gortmara

Hi,
I am visiting Boston in November and wondered whether it's possible to do a day trip by train or escorted tour to somewhere outside the city? I am interested in somewhere such as Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard/Cape Cod, or maybe somewhere in Maine? Are these places too far for a day trip?
I seen alot of Boston city already and have done a day trip to Salem, so if possible I'd like to see something different..
Any help would be appreciated....
Thank you.

Anonymous

Portaland, Maine is only about an hour north of Boston, on Amtrak, and has plenty to offer. A useful research tool for you would be the Commuter Rail maps at www.mbta.com. They'll give you details about getting to places like Lexington.

You cannot get to the Cape or Islands on the train, though there are several bus lines to the Cape and you can fly from Logan Airport in Boston to the islands. Rather a hike for just a day trip, though. One good alternative would be the fast ferry from Boston to Pricinetown, on the tip of hte Cape.

Anonymous

Sorry, I gotta learn to either type or edit! That's Portland, not Portaland, and Provincetown, not Pricinetown (!).

FlyFish

Best keep an eye out for the speed traps if you're planning to drive from Boston to Portland in an hour - it's 110 miles and usually a bit over two hours - or longer, much longer, depending on traffic. Amtrak manages to make the trip in a speedy 3 and a half hours, which pretty much eliminates it as a day trip.

The Provincetown ferry suggestion is a good one. You can also get to Concord on commuter rail in a bit less than an hour and much of the downtown area, including some of the historical sights, is walkable from the train station, with a bit of effort.

FlyFish

Forgot to add - you unfortunately can't get to Lexington on the commuter rail. The Lowell line runs too far north, and the Fitchburg line (which goes through Concord) runs too far south. I gather you don't want to drive, but the best day trip from Boston, IMHO, would be a drive out through Lexington and along Route 2A through Minuteman National Historic Park to Concord and the Old North Bridge, thence to Walden Pond at the intersection of Rts. 126 and 2 and from there back to Boston on Route 2. If you're not too late into November there should still be some good color on the trees.

GBelle

You might be interested in Providence RI or Newport RI (the mansions). You can get to Providence via Amtrak. You can drive to Newport or probably get a day trip through the hotel.

joanneb

COncord is a nice visit by train from north station, a 45 minute ride. you can walk around the historic areas and there are quaint shops. Also Rockport, an artist coastal town about an hour by train is nice. you can get to marthas vineyard by bus and then ferry in a day. just go early and come back late. nantucket would be too far. hope this helps. enjoy my city

rb_travelerxATyahoo

You can also get to Providence on a MBTA commuter train -- a lot cheaper than on Amtrak.

And I believe (help me, Bostonians) that you can go to Plymouth on commuter train as well.

Oh, another: Lowell

Suggest you look for Boston-based motor-coach companies for trips outside Boston.

gortmara

Hi,
Thanks for all these suggestions: I am going to start trawling the net now to see what's feasible.I especially wanted to see some of the New England coasts, but I realise that I am hampered by lack of car, and also by the fact that the Grayline tour I was interested in (New England seacoast) isn't running in November... Maybe I should try the train to Rockport? Or does anyone out there know of other bus companies that offer tours in November ? I was going to leave the planning for this daytrip until I got to Boston,but I am only going to be in the city for a few days and I will be staying in a guesthouse, rather than a hotel and am worried that they won't have the usual brochures etc...
Thanks.

boston

The coastal towns of Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester, Newburyport are all very charming. The commuter rail travels to these towns - it's not luxury transportation but it's convenient http://www.mbta.com/traveling_t/sche...mmuterrail.asp

leslie

The Massachusetts Department of Tourism has a website and a toll free number. You can request a package of brochures from them. Otherwise, just walk into any of the hotels. There's usually a rack of brochures in the lobby. There are also kiosks in North and South Stations.

Berkshire

My vote would be for Providence. It is a very charming city.

gortmara

Thanks everyone: I will request brochures from the Mass.Dept of Tourism and then make my decision. I only wish I had longer in the area so that I could visit all the places you all suggested!

sam

Sorry I can't agree about Providence. Lowell is also a thumbs down. I don't see either as a sightseeing opportunity in November, if the Cape or Maine is what your interest is.

For bus lines, try www.bonanzabus.com. They go from Boston to the Cape and also Newport, RI. Each are about 2 hours from Boston. The ferry to Provincetown does not run in November or I would have suggested that. As far as getting to Maine, I can't help with that, but Amtrak may be an option. Best of Luck!