Need road trip advice: NYC to Quebec and back
Jan 2nd, 2011, 08:27 AM
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Need road trip advice: NYC to Quebec and back
We're a family of 4 (2 parents and 2 young adult kids) planning a 3 week road trip from NYC to Quebec and back, departing early June. We live in northern CA and the kids have never been back east. We'll be flying into and out of NYC. Looking for suggestions and feasibility of our plans.
We'd like to spend 4 (maybe only 3?) nights in NYC, then head out to the Hamptons/Montauk. From there, we'd like to take the ferry to the mainland, head north into Maine and then turn northwest to Quebec. We'll return via Montreal, upstate NY and/or Vermont roads. The kids really want to get a taste of small towns in New England, so we'd rather stay off the major interstates if other routes are viable options.
Our preference would be to take the ferry from Montauk to Martha's Vineyard and then to the mainland, but none of the 2011 schedules are posted online yet, so I don't know if that's feasible. Looks like if so, it would be passenger ferry only. Orient Point to New London, CT is our backup, which could accommodate a vehicle.
We've decided not to spend any time significant time in Boston, and would be okay with completely bypassing it altogether. (Nothing against Boston, but we felt like something had to give somewhere and Boston was it.)
To the extent possible, we'd like to be spontaneous and not book hotel rooms in advance, allowing ourselves to play it by ear and stop for the day/night when and where we feel like it. We're tech-savvy and will have internet access, so we can research our options on the road.
Some specific questions: At what point should we rent a car? Definitely not in NYC, but where's the best place to pick one up for the drive out to the Hamptons?I know we can take the train, but we'd prefer to drive and have a car while there.
Other than NYC, where is it critical to book lodging ahead of time?
Is three weeks enough time? We love to road trip and do well for extended periods in the car, but we also want to be able to stop and enjoy attractions along the way, and spend at least a couple nights each in Quebec and Montreal.
Anything else we should know? Advice and suggestions much appreciated. Am also posting this in the Canada forum.
We'd like to spend 4 (maybe only 3?) nights in NYC, then head out to the Hamptons/Montauk. From there, we'd like to take the ferry to the mainland, head north into Maine and then turn northwest to Quebec. We'll return via Montreal, upstate NY and/or Vermont roads. The kids really want to get a taste of small towns in New England, so we'd rather stay off the major interstates if other routes are viable options.
Our preference would be to take the ferry from Montauk to Martha's Vineyard and then to the mainland, but none of the 2011 schedules are posted online yet, so I don't know if that's feasible. Looks like if so, it would be passenger ferry only. Orient Point to New London, CT is our backup, which could accommodate a vehicle.
We've decided not to spend any time significant time in Boston, and would be okay with completely bypassing it altogether. (Nothing against Boston, but we felt like something had to give somewhere and Boston was it.)
To the extent possible, we'd like to be spontaneous and not book hotel rooms in advance, allowing ourselves to play it by ear and stop for the day/night when and where we feel like it. We're tech-savvy and will have internet access, so we can research our options on the road.
Some specific questions: At what point should we rent a car? Definitely not in NYC, but where's the best place to pick one up for the drive out to the Hamptons?I know we can take the train, but we'd prefer to drive and have a car while there.
Other than NYC, where is it critical to book lodging ahead of time?
Is three weeks enough time? We love to road trip and do well for extended periods in the car, but we also want to be able to stop and enjoy attractions along the way, and spend at least a couple nights each in Quebec and Montreal.
Anything else we should know? Advice and suggestions much appreciated. Am also posting this in the Canada forum.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 09:46 AM
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First, you have to find a car rental agency that won;t object to your taking the car into Canada - and possibly onto a car ferry.
It makes most sense to pick on up in Manhattan - there are several on the upper east side and from there you can hop onto the FDR and over the Triborough bridge. (If you want you can check out the rates at the airport you will depart from - it makes sense if it is LGA or JFK - but not EWR). But then you will have to get a car service (assuming 4 people plus substantial luggage) from Manhattan to the airport.
As far as I know there are no ferries from Montauk - you have to go to the north fork for that. And I don;t know if there is one to MV or not - you would have to check - although you can definitely go to CT.
It makes most sense to pick on up in Manhattan - there are several on the upper east side and from there you can hop onto the FDR and over the Triborough bridge. (If you want you can check out the rates at the airport you will depart from - it makes sense if it is LGA or JFK - but not EWR). But then you will have to get a car service (assuming 4 people plus substantial luggage) from Manhattan to the airport.
As far as I know there are no ferries from Montauk - you have to go to the north fork for that. And I don;t know if there is one to MV or not - you would have to check - although you can definitely go to CT.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 11:19 AM
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1. Not sure why you say "definitely not in NYC": picking up a car rental in NYC (Manhattan, western Brooklyn or western Queens) is the best option for (a) availability and (b) price. There is a surcharge for airport reservations - plus as nyt said, getting out there...
2. What is the rationale for taking a ferry from LI to MV? IMO, the logistics of 2 car ferries just to get to the "mainland" (which from MV most likely will be the <i>peninsula</i> of Cape Cod) just isn't worth it.
Instead, take the ferry to Orient Point, drive over the Jamestown Bridge in RI into Newport, which is a nice bit of NE history in its own right, and a day-plus-night is sufficient. You might visit Bristol or Tiverton RI - the former a classic NE small town, the latter a growing arts area (and award-winning Gray's Ice Cream!), both of which are on the way to I-195 East if you intend to visit the Cape, or to Route 24 towards Boston to get you towards your northern destinations.
Do you or your kids have any interest in colonial history? Both Concord and Lexington would be on your way from southeastern NE to Maine - cute towns with some nice dining options and loads of history...
2. What is the rationale for taking a ferry from LI to MV? IMO, the logistics of 2 car ferries just to get to the "mainland" (which from MV most likely will be the <i>peninsula</i> of Cape Cod) just isn't worth it.
Instead, take the ferry to Orient Point, drive over the Jamestown Bridge in RI into Newport, which is a nice bit of NE history in its own right, and a day-plus-night is sufficient. You might visit Bristol or Tiverton RI - the former a classic NE small town, the latter a growing arts area (and award-winning Gray's Ice Cream!), both of which are on the way to I-195 East if you intend to visit the Cape, or to Route 24 towards Boston to get you towards your northern destinations.
Do you or your kids have any interest in colonial history? Both Concord and Lexington would be on your way from southeastern NE to Maine - cute towns with some nice dining options and loads of history...
Jan 2nd, 2011, 11:43 AM
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Thanks for the responses so far.
Great point about taking the rental car across the border! I'll have to check that out.
As far as the ferry, we were just trying to avoid routing back through NYC but I had missed that there was a bridge to Newport. I'll check that out, too.
By "definitely not in NYC," what I meant was that I realize we won't need a car while staying in NYC, but I have no problem picking one up in NYC when we're ready to leave for LI. Just wasn't sure how easy it is to drive out of the city and whether or not it was something we should try to avoid.
Kids have no interest in colonial history, but maybe a visit to Concord or Lexington would spark something. Worth a try!
Any advise regarding the amount of time we have allotted? Can we be somewhat leisurely if we allow 3 weeks?
Great point about taking the rental car across the border! I'll have to check that out.
As far as the ferry, we were just trying to avoid routing back through NYC but I had missed that there was a bridge to Newport. I'll check that out, too.
By "definitely not in NYC," what I meant was that I realize we won't need a car while staying in NYC, but I have no problem picking one up in NYC when we're ready to leave for LI. Just wasn't sure how easy it is to drive out of the city and whether or not it was something we should try to avoid.
Kids have no interest in colonial history, but maybe a visit to Concord or Lexington would spark something. Worth a try!
Any advise regarding the amount of time we have allotted? Can we be somewhat leisurely if we allow 3 weeks?
Jan 2nd, 2011, 12:03 PM
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Ah, good clarifications! 
And I need to make one on my part too: the bridge to Newport isn't from LI, but within RI. Despite the "extra" time it takes to queue for a car ferry and then get off at the other side, I agree that once you're in eastern LI it's silly to backtrack to Queens just to take a bridge!
However, I would still recommend making it one ferry, i.e., from island to mainland, rather than the 2 you'd need for your MV plan. If your intention is to go to MV, I'd suggest leaving the car on the mainland for a day-or-two trip. I may get blasted here, but IMO going to MV or Nantucket likely isn't worthwhile given the overall arc and duration of your trip.
As for driving out of NYC: just make your plans so that you are not heading east at rush hour, a Friday, or probably a Saturday. Early June can still be early for a lot of beach traffic, but commuter traffic is a given year-round. The route itself is quite straightforward, and Google maps driving directions help a lot - including red/green indicators for real-time traffic.
Colonial history might be worth a try!
After all, you'll be right there - all that stuff we had to learn in social studies LOL. IMO, Concord has more interesting sites (the Old North Bridge; houses of Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, the Alcotts; Walden Pond) but Lexington has lodging and better restaurants... Concord especially also has some beautiful open areas, and adjacent Lincoln has a number of hiking trails through conservation land. (These towns are 30 minutes outside of Boston and right off Route 128, which is the major artery from eastern MA to Maine without driving into Boston. For example, from Newport, you would take Route 24 to Route 128 up towards Cape Ann.)
And I need to make one on my part too: the bridge to Newport isn't from LI, but within RI. Despite the "extra" time it takes to queue for a car ferry and then get off at the other side, I agree that once you're in eastern LI it's silly to backtrack to Queens just to take a bridge! However, I would still recommend making it one ferry, i.e., from island to mainland, rather than the 2 you'd need for your MV plan. If your intention is to go to MV, I'd suggest leaving the car on the mainland for a day-or-two trip. I may get blasted here, but IMO going to MV or Nantucket likely isn't worthwhile given the overall arc and duration of your trip.
As for driving out of NYC: just make your plans so that you are not heading east at rush hour, a Friday, or probably a Saturday. Early June can still be early for a lot of beach traffic, but commuter traffic is a given year-round. The route itself is quite straightforward, and Google maps driving directions help a lot - including red/green indicators for real-time traffic.
Colonial history might be worth a try!
After all, you'll be right there - all that stuff we had to learn in social studies LOL. IMO, Concord has more interesting sites (the Old North Bridge; houses of Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, the Alcotts; Walden Pond) but Lexington has lodging and better restaurants... Concord especially also has some beautiful open areas, and adjacent Lincoln has a number of hiking trails through conservation land. (These towns are 30 minutes outside of Boston and right off Route 128, which is the major artery from eastern MA to Maine without driving into Boston. For example, from Newport, you would take Route 24 to Route 128 up towards Cape Ann.)
Jan 2nd, 2011, 03:23 PM
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I cannot even fathom renting a car originating in New York State at all, for anyone with alternatives to doing so.
At any rate, use the many online resources to price various rental car itineraries before you commit to the flights needed for your trip.
(I mean, maybe the most economical move will entail flying into Newark, then using ground transportation to a hotel in the city, before eventually going back to {ideally a rental car outlet OUTSIDE of the state of NY AND away from an airport} to obtain the rental car. Obviously just one person and no luggage are needed to go and get the actual vehicle when the time comes)
Nowthen, thanks so much for thinking to include from where you are originating, and that your ADULT children have not been back east before.
My first vibe is to give Boston more consideration. There is SO MUCH there, relating to 'history' which they've studied in school, and it is so concentrated in such a small area, that time spent sightseeing in Boston is well invested.
Maybe I don't even mean staying as long as a night there, but because what you did say will have you so near, you really should see things like the North Church, Faneuil Hall and Boston Harbor, among others. Just the narrow downtown streets alone are thought-provoking reminders of a time when there were no cars, and horse transportation ruled the roadways.
Generally, I love the offered direction for your trip and one of the fun discoveries might be the thicker New England accents as you go north, even in far-flung reaches of Maine.
Not sure whether you'll go to Houlton and eventually Riviere-du-Loup, QC, or whether you'll go direct from Augusta-ish to Quebec City via Hwy 201.
My very favorite thing about what I saw in rural Quebec was the immaculate churches that are prominent in many towns along the St. Lawrence River. I am NOT even religious, but I was so struck by how fancy the churches in small towns there are.
Quebec City will represent full immersion into as much French culture as you'll probably want, where Montreal can even be disappointing when hearing predominantly english while strolling through a coffee shop.
A move I made in Quebec, between QC and Mtl was to drive on the smaller highway #138 through towns along the St. Lawrence rather than the big highway #40 which roughly parallels it. Anytime you want to speed-up your travel, you'd always have the option to dart over to highway #40.
For the path back to the NY area... I enjoyed Vermont moreso than upstate NY, particularly for its more rural feel.
I'd go ahead and do the 4 nights in NYC... for when you're so far across the country these days, hard to say when you'll have a chance to get back.
Maybe 2 nights in Quebec City, and 2 or 3 in Montreal, and build the rest of 3-week trip around those ideas.
I hope your visions evolve to bear fruit wonderfully.
At any rate, use the many online resources to price various rental car itineraries before you commit to the flights needed for your trip.
(I mean, maybe the most economical move will entail flying into Newark, then using ground transportation to a hotel in the city, before eventually going back to {ideally a rental car outlet OUTSIDE of the state of NY AND away from an airport} to obtain the rental car. Obviously just one person and no luggage are needed to go and get the actual vehicle when the time comes)
Nowthen, thanks so much for thinking to include from where you are originating, and that your ADULT children have not been back east before.
My first vibe is to give Boston more consideration. There is SO MUCH there, relating to 'history' which they've studied in school, and it is so concentrated in such a small area, that time spent sightseeing in Boston is well invested.
Maybe I don't even mean staying as long as a night there, but because what you did say will have you so near, you really should see things like the North Church, Faneuil Hall and Boston Harbor, among others. Just the narrow downtown streets alone are thought-provoking reminders of a time when there were no cars, and horse transportation ruled the roadways.
Generally, I love the offered direction for your trip and one of the fun discoveries might be the thicker New England accents as you go north, even in far-flung reaches of Maine.
Not sure whether you'll go to Houlton and eventually Riviere-du-Loup, QC, or whether you'll go direct from Augusta-ish to Quebec City via Hwy 201.
My very favorite thing about what I saw in rural Quebec was the immaculate churches that are prominent in many towns along the St. Lawrence River. I am NOT even religious, but I was so struck by how fancy the churches in small towns there are.
Quebec City will represent full immersion into as much French culture as you'll probably want, where Montreal can even be disappointing when hearing predominantly english while strolling through a coffee shop.
A move I made in Quebec, between QC and Mtl was to drive on the smaller highway #138 through towns along the St. Lawrence rather than the big highway #40 which roughly parallels it. Anytime you want to speed-up your travel, you'd always have the option to dart over to highway #40.
For the path back to the NY area... I enjoyed Vermont moreso than upstate NY, particularly for its more rural feel.
I'd go ahead and do the 4 nights in NYC... for when you're so far across the country these days, hard to say when you'll have a chance to get back.
Maybe 2 nights in Quebec City, and 2 or 3 in Montreal, and build the rest of 3-week trip around those ideas.
I hope your visions evolve to bear fruit wonderfully.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 04:37 PM
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Thanks so much for the additional replies. I've done a bit of research and it looks like crossing the border with a rental car isn't a problem, as long as you are a US citizen with proper documents. Of course, I'll check with the rental agency, to be sure.
The drive from Augusta to Quebec City looks very inviting to me and I'd like to break it up into 2 days. Do you think we'll find lodging along Rte. 201, without a reservation, in early June? From the maps it doesn't look like there will be a whole lot of options.
The drive from Augusta to Quebec City looks very inviting to me and I'd like to break it up into 2 days. Do you think we'll find lodging along Rte. 201, without a reservation, in early June? From the maps it doesn't look like there will be a whole lot of options.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 05:12 PM
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If someone were headed straight north then EWR would make sense. But if they want to see first Mahattan, then Hamptons and Montauk it's a gigantic pain to have to trek all the way from Jersey - and staying in Jersey isn;t optimal at all to seeing NYC.
Granted renting in NYC may cost more (but you should definitely shop around)but the greater convenience I think more than makes up for a slightly lower rental rate.
Granted renting in NYC may cost more (but you should definitely shop around)but the greater convenience I think more than makes up for a slightly lower rental rate.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 05:57 PM
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I have to second the "rethink Boston" suggestion. If your kids have never been East, Boston would be tops on my list, I think even over NYC. The Freedom Trail is a must do while on the East Coast, and your kids had to take American History in HS and College, so this would spark alot of conversations.
You start at the State House and the trail winds around downton Boston, and over to Charleston to Olde Ironside and Bunker Hill. With lots of stops along the way at some good restaurants and even some shopping.
Not sure why you want to see the Hamptons, not much to "see" most of the homes are behind gated walls, and the villages there are packed on weekends. If you go, make it during the week, traffic will be completely stopped weekends, and you will end up just in traffic and not really seeing anything.
If you want to keep some hotel options open, as you drive some of the highways make SURE to stop at some of the reststops and pick up a local hotel guide. It will have all the hotels listed with prices and phone numbers so you can call right from the car to find a hotel.
Hope this helps and enjoy your trip.
You start at the State House and the trail winds around downton Boston, and over to Charleston to Olde Ironside and Bunker Hill. With lots of stops along the way at some good restaurants and even some shopping.
Not sure why you want to see the Hamptons, not much to "see" most of the homes are behind gated walls, and the villages there are packed on weekends. If you go, make it during the week, traffic will be completely stopped weekends, and you will end up just in traffic and not really seeing anything.
If you want to keep some hotel options open, as you drive some of the highways make SURE to stop at some of the reststops and pick up a local hotel guide. It will have all the hotels listed with prices and phone numbers so you can call right from the car to find a hotel.
Hope this helps and enjoy your trip.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 06:11 PM
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We drove from the Canadian border as far as Skowhegan on Route 201 a couple of years ago (on our way from Quebec City to Bar Harbor), and I don't recall there being much in the way of accommodations along that stretch.
Speaking of Bar Harbor, if Acadia National Park is in your plans, then I definitely would make reservations for your visit there in advance!
Speaking of Bar Harbor, if Acadia National Park is in your plans, then I definitely would make reservations for your visit there in advance!
Jan 2nd, 2011, 06:19 PM
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The advantage you will have in early June is that schools in New England do not let out for the summer until the end of the month.
That is also a potential disadvantage in at least two ways, however. One is that some attractions do not open for the season until late June or even July. If there are places you especially want to visit, make sure before you go that they will be open. For example, when my sister and brother-in-law visited me in early June of 2008, we were surprised to discover that some of the "lesser" sites in Plymouth, MA, were not yet open. Of course, the major ones like Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II were.
The other possible disadvantage is that June is school field trip time, so historic sites (like those in Plymouth or along the Freedom Trail in Boston) can be overrun with school groups.
That is also a potential disadvantage in at least two ways, however. One is that some attractions do not open for the season until late June or even July. If there are places you especially want to visit, make sure before you go that they will be open. For example, when my sister and brother-in-law visited me in early June of 2008, we were surprised to discover that some of the "lesser" sites in Plymouth, MA, were not yet open. Of course, the major ones like Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II were.
The other possible disadvantage is that June is school field trip time, so historic sites (like those in Plymouth or along the Freedom Trail in Boston) can be overrun with school groups.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 07:49 PM
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Okay, okay, will rethink Boston. My husband and I have both been there a few times, and knowing our kids, we both think they'll prefer more time in NYC and wouldn't appreciate Boston's history, but we won't completely rule it out.
I'd like to visit the Hamptons because I spent some summers at my grandparents' home in Hampton Bays. Many fond memories and I'd like to see the area just one more time, as I doubt I'll ever visit again. Will definitely aim for weekdays, though.
Good tip about the hotel guides at rest stops. I wouldn't have thought about that.
We really love just soaking up ambiance and appreciating beautiful scenery, so I think it's okay if some of the tourist attractions are closed, as long as we're not starving and sleeping in our car! I've found a few year round motels in Jackman/Bingham areas, so I'll give them a call to see how full they are in June.
I really appreciate everyone's help!
I'd like to visit the Hamptons because I spent some summers at my grandparents' home in Hampton Bays. Many fond memories and I'd like to see the area just one more time, as I doubt I'll ever visit again. Will definitely aim for weekdays, though.
Good tip about the hotel guides at rest stops. I wouldn't have thought about that.
We really love just soaking up ambiance and appreciating beautiful scenery, so I think it's okay if some of the tourist attractions are closed, as long as we're not starving and sleeping in our car! I've found a few year round motels in Jackman/Bingham areas, so I'll give them a call to see how full they are in June.
I really appreciate everyone's help!
Jan 3rd, 2011, 12:08 AM
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I dunno ~ if your kids aren't into the colonial history stuff, why drag them the length of the Freedom Trail? I know mine is probably not a popular position... but I'd choose NYC over Boston too!
You could hedge your bets a little though: take one of the many excellent walking tours of lower Manhattan, which will inevitably include colonial history. If walking those ancient, narrow streets and hearing the stories peaks your kids' interests, you can add in a little time in Boston to check out some sites. Admittedly, the streets in Boston have retained more of the historical scale and architecture, but the history itself is present in NYC as well...
You could hedge your bets a little though: take one of the many excellent walking tours of lower Manhattan, which will inevitably include colonial history. If walking those ancient, narrow streets and hearing the stories peaks your kids' interests, you can add in a little time in Boston to check out some sites. Admittedly, the streets in Boston have retained more of the historical scale and architecture, but the history itself is present in NYC as well...
Jan 3rd, 2011, 12:15 AM
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Oh, and I don't get the whole rent a car outside of NY State thing? Prices are basically equivalent to NY in CT and MA - and who needs to deal with the hassle of *getting* to wherever the outside-of-NY-and-away-from-airport location may be?! Plus, with 4 of you traveling, there's really not going to be much savings with public transit - at least where Amtrak is concerned. (And who wants to spend their vacation traveling by coach bus??)
Jan 3rd, 2011, 09:44 AM
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Yes, we definitely will opt to rent the car upon leaving NYC. I'm not too worried about traffic in the Hamptons, as we'll be driving out there on a weekday morning and only staying one or two nights.
For those that may be following, I spoke with a very helpful woman named Denise at Bishop's Country Inn Motel in Jackman ME, who said we shouldn't have any problem getting a room early to mid June. There's a nice handful of small hotels/motels that all look like they would be fine for one night.
Anybody know why Google maps won't route me through the border crossing where US Rte. 201 meets Quebec Rte. 173? It detours me several miles in either direction, but won't route me through that particular crossing. The other online maps don't show any problem, nor does Maine DOT website. I guess I'll assume it's a Google error.
For those that may be following, I spoke with a very helpful woman named Denise at Bishop's Country Inn Motel in Jackman ME, who said we shouldn't have any problem getting a room early to mid June. There's a nice handful of small hotels/motels that all look like they would be fine for one night.
Anybody know why Google maps won't route me through the border crossing where US Rte. 201 meets Quebec Rte. 173? It detours me several miles in either direction, but won't route me through that particular crossing. The other online maps don't show any problem, nor does Maine DOT website. I guess I'll assume it's a Google error.
Jan 4th, 2011, 07:06 AM
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I think the suggestions you have received have been really, really good, and you are to be congratulated for your positive attitude toward them, even when they contradict what you want to do!
A couple of points.
Consider the New London ferry a treat, not just a way of getting from one place to another. Bring a picnic. The boat food won't be very good.
Northern Maine is a very big, very empty place. Keep your gas tank fuller than you would on an interstate, and stop early if it looks like there isn't much in front of you. You may not just find a place.
I quebec 173 paved? You will think I am joking, but the Quebec highway that leads to a significant border crossing in northern NH was not last time I was there.
I think Montreal is a big city where most people speak French. Quebec City is pretty wonderful. Out in the Townships (betwen there and the border) lots of people can't or won't speak English. Not a problem if you speak French, but my adult children still laugh at my attempts to act out "fill it up".
A couple of points.
Consider the New London ferry a treat, not just a way of getting from one place to another. Bring a picnic. The boat food won't be very good.
Northern Maine is a very big, very empty place. Keep your gas tank fuller than you would on an interstate, and stop early if it looks like there isn't much in front of you. You may not just find a place.
I quebec 173 paved? You will think I am joking, but the Quebec highway that leads to a significant border crossing in northern NH was not last time I was there.
I think Montreal is a big city where most people speak French. Quebec City is pretty wonderful. Out in the Townships (betwen there and the border) lots of people can't or won't speak English. Not a problem if you speak French, but my adult children still laugh at my attempts to act out "fill it up".
Jan 4th, 2011, 07:36 AM
#19
Just a bit of advice to save some driving time when you leave the Hamptons. There is a convenient ferry service (http://www.southferry.com/index.html) which leaves Sag Harbor for Shelter Island. You then drive across the island, which is a classic summer community, and board yet another ferry (http://www.pagelinx.com/sinferry/index.htm) to Greenport. Both of these ferries take just a few minutes to cross. From Greenport make your way to Orient point for the New London ferry (https://www.longislandferry.com/default.aspx).
This will save time and a lot of driving. If you get to Sag Harbor early there is an interesting whaling museum where you might kill and hour or so. Should be open in June.
This will save time and a lot of driving. If you get to Sag Harbor early there is an interesting whaling museum where you might kill and hour or so. Should be open in June.
Jan 4th, 2011, 06:34 PM
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(pauses re: Ackislander 2 posts up) : I think he means Montreal is a big city where most people speak English.
Nowthen, re: rental cars... I just did this crude, not-all-inclusive test:
Using only NATIONAL Rental Car, I surveyed 6 spots:
In each case I used a THREE-WEEK rental of a mid-size (Toyota Corolla was pictured) vehicle picking-up on June 1 and returning on June 22.
The various rates were these:
@ JFK airport Base of $1061.97 became $1422.62 tax & fees
@ Newark airport Base of $1733.97 became $2328.99 (shocking)
@ NYC 50th st. Base of $1517.97 became $1819.67
@ NYC 80th st. Base of $1517.97 became $1819.67
OTHER NJ option
in Iselin, NJ Base of $620.97 became $780.67 total
Stamford, CT Base of $514.35 became $582.57
(Iselin, NJ is 28 miles, Stamford, CT is 41 miles fr. NYC)
So, those who "don't get the rent a car outside of NY State" thing... probably never will (get it, or do so)
At the very least, you rent for one day in NYC to shuttle the troops and bags from central NYC to one of those outlying spots, and then get your car from there for the longer period.
But again, only one (or possibly 2) people need to go to the outreaches and fetch the car. Since you'll already be making your way around NYC on foot and by alternate transport, you'll have time to get your directions before needing to reach the outlying areas.
And with soooooooooo many people commuting to those spots every day, there have to be ground transportation alternatives for commuters that could get you there.
At the end of the trip, you'd bring the troops and the luggage to a hotel near to whichever airport, and the one person would bring the car back and use alternative transport to reach the troops.
I understand that the window of the car rental won't be exactly "3 weeks", but indeed the odd-daily rates might make the differences more pronounced.
Rental car prices fluctuate in amazing fashion at times, so keep making reservations that you can cancel each time you find a better price. (I once picked up a car in Hartford and found it $100 LESS to drop it off in Portland, Maine than it would have been to return it to the same spot in Hartford)
Nowthen, re: rental cars... I just did this crude, not-all-inclusive test:
Using only NATIONAL Rental Car, I surveyed 6 spots:
In each case I used a THREE-WEEK rental of a mid-size (Toyota Corolla was pictured) vehicle picking-up on June 1 and returning on June 22.
The various rates were these:
@ JFK airport Base of $1061.97 became $1422.62 tax & fees
@ Newark airport Base of $1733.97 became $2328.99 (shocking)
@ NYC 50th st. Base of $1517.97 became $1819.67
@ NYC 80th st. Base of $1517.97 became $1819.67
OTHER NJ option
in Iselin, NJ Base of $620.97 became $780.67 total
Stamford, CT Base of $514.35 became $582.57
(Iselin, NJ is 28 miles, Stamford, CT is 41 miles fr. NYC)
So, those who "don't get the rent a car outside of NY State" thing... probably never will (get it, or do so)
At the very least, you rent for one day in NYC to shuttle the troops and bags from central NYC to one of those outlying spots, and then get your car from there for the longer period.
But again, only one (or possibly 2) people need to go to the outreaches and fetch the car. Since you'll already be making your way around NYC on foot and by alternate transport, you'll have time to get your directions before needing to reach the outlying areas.
And with soooooooooo many people commuting to those spots every day, there have to be ground transportation alternatives for commuters that could get you there.
At the end of the trip, you'd bring the troops and the luggage to a hotel near to whichever airport, and the one person would bring the car back and use alternative transport to reach the troops.
I understand that the window of the car rental won't be exactly "3 weeks", but indeed the odd-daily rates might make the differences more pronounced.
Rental car prices fluctuate in amazing fashion at times, so keep making reservations that you can cancel each time you find a better price. (I once picked up a car in Hartford and found it $100 LESS to drop it off in Portland, Maine than it would have been to return it to the same spot in Hartford)
