long weekend trip ideas from southern nh

We were just up in the eastern townships of Quebec on Columbus Day. That is a good area to explore and it even has wineries. We feel fortunate to be able to visit another country so easily.

In Vt the Montshire museum in Norwich is a good hands on science museum not too overwhelming for younger kids. Nearby the Enfield Shaker village, St. Gaudens National historic site are beautiful spots with interesting things for adults to see, space for the toddler to run around outside.

With a 2 year old and a 6 month old thnk in terms of how rather than where. You want at least a refrigerator and m/w and preferably some sort of suite or separate areas for kids to sleep/nap. The older kid will be happy anywhere he can race around without being told don't touch that or don't go there or be quiet. The younger one will be at the uniquely portable stage where s/he will likely sleep quite well but be content to ride in a stroller or pack - we actually had our daughter with us at Disney when she was that age and she acted just as she does at the local mall.

Look at some of the ski places in VT and NH that rent condos - not to ski, but in summer and fall they are usually looking to fill the units at bargain prices. There are often walking trails, indoor pool, etc.

Anything with water and a beach - ocean or lake - where you can rent a cottage or condo also works well. Cape Cod is a reasonable distance from you. While most cottages are weekly, thee is a condo/apartment complex in Brewster that rents for all sorts of time spans - I think it is called Ocean Edge something - but you would have to google it to find exact name.

Canada is nice, but everyone will need a passport, so plan ahead for that.

Burlington or Montpelier VT are a nice distance for a weekend as well.

Get the free Hippo Press newspaper. It gives good coverage to events and things to do in the Nashua, Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth areas. Last year in May, Warner NH had a spring festival that was really geared to young children. I took my 3 and 5 yo GDs. There were several little crafty things to do at sidewalk booths like decorate cookies or make a pinwheel. Something was going on all day in the town hall, like dancing exhbitions, music, etc. In a tent across the street different bands played. We took a picnic lunch and ate while we listened to music. Library had a couple of scheduled story times for children. Probably what girls like best was walking one block to play on slides in the school playground where a few other children were playing, too. Mt Kearsarge is just up the road for easy hiking. There's an auto road and small Winslow state park on the Wilmot side of the mountain which includes a much steeper trail to the top. Small state park has nice picnic area and very nice views.

You should plan a week for a visit to Acadia or at least a long weekend. Mid-coast area of Maine is great. You might want to hike Mt Battie overlooking Camden Harbor. Just north in Cellar Door Winery in Lincolnville but they know have a store on Rt 1 south of Camden. You might consider including a day trip via boat to Monhegan Island. Take a picnic lunch. Consider children's safety on rocky trails. DS has to carry littlest one back when it's too tiring. Trails are probably not appropriate for 2 yo unless in backpack. Check out Glenmoor by the Sea just north of Camden for family friendly accommodations. Split your time between Acadia and Camden area to make drive not quite so long.

Gail's suggestion of ski area condo is good. When DS was young he would fade at dinner time so take out worked better. He likes Lost River in White Mountains for children. You can get a book about hiking with children in the White Mountains. Might wait another year for Storyland.

We haven't been to children's museum since it moved from Portsmouth to Dover but Portsmouth is a must visit. Enjoyed tasting at Flag Hill Winery in Lee.

For a day trip, even Concord NH has hiking trails. Also a paved biking path which a friend and her DH really liked.