How to spend 4 days ending in Boston?
May 2nd, 2015, 10:28 AM
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How to spend 4 days ending in Boston?
Hello again! I'm starting a new topic because I've narrowed down our week in New England a tiny bit, but am still bewildered by choice. So I'm hoping for some tough advice!
We will be in Boston Friday night through Monday morning. Then we are spending Monday night in Newport. We fly out of Logan on Saturday afternoon. So my dilemma is where to spend Tuesday through Friday nights, moving as many times as desired and necessary.
Do we pursue a coastal route? How far is reasonable to go without spending the entire time in the car? What are likely places to overnight? Scenic drives rather than long highway stretches? Good stops?
Do we focus on Massachusetts and Rhode Island: Cape Cod, Salem, Providence? I have gleaned great ideas from the literary New England trip thread and I know there's more than enough to do.
Or do we pursue an inland route, to Woodstock, VT perhaps?
And, finally, where to stay the Friday night before flying out Saturday late afternoon?
I freely admit that indecision is the problem here and I hope you can cure it. Thank you very much in advance.
We will be in Boston Friday night through Monday morning. Then we are spending Monday night in Newport. We fly out of Logan on Saturday afternoon. So my dilemma is where to spend Tuesday through Friday nights, moving as many times as desired and necessary.
Do we pursue a coastal route? How far is reasonable to go without spending the entire time in the car? What are likely places to overnight? Scenic drives rather than long highway stretches? Good stops?
Do we focus on Massachusetts and Rhode Island: Cape Cod, Salem, Providence? I have gleaned great ideas from the literary New England trip thread and I know there's more than enough to do.
Or do we pursue an inland route, to Woodstock, VT perhaps?
And, finally, where to stay the Friday night before flying out Saturday late afternoon?
I freely admit that indecision is the problem here and I hope you can cure it. Thank you very much in advance.
May 2nd, 2015, 12:23 PM
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I posted too soon! SO has now expressed greater interest in a coastal route, so it appears Vermont is out for this trip. I have also solidified the idea that Acadia is too far this time and so we should perhaps not go farther north than Ogunquit or so.
So now I am thinking we will stay on Cape Cod the day and night before we fly out, leaving three nights to spend between Boston and southern Maine, leaving from Newport.
I am not usually this hopeless a planner...
So now I am thinking we will stay on Cape Cod the day and night before we fly out, leaving three nights to spend between Boston and southern Maine, leaving from Newport.
I am not usually this hopeless a planner...
May 2nd, 2015, 10:10 PM
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I think I've got your trip straight in my head. You've got 2 days in Boston and two days somewhere in the Cape, right? And then 3 days (four nights) between the two?
I'd focus on whatever you want to see in Maine, unless you want to add a day to Boston (I spent about week there, and could have spent twice that.) I really enjoyed Salem, it's both historical and weird but given your limited time, I'd give it a miss. exception: if you like Asian history, the Chinese house at Peabody Essex is one of a kind. 2nd exception: you've always dreamed of owning your very own Harry Potter wand.
Can't help you on the Maine portion, but will be looking forward to your trip report! Maine road trip is on my bucket list- relatives did that while I went to Cape Cod, and it sounded amazing.
I'd focus on whatever you want to see in Maine, unless you want to add a day to Boston (I spent about week there, and could have spent twice that.) I really enjoyed Salem, it's both historical and weird but given your limited time, I'd give it a miss. exception: if you like Asian history, the Chinese house at Peabody Essex is one of a kind. 2nd exception: you've always dreamed of owning your very own Harry Potter wand.
Can't help you on the Maine portion, but will be looking forward to your trip report! Maine road trip is on my bucket list- relatives did that while I went to Cape Cod, and it sounded amazing.
May 3rd, 2015, 02:31 AM
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We fell in love with Rockport, it's tiny but so lovely. We did a short road trip in Maine, ohhhh the lobster! Here's a link to the blog: T-l-c's Travel Blog:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...4408/tpod.html
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...4408/tpod.html
May 3rd, 2015, 02:41 AM
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Oqunquit is a tourist mecca with sandy beaches and lots of shops. Ditto Kennebunkport etc.
Portland ME is a thriving city where you can explore the Old Port Area (little shops), have great food, and take a mailboat cruise of Casco Bay. I have not been to the art museum. If you stayed in Portland, Rockland ME is about 2 hours north so you could do that as a day trip. I loved the Farnsworth Art Museum and dh loved Owls Head Transportation Museum. Nice short hike to Owls Head Light. Rt 1 traffic which is very congested south of Portland (i.e. Ogunquit) eases up the further north you go but typically we stay on I95 until Brunswick and then get off on Rt 1.
Sorry, I don't remember when you are coming. If summer, north of Portland you are apt to find more casual eat on picnic table lobster places without crowds. Some are worth the visit just to see the view i.e. Five Islands Lobster. The further north you go, the rockier Maine gets.
I think it all depends on how much traffic and other tourists you like to see. The foodie tour of Portland's Old Port Area is a lot of walking and kind of fun but not as interesting as other food tours we've been on (Boston's North End is one of my favorites).
Portland ME is a thriving city where you can explore the Old Port Area (little shops), have great food, and take a mailboat cruise of Casco Bay. I have not been to the art museum. If you stayed in Portland, Rockland ME is about 2 hours north so you could do that as a day trip. I loved the Farnsworth Art Museum and dh loved Owls Head Transportation Museum. Nice short hike to Owls Head Light. Rt 1 traffic which is very congested south of Portland (i.e. Ogunquit) eases up the further north you go but typically we stay on I95 until Brunswick and then get off on Rt 1.
Sorry, I don't remember when you are coming. If summer, north of Portland you are apt to find more casual eat on picnic table lobster places without crowds. Some are worth the visit just to see the view i.e. Five Islands Lobster. The further north you go, the rockier Maine gets.
I think it all depends on how much traffic and other tourists you like to see. The foodie tour of Portland's Old Port Area is a lot of walking and kind of fun but not as interesting as other food tours we've been on (Boston's North End is one of my favorites).
May 3rd, 2015, 03:07 AM
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You probably said why you are fling into Boston on your other thread, but I hate to see people have to backtrack as much as you will.
It would be a lot easier if you flew into Providence for Newport, but there you are.
First thing, make sure the mansions you want to see in Newport are open on Mondays. It is the traditional days for museums to be closed. You can tour about two of the Big Houses and walk a good hunk of the Cliff Walk and drive the rest in a day. There is no good way to get into Newport without traffic. Allow close to two hours from Boston on I-93 and MA/RI 24.
Next day, take I-195 and US 6 to Sandwich on Cape Cod. The town is quaint, there is a famous glass museum there if it is your thing, and you can get on to MA 6A, the King's Highway, all the way to Brewster. Old houses, antiques, cute shops, really everything except waterfront and beach views. You will find good ones in Chatham where you might want to spend the night. You will need a reservation.
Day 3, take US 6 back across the Sagamore Bridge to MA 3 back to I-93 south of Boston. You can make it to Portland, Maine for a late lunch and the afternoon mail Boston through the islands. Eat dinner at Duck Fat. Next day enjoy Brunswick, South Harpswell, Orr's Island, and Bailey's Island. Quintessential Maine. On the way back to Portland, stop in Freeport to visit LL Bean.
It's Friday. Drive to Portland Head light and down the coast to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Eat lobster (I hope again) on the way south. The less fancy the place, the better. Best is outside on the dock. Spend the night in Portsmouth, NH. Great waterfront walking city with a fine brewpub tradition.
Saturday morning, have breakfast. You are less than two hours from Logan. You probably have time to stop in Newburyport on the way. It's pretty.
You will need reservations for lodging in all these places.
It would be a lot easier if you flew into Providence for Newport, but there you are.
First thing, make sure the mansions you want to see in Newport are open on Mondays. It is the traditional days for museums to be closed. You can tour about two of the Big Houses and walk a good hunk of the Cliff Walk and drive the rest in a day. There is no good way to get into Newport without traffic. Allow close to two hours from Boston on I-93 and MA/RI 24.
Next day, take I-195 and US 6 to Sandwich on Cape Cod. The town is quaint, there is a famous glass museum there if it is your thing, and you can get on to MA 6A, the King's Highway, all the way to Brewster. Old houses, antiques, cute shops, really everything except waterfront and beach views. You will find good ones in Chatham where you might want to spend the night. You will need a reservation.
Day 3, take US 6 back across the Sagamore Bridge to MA 3 back to I-93 south of Boston. You can make it to Portland, Maine for a late lunch and the afternoon mail Boston through the islands. Eat dinner at Duck Fat. Next day enjoy Brunswick, South Harpswell, Orr's Island, and Bailey's Island. Quintessential Maine. On the way back to Portland, stop in Freeport to visit LL Bean.
It's Friday. Drive to Portland Head light and down the coast to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Eat lobster (I hope again) on the way south. The less fancy the place, the better. Best is outside on the dock. Spend the night in Portsmouth, NH. Great waterfront walking city with a fine brewpub tradition.
Saturday morning, have breakfast. You are less than two hours from Logan. You probably have time to stop in Newburyport on the way. It's pretty.
You will need reservations for lodging in all these places.
May 3rd, 2015, 09:31 AM
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Wow, perfect you guys, thank you so much!
marvelousmouse, you got my trip straight with no help from me! The Chinese House might just might make the list...
LakesideChick, Rockport definitely makes the list!
dfrostnh, I think we'll do the foodie tour of the North End, but thanks to you we've decided to stay in Portland after we leave Newport. This trip is next week! So the high summer stuff won't be possible, but as we've never been to the area at all, we'll be happy regardless.
Ackislander, your itinerary is almost exactly what we're doing, only in different order, and we happen to have friends in Newburyport and hope to make a stop there to see them. Portsmouth friend is more iffy at this point!
So here's the trip now:
Fly into Boston Friday. Stay in Boston (Loews) until Monday morning. The Gardner Museum is a must, probably Saturday as it's supposed to rain; I am hoping to book the foodie tour of the North End for Sunday. (SO has already done the Freedom Trail, Lexington and Concord and a game at Fenway.)
Monday morning, head for Newport and spend the day looking around there. (Staying at Mill Street Inn, btw.) A mansion tour isn't a must, but thanks, Ackislander, for pointing out they might be closed. I planned to do Newport at the end of our stay before flying out, but the Volvo Classic is in town that weekend, which made my idea impossible. So I hate to backtrack this much, too, but there it is.
Tuesday morning, head for Portland, stay there until Thursday morning. Explore Portland and drive around as much as we care to, to Rockport and Ogunquit quite likely. Get out of car and walk, too! (Still need a hotel, would prefer to avoid the big chain ones in favor of something more unique, but not twee.)
Thursday morning, head for Cape Cod, reservations made at Queen Anne Inn in Chatham. Spend time exploring the Cape until flight home 4pm Saturday.
I feel I could have organized this trip better, but all your input has saved my bacon, so sincere thanks again. Additional input and ideas are always welcome.
marvelousmouse, you got my trip straight with no help from me! The Chinese House might just might make the list...
LakesideChick, Rockport definitely makes the list!
dfrostnh, I think we'll do the foodie tour of the North End, but thanks to you we've decided to stay in Portland after we leave Newport. This trip is next week! So the high summer stuff won't be possible, but as we've never been to the area at all, we'll be happy regardless.
Ackislander, your itinerary is almost exactly what we're doing, only in different order, and we happen to have friends in Newburyport and hope to make a stop there to see them. Portsmouth friend is more iffy at this point!
So here's the trip now:
Fly into Boston Friday. Stay in Boston (Loews) until Monday morning. The Gardner Museum is a must, probably Saturday as it's supposed to rain; I am hoping to book the foodie tour of the North End for Sunday. (SO has already done the Freedom Trail, Lexington and Concord and a game at Fenway.)
Monday morning, head for Newport and spend the day looking around there. (Staying at Mill Street Inn, btw.) A mansion tour isn't a must, but thanks, Ackislander, for pointing out they might be closed. I planned to do Newport at the end of our stay before flying out, but the Volvo Classic is in town that weekend, which made my idea impossible. So I hate to backtrack this much, too, but there it is.
Tuesday morning, head for Portland, stay there until Thursday morning. Explore Portland and drive around as much as we care to, to Rockport and Ogunquit quite likely. Get out of car and walk, too! (Still need a hotel, would prefer to avoid the big chain ones in favor of something more unique, but not twee.)
Thursday morning, head for Cape Cod, reservations made at Queen Anne Inn in Chatham. Spend time exploring the Cape until flight home 4pm Saturday.
I feel I could have organized this trip better, but all your input has saved my bacon, so sincere thanks again. Additional input and ideas are always welcome.
May 3rd, 2015, 09:34 AM
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dfrostnh, which foodie tour do you recommend? This one?
http://www.bostonfoodtours.com
Or this?
http://bostonfoodietours.com/foodtou...and-a-lot-new/
Or this?
http://www.foodtoursboston.com/bosto...food-tour.html
Or another??
http://www.bostonfoodtours.com
Or this?
http://bostonfoodietours.com/foodtou...and-a-lot-new/
Or this?
http://www.foodtoursboston.com/bosto...food-tour.html
Or another??
May 3rd, 2015, 12:52 PM
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NewbE, I am glad you are leaving time to explore the outer cape, a completely different experience than Chatham and Sandwich. Do visit the National Seashore Headquarters in Eastham. If you like to bike you can rent bikes and ride out to Provincetown through the dunes.or you can drive there, also.
I like Rockport but while you are there I suggest that you also go to Gloucester, a different experience, and visit the gorgeous Halibut Point.
I like Rockport but while you are there I suggest that you also go to Gloucester, a different experience, and visit the gorgeous Halibut Point.
May 3rd, 2015, 01:33 PM
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Thank you, jubilada, excellent ideas and points. Yes, my idea about staying in Chatham was partly that it's centrally located and so we will see what we can of the whole Cape. This is a survey trip, and I know we'll only be getting a taste, and more driving than ideal, but it's a start. Should we begin in Eastham at the HQ?
May 3rd, 2015, 01:34 PM
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NewbE, the first one with Michelle Topor. We were lucky and had her as our guide so hope the other guides are as good. There is a lot of history as well as food samples and shop visits. We have also done the Chinatown tour and that guide was wonderful so I imagine Michelle Topor has high standards for her guides. We were working in Boston in 1970 and used to do a little shopping in Haymarket but never explored the North End "neighborhood" the way we did on the tour. It's about Boston's history which is why I liked it a lot better than the Portland tour which did not contain much history, mostly promoted the shops/businesses.
I agree with Akislander's recommendations. Please note that Rockland is north of Portland, Ogunquit is south of Portland. Should you want a meandering drive go York to Kittery Point. Can't remember the route number but it avoids Rt 1.
It is finally spring in New England. Golden yellow forsythia and daffodils are blooming. We drove to Portsmouth on Wednesday. The flowering shrubs have started. I think it's the prettiest time of year. You may see apple/crabapple trees starting to bloom. Should you drive Rt 1 thru Rye NH you go past private mansions. Drive down a few roads, it doesn't matter if you get lost, you'll figure out how to get back to the main road. Beautiful homes in Newcastle on Rt 1B from Portsmouth.
Don't forget to try a whoopie pie from Two Fat Cats Bakery. It's within walking distance of Duckfat. If you drive out to the Portland Lighthouse in South Portland, it is in Fort Williams Park. The Bite Into Maine food truck might be parked there. If so, you can get a lobster roll. Or you can just find a good place to sit to enjoy the view of Casco Bay. Keep in mind the mailboat is a working commuter boat. Kids living on the islands take it to high school in Portland. Workers are on the early morning trip to go to work, they might be carpenters or plumbers. If someone gets a new washing machine, it is delivered by boat. There is some narration but not a lot. Mostly a chance to see a part of life on the Maine coast.
You might want to pick up some cheap bag chairs to carry with you and just donate when you leave. You can have a seat in places like Fort Williams Park (although there are benches) but we've also set up our chairs to look out on the water at other places like Portsmouth's Prescott Park.
Hope you have a wonderful time! Glad I could help.
I agree with Akislander's recommendations. Please note that Rockland is north of Portland, Ogunquit is south of Portland. Should you want a meandering drive go York to Kittery Point. Can't remember the route number but it avoids Rt 1.
It is finally spring in New England. Golden yellow forsythia and daffodils are blooming. We drove to Portsmouth on Wednesday. The flowering shrubs have started. I think it's the prettiest time of year. You may see apple/crabapple trees starting to bloom. Should you drive Rt 1 thru Rye NH you go past private mansions. Drive down a few roads, it doesn't matter if you get lost, you'll figure out how to get back to the main road. Beautiful homes in Newcastle on Rt 1B from Portsmouth.
Don't forget to try a whoopie pie from Two Fat Cats Bakery. It's within walking distance of Duckfat. If you drive out to the Portland Lighthouse in South Portland, it is in Fort Williams Park. The Bite Into Maine food truck might be parked there. If so, you can get a lobster roll. Or you can just find a good place to sit to enjoy the view of Casco Bay. Keep in mind the mailboat is a working commuter boat. Kids living on the islands take it to high school in Portland. Workers are on the early morning trip to go to work, they might be carpenters or plumbers. If someone gets a new washing machine, it is delivered by boat. There is some narration but not a lot. Mostly a chance to see a part of life on the Maine coast.
You might want to pick up some cheap bag chairs to carry with you and just donate when you leave. You can have a seat in places like Fort Williams Park (although there are benches) but we've also set up our chairs to look out on the water at other places like Portsmouth's Prescott Park.
Hope you have a wonderful time! Glad I could help.
May 3rd, 2015, 04:42 PM
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Yes, for the outer cape I would start a At the National Seashore Visotors center, which will orient you and then make your way out to Provincetown.
You will go past Wellfleet and will see signs off rt 6 into town on the left and to gorgeous ocean beaches on the right.
You will go past Wellfleet and will see signs off rt 6 into town on the left and to gorgeous ocean beaches on the right.
May 4th, 2015, 07:21 AM
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Thanks, jubilada! I can't wait.
dfrostnh, sadly, we've decided not to do the foodie tour. With only two days in Boston, half a day seemed too much to budget. We are going to the North End, of course, and plan to wander around and eat dinner, and that will have to do this time.
Also, are you saying we can get on the mailboat? Or am I confused (always likely)? I would love to take a boat or ferry somewhere during ou week... As for wandering, that's what we plan to do for the most part, drive around and get out and walk and so on. I love that we'll see spring! We don't really get a spring in Florida.
Restaurant and snack ideas are always welcome, thank you, and keep 'em coming!
dfrostnh, sadly, we've decided not to do the foodie tour. With only two days in Boston, half a day seemed too much to budget. We are going to the North End, of course, and plan to wander around and eat dinner, and that will have to do this time.
Also, are you saying we can get on the mailboat? Or am I confused (always likely)? I would love to take a boat or ferry somewhere during ou week... As for wandering, that's what we plan to do for the most part, drive around and get out and walk and so on. I love that we'll see spring! We don't really get a spring in Florida.
Restaurant and snack ideas are always welcome, thank you, and keep 'em coming!
May 4th, 2015, 07:55 AM
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NewbE, near the visitor center is the Friendly Fisherman, one of my two favorite lobster roll places on the outer cape. The other is Arnold's in Wellfleet, which you will go by on Rt 6.
I just had a niggle maybe you are vegetarian?
I just had a niggle maybe you are vegetarian?
May 4th, 2015, 09:16 AM
#16
I would suggest you group your south of Boston destinations together. Cape Cod is a short drive from Newport. Visit both, then head to the North Shore and Maine. This will cut your driving time considerably.
May 4th, 2015, 09:19 AM
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http://www.newportmansions.org
I agree, it makes no sense to go from Newport to Portland Maine and then back down to the cape.
I agree, it makes no sense to go from Newport to Portland Maine and then back down to the cape.
May 4th, 2015, 09:30 AM
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Fra and Inaka, I know, but unfortunately this is what was possible given the race weekend in Newport and the fact that we didn't want to spend our last day on the ground driving from Portland to Logan.
Jubilada, that's very thoughtful of you to have that niggle! I am pescetarian, with serious qualms about lobster. But SO will eat lobster and I may as well, because when in Rome...
Jubilada, that's very thoughtful of you to have that niggle! I am pescetarian, with serious qualms about lobster. But SO will eat lobster and I may as well, because when in Rome...
May 4th, 2015, 10:15 AM
#19
When in Rome Maine, in May, don't forget the bug spray! Eat garlic or take garlic capsules starting about now. Use plenty of stinky fabric softener or Avon skin-so-soft on your clothing, long sleeves, keep moving keep moving, and none of those all-natural coconut shampoo concoctions or natural fruity scents.
