trishalambi

Hi, we are a family of 4 visiting New York over New Year after spending Christmas in Quebec City. We will be staying in New York for 6 nights from the 29th December. We have set aside 6 nights as free time from the 4th Jan as we would really like to do a quick road trip around New England. Our problem is we are from Queensland Australia and as such are not experienced drivers in the snow. Looking for suggestions on what to do with this time - my thoughts are to leave it free and see what the weather is doing. If it's relatively snow free perhaps we can do a coastal New England drive? If snow is an issue is it possible to train between cities? Or should we head to Washington and tour around there? If this sounds like I really don't have a clue, you're right Thanks for your time, Trisha

trishalambi

PS I've just reread this and need to add that the 6 nights free time are extra to the time designated to New York. We are also touring around California for almost 3 weeks in total. Thanks, Trisha

nytraveler

That is NOT a great time for a road trip. You may be lucky and not get any snow, ice or slush - but it will almost definitely be short days with grey skies and the countryside will not be attractive (trees are leafless, grass is brown and crunchy and there are no flowers) unless snow covered and then you don't want to be driving. And remember you can get a winter like this last one in which some cities had 6 or more feet of snow piled up due to a series of continuing storms. This Feb was the coldest on record in NY- the average for the month was 22 degrees - F, not C and we had piles of ice in the streets for weeks at a time

It is possible to train between some major cities, although train service is sparse outside the city-centered commuter trains - and except for a few larger cities you would need a car whenever you get to where you're going anyway to get beyond the town center.

We are proponents of road trips and do them all the time - in the US and europe - but not in winter (and we both have long experience in winter driving, which is a completely different skill set - esp if you have to deal with black ice which is invisible).

I would hop on a train to DC and spend the time there. It's an incredible experience, many museums and other sights are free (although I don't think you can get into the White House but can organize a tour of the Capital - Congress - in advance).

But if you make you DC reservations cancelable and when it comes time to leave NY there has been no snow and is none in the forecast you can probably do a trip up along the coast to Boston - stopping at Mystic, Newport etc. Be aware that many of the resort areas will be closed for the season - next to no restaurants or hotels open.

Danielle811

I agree with nytraveler. January in the Northeast is not a time I'd test out my winter driving skills if I wasn't used to the snow/slush/ice. Traveling further south (ie DC) is a good option, though it will could be quite cold and potentially icy.

Alternatively, if you are set on seeing part of the Northeast, you could settle on a ski resort area that was accessible by train from NY. Lake Placid in the Adirondack can be reached via train, and there is a shuttle that could take you into town. Other resort areas probably have similar access.

tomfuller

Yes, take the Adirondack from Montreal south at least as far as Saratoga Springs. If the weather and forecast is good, rent a car from Saratoga and go east from there.
Return the car and then take another train into New York.
Amtrak trains are the best between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC.
Don't try bringing a Canadian rental car into the US.

IMDonehere

You have received sound advice.

trishalambi

Thanks everyone, great advice and much appreciated.