Adirondacks->Cape Cod->
 

Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teens) driving to Cape Cod from Ohio and want to spend 2 nights in the Adirondack, NY area on the way. Any suggestions for places to stay on/near Route 28--has anyone ever heard of the Big Moose Inn in Eagle Bay, NY? <BR> <BR>We have rented a place in West Yarmouth, MA <BR>with relatives for a week (Donner House-Great Island Ocean Club Rentals--anyone familiar with it?)Any suggested day trips/must-see's from West Yarmouth? My husband is an avid fisherman so any suggested charters would be appreciated also. <BR> <BR>Our next leg of the trip would be to Plymouth and then to Boston. I didn't realize that we would be in Boston around the 4th which will be great to take in the Pops Concert and 4th of July festivities, but now am having a hard time finding accommodations. Any suggestions? We would be okay with staying farther away from downtown as long as we're close to public transportation. <BR> <BR>ANY HELP MUCH APPRECIATED--THANKS!!!! <BR>Diane

In terms of your stay in Boston - you will definately need to find someplace where you can hop on to public transportation without having to park your car - the lots at the T stations outside of the city fill up very quickly. Try you luck with Cambridge hotels - particularly in the Harvard Square area - the Charles, The Harvard Inn, The Sheraton Commander are a few that are close to the red line subway stop which is a straight shot to the esplanade ("Charles" T stop) where the concert is held - be ready to get there at dawn if you want a good spot - it really is a total mob scene - the fireworks can also be seen from the Cambridge side of the river - MIT area for example - try the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge - with a room on the river side you might be able to see the show from your window! <BR>While on the cape - I encourage you to venture out to the "Outer cape" - the area between Orleans and Provincetown. Check out the National Seashore beaches (Nauset is a beauty and not too far out) <BR>The Marconi station (part of the national seashore) is interesting. Provincetown itself is a delight - phenomenal scenery at the beaches and dunes and a very vibrant downtown area with great restaurants and shops - be sure to visit the monument which is on a hill just behind the town - great views from the top and a nice little museum to tour.

Another Boston area hotel to try is the HOliday Inn Newton. It's right at the end of the Riverside Line of the T. It takes you right into Boston safely, relatively quickly, and cheaply. <BR>Woburn also has a variety of chain hotels and has a commuter rail stop within walking distance of most of the hotels. Have fun!

Diane <BR>If you are thinking about making a stop in the Adirondacks with your kids I would recommend Lake Placid. It is so beautiful!!!It is the center of all actions and it could be easily incorporated in your itinerary. However you would need to make your reservation now. It is a very busy place during July and August. Any questions please ask. <BR>My husband is always so happy to hear that people from Ohio are visiting this area. He is from Mansfield (but a long ago).

Diane, I'll second the Newton Holiday Inn suggestion, as it's right next to the T Green line. You might also try the Holiday Inn in Brookline, much closer to the city, and a great location. <BR> <BR>If you'd really like to splurge for the 4th, there are some boats that offer fireworks cruises. You board and they cruise up the Charles River to right under the fireworks. The view is amazing, and you won't waste your whole day sitting on the river bank. Whatever you do, don't waste your day sitting. You can spend the day doing lots of fun things right in the city, and then make your way over to the river later in the day to stake out your spot. There are now sound towers and HUGE TV screens set up at intervals all along the river, so you can see and hear everything. The only people who will be sitting on the oval (the place where you can see the Hatch Shell itself) will have arrived by 6am, and that's no way for you to spend your vacation time. <BR>Another way to get a good view of the fireworks is at the Museum of Science. They offer viewing spots from their parking garage (right over the river) and you might be able to buy tickets for this area. If you need more advice about Boston or watching the fireworks, feel free to e-mail me directly. My family will be there, too! It's the best fireworks show in the world! <BR>Oh, here's a suggestion. On July 3rd the concert is played in full, except for the fireworks, so if you'd like to see/hear it, plan to attend that one. It's far less crowded. It's a special "thank you" performance for the people who work for the MDC (our parks dept.)and who will be working to make the 4th a great performance. Also, the whole weekend is known as Harborfest, and there are fireworks over the harbor at some time that weekend as well. The Boston tourist people will have that information, I'm sure. Have a great vacation.

Thanks so much for the wonderful suggestions--I'm checking out the Boston <BR>accommodations everyone mentioned now... <BR>Please keep ideas coming--I need all the <BR>help I can get!! <BR>Diane

Diane, <BR> <BR>I can suggest your family stay at Mirror Lake Inn located in Lake Placid. We were there a few years ago...very family oriented, but not 'too cute' for teens. Lots to see and do. While not a luxury resort, the Inn does book quickly during the summer. You may want to investigate this property. <BR>Hope this helps.

Hi, Diane- <BR> I have been to the Big Moose Inn for dinner, not to stay overnight, and while it is a nice place, it is way off the main road (rt 28). Looks close on the map, but the road is primitive. There isn't much to do there either. I suggest staying in Old Forge, the first real Adironack town you come to if you you are traveling up Rt 28 off Interstate 90. It is a nice day trip from my home in Syracuse, so feel free to e-mail me directly for specific info on this area. I do a lot of kayaking (flat water)and hiking in this part of the Adirondacks. The teens might enjoy a hike up Blue Mountain or a day at the water park (Water Safari) in Old Forge. Nature trails and wildlife galore! I took a sea plane ride over the high peaks this fall - what a blast and I think it was only $15. <BR> I also love the Cape - especially along Rt 6A through the quaint old towns. Fodor's guide to Cape Cod is excellent - gives great "off the beaten path" sites and clam shacks to visit. <BR> We drove across from the Adirondacks to the Cape one summer and made a pit stop in Vermont at Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory. It was great! A tour and some samples of product, all free. Even the teens will think it is neat - the hippy story of Ben & Jerry is very "in". <BR> Contact me for more details - Karen <BR> <BR>