We will be going to Boston the second week of September for three days and then are thinking of renting a car and heading out. We will have five more days. I haven't made plane reservations yet, so we could possibly fly home from another location. Suggestions on where to go, where to stay, places of interest, restaurants, etc. would be appreciated. We're not much for laying in the sun but wouldn't mind something relaxing but with stuff to do. Thanks.

I'd either go north to Maine, west to the Berkshires, or south to Cape Cod or Newport, RI. The mansions in Newport arenice to tour, there's a cliff walk, shopping, good restaurants, the only thing is that the hotels are very expensive, so you could check the surrounding towns for more reasonable room prices. Maine is beautiful and Ogunquit is a nice spot to find a room and things to do. Try doing a search for each of the places mentioned and read the threads to get some ideas. Have a great time!

Head north, either to Vermont or Maine. Both are beautiful and if you're far enough north, the leaves may be starting to change at that time of year. Timing of fall foliage varies; but depending upon weather conditions, it's possible to catch a bit of color in mid-Sept.

A great place to go is to Bar Harbor, Maine. We did this exact trip about three years ago (2 nights in boston and 4 in Bar Harbor). Bar Harbor was great - the town is very quaint with great restaurants and shopping. Your right on the ocean and there are fun boat tours. We also went mountain biking in Acadia - it was a lot of fun. We stayed at the Bar Harbor Inn and loved it - great location. For a casual meal - the pizza at Geddy's was great!

So many possibilities for five days, really. September is a great time of year to be in New England, you can't go wrong whatever you choose.

I would suggest Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. The summer crowds will be gone, so things would be mellower.

You have gotten good suggestions so far. There are also lots of historical sites, museums, etc. if that interests you. Do you prefer city, coast or mountains? Do you mind driving around, or would you rather stay in one place? You can combine a trip with all of the above if you don't mind a little driving.

Once you narrow down your choices, you can get more specific lodging and restaurant recommendations.

How long a drive to Bar Harbour and would you stop somewhere along the way overnight and, if so, where? What's to do along the way? Where would you fly out of? Thanks.