5 perfect days in rural New England
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to New England in mid May. We have firm plans for our week in Boston but need help with our five days in a more rural area of New England. We will begin our trip north from Boston on a Monday and need to return by Saturday. Our only parameters are that we would like to see small interesting towns, beautiful scenery, and maybe take day trips from only one or two bases (probably in New Hamshire or Vermont?).
Any suggestions for an itinerary and for hotels/B&Bs? We would prefer nice but not overly expensive lodging. Some of the best meals on our past trips have been at restaurants that locals prefer. Any suggestions?

Having lived north of Boston (Rockport) for over 10 years, I would recommend:
<b>Rockport - Marblehead (old town) - Gloucester</b>.

The Barnicle is a favorite local restaurant in Marblehead; love the NE chowder. You can do all these in one day and still get to NH for your lodging. If you like antiques, swing through Essex on Rt. 133 as you head north.
:)

Thank you. I love chowder so we will try to pass through Rockport.

Jackson N.Hampshire in the center of the White mountains.Paul

There are hundreds of towns and villages that will meet your needs.
First - do you want seacoast or mountains, or a little of both? How much driving do you want to do?
Mid May in northern New England can be a little iffy weatherwise, anything from sunny and pleasant, to snow flurries. Also, mid may is the beginning of blackfly season, which could impact mountain hikes.
As for where to go - Vermont is probably the most bucolic and relaxing state in the Northeast. Towns like Woodstock, Chester, Stowe and Waitsfield make good choices. The Round Barn Inn in Waitsfield is very idyllic, as is Marshland Farm in Quechee.
New Hampshire is more varied, with rugged mountains, beautiful lakes, and some tacky commercialism. The White Mountains offer perhaps the best hiking east of the Mississippi. However, be alert to weather conditions than can get tricky in these hight peaks. Jackson, Bethlehem, and Sugar hill make good base towns.

Thank you so much. I am now going to research each of the areas for lodging. This forum is a fabulous way of communicating.