jcrp

Planning a 2015 fall trip to Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine. We have never visited any of these states and need some advice/help. We will be spending a week, flying in and out of Boston. Would like to have a home base and make day trips. Would prefer not to stay in a hotel, but a rental where we could enjoy relaxing and cooking at days end. We are not tied to any one state, but would enjoy a good overview of either one. We are in the early stages of planning and would appreciate any help. A foliage drive is what we are seeking with stops in small towns/villages. Any help appreciated.

clarkgriswold

http://www.fodors.com/search/results...=Vermont+Maine

Ackislander

I don't think you can reasonably expect to see the best parts of these three states from a single location.

You can't even see the best parts of Maine from a single location, though Vermont and NH are smaller.

You don't really have time to rent a cottage or cabin, though, if you stay in more than one state. A problem.

You can get a lot of the flavor of Maine by staying two nights in Portland, taking the mailboat cruise one day and exploring Casco Bay (Freeport, Brunswick, bath, Wiscasset and the peninsulas and islands that extend south from them).

You can then drive to the White Mountains in NH, staying 2 nights in the village of Jackson, to explore the Notches and perhaps the madness of North Conway and its outlets. If you like walking or hiking, that is the best use of your time.

I would spend the last two nights in the Stowe area of Vermont. You can easily cross the mountains to see Burlington and Lake Champlain,and you can explore the scenic central part of the state on VT 100, perhaps visiting Woodstock for lunch.

Your last day, returning to Boston by interstate, takes you through the Squam Lake region, worth exploring.

Ackislander

Oh, and you will absolutely need reservations months in advance, especially for Vermont if you go in leaf season.

Dukey1

Have you made air reservations yet? If not, would it be more convenient if you flew in and out of Manchester as opposed to Boston?

dfrostnh

Recently stayed at Elmwood Resort in Wells Maine. I don't care for southern Maine but this was a pretty good rt 1 location. It's an older motel that has been turned into condos. We rented for a september weekend. Close enough for day trips to Portland and Portsmouth NH. Agree with mailboat cruise.

I fell kn love with norwich vt area. It's right across river from Hanover NH. Last summer we had a great experience with airb&b in plainfield vt. No cooking but close enough to smalldowntown area and local restaurant. Full breakfast was included in rate. This is near barre and Montpelier so good dor eastern central side of state. We also like Middlebury area north to Burlington. Condos at ski areas might work for you. States are small enough that you can see a lot on day trips.

I suggest you plot out places and events you'd like to do and then find lodging. Squam lakes area is wonderful. You might possibly find a weekend rental at a lake cottage. highhly recommend Lakes Region barrel tasting held last weekend if you like wine. Gets you out on some back roads.