After spending a few days in NYC and Boston we are picking up a hire car and doing an 8 day tour - with all the accommodation now booked.
It's a very short time to cover a lot of ground. I am trying to identify the 'must sees' preferably with some wet and dry options.
We will probably major on scenery and sights, add in a small touch of culture and avoid spending too long shopping (but don't tell my wife and daughter).
Also worth noting that on the expenditure scale we are usually somewhere between low budget and cheapskate but will fork out if it's really worth it.
Apologies for opening several threads on this but I thought it best to try and be specific rather than cover the whole tour in one.
Thanks in advance
Rick

Should have mentioned that this is in the second half of April
Rick

Between Boston and Portsmouth you could stop in Salem MA to see the sight of the infamous Salem Witch Trials. There is also a small but excellent museum on the China trade that along with whaling made New England the commercial hot spot of America. Also lots of restored antique homes. Personally I don't like the witch stuff but the Peabody museum is worthwhile.

If you want to see a better example of a New England seaport you could stop in Newburyport. Its cleaner, more attractive and has a better choice of shops and restaurants. It is on the Merrimac River and has a boardwalk to stroll along. Lots of restaurants for lunch, shops and art galleries for poking in and out of. I would also say the best place to take a walk on the beach is on Plum Island. There is a national wildlife sanctuary that is renowned for its "birding" opportunties. And the beach itself is very scenic and lovely for a long walk which may be just the ticket after long drives and big cities.

Though I am partial to Newburyport, it is similar in atmosphere to Portsmouth with the exception of Plum Island.

Enjoy your

sorry - hit the reply button too fast.

Wanted to say enjoy your stay in New England. Also, the weather in NE at this time of the year if iffy at best. Could be sunny and 70 or it could snow. For example today it will be 60 and slightly overcast. Snow is predicted for tomorrow. Water sports are generally out of the question except the most adventurous/foolhardy. A walk on the beach is probably as good as it gets.

Do go Salem and Cape Ann! I would add the Witch Museum (not "House") and the House of 7 Gables to your Salem itinerary. And do try to get out to Gloucester and the Hammond Castle Museum. You could find a great seafood dinner (or lunch) in Essex, MA or any type of dining in Newburyport, MA.
Rye, NH is the home of the Seacoast Science Center, which is very low-key but beautifully situated on the coast. Some interesting "tide-pooling" opportunities are there if you're interested in that type of thing, also nice walking paths with views of the coast.
Once you're in Portsmouth, be sure to visit the Strawberry Banke colonial village. I'm not sure if the harbour tour boats will be operating, but if you venture out to sea, dress warmly!
You must let your wife and daughter cross over the border in Maine for outlet shopping in Kittery. But be prepared for them to be gone awhile! Have fun!

Now that I realize from your other posts that this is only a 1-2 day event, I would like to pare down my suggestions above. If I were you, I'd go the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester after leaving Boston (call ahead - be sure they're open). Then I'd spend the rest of the day in Salem doing the House of 7 Gables, Witch Museum, and Peabody Essex Museum if time allowed. From there I'd go directly to Portsmouth. Dinner would preferably be in Portsmouth, with Newburyport as a second choice, or Salem as a backup. The next day in Portsmouth you could visit Strawberry Banke and the little shops around town before heading into Vermont. I'd personally skip the outlets in favor of a half day stop later in So. Deerfield, MA at the Yankee Candle Shop and Chandlers for lunch!

Thank you for your replies.
Sounds like there's a lot crammed into a small area - I don't think we are going to be bored!
Rick

I liked Salem and Newburyport. Salem had a lot to do which had nothing to do with the Witch trials. I mean they have the witch stuff too, naturally, but other things too. The Peabody Museum and Essex Institute is wonderful. Lots of walking tours and "interesting" shops The House of 7 Gables is interesting espescially on a nice day as is Chestnut St.