On NYC trip would you do a side trip to Boston or Philadelphia / Gettysburg?
Aug 5th, 2003, 04:43 PM
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On NYC trip would you do a side trip to Boston or Philadelphia / Gettysburg?
Would appreciate some advise on which area would be the most interesting to visit before we (my husband and I) go to NYC. We are considering going to either Boston or Philadelphia / Gettysburg for 2-3 days before heading to NYC for 5-6 days. Would fly into PA or Boston - spend time there and then drive(?) or take a train into New York. We have been to NYC a couple of times before and absolutely love it but have never been to any other places in the northeast. We have been to Washington DC. At first I thought we would just go to NYC, but since we have 8 days I am thinking that would be too long to be in the city, and I love history so would like to do a little sightseeing in places we have never been. I realize if we go to Pennsylvania we would need to rent a car to get to the two places I have mentioned, which we probably wouldn't need if we just spent time in Boston. Then there's time consideration how much time we would need in each area and also where we would stay in these places. Any advise would be very helpful. Thanks!!
Aug 5th, 2003, 04:55 PM
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Philadelphia is filled with historical sights, good museums, and great restaurants. The new Constitution Center just opened July 4th and has interactive displays throughout.You can walk through the entire "historical district". The hotels are offering "get one night free" promos now. Go to www.gophila.com for lots of info.
Aug 5th, 2003, 09:58 PM
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Yes, definitely Philadelphia. I would recommend taking a trolley tour. I've done it a couple of times and is a great way to get a nice overview of Philly.
www.phillytour.com
www.phillytour.com
Aug 6th, 2003, 12:03 AM
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I went to college in Gettysburg, and think it is a very beautiful part of the country, esp in the fall and spring. However, it is not that convenient in terms of combining it with a trip to NYC. It is about 2 hours west of Philadelphia, and you would need to rent a car, as train and bus service would take you a long time. You would then need to drive to NYC, which will take between 4-5 hours. If you drove to Philadelphia and took the train, the trip would take between 4-6 hours. Not sure that is worth it.
Other areas which are more convenient for Philadelphia and NYC which you might consider are:
Brandywine area of PA and Del (about 45 minutes south of Philadelphia)
Newport, Rhode Island and the Connecticut shore (esp Mystic)
Hudson River Valley area
New Jersey beaches
For the Brandywine area, you could easily fly into Philadelphia, and rent a car to tour the area for 2-3 days. This area straddles the border between PA and Delaware, and is beautiful country. The Winterthur museum and Longwood Gardens are here, both worth about a day each, esp Winterthur if you like American history and furniture. Take a look at http://www.winterthur.org and http://www.longwoodgardens.org. You could then return the car in Philadelphia and take the train into NYC.
For Newport, you could fly into Boston and drive south. The best way would be to fly into Providence RI, which would be the most convenient, although could cost a bit more. You could rent a car in Providence and drive to Newport, which only takes about 30 minutes. (You could also take public transportation to Newport, as you don't really need a car in Newport unless you want to go to outlying seaside areas.) You could spend 2-3 days touring the mansions and seeing the town. There are many charming B&Bs in town. You could then pick up the Amtrak train to NYC in New Providence, or you could drive yourself down into the NYC area. You could also fly into and out of NYC and rent a car or take Amtrak up to Rhode Island.
For the last two areas, you could fly into NYC/NJ and rent a car to get to the mountains or the shore. Not sure what time you are going, the Hudson Valley area would be gorgeous in the fall and spring, and NJ is great in the summer.
Of course Boston is a great city on its own, and would be a good choice.
Other areas which are more convenient for Philadelphia and NYC which you might consider are:
Brandywine area of PA and Del (about 45 minutes south of Philadelphia)
Newport, Rhode Island and the Connecticut shore (esp Mystic)
Hudson River Valley area
New Jersey beaches
For the Brandywine area, you could easily fly into Philadelphia, and rent a car to tour the area for 2-3 days. This area straddles the border between PA and Delaware, and is beautiful country. The Winterthur museum and Longwood Gardens are here, both worth about a day each, esp Winterthur if you like American history and furniture. Take a look at http://www.winterthur.org and http://www.longwoodgardens.org. You could then return the car in Philadelphia and take the train into NYC.
For Newport, you could fly into Boston and drive south. The best way would be to fly into Providence RI, which would be the most convenient, although could cost a bit more. You could rent a car in Providence and drive to Newport, which only takes about 30 minutes. (You could also take public transportation to Newport, as you don't really need a car in Newport unless you want to go to outlying seaside areas.) You could spend 2-3 days touring the mansions and seeing the town. There are many charming B&Bs in town. You could then pick up the Amtrak train to NYC in New Providence, or you could drive yourself down into the NYC area. You could also fly into and out of NYC and rent a car or take Amtrak up to Rhode Island.
For the last two areas, you could fly into NYC/NJ and rent a car to get to the mountains or the shore. Not sure what time you are going, the Hudson Valley area would be gorgeous in the fall and spring, and NJ is great in the summer.
Of course Boston is a great city on its own, and would be a good choice.
Aug 6th, 2003, 04:53 AM
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Ediee -
Tough choice! I love both Philly and Boston, and there is so much history in both cities.
I'd say Boston just because you can take the train, which is SO much nicer than driving on I-95 (I live in DC and have family in CT, so I do this quite often, and dread it every time).
Having said that, if you just do Philly and skip Gettysburg, then you can take the train to New York from there, and not have to rent a car. Civil War history doesn't really interest me, however, so skipping Gettysburg to me is not a big deal.
For hotels, I'd suggest using Priceline for either city. I have had great success in Philly with good 3* hotels in great locations - downtown in/near the historic district.
Good luck and have a great trip!
Karen
Tough choice! I love both Philly and Boston, and there is so much history in both cities.
I'd say Boston just because you can take the train, which is SO much nicer than driving on I-95 (I live in DC and have family in CT, so I do this quite often, and dread it every time).
Having said that, if you just do Philly and skip Gettysburg, then you can take the train to New York from there, and not have to rent a car. Civil War history doesn't really interest me, however, so skipping Gettysburg to me is not a big deal.
For hotels, I'd suggest using Priceline for either city. I have had great success in Philly with good 3* hotels in great locations - downtown in/near the historic district.
Good luck and have a great trip!
Karen
Aug 6th, 2003, 05:15 AM
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Having lived here most of my life I naturally am inclined to suggest Boston. For history we have the historic Freedom Trail (Paul Revere's House, the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument and more). We have very nice hotels and great restaurants. Try the North End for traditional and trendy Italian. The South End is for eclectic dining. Fenway Park for the Red Sox. Beautiful museums and parks. Harbor tours, whale watches, Boston Pops or the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Boston is a very walkable city so no car is necessary. Just take the train down to NYC or the shuttle from Logan when its time.
Have a great time in either city.
Have a great time in either city.
Aug 6th, 2003, 10:32 AM
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All this information is so great! Thanks for responding! We will be in this area the early part of September.
It sounds like doing Gettysburg with Philly would not be the best idea. I only want to do 2-3 days before heading to NYC so the other suggestions of doing just Boston or Philadelphia sound good. Also, the less hassle we would have to put up with would be good. Not having to rent a car, etc. Either Boston or Philadelphia sound very interesting. Since we have never been to either place, it is hard to decide. Am really looking at the best place for historical sites.
Would there be plenty to see and do if we just spend those days in Boston, and then like Bennie suggests take the train or shuttle to New York. By the way, what exactly is the "shuttle"?
Has anyone gotten Priceline hotels in Boston? If so, what areas would be most convenient (and close to public transportation) for seeing the historical sites?
I guess I am still open to either city. Thanks!!
It sounds like doing Gettysburg with Philly would not be the best idea. I only want to do 2-3 days before heading to NYC so the other suggestions of doing just Boston or Philadelphia sound good. Also, the less hassle we would have to put up with would be good. Not having to rent a car, etc. Either Boston or Philadelphia sound very interesting. Since we have never been to either place, it is hard to decide. Am really looking at the best place for historical sites.
Would there be plenty to see and do if we just spend those days in Boston, and then like Bennie suggests take the train or shuttle to New York. By the way, what exactly is the "shuttle"?
Has anyone gotten Priceline hotels in Boston? If so, what areas would be most convenient (and close to public transportation) for seeing the historical sites?
I guess I am still open to either city. Thanks!!
Aug 6th, 2003, 10:51 AM
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The shuttle to New York from Boston means flying, but IMHO you're better-off taking the train, especially if avoiding hassles is a priority for you.
You can easily fill 2-3 days with interesting things to do in Boston.
For Priceline hotels, the most convenient locations are Back Bay/Copley and Downtown.
You can easily fill 2-3 days with interesting things to do in Boston.
For Priceline hotels, the most convenient locations are Back Bay/Copley and Downtown.
Aug 6th, 2003, 11:20 AM
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Ediee:
I would do Boston as well! It should be wonderful in September, and for that matter so should NYC! Both cities are great walking towns where a car would be a hinderance!
Take the Metro to NYC and leave the driving to the professionals!
Have Fun!
JOHN
I would do Boston as well! It should be wonderful in September, and for that matter so should NYC! Both cities are great walking towns where a car would be a hinderance!
Take the Metro to NYC and leave the driving to the professionals!
Have Fun!
JOHN
Aug 6th, 2003, 11:46 AM
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With regards to kaudrey's post about going to Boston vs. Philly, you can also take the train to BOTH Boston AND Philadelphia. From New York Penn Station take the Amtrak to Philadelphia 30th Street Station. From there either take a cab or the Marke-Frankford Suway line Eastbond to 15th Street which puts you in the center of town. A less expensive alternative would be to take New Jersey Transit train to Trenton and SEPTA R7 to either Market East or Suburban Sations in Downtown Philadelphia.
www.amtrak.com
www.septa.org
www.njtransit.com
www.amtrak.com
www.septa.org
www.njtransit.com
Aug 6th, 2003, 06:43 PM
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I really appreciate the wonderful advise you all have been giving. It looks like Boston will be the city of choice. I am not familiar with the trains, would I need to book in advance or can I wait and buy tickets the day we intend to travel? Any other great advise on how to spend our time in Boston? Thanks!
Aug 7th, 2003, 06:30 AM
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Ediee - I've seen tons of posts about people using Priceline for Boston. I've never tried it. I justed booked the Back Bay Hilton (excellent location in Boston)for Sept 6 for $100 - used Hilton's own website. I believe others have posted that they have gotten this hotel on priceline for about $85.
I suggested the shuttle because on weekends you can get a flight for about the same as the train. The train is more fun. I would book your train ticket in advance and try to book a reserved train. That means that you will get a seat - not an assigned seat. A reserve train means Amtrak only sells as many tickets as there are seats. Sometimes on Amtrak on really busy days you could end up standing if its not a reserved train. Usually only happens when the college kids are on the move - long weekends, holidays etc.
I suggested the shuttle because on weekends you can get a flight for about the same as the train. The train is more fun. I would book your train ticket in advance and try to book a reserved train. That means that you will get a seat - not an assigned seat. A reserve train means Amtrak only sells as many tickets as there are seats. Sometimes on Amtrak on really busy days you could end up standing if its not a reserved train. Usually only happens when the college kids are on the move - long weekends, holidays etc.
Aug 7th, 2003, 04:11 PM
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Thanks for all the great information! We will plan to book our reserved train ticket in advance. I am thinking we will take the train the day after Labor Day, would that be a time when the college kids would be heading back to school?
Aug 7th, 2003, 07:30 PM
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If you do Boston, one of my favorite places to visit is Salem, not far outside of Boston.
Salem is a great place to kill an entire day if you're interested in the history of that era. There are the various museums and the reenactment of the Bridget Bishop witch trial which you can sit in on and be part of the jury.
You can also take the tour of the House of the Seven Gables which is pretty cool, too.
Either way though, you can't go wrong. Both cities are great and worth visiting whenever you're nearby.
J
Salem is a great place to kill an entire day if you're interested in the history of that era. There are the various museums and the reenactment of the Bridget Bishop witch trial which you can sit in on and be part of the jury.
You can also take the tour of the House of the Seven Gables which is pretty cool, too.
Either way though, you can't go wrong. Both cities are great and worth visiting whenever you're nearby.
J
Aug 8th, 2003, 09:20 AM
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If you take Jordan's idea of going to Salem stop by my town, Marblehead. We are a beautiful town right on the water. Old Town, the historical district, has great shops, boutiques and galleries.
For a great dinner in Salem go to the Grapevine. It is my favorite restuarant,not cheap but one of the best on the north shore. OR if you would rather dine by the water eat at The Red Rock in Swampscott also pricey but wonderful. Or if you just want a New England Seafood, in Marblehead right on the water is the Barnicle. The Barnicle is a hole in the wall but the seafood is very fresh and the clam chowder and the muscles are to die for!
Enjoy
For a great dinner in Salem go to the Grapevine. It is my favorite restuarant,not cheap but one of the best on the north shore. OR if you would rather dine by the water eat at The Red Rock in Swampscott also pricey but wonderful. Or if you just want a New England Seafood, in Marblehead right on the water is the Barnicle. The Barnicle is a hole in the wall but the seafood is very fresh and the clam chowder and the muscles are to die for!
Enjoy
Aug 8th, 2003, 01:02 PM
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If you are on a budget, the Holiday Inn in Sommerville (just outside Cambridge and Boston) is walkable to the "T," the Boston subway. Parking is easy and the hotel is just a few miles off of interstate 93 and approachable from the airport by the "T" as well. As someone mentioned, Boston is very walkable and the "T" makes traveling from area to area extremely easy. If you have a car, drive up to Rockport to see the beautiful harbor or take a drive to Portsmouth, New Hampshire (1 1/2 hour drive)or a bit further to Ogunquit,Maine (maybe 2 1/2 hour drive). The coast is breathtaking there at Perkins Cove. If you explore Boston by area, you could easily fill 2-3 days. Be sure to visit the North End, Newbury Street, Fanueil Hall, take a harbor cruise, and pray for good weather. September is one of the most beautiful months in Boston! Train is easy to NYC from Boston--you'd never need a car once you step off of the airplane.
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