nicenancy

WE have one night/one day to spend with our 15-yr old daughter - she is at a camp in Lake Region of NH for six weeks and we will visit her in three weeks (mid-July). Where should we take her that would be fun - should we venture to Vt or up to Maine?
Thanks!

gail

She may not want to go anywhere - she might prefer staying in a nice hotel, eating real non-camp food, taking really long showers without other campers waiting, going shopping, etc. At least that is what my teenagers would want in a similar situation - so, obviously, ask her if she really wants to travel.

JVS

To answer your question....I suggest VT. Its my favorite place to vacation. We stay at this very nice Inn that offers horseback riding, golfing and tennis on the grounds (You dont have to leave)all right on the edge of the Green Mountains. I like VT more so than NH because it tends to be less commercial.

zootsi

There is lots to do in this part of New Hampshire - hiking, boating, train excursions, Mt. Washington auto road or steam train (both very spectacular). However, she may want to see something different after being there 3 weeks. How about an overnight to the Maine coast? There are some very nice beaches in the Ogunquit/Wells/Kennebunk area. Another thought would be a trip to Montreal, which is about 2 1/2 hours away. Any teenaged girl would LOVE Montreal.

gc

Going to VT or ME is a bad idea, 'cause you can't get there! East-west travel is painful up there.

I'm with Gail. Find a nice restaurant nearby and have a good dinner. You might want to consider a trip the next day on the MV Mount Washington across Winnepesaukee. It would give her a different view of the area.

Or, head up 93 for an hour into Franconia Notch. Stay at the Mountain Club at Loon Mountain, have dinner at the Common Man, go see what's left of the Old man of the Mountain (I told him to quit using Botox!) and take the tram up Cannon Mountain.

Lot's to do without spending all of your time in the car!

nicenancy

Thanks for the tips! Especially staying in one place. Any good shopping near there? Or do I need to go to Maine for better shopping?

raineday33

I would take her to the ocean. The Lakes Region is in the mountains, she might want to go to the beach. The Portland ME area has lots of choices including Kennebunkport or Old Orchard. There is tons of shopping in Freeport ME.

RBO

If she is 15 how about going to North Conway, NH for shopping. With all those factory outlets and great setting in the White Mountains I think any teenager would be happy.

Retired_teacher

I'm with gail. When we visited our college age daughter during her three summers as a camp counselor, she wanted a real bed, air conditioning, long hot showers, and the ability to "sleep in". Add a good restaurant and shopping for a perfect getaway.

nicenancy

Again many thanks for your generous thoughtful replies - the nicest people are on this website! What do you think about Portsmouth - near shopping, nice hotels, near ocean --- but is it a far drive from Wolfesboro? Doesn't look it on the map... Thanks!

kaudrey

nicenancy -

A little off topic, but is your daughter in Wolfeboro? That's where my parents live! I love it up there (I am in DC).

I believe Portsmouth is about a 45 minute trip. I think that's where my mother's dentist is.

Karen

gc

Nicenancy,

From Wolfeboro, Portsmouth is 50 miles/1 hr, same for North Conway. Franconia Notch is 85 miles, 1 1/2 - s hours.

Portsmouth has great outlet shopping just up the street in Kittery Maine, a lovely restored section called Strawberry Banke (sp?), and lovely beaches.

North Conway has great shopping, that funky ski town feel and plenty of restaurant choices.

If you want the seashore, go to Portsmouth. If you want the mountains, go to North Conway.

Either way, you win!

zootsi

Porsmouth is a great little seaport city. However, it is not a 'beach' town. To get to a nice sandy beach, you will need to drive a little south to New Hampshire's pleasant but small state beaches like Wallis Sands (20 minutes), or north to the Maine beaches like York (30 minutes). Just be aware that Hampton Beach NH is somewhat honkey tonk.

gc

Sorry for the misdirection on beaches..Zootsi is correct...

nicenancy

Yes, Karen - it is Wolfesboro and so far, she does not like the bugs and swimming in a pond -- so the hotels will be wonderful for her.
And we live near Destin, FL. THE most beautiful beaches in the world, so she won't care if there aren't beaches.
Thanks again - I only hope I can help you all as much someday.

dfrostnh

In addition to the outlet malls in N Conway, there is an outlet mall in Tilton which is south of Lake Winnipesaukee on Rt 3. Most of the restaurants in the immediate area are chains. NH does not have a sales tax. If you head to Portsmouth and it's really hot, you might be happier visiting Fox Run Mall. Portsmouth has great restaurants plus a nice walking/window shopping area near the water. A short drive over the bridge and you are in Kittery ME which has a long strip of outlet malls. It would be a longer drive but Portland ME would also be an option. Have fun!

nicenancy

Thanks to everyone who replied. We stayed at the Christmas Farm Inn - wonderful - in Jackson, NH. Spent a day shopping and then a day going up the cog train to the top of Mt. Washington. Our daughter of course loved the shopping day the best - and I loved the no-sales tax.

bennie

nicenancy - thanks for the update. I for one always love hearing back from posters once they gone on the trip they have asked for advice on.

Did you enjoy the Christmas Farm Inn. I've driven by there several times and have checked out their website but have never stayed.