margeo

I'm trying to plan a 3-4 week circuit throughout New England states, starting and ending in NYC -- along coastline (including Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard) up as far as Arcadia NP, then across Maine over to White Mountains area of NH, then west to continue down through Central Vermont, Western Mass & Conn, and end back in NYC. I have two options: second week of May through second week of June; or all of September. Need advice to compare these two times. Which time period would be most expensive? Easiest to wander without making prior reservations? Best to avoid those black-flies I'm reading about? I am aware the September time is well ahead of peak foliage. But am more concerned with finding lower prices and availability of lodging, less crowds, and nice temperatures that would allow short hikes in the parks, some outdoor lunchtime picnicking, and sitting outside for dinner with a glass of wine! Would greatly appreciate your comparisons between the two times.

gail

I would pick September based on your criteria. However, I would not go to Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard at either time without lodging reservations.

As far as cost, I just did an Expedia serach on 2 properties I know of - one on Cape Cod and one in western NH, enterring a Sun-Thurs time period for May and one for Sept. Price was identical for either time period. My guess would be that this would be true at most places.

Weather - who knows. It snowed several inches in Boston area on Mother's Day a few years back and 2 years ago there were floods. But many years May/June are beautiful. Same holds for September - but without the snow.

dfnh

Probably Sept would be your safe choice. Some of the Maine lobster shacks open for mother's day but generally weekends only during the off season which can include Sept. I kind of like mid-May however because I think Spring rivals fall foliage. Early spring foliage is beautiful. Some of it is reddish before the trees fully leaf out. Apple orchards are in bloom. Black flies could be a significant problem. Last year wasn't bad (I'm a gardener). However, after attending a couple of cooking demonstrations yesterday at the NH Seacoast Home and Garden Show there was a huge emphasis on using local products. You might find menus at certain restaurants would have more local ingredients to offer in Sept. If you want to do any kayaking, Sept is probably a better month when rivers aren't so high. And Sept would be prime apple picking time.

Anonymous

I agree, September would be slightly better, based mostly on the black flies, what's open for the season, and also water temperatures.

I also agree with dfnh that spring foliage/bloom is at least as lovely as in fall, just more subtle. Like music from a string quartet rather than a rock band.

margeo

OK! Thanks everybody! September it will be. And, Anonymous -- I love your comparison of spring/fall foliage to string quartet/rock band!

nytraveler

Septemer is likely to be somewhat warmer - esp the water, and have no blackflies. But it will be much more crowded - esp in the north when leaves have started to turn - and prices will be higher than they would in May.

Also I would never go in September without everything reserved. In May you're probably safer just wandering (except for cities - when you always need reservations).

yellowbyrd

I agree with nytraveler....you need reservations, at least for your weekend stays. September is a popular month for travel and is still considered "high-season" for most of the places you mentioned.