Cape Ann, Cape Cod or Providence RI
 

As I have posted in another message, my husband and I will be in Boston for 4 nights i June. We currently have 2 nights booked in Cape Cod but I'm thinking maybe that's not our best option. DH had knee replacement surgery in March. While he will be done with rehab when we go I don't expect him to be able to do as much walking as he used to be able to do (basically he could walk all day and not tire out). Having read some posts on Cape Cod I realized to take a ferry to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard that we would be without a car and renting a bike is not an option for us at this time. We are looking for quaint seaside villages, great views of the ocean - not necessarily to spend a day at the beach, but to spend some time on the shores. Good seafood is a must. We would like to go whale watching but can do that out of Boston if we don't make it to P'Town. Unless there's whale watching in Cape Ann? I throw in Providence RI because I saw a great special on a hotel and also because it's near Newport.

Should we choose Cape Ann should I keep the hotel in Boston for a few extra days and make Cape Ann a day trip or is it too far for day trips? If we choose Providence is there the same feeling (quaint New England seaside villages) and is 2 days long enough, too long, etc.

Thank you!!

Providence definitely does not have a quaint seaside village feel, it's a larger city and not near the water. Newport may be a good option, although it's bit spread out so you'd have to do a fair bit of walking. I think Newport deserves at least 2 days.

Cape Ann has what you're looking for and the towns are all within an hour of Boston so you can do daytrips if you want.

You can tack Marblehead on to the Cape Ann trip, too, if you want.

Cape Ann is definitely what you want. It could be done as a daytrip from Boston, but I think it would be better to stay there (more relaxing that way!) In addition to Cape Ann, don't miss the towns further up the coast - Ipswich, Newburyport, etc. You could even make a drive up to Portsmouth or York if you wanted.

I think you will love Cape Ann. Instead of Marblehead I would suggest Rockport, Gloucester, Ipswich. Check out these links; they are 3 different types of places and all lovely. I have lots more suggestions because I live in the area. The views are gorgeous, the seafood is amazing (ask me whatever you want) and there are a lot of quaint places to see.

http://innatcastlehill.thetrustees.org/

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/hotel...LogId=14463221

http://www.emersoninnbythesea.com/

Rockport, Gloucester, Ipswich IS Cape Ann, and I suggested Marblehead as a possible addition, not substitution.

Another vote for Cape Ann. I would stay overnight at least one night. There are definitely whale watching trips from Cape Ann and Newburyport
http://www.massvacation.com/tours/whale-watching.php

Thank you Juldie and Vttraveler! I will have questions, I'm sure. I'm going to check out these links.

We have decided on Cape Ann for sure. But I'm not sure where to stay. We are open to a B&B or Inn, but there are so many! Can anyone offer advise? We were looking at Beach & King St. Inn or Atlantis Oceanfront Inn. I also think Rockport Inn and Suites looks nice but it's not open yet and I'm not sure about staying in a hotel during the first week of it being open. It could be crazy. Thanks.

Also, one of the days spent in Cape Ann is my birthday. I need some ideas for a nice dinner - do any of the seafood or fine dining restaurants have birthday specials?

You might want to start a new thread headed Cape Ann hotel/B&B/restaurant suggestions now that you have decided on your destination. Unfortunately I haven't stayed overnight for some years and don't have any recommendations. We usually go to Woodman's in Essex or the Clam Box in Ipswich but these are not fancy enough for a birthday celebration

One place I would definitely visit in Rockport is Halibut Point state Park

I did start another thread but nobody has replied :( So....if anyone has any suggestions for a birthday dinner I'd love to hear it. I believe we are going to stay at the Beach and King Street Inn. I have to call tomorrow to finalize reservations. Thanks.

Gloucester has whale watching google 7 Seas Whale Watch for information. They have been in business for many years.

Great, thanks. That is something that is on the list of things to do!

Agree with the suggestion of Halibut Point in Rockport - but be forewarned that it does require a bit of walking on rocky areas to take advantage of the best views. Don't know if that will work for your husband

Essex is lovely. I would recommend taking a river cruise on the Essex River - its a lovely meandering type of cruise and gives you great views. You could follow the cruise with dinner at Tom Shea's. Other people will tell you that the Village Restaurant has better food but it is decidely blue hair whereas Tom Shea's is more of a casual elegant place (ie wear your jeans but they still have white table clothes) and TS has a spot on the river. That might be the spot for your birthday dinner. Far nicer than Woodman's across the street.

Thanks - I'll check outTom Shea's. I think that sounds like a lovely evening!