We would like to conclude our New England vacation near Boston and by the sea.We would be leaving Chester, VT on Tuesday morning & my wife has her flight from Logan Airport on Thursday evening. So we're thinking Cape Ann or Cape Cod as a suitable finale, and a bit of Boston on Thursday before the flight (we will have had three days there at the beginning of the vacation). Are there any advantages to either location?The north is about an hour closer from Vermont, I suppose.
Thanks once again.
Tom

Cape Cod is a bit more driving. It depends what you want to do. Both are beautiful. The water on Cape Cod will be a lot warmer for swimming. If you're just going for scenery, I'd go to Cape Ann this trip.

I agree with the above. Cape Ann is smaller, has a few nice but cold water beaches, and some scenic villages. Cape Cod is much bigger with an unlimited choice of beaches - some cold water, some warm. Cape Cod runs the gamut from crowded, touristy towns, to smaller scenic villages.

I totally agree with carolv. Cape Ann is much more convenient. It will mean a lot less driving.
And, I think that Cape Ann is lot less spoiled than Cape Cod.

It's been a long time since I've been to either but my impression was that Cape Ann is much less touristy and has more of the quaint, fishing village atmosphere while Cape Cod is more geared towards the tourist trade.

Have you seen the movie Love Letter? It's filmed in and around Cape Anne.

Sorry, Cape Ann.

If you want beaches, do Cod.

Thanks, looks like a pretty clear vote. Our guide book says very little about Cape Ann. What town would be best to stay at? Does anyone happen to know a decent inn or B&B for... ahem, under $100? Or is that totally illusory?

B&B rates would vary a lot depending on your travel dates.

Do searches for Gloucester and Rockport; this area is often referred to by its component towns rather than Cape, partially to avoid confusion between Cape Ann and Cape Cod.

Chances are slim for finding a "decent" inn or B&B for under $100 on Cape Ann.
Do a google search under, say, "hotels, motels and B&Bs on Cape Ann."

Doubt you'll find any B&B's in that area for your price. There are lots of chain hotels along Rt. 1 in Peabody/Danvers that you put you in close driving distance for those daytrips....otherwise be prepared to spend more.

"The north is about an hour closer from Vermont, I suppose." I'd like a time check from those who have done this recently -- it depends on the routes you choose, for sure, and my memory is that it would be quite a bit more than an hour further, although winding around getting out to Rockport/Gloucester does add to highway time.

I'd recommend Cape Ann and also adding in some time in Marblehead's Old Town (Salem is interesting, too, but more for the old houses than for the Witch House, which many find disappointing). Things along the North Shore are closer together and more proximate to Boston by quite a bit; and, while you won't be around Cape Cod's long sandy beaches, you probably won't be swimming in either place unless you love seriously cold water (it's getting late in the season if you haven't left yet).

When do you leave?

cape ann- stay in East Gloucester on the road by the ocean and go see Rockport and Salem, etc it's a wonderful place!!! you will LOVE it