Nicole

I am planning a trip with my mom in mid September back east and would like some suggestions on places I shouldn't pass up. I have not been back east other than New York, so I would like to see as much as possible. We have 12 days, any reccomended restaurants, bed & breakfasts, sights? Anything would be a great help.

Thanks!

Nicole

howard

If you want see the foliage at its peak in mid-September, you'll probably have to go up north in Maine. It doesn't peak further south until early October at the earliest, and possibly later.

betsy

First off, a good website for fall foliage information is www.newengland.com
They have a whole section fall travel in New England called "foliage central".
As Howard mentioned above, mid-September is pretty early for foliage viewing for most of New England. Your best bet for foliage at that time would be northern Maine, extreme northern NH and VT and southern Quebec.

Down Easterner

Just a comment on regionalism in the US:

Most of us who live in the east do not think of ourselves as living "back east" (or worse, "out east") -- any more than Californians refer to themselves as living "out west" (or do they?). I now live "down South" and never hear anyone say that we live "down South," and when I lived in New England I never heard anyone say we were living "up north."

Closest thing I've ever heard to this kind of "directional" reference is the phrase "down east" which means one thing in Maine and another altogether in North Carolina -- but in both cases refer to living near/on the ocean.

Hope you enjoy New England - but you almost certainly will have to be in the northen areas to see any color change that early in the fall, and it may be too early even for that. Thank you, by the way, very much for spelling "foliage" right!

Suggestions: the Maine Coast, esp. some of the lighthouses on the rocky cliffs -- anywhere Portland and north would do it. If you do a search on "Maine," you will find a lot of good suggestions just in the last 6 months. Camden is a charming town, although a little bit inland from those rocky shores. In Mass., don't miss the Wayside Inn in Sudbury (Wayland?) and Salem/Marblehead/Gloucester/Rockport area. Newport RI is also amazing.

Mt. Washington is imposing but by Sept. the weather up top will be overwhelming.

Twelve days will be kind of a race if you try to see everything -- you might want to tell us (and yourself) whether you'd want to see more scenery or do more activities--- i.e., rural vs. urban.

Howell

Agree with Howard, you will have to go down east to see the foliage in september (North of Portland ME)
A great drive and foliage is to be found on the Kangamangus Highway across NH but not until around 8-25 Oct.

Toni

We were in New England Oct 2-16, 2000, also our first trip, and you are going to LOVE it although like everyone has mentioned you may be to early for the fall colors. Our first stop was the Morning Glory Inn, a B&B in Salem MA which is right next door to the House of the Seven Gables. Well worth seeing, and Salem is charming. Bob the innkeeper was very friendly and their location is great. We then went to Kennebunkport MA. and stayed at the Captain Lord Mansion which was one of the highlights as far as the B&B's were concerned. Don't know your budget but it was about 190. a night with a full breakfast and the place is wonderful. It feel big and solid and warm...antiques through out worn just enough to be comfortable. When we were there, there was a couple that that had been back 30 times...some other folks 17... It's really special. Have dinner at the White Barn Inn if you can. They have a "garden window" that takes your breath away. The focal point of the garden window the night we were there was a 500 lb white pumpkin. It's really spectacular. Pricey but worth every penny. Someone on this board told me "long after the money is spent, you'll remember the meal" and he was so right...it was one of the most memorable meals I've ever had. Lower Waterford VT. Rabbit Hill Inn. Off the beaten track and the price included dinner and breakfast. The food was wonderful. They have a canoe that you can use and paddle down this very peaceful, quiet river. Saw a huge flock of geese honking as they flew overhead and walked about in a cemetery with headstones dating back to the 1600's. Woodstock Vermont. Woodstock Inn...new but loaded with antiques and lovely. We stayed at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge Ma...this inn is the essence of Stockbridge and is included in a famous Rockwell painting which is on their brochure. MOST DEFINITELY see the Hancock Shaker Museum which is close by. We spent a full day there and it was fascinating. Then on to RI. Walk the Ocean Walk and drive the Ocean Drive. We saw three of the mansions (Breakers, Elms, and Beechwood) We stayed at the Francis Malbone in RI. I would highly recommend it...then to Boston for 3 nights which was fabulous. A gorgeous walking city with lots of great architechure, history, & restaurants. Saw the Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse. So many other highlights. I LOVED Boston!!!! You will get lots of suggestions from other Fodorites. They helped me plan my trip and I couldn't have done it without their help. If you would like more specific information please email me. I would be happy to provide you with phone numbers and price. You are going to have a wonderful time.

NC

Great post, Toni. I think you have certainly captured this wonderful area. I second all of your suggestions. The White Barn Inn - better for food than accomodations, I think. We love The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge -- Another I will throw out is The Barrows House in Dorset VT right outside of Manchester, VT, but if you want to stay in Manchester look into the Reluctant Panther or The Equinox. Manchester is near Woodstock and another great village for views and shops. It also has a great scenic mountain that you can drive up - The views are breathtaking.

Eileen

Quick note: I'm sure it was just a typo, but it could throw you -- Kennebunkport is in ME, not MA. (It's also where the Bush summer home is.)

Toni

Whoops Eileen...yep it's ME, (Maine) not MA, and Bush senior was waving at everyone from his gorgeous home which can be viewed from the road. Kennebunkport is a beautiful town!

Howard

Thanks Howard for the heads up on the time of year. We are pretty flexible on our dates, so we most likely will change it to mid October.

Toni

Thank you so much for the information everyone! All of your suggestions sound great and I can't wait to go. The internet sites you provided are well worth visiting. Toni, you provided exactly what I was looking for, it sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Boy, did Down Easterner put me in my place or what? Get a grip buddy!!