ChicagoDallasGirl

We're interested in a September get-away to Newport, Provincetown, or perhaps Portsmouth or Rochester, NH. Not sure what the latter two have to offer.

Our challenge is we'd be arriving in either Providence or Manchester, late (9/10 p.m.), on a Tuesday and departing on Saturday in the early a.m.

Considering travel times between either airports and the destinations I listed above, any ideas on what would be best for such a short trip?

Ideally, we'd like an ocean view hotel, B&B, or condo/cottage. Or, as a runner-up, a place that's within walking distance to the ocean, shops, restaurants, etc.

Hope this isn't too vague a post. Welcome any thoughts, suggestions, advice...

Thanks in advance,
CDG

judyha

Hello,
If you fly into Manchester id then go to the Maine coast which is only about one hours drive. We live in southern NH and go over to Oguinquit, Me area all the time just for a day trip.
Next door to Oguinquit is Perkins Cove an adorable spot with restaurants and small gift shops. It is also the end of the Marginal Way, a mile walk right along the coast with views that are incredible.
A few miles north is Kennebunkport where George Bush Sr has his summer home right along the ocean.
There are many, many great hotels/motels and restaurants all along the route.
About another hour north is Freeport, home to LL Beans flagship store and many other outlet stores.
About one more hour north is Boothbay Harbour, where we spent five nights this summer. Its beautiful and in early Sept should be alot less crowded than summer. We went on a harbor cruise, but they have many different ones to choose from. Again, lots of restaurants and motels to choose from.
We really love Maine, cant you tell?
Hope you have a great time.
judyha

ChicagoDallasGirl

Thank you so much Judy. These are options my mom and I hadn't not even considered. Really appreciate your feedback.

ChicagoDallasGirl

That should have been "had not." Oops.

wyatt92

Oh my lord, where did you ever come up with Rochester? Needless to say, I think you should skip it.

Newport is a great choice, there's lots to do there and it's very pretty.

I also like the idea of staying in Portsmouth and taking day trips in to Maine.

I'm from Portsmouth and vacation in Newport often so let me know if you need more recs.

ChicagoDallasGirl

Thanks Wyatt. I think I saw Rochester on the map, not too far from Portsmouth, and thought perhaps it'd be a coastal town worth checking out.

I would welcome specifc recs on where to stay in Portsmouth. We'd like to stay under $150 a night. Is that possible?

wyatt92

Rochester isn't on the coast and, at the risk of offending anyone, it's a dumpy town.

You'll definitely be able to find something under $150/night, maybe not right downtown but you'll find something. There's a new Hilton Garden Inn, a Sheraton and the Sise Inn right downtown. If you decide you want to splurge a little, check out the Wentworth by the Sea in nearby New Castle.

dfrostnh

I wouldn't choose Provincetown simply because of the drive. You can be in Portsmouth from MHT is less than an hour. Portsmouth is great for walking around but you might find a hotel with a better location in southern Maine. If you choose Portsmouth, go with one of the hotels Wyatt recommend. The hotels out on the traffic circle would require a drive to downtown and are in a very busy highway area.
Prescott Park is lovely. It's across from Strawbery Banke historic area.
Mapquest will direct you to Rt 101 which is probably quickest and best bet late at night. Portsmouth has great restaurants of all types. Make sure you drive out Rt 1B to go thru Newcastle. Very picturesque and will take you by the grand Wentworth by the Sea. You can take a short boat ride of the harbor or inland rivers.

thurstonbb

There is a nice b&b - Portsmouth Harbor Inn that is in Kittery, ME, but right on the water and a bridge walk into Portsmouth. Great area to stay and you could get spa stuff there too. They converted a barn to a wonderful spa. There are some boat tours out of Portsmouth and a nice historic district - Strawberry Banke. It is also an easy drive up into ME a little to see the coast some without driving forever.

Cissy

I live in central NH and my suggestion would be Portsmouth, with trips to the Maine coast. Portsmouth is a wonderful city on the water with many shops and restaurants. Kittery, Maine has outlet shops galore. Up the road is Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, etc. with lots to do and see. It's all an easy trip from Manchester Airport.

cybor

Hi ChicagoD,
Perhaps you're thinking of Rockport, Mass.
Provincetown may be a crunch for you, due to logistics unless you fly into Boston and ferry over to P-town. If you go you could stay at the Red Inn which is on the water. P-town is about 2.15 hrs. from Boston but worth it.

If you fly to Providence (Warwick RI) I'm guessing you will have a car. Newport is about 45min. from the airport. If you stay at a few of the higher end hotels, they offer limo. service from Green.

Once in Newport you will not need a car. There's lots to do in Newport. beachs, spas, walk paths, restuarants and lots of history.

Ports. NH. is a good choice, if, as said, you would like to drive to other locations. Ogunquit has a lovely beach, a small quant shopping area, Perkins cove and the Margin way (nice walking path overlooking the water.

What's your budget like?

ChicagoDallasGirl

Wow! Thanks everyone!!!

Since my op we've booked our flight into Manchester and have opted to base somewhere along the southern coast of Maine. Not sure where yet, but we're considering towns that you've suggested, i.e. Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Portsmouth, KB-port.

Mom had her heart set on seeing a couple places farther north, Bar Harbor and Boothbay but realizing the distance, we're opting to do a day trip to Boothbay.

Most of the places we've checked out either offer rooms that are a) too pricey b) too small and too pricey or c) too pricey and too pricey!!!

However, it looks as though there is very little that meets our taste (boutique/cottage luxury) and budget, less than $150. Mom says $150+ is fine, but I'm determined to find a "nice," picturesque place that fits comfortably in the budget and leaves more room for endless lobster meals and a little shopping.

Anywho, some of the places we've looked into are

Morning Glory Inn (Love it)
Dockside Guest Quarters
Garrison Suites
Welch House Inn
Terrace by The Sea
Portsmouth Harbor Inn
The Dunes on the Waterfont
The Beachmere Inn
The Trellis House
Brown's Wharf Inn
Riverside Motel

And too many more to list or recall. Once we make a decision, I'll share. In the meantime, if anyone knows of a place we'd love to hear more. We're also considering rental cottages but find most require a full one week rental.

Thanks again for your help!

shaz60

Wyatt92, while I agree that the poster probably doesn't want to stay in Rochester, maybe we should start calling places something other than dumps to refer to non-tourist type locales. After all, people were born there, live there, work there, choose to call a place home, etc. I know someone who got married at the Rochester VFW recently. I live in a city that many would call a dump. I know you don't mean to offend and I'm sorry for hijacking ChicagoDallas' post. Maybe there is some acronym to describe a place that is not everyone's idea of a good time but is, at least, someone's.

wyatt92

shaz60, I understand what you're saying, I really do. My mother was born and raised in Rochester, still lives there and loves the place. I myself lived there for many years and, suffice it to say, feel very differently than my mother.

And speaking realistically, Rochester really doesn't have any draw for tourists. There are no good restaurants, no cute shops, no real scenery to speak of. I think someone traveling across the country to see New England would be very disappointed if they were to stay in Rochester. Again, sorry to offend.

Cissy

Glad you have made your flight plans. I can't offer any advice on the places you've listed, but many places do fill up in September. Usually, the further away from the ocean, the more reasonable the rates. Don't wait too long to book something. Keep us posted on what you decide.

New_England_Dawn

You are wise to visit the Maine/NH area. Personally, I don't find Newport, RI all that great. Maine has much more to offer and definitely take a day trip to Bar Harbor (or stay overnight). It's a beautiful area and Acadia National Park is wonderful!

ChicagoDallasGirl

Does anyone know anything about the area known as Summer Village in Wells? I've seen a few rentals there and wonder how close it may be to the ocean, town, etc.

Is using Wells as a base something to consider? Curious to know how Wells compares to say Kittery, Kennebuck Port, and York.

ChicagoDallasGirl

topping for any info on Wells?

Cissy

CDG - I have never stayed there but it's on Route 1 which is the route to get to everything there. You're in the middle of everything!

ChicagoDallasGirl

thanks again Cissy. have you heard anything about the development known as Summer Village?

http://www.cottagesatsummervillage.com/