On our last day in New England in October (Sat) we plan to leave early in the morning and see Plymouth Rock, the Cape (drive) and stop in Newport RI for dinner. Is this too ambitious? Should we concentrate on one or the other? Hate to miss seeing it all. Hear Newport is marvelous. Is this stretch driveable in one day arriving at the Marriott in NYC late in the evening? Thanks for your help.
Driving from Boston back to NYC by way of the cape and Newport
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Yes, sounds overly ambitious. From Boston to Plymouth is about 1 hr. Will take about an hour to see "The Rock". From there it will take another hour to the Cape. What part of the Cape? If all the way to Provincetown an hour and a half straight. Then another hour and a half back to Newport. I'd skip the Cape and spend the time in Newport. Plenty to do and great restaurants. From there to NYC about 3 hours.
and go from Plymouth to Newport. There are great things to do in Newport (Mansions, Cliff walk, Ocean drive, Thames street. Great restaurants in Newport)
Been there; done that. It's pretty ambitious. I would take the above poster's suggestion, and skip the Cape. I'm as big a fan of US history as the next person (ask my kids!), but The Rock is one of the biggest non-events I have ever experienced. Our kids were completely non-plussed, and 30 seconds later wanted food!
The Cape on a sharp cold morning is wonderful. Perhaps someone who has spent more time there could give you suggestions as to some kind of "locals" short tour that gives you a sense of that part of the coast without driving all the way to Provincetown. The latter is a trip in and of itself - very beautiful - esp. I think in the fall.
Otherwise, skip the cape and go to Newport and take your time and wander around and WALK! Below the bluffs where all the famous houses are is seashore and it is all very nice. If you want an interim stopping point, stop for coffee in Providence and take a quick jaunt into the art museum at the Rhode Island School of Design, adjacent to (part of?) Brown Univ. campus. I remember it was quick to do, and a wonderful collection.
Someone chime in and offer corrections here if my memory of geography is going astray.
Also - back to Newport. My recollection of driving from Newport towards New York is that some of it was across beautiful low lying coastal areas, salt marshes, etc. There may be greater or lesser scenic routes - probably worth ascertaining.
I have to say that in October you may not find many of the historic homes open in Newport. We were there early one spring, at that was true. But on a Saturday, you might get lucky. Check your guide book or their local tourist info - there is a small art museum there which could probably help with info too.
I agree with the above poster, seeing Plymouth Rock is a 30 second experience (25 of which is marveling at how underwhelming it is). On the other hand, taking the time to visit the Plimoth Plantation is worth at least half a day. It's the re-created village of the pilgrims, and all the "guides" are in character...in about 1623 or so (I can't remember exactly). They interact as though it was that era, and you feel like an alien. It's fun, but most of all tremendously educational. You can also visit the rebuilt Mayflower which is docked near the Rock, and buy a combo ticket for the Plantation and the ship.
Skip the Cape unless you have time to just toodle, but don't miss Newport. It is very special, and should be open on weekends (it's a city so even if the mansions are closed, there's plenty to see and do).