Boston & New England
Apr 26th, 2012, 10:36 AM
#1
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Boston & New England
We are a family of 4. This is our first trip to New England. I have reviewed some of the posts, but wanted some advise on possible itineraries. We arrive in Boston but do not want to stay there as we r coming back to fly out of Boston and will have 3 days to spend.So we have 5 nights in between.
Arrive on Day 1-2 rent car and drive down to Camden and stay 2 nights there.How long is this ride?Visit Rockland?
Day3 From Camden drive down to Bath, Booth Harbor spend a day
Day3-4 drive to Portland and stay 2 nights there
Day 5 drive to Portsmouth, Salem, Gloucester to Boston
Thanks so much for your thoughts and suggestions! I'm looking at multiple guidebooks and still confused and overwhelmed.
Arrive on Day 1-2 rent car and drive down to Camden and stay 2 nights there.How long is this ride?Visit Rockland?
Day3 From Camden drive down to Bath, Booth Harbor spend a day
Day3-4 drive to Portland and stay 2 nights there
Day 5 drive to Portsmouth, Salem, Gloucester to Boston
Thanks so much for your thoughts and suggestions! I'm looking at multiple guidebooks and still confused and overwhelmed.
Apr 26th, 2012, 10:51 AM
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Hi Iada:
>
I used Google maps and it indicated that the drive from Logan Int'l to Camden, ME will take you 3 hours and 31 minutes. Depending on traffic, it could take longer.
I can only comment on Portland, ME. I spent a long weekend there and absolutely enjoyed it. When you go, stop by Duck Fat restaurant for a bite to eat. It's not in a very big space so there is a wait for tables. It's different and fun. I even took my parents there when they visited in October 2011 and they enjoyed it.
I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the New England area as well as spending a few days in Boston!
TR
>
I used Google maps and it indicated that the drive from Logan Int'l to Camden, ME will take you 3 hours and 31 minutes. Depending on traffic, it could take longer.
I can only comment on Portland, ME. I spent a long weekend there and absolutely enjoyed it. When you go, stop by Duck Fat restaurant for a bite to eat. It's not in a very big space so there is a wait for tables. It's different and fun. I even took my parents there when they visited in October 2011 and they enjoyed it.
I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the New England area as well as spending a few days in Boston!
TR
Apr 26th, 2012, 03:23 PM
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TravelRibbon thank you for your respond.
I'm still debating on itinerary.
We are coming in end of June and have 8 days,from which 3days spending in Boston at the end. Where to go and what to do other 5 not sure.
I'm still debating on itinerary.
We are coming in end of June and have 8 days,from which 3days spending in Boston at the end. Where to go and what to do other 5 not sure.
Apr 26th, 2012, 06:43 PM
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Portsmouth, Gloucester, and Salem are too much for one day. I would suggest leaving out Gloucester.
I'm assuming that your family of 4 includes 2 children. How old are they?
Salem has the Peabody Essex Museum (which includes lots of art from Asia, a house brought over in its entirety from China, and several old American houses in the neighborhood—but it is expensive to visit), the Salem Maritime National Historic Park, and the House of the Seven Gables (which is interesting but overpriced, in my opinion).
Others can tell you more about Portsmouth, but it does have Strawbery Banke, a collection of old houses/buildings that are furnished to reflect various periods in the city's history.
Gloucester is the least interesting to me. If you have seen the Maine coast, you don't really need to visit the coast around Gloucester, and I don't think there's that much to do in the town itself. Rockport (near Gloucester) can be interesting for browsing in the shops, but children might tire of that quickly. There are some sandy beaches, but the water might be a bit cool for going in.
I'm assuming that your family of 4 includes 2 children. How old are they?
Salem has the Peabody Essex Museum (which includes lots of art from Asia, a house brought over in its entirety from China, and several old American houses in the neighborhood—but it is expensive to visit), the Salem Maritime National Historic Park, and the House of the Seven Gables (which is interesting but overpriced, in my opinion).
Others can tell you more about Portsmouth, but it does have Strawbery Banke, a collection of old houses/buildings that are furnished to reflect various periods in the city's history.
Gloucester is the least interesting to me. If you have seen the Maine coast, you don't really need to visit the coast around Gloucester, and I don't think there's that much to do in the town itself. Rockport (near Gloucester) can be interesting for browsing in the shops, but children might tire of that quickly. There are some sandy beaches, but the water might be a bit cool for going in.
Apr 26th, 2012, 07:32 PM
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Portsmouth, and Salem each deserve a day at least. Gloucester you can see it in 1/2 day. I like Portland a lot as well; we spent a weekend there 2 summers ago, here is my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-june-2010.cfm
And here's a trip report from 3 summers ago when we visited the N shore (we do daytrips up there every summer; I just didn't post a report every single time)
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...estersalem.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-june-2010.cfm
And here's a trip report from 3 summers ago when we visited the N shore (we do daytrips up there every summer; I just didn't post a report every single time)
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...estersalem.cfm
Apr 27th, 2012, 03:08 AM
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Does end of June mean you will be here for 4th of July?
How old are the children traveling with you or is it a family of 4 adults?
Bath is a city. Boothbay is a tourist town on the water. If you like history, there's the Maritime Museum in Bath. If you like the outdoors, you might want to visit Maine Coastal Gardens. If you want to get out on the water, you can do a day trip to Monhegan Island (bring a picnic lunch and be prepared for rocky hiking).
How old are the children traveling with you or is it a family of 4 adults?
Bath is a city. Boothbay is a tourist town on the water. If you like history, there's the Maritime Museum in Bath. If you like the outdoors, you might want to visit Maine Coastal Gardens. If you want to get out on the water, you can do a day trip to Monhegan Island (bring a picnic lunch and be prepared for rocky hiking).
Apr 27th, 2012, 03:35 AM
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Your itinerary is not too bad but I agree that Portsmouth, Gloucester and Salem is too much for one day. You could easily take a day from Portland - perhaps spend that night in Portsmouth. The distances are not far (I've gone from Boston to Camden and back on a day trip, not suggesting you do anything like that, just saying it's not that far). I think your idea of driving up to your northernmost destination and working your way back is good. Just take the interstate up and then the coastal route back down over the several days.
By the way, from Boston you drive "up" not "down" to Camden. In Maine they do call it "down East" but that's not till further north of Camden (when the coast turns east instead of north - I know, very confusing).
Between Portland and Portsmouth there is Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, York - all worth stopping in. In Ogunquit there is a path along the water (called "Marginal Way") that is a nice walk, they also have one of the nicer beaches. In Portland try to drive out to Portland Head Lighthouse, it's on every calendar of lighthouses that you have ever seen. You can easily google the directions to it. Another great lighthouse is Nubble Light in York, also easy to get to.
Gloucester and Rockport Mass are also very worthwhile. I disagree with the poster who said don't bother with them if you have been to Maine. In fact Rockport Mass also has some scenes you are probably familiar with - "Motif 1" is a painting reproduced on a zillion calendars. And in Gloucester (a larger fishing town, not as picturesque as nearby Rockport) there is Hamden Castle which is pretty interesting.
Pictures of all the above at: http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/new_england
Here is the itinerary I suggest:
Day 1 drive up to Camden, spend night
Day 2 explore that region, spend night
Day 3 drive from Camden to Portland exploring region in between, night in Portland
Day 4 drive to Portsmouth, exploring region in between, night in Portsmouth
Day 5 drive to Gloucester/Rockport, then Salem, drop car, night in Boston
By the way, from Boston you drive "up" not "down" to Camden. In Maine they do call it "down East" but that's not till further north of Camden (when the coast turns east instead of north - I know, very confusing).
Between Portland and Portsmouth there is Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, York - all worth stopping in. In Ogunquit there is a path along the water (called "Marginal Way") that is a nice walk, they also have one of the nicer beaches. In Portland try to drive out to Portland Head Lighthouse, it's on every calendar of lighthouses that you have ever seen. You can easily google the directions to it. Another great lighthouse is Nubble Light in York, also easy to get to.
Gloucester and Rockport Mass are also very worthwhile. I disagree with the poster who said don't bother with them if you have been to Maine. In fact Rockport Mass also has some scenes you are probably familiar with - "Motif 1" is a painting reproduced on a zillion calendars. And in Gloucester (a larger fishing town, not as picturesque as nearby Rockport) there is Hamden Castle which is pretty interesting.
Pictures of all the above at: http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/new_england
Here is the itinerary I suggest:
Day 1 drive up to Camden, spend night
Day 2 explore that region, spend night
Day 3 drive from Camden to Portland exploring region in between, night in Portland
Day 4 drive to Portsmouth, exploring region in between, night in Portsmouth
Day 5 drive to Gloucester/Rockport, then Salem, drop car, night in Boston
Apr 27th, 2012, 09:38 AM
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Thank you all for advice.
I'm traveling with my husband and two kids 9 and 12years old girls. And we are flying out on July 4 at 7a.m.,so we are missing fireworks.
isabel, you think 1 night Portland enough?
I think I'm missing one night. Coming in on Tuesday26 ,have hotel in Boston July 1.
I'm traveling with my husband and two kids 9 and 12years old girls. And we are flying out on July 4 at 7a.m.,so we are missing fireworks.
isabel, you think 1 night Portland enough?
I think I'm missing one night. Coming in on Tuesday26 ,have hotel in Boston July 1.
Apr 27th, 2012, 10:09 AM
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You already have too much on your plate. Even though you're flying out on July 4th, you can still participate in LOTs of July 4th activities in Boston. The celebration usually starts 5-6 days before July 4th. Check this website for details and daily events:
http://www.bostonharborfest.com/dailyevents.html
http://www.bostonharborfest.com/dailyevents.html
Apr 27th, 2012, 11:59 AM
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lada, you can take the fast ferry to Provincetown for a day trip from Boston, if you wish. You may find that you'll have plenty to do already in Boston, but it is an option and you can decide after you arrive, depending on the weather.
Apr 27th, 2012, 01:35 PM
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Yes you do have one extra night. I guess in that case I'd add it to Portland making that two nights. I like Portland, but it's pretty small and not that much to do. But that would allow you more time both north and south of it. Or actually I'd add the night to Boston if you can. If you can't perhaps you could spend the last night in the Gloucester/Rockport/Salem area and get to Boston early on July 1 instead of late in the day. You really don't have that much time in Boston. And if you did that you might be able to squeeze in the ferry over to Provincetown as a day trip. I would definitely NOT try to drive out to the cape, no way do you have enough time for that and the traffic will be horrible.
With five days you really have enough for a pretty leisurely exploration of that part of the Maine coast and Cape Ann. So you don't need more. At the same time, you don't have enough time to add any major other areas (e.g. going up to Acadia, or to the Cape). So I'd keep it at that and add the time to Boston where you could easily spend more time.
With five days you really have enough for a pretty leisurely exploration of that part of the Maine coast and Cape Ann. So you don't need more. At the same time, you don't have enough time to add any major other areas (e.g. going up to Acadia, or to the Cape). So I'd keep it at that and add the time to Boston where you could easily spend more time.
Apr 27th, 2012, 03:10 PM
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WOW! Thanks so much for taking the time to help me.
yk thank you for this website,I didn't realize that celebration starts way before July 4th.,
Isabel and cw: I guess I do need extra night in Boston
Should I do
1night Camden,
1 night Portland,
1 night Portsmouth
4nights Boston
yk thank you for this website,I didn't realize that celebration starts way before July 4th.,
Isabel and cw: I guess I do need extra night in Boston
Should I do
1night Camden,
1 night Portland,
1 night Portsmouth
4nights Boston
Apr 27th, 2012, 03:55 PM
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I had forgotten about Hammond Castle in Gloucester (http://www.hammondcastle.org). I would recommend it to the OP more if the children were boys, though. I visited it with friends and their 2 boys (who were about the ages of the OP's girls) and the boys enjoyed the medieval feel of it.
Beauport (Sleeper-McCann House) is in Gloucester as well. It is supposed to be impressive (I have not visited it) but I'm not sure how much tween girls would enjoy it—probably more than tween boys! http://www.historicnewengland.org/hi...uport/beauport
I would be more encouraging about visiting Gloucester and Rockport if you were not going to Maine, but I just don't think they worth taking time from an already crowded schedule to see, especially with children as part of the trip. (If you were going to Boston but NOT to Maine, I WOULD say to visit them, for the contrast. I live on the North Shore and have been to both quite a few times.) But there is enough in Portsmouth and Salem to keep everyone interested without having to rush things.
As for fireworks, many towns around Boston have them before July 4. As you have a 7:00 AM flight on July 4, though, you might not want to be out late with the crowds before you have to get up early to fly home. In case you do want to see them, here is a link to the 2011 schedule (it is for all of Massachusetts); the 2012 schedule is not out yet. http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/...rks/p21018.php
Beauport (Sleeper-McCann House) is in Gloucester as well. It is supposed to be impressive (I have not visited it) but I'm not sure how much tween girls would enjoy it—probably more than tween boys! http://www.historicnewengland.org/hi...uport/beauport
I would be more encouraging about visiting Gloucester and Rockport if you were not going to Maine, but I just don't think they worth taking time from an already crowded schedule to see, especially with children as part of the trip. (If you were going to Boston but NOT to Maine, I WOULD say to visit them, for the contrast. I live on the North Shore and have been to both quite a few times.) But there is enough in Portsmouth and Salem to keep everyone interested without having to rush things.
As for fireworks, many towns around Boston have them before July 4. As you have a 7:00 AM flight on July 4, though, you might not want to be out late with the crowds before you have to get up early to fly home. In case you do want to see them, here is a link to the 2011 schedule (it is for all of Massachusetts); the 2012 schedule is not out yet. http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/...rks/p21018.php
Apr 27th, 2012, 05:47 PM
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Now I'm getting confused with the number of nights(!) . . . you need two nights in Camden, it's a drive from Boston and you want to be able to have time to relax. I don't think I'd spend a night in both Portland and Portsmouth. Portland is about two hours from Boston and there is lots to see in between. You could get to Portland late afternoon, spend one or two nights, and meander down the coast, driving through Portsmouth.
You could then spend a night on the Mass. North Shore--Newburyport or Rockport?--then to Boston for your three nights. Or just skip that night and spend four in Boston. I just don't want you to feel as though it's a driving vacation, so it depends a lot on what you want to see, your tolerance for driving and packing and unpacking for one night. You may want to fit in some beach time along the way!
You could then spend a night on the Mass. North Shore--Newburyport or Rockport?--then to Boston for your three nights. Or just skip that night and spend four in Boston. I just don't want you to feel as though it's a driving vacation, so it depends a lot on what you want to see, your tolerance for driving and packing and unpacking for one night. You may want to fit in some beach time along the way!
Apr 28th, 2012, 10:19 AM
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many, many thanks to all!
My itinerary now: Arriving Tue.26 a,m driving to Candem,spending Tue and Wed. nights there( visit Rockland,Bath,Boothbay harbor),Thur.,Fri. Portland(Cape Elizabeth),Sat.spend the night in Gloucester and Sun a.m Boston 3 nights.
My itinerary now: Arriving Tue.26 a,m driving to Candem,spending Tue and Wed. nights there( visit Rockland,Bath,Boothbay harbor),Thur.,Fri. Portland(Cape Elizabeth),Sat.spend the night in Gloucester and Sun a.m Boston 3 nights.
Apr 28th, 2012, 04:49 PM
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portland has a great mailboat ferry to the islands off the coast, atually deliver mail to the islands, 3 hours roundtrip.. my kids loved it! casco bay cruises.. downtown portland. rokport is prettier/more walkable than glouester..boston will be gret, look into city pass for big attrations and savings..
