rickus

After spending a few days in NYC and Boston we are picking up a hire car and doing an 8 day tour during the second half of April - with all the accommodation now booked.
It's a very short time to cover a lot of ground. I am trying to identify the 'must sees' preferably with some wet and dry options.
We will probably major on scenery and sights, add in a small touch of culture and avoid spending too long shopping (but don't tell my wife and daughter).
Also worth noting that on the expenditure scale we are usually somewhere between low budget and cheapskate but will fork out if it's really worth it.
Apologies for opening several threads on this but I thought it best to try and be specific rather than cover the whole tour in one.
Thanks in advance
Rick

rickus

Should have mentioned that this is just a one day journey. We have 2 nights in the Berkshires and 2 on Cape Cod and I have opened other threads about them. What I am hoping to do with this thread is to identify a good route between the two.
Rick

rickus

My map shows the scenic roads in New Hampshire and Vermont but not for Massachusetts.
Are there scenic drives in this territory or is it worth sticking to the interstate? We will be coming back west close to the coast a few days later so will probably stay inland on the way over to Cape Cod.
Rick

Dreamer2

I don't have an answer for your latter question, but a comment about the original. Not sure, Rickus, if this fits in your itinerary - But if you find yourself anywhere near Providence, RI on the route back to the Cape, I'd detour for a look at Newport. Even if you visit one mansion and have lunch by the harbour, it's a worthy 2-hour detour. Also, I think you have another post regarding Bershire and Lenox activities en route, so that might determine your roads anyway. You might want to tell the ladies that Lenox has a highly regarded Canyon Ranch spa! And don't forget, if you end up anywhere near So. Deerfield, MA they have to go to the fabulous Yankee Candle complex.
Your research here has made me so curious about your circumstances! From where are you coming? Is this purely vacation, or is your daughter visiting colleges? Please post back when you return the end of April, and let us know your impressions of the area, and what you and your family found to be the highlights. Happy trails!

rickus

Purely a vacation Dreamer2. We are from the UK. I have previously spent 6 days in NYC and Toronto but my wife and daughter have never been to the NE of the US before. From my research our 8 days of touring is just going to give us a flavour of New England.
Our elder daughter who is on a gap year before university is likely to be spending a bit longer in the area in the early summer. I think she will be looking for some tips from this board as well.
Rick

Dreamer2

Thanks, Rickus! There are a lot of New Englanders on this board, so I'm sure your elder daughter will get a lot of input, too. I love the itinerary you have chosen! I will be entertaining a German mother and daughter (14 yrs old) next October, so I'd love to hear what your wife's and daughter's favorite experiences were after their travels here. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday!

rickus

Just putting this to the top in case anyone in the know missed it last week -

Form my earlier post
'Are there scenic drives in this territory or is it worth sticking to the interstate? We will be coming back west close to the coast a few days later so will probably stay inland on the way over to Cape Cod.'

Are we talking can't miss countryside here or is it better to get to Cape Cod asap and spend our time there?

Thanks
Rick

Nikki

We're not talking can't miss countryside. Since your time at the Cape is so limited, I'd want to get there early enough in the day to enjoy it. I'd just take the Mass. Pike and then Route 495 to the Cape.