Day trip from southern NH
 

My mother in law is desiring to take a day trip from Nashua to Kennebunkport tomorrow, an 80 degree sunny Saturday. I'm worried that by the time we get there at 10am, we will struggle to find parking and that restaurants will be very busy for lunch. Are my concerns valid?

Any other suggestions on where to go within 90 minutes of Nashua? I think she wants to go to the coast for cooler temperatures. She does not enjoy beaches or hiking or anything outdoors. She is fairly mobile and has no issues with moderate length walks. She enjoys browsing stores, dining out....I'm honestly not sure what else she'd be willing to do. I guess museums are okay too.

I don't want to head up near Laconia due to race weekend. I don't think there would be much to interest her in the Lincoln/Woodstock area. Maybe Portsmouth for it's larger size and possible less compact crowds?

Thanks for your help.

What about Rockport, MA?

Rockport is a good idea but could also have parking problems. How about Salem. They have a parking garage so maybe not quite as much trouble finding parking. And there are lots of historic sites (in addition to the witch things) such as the House of the Seven Gables (but I'd get tickets on line if you plan to do that, I had to wait several hours when I tried to buy a walk up ticket at 10:15 on a weekday a few weeks ago). But there is also the Peabody Essex Museum, several other historic houses, the ship "Friendship" is open on weekends, and of course there are about 5 witch museums. Also in that area is the Crane Estate, the house is open on weekends and there are gorgeous gardens.

What about a Portsmouth Harbor or inland rivers cruise? I think the dock isn't too far from parking garage. Go across the bridge for some outlet shopping? DH.likes Mike's Clam Shack on rt 1 in Wells. Big enough place to ha dle crowds. But if you timed it right for an early lunch you might get a window seat in one of those restaurants with decks on the water. Can never remember if it's Bow St. That area is around the corner from the small shops.

we were in Meredith on wednesday and traffic was heavy. Long time to get thru thelights. Can't imagine what it's like in weekends.

We ended up in Portsmouth. Enjoyed lunch at The Kitchen and then spent a few hours at Strawbery Banke.