider newburyport, ma as a stop, great seaside town with good food or portsmouth, nh (about half way between boston and portland, me) also look into boothbay harbor when driving up the coast to acadia (it is far but worth the trip!) also, rather than the cape, newport, ri is amazing.. beautiful old mansions and less than an hour from airport you fly into.. i would skip gloucester, but if you insist on the area, go to rockport.. and skip cape cod. fore street in portland is a great special occasion restaurant. 15 minutes north of portland, freeport, me has shopping outlets.. have fun!
May 7th, 2012, 09:03 PM
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I'm considering this adgenda,
Boston Monday eve-Thursday morn
Kennebunk along the way Thursday
Portland Thursday eve-Sat morn
Drive to Acadia arrive late Sat-Tues Morn
Drive to Glouchester for Whale watch Tues afternoon
Rockport Ma. Tues Eve-Wed morn
Cape Cod Wed Eve-Thurs afternoon
Fly out Thurs 6pm from PVD airport
This give us breaks in between the drives, the busiest will be Sat if we take too many off roads. Definatly going to go to Camden and Owls Head along the way.
At the end I really want to see Cape Cod if only for a night and part of a day before flying out.
Maybe on our next time back we can spend more time there and also visit Newport?
I really appreciate everyones advice and have seen so much of New England on the internet that I feel like I've already been there!
Boston Monday eve-Thursday morn
Kennebunk along the way Thursday
Portland Thursday eve-Sat morn
Drive to Acadia arrive late Sat-Tues Morn
Drive to Glouchester for Whale watch Tues afternoon
Rockport Ma. Tues Eve-Wed morn
Cape Cod Wed Eve-Thurs afternoon
Fly out Thurs 6pm from PVD airport
This give us breaks in between the drives, the busiest will be Sat if we take too many off roads. Definatly going to go to Camden and Owls Head along the way.
At the end I really want to see Cape Cod if only for a night and part of a day before flying out.
Maybe on our next time back we can spend more time there and also visit Newport?
I really appreciate everyones advice and have seen so much of New England on the internet that I feel like I've already been there!
May 20th, 2012, 05:01 PM
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Still concerened if this plan sounds feasible? Anyone stayed at 3 pines B&B at Hancock, ME? only 2 rooms,Seems relaxing and rather secluded overlooking Fishermans Bay but still close to Acadia
May 21st, 2012, 07:54 AM
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Your latest itinerary looks pretty reasonable, though it's not clear where you're going in Cape Cod or what you want to experience there. Are you driving to and from Cape Cod?
If so, you might want to consider sticking to the western end of the Cape to reduce travel time. One possible option is Sandwich, where you can see the Sandwich Glass Museum, Heritage Museum and Gardens, and the like. I'm pretty sure there are a couple beaches on Cape Cod Bay here, too.
Your idea of coming back later to Cape Cod to explore in detail, pairing it with a visit to Newport RI, seems like a good plan.
If so, you might want to consider sticking to the western end of the Cape to reduce travel time. One possible option is Sandwich, where you can see the Sandwich Glass Museum, Heritage Museum and Gardens, and the like. I'm pretty sure there are a couple beaches on Cape Cod Bay here, too.
Your idea of coming back later to Cape Cod to explore in detail, pairing it with a visit to Newport RI, seems like a good plan.
May 22nd, 2012, 07:56 AM
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We plan to stay in Eastham while at the Cape and then we have to fly out late the next afternoon from PVD. At the 3 pines in Hancock I see it is 30 min from Bar Harbor, is the entrance to the park another 30 min from Bar Harbor? The other day we'd like to go on the Schodic side of the bay so we'd be half way to both.
Aug 21st, 2012, 08:08 AM
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Getting closer to our trip dates and have the trip narrowed down. Flying in late Mon and flying out 9 days later the following Wed.
We plan to do 2 days and 3 nights in Cambridge, seeing Longfellow house and Freedom trail for sure plus enjoying some of the wonderful food of Boston.
Next day whale watch out of Gloucester then heading to Kennebunkport for dinner and on up to Portland for 2 nights and a day of eating and touring there.
We then leave Portland to enjoy the drive and doing some sight seeing of lighthouses etc. to Acadia arriving late that night. Then seeing Acadia Nat Park and possibly the Schodic side of the bay, we have 3 nights and 2 1/2 days there.
I do not have the last night booked to just play by ear and see if there is things we want to see on the way back down to Providence RI where we fly out of early evening the final day.
All suggestions are much appreciated and I hope this all sound feasible?
We plan to do 2 days and 3 nights in Cambridge, seeing Longfellow house and Freedom trail for sure plus enjoying some of the wonderful food of Boston.
Next day whale watch out of Gloucester then heading to Kennebunkport for dinner and on up to Portland for 2 nights and a day of eating and touring there.
We then leave Portland to enjoy the drive and doing some sight seeing of lighthouses etc. to Acadia arriving late that night. Then seeing Acadia Nat Park and possibly the Schodic side of the bay, we have 3 nights and 2 1/2 days there.
I do not have the last night booked to just play by ear and see if there is things we want to see on the way back down to Providence RI where we fly out of early evening the final day.
All suggestions are much appreciated and I hope this all sound feasible?
Aug 21st, 2012, 08:20 AM
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Okay, but
(1) that is a lot of walking in Boston if you are not used to it.
(2) seasickness can be a real problem on whale watching trips. If the weather is chancy (NE winds, esp) I would bag it, and I would bring dramamine even on a good day. It is also often a long ride to the whale grounds, especially if they go to Stellwagen Bank, so make sure you are up for it.
(1) that is a lot of walking in Boston if you are not used to it.
(2) seasickness can be a real problem on whale watching trips. If the weather is chancy (NE winds, esp) I would bag it, and I would bring dramamine even on a good day. It is also often a long ride to the whale grounds, especially if they go to Stellwagen Bank, so make sure you are up for it.
