I'm planning a trip through Northeastern Italy in late August. Starting in Trieste and working our way back to Milan. I know that Venice is very crowded this time of year but I'd like to find a hotel for a couple of nights that is close enough for day-touring in Venice, but not in the throes of the tourists. Any suggestions - perhaps a little suburb of Venice (is there such a thing?). Also, any other quaint little towns to visit or stay in along this route?

If you want to see Venice, you don't want to stay in a "suburb." Mestre, which is on the mainland, is, I guess, a suburb. The islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello and Lido might also be considered suburbs. In August, I'd imagine the islands (especially Lido which is a beach) would be popular. But every time you wanted to be IN Venice, you'd have to take a boat. Not terrible, just not as convenient.

You haven't mentioned budget or preferenece for size in a hotel. Do you mind a b & b? There are plenty of places that are not right in the tourist area. I would suggest avoiding the weekend in Venice if you can help it. Venere.com is a popular website for shopping.

This isn't exactly off the beaten path, but it does have that feel to it, Hotel FLora. It's a short walk to San Marco, but down a little alleyway, so removed from the crowds and noise. It also has it's own lovely little garden. No canal views from the rooms, but lots of peace, quiet and charm.

Definitely stay in Venice. We just loved the Hotel Giorgione which is away from the crowds and in a nice neighborhood in Cannaregio.

Check out Casa Martini, also in the Cannaregio district. I loved this little hidden hotel. Small and charming, and the nice hosts can direct you to "off-the-beaten-path" restaurants in this locals' neighborhood. The Jewish Ghetto is a couple of minutes away and you can get to San Marco in about 15 minutes by vaporetto, or a great, meandering 30 minute or so walk.

casamartini.it

A tiny bit off the beaten path, along the Guidecca canal in Dosoduro (sp?) area try Pensione La Calcina. This district is the other side of the Accademia bridge, so only 15 mins. walk to San Marcos but not nearly as jambed with tourists.

I agree with the suggestion for the Georgione. And I also agree that if you're going to see Venice, then it's far better to stay in Venice. If you stay in an area other than San Marco, there are few crowds and you get to see the interesting neighborhoods. I was there during Carnivale one year - and even then, once you left San Marco, the crowds were very manageable.
Have a great time!
Dona

Stay in Venice. The city gets crowded during the day but in the evening the day trippers all leave and you get a much more enjoyable experience. If you are another day tripper you will never know this.

We enjoyed the AL GAMBERO on Calle dei Fabbri when last there in 1999. Midway between the Rialto and St Marks, new rooms (at the time), nice people and reasonably priced.