colbeck

The Castle Hill Inn (www.castlehillinn.com) in Newport RI is a lovely inn with fantastic views.

Vttraveler

I'd try to cut down on some of the destinations on your original itinerary. I wouldn't go as far north as Bar Harbor in Maine. I wouldn't drive across NH and Vt to Burlington only to turn around and head southeast to western MA. The Woodstock area might be an easier stop in VT. From there I would stick with your original plan and go south on I-91 to Deerfield rather than crossing to southwestern Vt then going back east in MA as others have suggested.

If you are interested in history, Old Deerfield, Sturbridge and Plimouth plantation are all good places to visit and all take a day to see. They are museums, not just scenic towns.

I'd cut out Mystic and spend the extra time in Newport

TerrMys

Zig-zagging across Vermont isn't really a problem considering each leg is still less than 3 hours of driving per day. I think that gives a much better experience of the state than just driving down the Connecticut River Valley, personally.

I also understand the desire to cut out Acadia since it's so far out there, but I think it would be kind of a shame. It really is one of the most beautiful places in New England, although spending more time in the Mid-Coast villages is definitely not a bad thing. It's my favorite part of the state.

I would recommend that you keep in Acadia; but if you do end up cutting it, make sure you do the Mt. Battie drive in Camden (or, if you're up to it, hike Mt. Megunticook). Not quite Cadillac Mtn., but wonderfull nonetheless.

MBnancy

We spent a couple nights at the Top Side Inn in Boothbay Harbor, ME.
Had a fantastic corner room on the 3rd floor, room #6. Best breakfast all week. Could walk into town. The view are spectacular.

http://www.topsideinn.com/