Lina1

My husband and I are going to be celebrating our 1 year anniversary in mid- September and were hoping to get some itinerary suggestions. Here is some information specific to our trip:
- We are planning on spending approximately 2 weeks on our trip, can be a few days longer though.
- We will be flying into New York City and want to spend a few nights (3-4 nights) there.
- We want to fly out of Boston.
- We are interested in visiting and spending a few nights in Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard/or Cape Cod.
- My husband is interested in history and military museums, and I am more interested in visiting memorable towns and would also be interested in visiting wineries. Overall we are looking for

Lina1

Oops, accidentally posted before I was done.

Overall we are looking for a romantic and relaxing trip. But would like to also incorporate some of our interests in our trip as well.

One other specific on our trip- We plan on renting a car but are also open to other modes or mixes of transportation(including air/train/boat).

Any suggestions as to an ideal itinerary, or suggestions of cities/towns we shouldn't miss out on, including any places to stay or eat, or attractions to visit would be greatly appreciated!

LOJO

A couple of suggestions to get you started on your research:

Just north of NYC is the Hudson Valley Region of New York State which has numerous wineries. Also many historic homes that can be visited. You could drive north from there to Saratoga Springs, which is a lovely town. There is a national historic site near there at the Saratoga Battlefield. I haven't been there in a long time, but there may be a museum. You could drive from that area to Bennington, Vermont, and from southern Vermont, you could travel through Massachussettes which has some historic villages to visit (Deerfield Village and Sturbridge Village come to mind.) Then go to Nantucket, the Vineyard or Cape Cod. From that area, you could drive to Boston at the end of your trip. This general itenerary would fit into your time frame. A car is the best means of travel in this area. The bus and train schedules are not that extensive. There are many, many beautiful, charming inns and bed and breakfasts in these areas that I would think woulb be considered "romantic". Hope this is helpful. Good luck with plannig your trip!

dfrostnh

If you include Portsmouth NH it's a wonderful city with historic Strawbery Banke. Traveling inland, maybe 30 minutes you can visit the Flag Hill Winery and Distillery (they also make Gen John Stark Vodka). We have not been to the military museum in Wolfboro NH but Wolfboro is one of the oldest resort towns in New England, on Lake Winnipesaukee, and could be visited as a day trip from Portsmouth (maybe an hour drive). Odiorn Point has a science center and the WW2 military bunkers are still there. If you take a harbor cruise you'll hear info about the Portsmouth Navy Prison. You can also see it from a causeway if you travel route 1B heading thru Newcastle toward the renovated Wentworth-by-the-Sea (treaty was signed there). One of my favorite events in Maine is the Common Ground Fair by the Maine Organic Farmers Association. It's held in Unity, about an hour from Camden. Haven't been in a few years but they have wonderful handmade crafts and there's no midway. If you stayed in Camden, one of the most beautiful towns in Maine you could also visit the Cellar Door Winery in nearby Lincolnville. We have not visited the military places except for places like the fort at Popham Beach. A friend just traveled to NYC for the first time via train and loved it. It might be a good way to get to Boston and avoid one-way car rental fees. Depending on what period of history your husband is interested in, you might check to see what the Revolutionary War or Civil War re-enactors might be doing. I have not been to Fort #4 in Charletown NH (near Keene) but have heard good things about it.

tracys2cents

Mid to late Sept you won't need reservations, ON WEEKNIGHTS, for most places in Cape Cod, NH Lakes Region and Maine Coast. So wing it. Lock in reservations for NYC, for Boston on your departure night etc...but in between, just get out your guidebooks and go where the road takes you.

yellowbyrd

Sounds like a great trip. I just have a few suggestions for you if you visit Cape Cod. Contrary to what tracystwocents suggests, September is still high season on Cape Cod. If you are particular about your accommodations, I suggest you do the research ahead of time and make a reservation as soon as your plans have firmed up. For charm and "sense of place" you can not miss the outer cape and the National Seashore (from Eastham to Provincetown) In my humble opinion, September is the best time to visit the cape because the family crowds are gone and the weather is superb. There are many charming small towns, all within an hours drive from Eastham, as well as historical sites too numerous to mention. If you are there for a while stop into the Salt Pond Visitor's Center (Eastham) for a list of guided walks and tours (free) that the Park Service runs daily. There are lovely bed and breakfasts in every town but only one that is actually in the National Seashore Park with ocean views. (Fort Hill) The beaches in Eastham are fabulous and because the whole town is only 3 miles wide from Ocean to Bay, you are never very far from the water. Provincetown is really a fun place to visit for a day and so is Chatham...both only 25 minutes from Eastham. If you decide to take a day trip to Nantucket just take the HyLine's fast ferry from Hyannis (in the mid-Cape region) and in one hour you will be in a wonderful little town that is perfect for a day trip. Personally, I think the island is a bit pricey and small for a lenghty visit but it is perfect for a day. You have picked a great time to visit New England...let us know how it turns out!

capxxx

Don't forget Lexington and Concord ...

fitznj

Not a big fan of the Cape but I would agree that Eastham is the nicest area. Skaket Beach is beautiful. I would go instead to Martha's Vineyard, skip right out of your ferry town (Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven) and stay over in Edgartown. Rent bikes and ride over to Chappy. If you take a car, go up island to Gay Head (it now has an Indian name). That is stunning.

carlyshells

My first thought when you said you would be interested in wineries was the north fork of Long Island, where there are about 25 wineries all within a short diving distance of each other. You could rent a car in NYC, drive out east on 495 (it will take a good two hours or so) and easily spend a night or two out on the east end. There are so many beautiful vineyards and charming B&B's to stay at. When you are done, you could take your car on the ferry out of Orient Point and sail up to New London, CT and continue the portion of your New England trip from there. The ferry ride is delightful, as is driving through the whole North Fork of LI - mostly rural farmlands (compared to the rest of the Island anyway!). If you do choose to go this route, make sure to book an auto reservation on the ferry in advance, especially if you take it on the weekend. Here are some helpful websites:

www.liwines.com
www.longislandferry.com

jmhe

Wellfleet and Provincetown are nice spots to visit on the Cape. The weather can be perfect in mid-September on the Cape and the Islands. Visitors I have hosted over the years have loved and repeated visits to the mansions in Newport RI and the Rockport/Gloucester MA area. New Bedford MA has a battleship museum. If you take the Ferry to New London, you will be near Mystic, CT where you can visit the Mystic Seaport and eat at S&P Oyster Co. If you make it to Vermont, the Shelburne Museum is wonderful. I would recommend getting reservations if you plan to stay in the Boston area mid-week.

Jibboo

If you want wineries, go to the finger lakes region, it will be beautiful there in sept.

Shandy1977

A few thoughts for my two cents...

There is a winery on Cape Cod called Truro Vineyards. Truro is right next to Provincetown so you can see Provincetown and visit the vineyard in the same day easily. Truro Vineyard offers wine tastings and they have some nice products. I am not sure about their hours of operation, though, so you may want to call ahead. Practically across the street from the vineyard is a place called Atlantic Spice which is awesome if you are interested in very fresh and unique spices. I buy all my spices and many other ingredients through them exclusively now.

Between Martha's Vineyard or Natucket I have always preferred the Vineyard. My experience growing up there was knowing Natucket as a very scenic and relaxing place but not a whole lot of "fun" while the Vineyard was a little busier, a little more crowded, and not quite as "pretty" but much more fun. That's just my personal taste, though... yours could be different.

Military sites. There the historic sites in or around Boston such as the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill. You can also drive to Lexington and Concord. Also, Fall River is a bit off the beaten path but there is a museum called Battleship Cove. You can explore the USS Massachusetts, a World War II battleship which is now the feature of the museum. There are also other boats to explore from that era such as a submarine and a PT Boat. I have not been there in years, though, so I do not know how much it has changed.

Just my two cents. If I come up with anything else, I'll post it. I hope the two of you have an awesome time!

Dreamer2

There is a winery just outside of Newport, RI, (in Middletown?) which would be a very memorable town to visit en route from NYC to Boston. The mansions are incredible!

Lina1

So here is the itinerary my husband and I have put together so far:
-4 nights NY city
-1 night New Haven
-1 night Mystic
-2 nights Newport
-2 nights Eastham
-1 night Nantucket
-4 nights Boston

We weren't sure if 2 nights in Newport and 2 nights in Eastham were too long, or if 1 night in the other cities wasn't enough, and were hoping for your thoughts and recommendations.

Also if can you recommend any great hotels and restaurants in those areas we'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks again for all of your replies.

Fodorite018

Near Mystic is Stonington Vineyards. Not sure how the wines are, but it might be worth a stop.

Also near there, in Groton, is the Submarine Museum at the Sub Base there.

yellowbyrd

Two nights on the Cape is not too long....in fact, you will not have a chance to see and experience much in only two days. Also, many places on Nantucket have a minimum stay requiremant....better check that out. Seems like a lot of "on-the-road" time. Perhaps you should either go to one of the islands for 3 nights or stay on Cape Cod for 3 nights.

tracys2cents

Mystic and New Haven are only an hour apart, not worth the hassle of checking in and out of a hotel. Find a midpoint and stay for 2 nights, visiting both towns from there.

In mid Sept the Cape is so beautiful, stay a third night there and cut NY or Boston to 3 nights.

Lina1

We're considering only staying one night in Newport so that we can extend our stay in Eastham for 3 nights.

Do you think one night in Newport would be long enough?

Dreamer2

Personally, I would not cut a night from Newport. It is a smaller town, but you'd want one full day to visit 2-3 mansions and walk the Cliff Walk, and one full day to cover the town (shopping) and winery, and maybe the beach. Have you been to NY and/or Boston before? I'd probably take one night off each of the cities.

Also, you can take the high speed ferry out to Nantucket and back and make it a day trip so you don't have to move all your things. I'd make a reservation on the Grey Lady or other high speed company to do this. Don't miss the Whaling Museum while you're out there.

While on the Cape, be sure to visit Chatham and Provincetown. The jeep Dune Tour in P-town is amazing!

Sounds like a wonderful vacation!
From where are you coming?

yellowbyrd

If you are staying in Eastham make sure you visit Fort Hill in the Cape cod natonal Seashore. It is a lovely area to walk with scenic views of Nauset Marsh and the Atlantic. There is a whaling captin's house, Captain Edward Penniman, that is owned by the Park Service and you can get a tour for free on Monday and Saturday mornings. Or just visit it during one of the afternoon open houses. There is a lovely historic B+B across the street and only one other huse on the road so the area is still pretty much the wa it was in about 1900.... Definately worth a visit. There are kayak tours or just historic tours in the area given by the Park Service so check out what's going on at www.nps.gov/caco