hedgehog

We plan to leave Boston early afternoon Easter monday. Roughly how long is it likely to take us to drive to Newport (for a really quick look/drive around) and then how long from Newport to Mystic where we have a hotel reservation for monday evening. If we skip Newport and drive direct to Mystic from Boston approximately how long would that journey take us?

On a separate note, how is the weather in Boston - we arrive from the UK on friday. Is there still much snow hanging around? I'm anticipating a rainy and chilly weekend - will I be disappointed?!!
Thanks.

Krista

Depends on where you are in Boston. I'd say an hour and a half or so to Newport.

We had a nice sunny day yesterday near 50 but today/tomorrow there's rain/snow w/temps in the 30's/40's. Go to www.boston.com for more info.

k.

Larry1

Regarding travel time, you will have about an hour and a half of driving from Boston to Newport, maybe less if you have a lead foot and there are no traffic snarls. Going through Newport will cost you about 45 minutes of extra travel time vs going direct to Mystic.
I have to say though, that unless you wish to "scout" Newport for a future longer visit to the states (or perhaps later on during this visit) I wouldn't make the detour (and I'm one of Newport's biggest fans). For that short of time you won't get the chance to do much, or even see much, and since this is a rather "ugly" time of year in New England the drive won't even be that pretty or scenic. Might as well get to Mystic sooner and get to see and do more there.

hedgehog

Thank you for your help. Larry I would love to catch a glimpse of Newport if we can although I appreciate and agree with your comments. I imagine we will play it by ear and dependent upon weather and traffic decide enroute whether to take a detour into Newport. We do have some time on tuesday before heading to NYC to see Mystic too, but overall it's just a flying visit to both towns. As you say, it's not the best time of year to enjoy the region at its best.
Should have asked before but how long should we allow to drive from Mystic to reach Midtown East NYC by 6pm tuesday?
Finally, IS there still much (or any) snow around in Boston now?

Anonymous

Yes, I still haven't seen half of my yard since November.

We are expecting several more inches of snow tonight; if you don't believe me, see:

http://www.southofboston.net/weather/

EmilyC

If you are driving at your own pace, you may enjoy the detour to Newport. You can drive around Newport on a Monday fairly easily and perhaps enjoy lunch at a great local restaurant. If you go, be sure to drive Ocean Drive, take a look at the mansions from the exterior on Bellevue Avenue, drive into Fort Adams (on Ocean Drive) ,and up and behind the Eisenhower House( up and to the left when you enter Fort Adams) and down to the water for some great vistas. Pull into Castle Hill Inn for the view and perhaps lunch ( check to make sure that they open for lunch, though. Lunch on Thames Street - 22 Bowen on Bowens Wharf (not cheap), Panera Bread ( good deli dandwiches,cheap), Christies - touristy but fun for all the pix inside.

It would be infinitely easier to drop off a rental car in Mystic and take Amtrak into Penn Station. There is a train stop right in Mystic.
It's only about 35 - 40 minutes to drive to Mystic from Newport.
I hope this helps you - enjoy your visit!!

bennnie

Definately take the detour to Newport - its lovely even if you just have time to drive down Bellevue and Ocean Drive. Personally I would follow the coastal route over the Jamestown Bridge through Narragansett etc and then to Mystic. Its a beautiful drive.

hedgehog

Thank you Emily and bennie - we WILL make the time to get to Newport, you've talked me into it!

Larry1

Well, thought I would post one more time. As a born Newporter I will agree that Ocean Drive, Bellevue Ave, and the drive from Newport down to Mystic is very Beautiful- In the summer will all the flowers and greenery, in the fall with leaves turning, and even in the winter with snow on the ground-very picturesque. But its erarly spring, people! That means cold rain, brown trees and grass, and mud. If that is your idea of a scenic drive, well ok then. By the way, you do realize that is was hedgehog's plan to leave Boston in the early afternoon? That means no lunch in Newport. And if they stay for dinner, that means they will be driving to Mystic in dark- hardly scenic at any time of year.
Now if Hedgehog had posted that they were leaving Boston early in the morning, and could spend a FULL day in Newport, I would say go for it, you can have lunch, do a little shoppping, even visit a mansion, in addition to the viewing the beautiful brown scenery.

Dreamer2

Larry,
If you were staying in London, and had the opportunitiy for a drive by of Windsor Palace, and through the lovely town of Windsor, wouldn't you want to go? Even if you only have an hour to spend, who knows when you can make it back. With all the travel spent to get here, a couple hour drive/detour to see a town or sight is no big deal, even if you are only spending an hour or two there.

I would definitely drive through Newport, Hedgehog. But as recommended, I'd try to leave as early as possible on Monday AFTER rush hour (around 10:00 am). I would even try to see either The Breakers, and take a short peak at the the Cliff Walk behind it, or The Elms, which has an audio tour you can do at your own pace (quickly!). There are so many places for lunch/dinner; I'd eat down around the Wharf area, touristy or not!

The problem with predicting the snow... it can change within 24 hours - or less. Sat and Sun are supposed to be pretty nice, partly sunny and a bit coolish. But you'll come across some plowed mounds of filthy snow and lots of residue sand on the roads and even sidewalks. Another storm is predicted as "possibility" of snow Sunday night into Monday. It melts fast this time of year, but always creates a traffic headache and slushy mess for walking.

You are probably already on route, so best wishes for safe travel and a happy holiday! Hopefully you can check in to your post once settled in Boston. Have fun!

rkkwan

Only house open Monday 3/28 will be The Breakers. And it opens at 10. No reason to wait till late to leave Boston - you're going against traffic.

Newport has its charm in the winter - I used to live in RI, and I never go to Newport in the summer as I hate crowds. Right now, it can be cold and wet, but it's also quiet and can be quite enjoyable too.

Narragansett is another nice seaside town. On your way from Newport to Mystic, take Route 1A south right after you cross the Jamestown Bridge. 1A will rejoin US1, which will bring you all the way to Mystic.

Larry1

Windsor Palace/Windsor compared to the Breakers/Newport? Poor analogy. This is not like making a detour into DC to see the White House and to drive by the monuments, which is a more correct analogy. It seems silly for me to reccommend against visiting Newport: I was born there, went to college there, and go on vacation there 3 times a year. I am just considering the time of year and the amount of time Hedgehog has to spend. I am sure they will enjoy the visit no matter what they do, which is of course the main thing after all.