First trip to US - many questions
Jun 26th, 2007, 01:39 PM
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Hi Ingo-Wow, what a fun trip, I am jealous. That is more of the east coast than I have seen and I've lived in NYC for 10 years. I am planning a trip to Vermont myself for this weekend. I highly recommend a B&B called Three Mountain Inn in Jamaica, VT. It's in the southern part of the state-very pretty area. Have a great time. What is your budget for NYC hotels?
Jun 26th, 2007, 02:42 PM
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This is a nice museum in the Hartford area:
http://www.hillstead.org/index.html
http://www.hillstead.org/index.html
Jun 26th, 2007, 04:00 PM
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Hi Ingo, sorry I can't help with your trip but I want to say welcome to our country!! I still remember all the help you gave me when planning my Switzerland trip in 2004. I was a newbie poster back then and you were a godsend. I hope you have all the help you need and you will enjoy your visit to the US. 
Jun 26th, 2007, 05:39 PM
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I have this on a great personal recommendation (I'm friends with the owner's nephew):
Portsmouth Harbor Inn and Spa in Kittery Maine.
I was also told to check out Pesce Blue, Black Trumpet, and Green Monkey, and finally "Anneke Jans for French bistro faire" when we hit the area. My friend is a foodie so I just do what he says when it comes to restaurants.
Have fun!
Portsmouth Harbor Inn and Spa in Kittery Maine.
I was also told to check out Pesce Blue, Black Trumpet, and Green Monkey, and finally "Anneke Jans for French bistro faire" when we hit the area. My friend is a foodie so I just do what he says when it comes to restaurants.
Have fun!
Jul 3rd, 2007, 01:53 PM
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Hi Ingo,
Just an FYI that my e-mail address is an older one. The new one is [email protected]
Just be careful when booking with Fritz, some of the units are beautiful and others are old and in need of updating.
We booked a unit for friends who were visiting from Italy last New Year's Eve and were disappointed (at the time we thought all the rooms looked like the website).
If you wanted a condo versus a hotel room I think my next door neighbor rents out her condo to "friends and family" at a cheaper rate. She also rents through Fritz at the higher rate (just don't tell Fritz or she'll get in trouble).
I have never been inside her condo but have seen it from the doorway and it looks good. Not as luxorious (sp?) as the webite but nice. If you planned on a 2 bedroom condo with kitchen she may rent it to you directly so you can save a bit. I am now in Prague and do not have her contact information so you would have to wait until August. She may also have pictures.
Funny that you live so close!! Our schedule is pretty crazy with classes but we have Sunday's off if you have any suggestions of what to do on my free days please feel free to write. Don't feel obligated though, I do have about 10 pages of suggestions from Fodorites.
-Linda
Just an FYI that my e-mail address is an older one. The new one is [email protected]
Just be careful when booking with Fritz, some of the units are beautiful and others are old and in need of updating.
We booked a unit for friends who were visiting from Italy last New Year's Eve and were disappointed (at the time we thought all the rooms looked like the website).
If you wanted a condo versus a hotel room I think my next door neighbor rents out her condo to "friends and family" at a cheaper rate. She also rents through Fritz at the higher rate (just don't tell Fritz or she'll get in trouble).
I have never been inside her condo but have seen it from the doorway and it looks good. Not as luxorious (sp?) as the webite but nice. If you planned on a 2 bedroom condo with kitchen she may rent it to you directly so you can save a bit. I am now in Prague and do not have her contact information so you would have to wait until August. She may also have pictures.
Funny that you live so close!! Our schedule is pretty crazy with classes but we have Sunday's off if you have any suggestions of what to do on my free days please feel free to write. Don't feel obligated though, I do have about 10 pages of suggestions from Fodorites.
-Linda
Jul 3rd, 2007, 03:21 PM
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I think there is a Boston gtg in October near the dates you've mentioned. If you'd like to meet some of us, show up. Some are in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50', 60's and 70's. Your parents might enjoy it.
Jul 3rd, 2007, 04:05 PM
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Ingo,
I am not sure if you are interested but my best choice for staying in NYC is to actually stay in Secaucus, NJ. Most of the hotels have the NJ transit which picks you up right in front of the hotel and takes you to the center of Manhattan. The hotels are much, much cheaper and it really is easy and cheap to get in and out of the city. Last time I went to NYC (last spring) I opted for a hotel in NYC; (Embassy Suites- Financial Area), the hotel was very nice, but it was actually harder getting uptown due to traffic than coming in from Jersey. Also, I highly recommend the double-decker bus tour. 48 hours/ hop 0n-hop Off/ for around 50 USD. Also included in that is the night lights tour which is lovely- no hop on-off, 2 hours and it goes into Brooklyn. It is a beautiful way to spend the evening- without walking. Outside of Boston, I enjoyed Salem- very quaint-historic-literary area.
Welcome to the US!!
I am not sure if you are interested but my best choice for staying in NYC is to actually stay in Secaucus, NJ. Most of the hotels have the NJ transit which picks you up right in front of the hotel and takes you to the center of Manhattan. The hotels are much, much cheaper and it really is easy and cheap to get in and out of the city. Last time I went to NYC (last spring) I opted for a hotel in NYC; (Embassy Suites- Financial Area), the hotel was very nice, but it was actually harder getting uptown due to traffic than coming in from Jersey. Also, I highly recommend the double-decker bus tour. 48 hours/ hop 0n-hop Off/ for around 50 USD. Also included in that is the night lights tour which is lovely- no hop on-off, 2 hours and it goes into Brooklyn. It is a beautiful way to spend the evening- without walking. Outside of Boston, I enjoyed Salem- very quaint-historic-literary area.
Welcome to the US!!
Jul 4th, 2007, 07:05 AM
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Mayfair New York Hoel has rroms thta start at $143 in September. It's on W. 49th Street.
Trouble with staying in Secaucus - if you feel like going back to your room for a hour or 2 in the afternoon - you have to go to Jersey, AND first get to Port Authority or Penn Station. Also, trains are on a schedule that could be once every hour or 1/2 hour - not like the subway whch you will get a train every 5-10 mintues.
Trouble with staying in Secaucus - if you feel like going back to your room for a hour or 2 in the afternoon - you have to go to Jersey, AND first get to Port Authority or Penn Station. Also, trains are on a schedule that could be once every hour or 1/2 hour - not like the subway whch you will get a train every 5-10 mintues.
Jul 5th, 2007, 11:10 PM
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Thanks again to everyone who responded. I didn't expect to get so many replies. Wow!
P_M: thanks and yes, I get the best help I can imagine! I am sure I'll enjoy my visit.
Linda: We decided to rent an apartment in the resort "The Seasons", located between Glen and Bartlett, from a neighbour of a friend in Boston. It looks perfect for us and is really inexpensive. But thanks for the info and the offer to help with the rental apartment.
Well, if you have so many recommendations from Fodor's I won't add to the confusion. There is definitely so much to do in and around Prague that you cannot see everything. Hope you enjoy your visit.
We had pondered the idea of staying in NJ in the early stage of planning, but decided against it. It *is* less expensive than anywhere in Manhattan, but as kenav said, you cannot go back to the hotel for just an hour or two to take a nap, get rid of stuff you shopped for or whatever you have to do. As I said before, we will stick with the Riverside Tower Hotel for the moment. A good friend will check it out for us in July and then we'll decide finally.
roslaire: I am appointed to attend the GTG in Boston. Looking forward to meet you!
kenav: I didn't find the $143 offer for the Mayfair hotel rooms. The rates I found were *way* higher.
TGIF! ;-)
Ingo
P_M: thanks and yes, I get the best help I can imagine! I am sure I'll enjoy my visit.
Linda: We decided to rent an apartment in the resort "The Seasons", located between Glen and Bartlett, from a neighbour of a friend in Boston. It looks perfect for us and is really inexpensive. But thanks for the info and the offer to help with the rental apartment.
Well, if you have so many recommendations from Fodor's I won't add to the confusion. There is definitely so much to do in and around Prague that you cannot see everything. Hope you enjoy your visit.
We had pondered the idea of staying in NJ in the early stage of planning, but decided against it. It *is* less expensive than anywhere in Manhattan, but as kenav said, you cannot go back to the hotel for just an hour or two to take a nap, get rid of stuff you shopped for or whatever you have to do. As I said before, we will stick with the Riverside Tower Hotel for the moment. A good friend will check it out for us in July and then we'll decide finally.
roslaire: I am appointed to attend the GTG in Boston. Looking forward to meet you!
kenav: I didn't find the $143 offer for the Mayfair hotel rooms. The rates I found were *way* higher.
TGIF! ;-)
Ingo
Jul 6th, 2007, 01:43 PM
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Hi Ingo,
I have heard of the Seasons but have never visited. Bartlett/Glen is a good area it is about 5 minutes from our place in Jackson.
Let me know what dates you'll be there. We go up 1-2 weekends a month. Maybe we can meet for a drink if we are there the same dates.
-Linda
I have heard of the Seasons but have never visited. Bartlett/Glen is a good area it is about 5 minutes from our place in Jackson.
Let me know what dates you'll be there. We go up 1-2 weekends a month. Maybe we can meet for a drink if we are there the same dates.
-Linda
Jul 6th, 2007, 02:01 PM
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Hi Ingo 
I thought this might be a post from you when I read the title.
Just want to say welcome and howdy on your first US trip!
How exciting for you and your parents.
I've only visited the areas you're seeing a couple times, so I can't really add anything. Just wanted to wish you a very pleasant trip.
However, if you do find yourselves getting a bit worn out by all the history and stuff, remember that Austin's just a short flight away! There's more than a few of us cowboys down here who'd love to show you Texas, a whole 'nother country! <)
Happy travels!
I thought this might be a post from you when I read the title.Just want to say welcome and howdy on your first US trip!
How exciting for you and your parents. I've only visited the areas you're seeing a couple times, so I can't really add anything. Just wanted to wish you a very pleasant trip.
However, if you do find yourselves getting a bit worn out by all the history and stuff, remember that Austin's just a short flight away! There's more than a few of us cowboys down here who'd love to show you Texas, a whole 'nother country! <)
Happy travels!
Jul 7th, 2007, 02:37 AM
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Hi all,
no problem, kenav.
Linda, I'll send an email to both your accounts that you posted here - the msn.com and comcast.net addresses.
Kopp, great to hear from you! Thanks for the welcome and the wishes. Yep, we're super excited. You can be sure that Texas is on my list and if i survive the Northeastern states I'll definitely show up in a year or two in your area. If only the flight were not so long!
no problem, kenav.
Linda, I'll send an email to both your accounts that you posted here - the msn.com and comcast.net addresses.
Kopp, great to hear from you! Thanks for the welcome and the wishes. Yep, we're super excited. You can be sure that Texas is on my list and if i survive the Northeastern states I'll definitely show up in a year or two in your area. If only the flight were not so long!
Jul 7th, 2007, 04:19 AM
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ingo - One last thing - New England is one of my favorite places in the world. It's beautiful in autumn, just when you'll be there.
Hope your choice of lodgings in my home town, NYC, turns out to be OK for you and your parents.
Have great time.
Hope your choice of lodgings in my home town, NYC, turns out to be OK for you and your parents.
Have great time.
Jul 7th, 2007, 06:02 AM
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Ingo
This is my first post on Fodors, but I am very excited to start sharing.
My family and I just did a New England Tour this past Summer and found it wonderful. I only wish we had the scheduling ability to do it in Fall, but we live in Pennsylvania so we see some of the Autumn season.
Vermont: We absolutely loved Burlington. Most of the hotel chains are reasonable and are close to main roads. We stayed at the Doubletree and it was very nice. Burlington was a blast. Fun shopping and good food. It was very relaxing at night and picturesque. There are also many ferries running on Lake Champlain for tours and transport to other places. When we came into Burlington we took the ferrie from Fort Kent, NY after visiting Audible Chasm. Burlington also has good day trips or shorter excursions.
This is my first post on Fodors, but I am very excited to start sharing.
My family and I just did a New England Tour this past Summer and found it wonderful. I only wish we had the scheduling ability to do it in Fall, but we live in Pennsylvania so we see some of the Autumn season.
Vermont: We absolutely loved Burlington. Most of the hotel chains are reasonable and are close to main roads. We stayed at the Doubletree and it was very nice. Burlington was a blast. Fun shopping and good food. It was very relaxing at night and picturesque. There are also many ferries running on Lake Champlain for tours and transport to other places. When we came into Burlington we took the ferrie from Fort Kent, NY after visiting Audible Chasm. Burlington also has good day trips or shorter excursions.
Jul 15th, 2007, 01:21 AM
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Guten Morgen Ingo......
we´re just about to leave for our northeast trip. I´ve never been to Vermont and NH, but we´stayed a couple of times already in Boston and on cape cod. As somebody said already, go to cape cod for a couple of nights. It´s really nice and you´re gonna like it, altough the weather can be a little bit rough that time of year.....
Maybe i can give you some tips after we got back from our trip, that will help you.....
we´re just about to leave for our northeast trip. I´ve never been to Vermont and NH, but we´stayed a couple of times already in Boston and on cape cod. As somebody said already, go to cape cod for a couple of nights. It´s really nice and you´re gonna like it, altough the weather can be a little bit rough that time of year.....
Maybe i can give you some tips after we got back from our trip, that will help you.....
Jul 15th, 2007, 08:44 AM
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Hello,
I have lived in CT all my life and spent many summers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire as well as parts of VT. Both are beautiful, although personally I am partial to NH If you do decide to consider NH, the Woodstock/North Woodstock area is lovely and is right at the end of the Kancamagus Secnic Highway. Lots of good hiking and trails in this area for leaf peepers
As far as CT is concerned, I'm sure your friends will have recommendations and take you to good places, but I must suggest a few: Harry's Place in Colchester, CT (a 45 minute drive, but on the way to Mystic) for the best burgers in the state. Get a bacon cheeseburger "loaded". And try the chili cheese fries. Also, in Hartford, check out the City Steam Brewery. They have a comedy club and a good selection of beer. I also suggest you try and fit in Mystic if you have the time. Their is a seaport, an aquarium, an area with little shops and "Mystic Pizza", which is where the movie was filmed.
I hope you have a wonderful trip and that you enjoy the foliage!
-Beth
I have lived in CT all my life and spent many summers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire as well as parts of VT. Both are beautiful, although personally I am partial to NH
If you do decide to consider NH, the Woodstock/North Woodstock area is lovely and is right at the end of the Kancamagus Secnic Highway. Lots of good hiking and trails in this area for leaf peepers As far as CT is concerned, I'm sure your friends will have recommendations and take you to good places, but I must suggest a few: Harry's Place in Colchester, CT (a 45 minute drive, but on the way to Mystic) for the best burgers in the state. Get a bacon cheeseburger "loaded". And try the chili cheese fries. Also, in Hartford, check out the City Steam Brewery. They have a comedy club and a good selection of beer. I also suggest you try and fit in Mystic if you have the time. Their is a seaport, an aquarium, an area with little shops and "Mystic Pizza", which is where the movie was filmed.
I hope you have a wonderful trip and that you enjoy the foliage!
-Beth
Jul 23rd, 2007, 09:55 AM
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Hi again and thanks to all who posted. I didn't think the thread would receive more replies so didn't check it for a while.
Welcome to the forum, LittleRussie! Burlington sounded like an interesting town to visit (from the guide books) but we decided against it because it's too far out of the way. We'll stay in Woodstock, VT instead and head to the White Mountains in NH from there. I hope we can stop for two hours in Montpelier to see the capitol there and walk around a bit, but we'll see.
Here in Germany (and especially in the East, where I live) we also have a wonderful foliage. It depends on the year, but usually it is very beautiful. Less red colours, more orange and yellow/gold. The good thing is that it is later here, so we can see it in New England first and when we come back we can see it at home again (and compare).
Andreas, unfortunately we cannot squeeze in Cape Cod. Not enought time! But there will be another visit, I am sure ... Hope you enjoy(ed) your trip. If you can give any tips I am all ear, thanks.
Bethie, I'm glad to hear your raving about the White Mountains ;-) We'll drive the Kancamagus Scenic Highway on the drive to Bartlett, where we'll stay. I already found many hiking trails on maps and am eager to do some hikes and of course do some leaf peeping!
Thanks for the tips on CT. I made notes. Yeah, I'm sure my friends know of a lot of good places and will take us there. Too bad we'll only have three full days in CT.
Ingo
Welcome to the forum, LittleRussie! Burlington sounded like an interesting town to visit (from the guide books) but we decided against it because it's too far out of the way. We'll stay in Woodstock, VT instead and head to the White Mountains in NH from there. I hope we can stop for two hours in Montpelier to see the capitol there and walk around a bit, but we'll see.
Here in Germany (and especially in the East, where I live) we also have a wonderful foliage. It depends on the year, but usually it is very beautiful. Less red colours, more orange and yellow/gold. The good thing is that it is later here, so we can see it in New England first and when we come back we can see it at home again (and compare).
Andreas, unfortunately we cannot squeeze in Cape Cod. Not enought time! But there will be another visit, I am sure ... Hope you enjoy(ed) your trip. If you can give any tips I am all ear, thanks.
Bethie, I'm glad to hear your raving about the White Mountains ;-) We'll drive the Kancamagus Scenic Highway on the drive to Bartlett, where we'll stay. I already found many hiking trails on maps and am eager to do some hikes and of course do some leaf peeping!
Thanks for the tips on CT. I made notes. Yeah, I'm sure my friends know of a lot of good places and will take us there. Too bad we'll only have three full days in CT.
Ingo
Jul 25th, 2007, 05:16 AM
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Ingo,
Hello! You and I spoke extensively about 5 years ago, you gave me advice for a trip I took to Alpbach, Austria and Kandersteg, Switzerland. We had a wonderful time, much in part to many of your suggestions.
New York City hotels. Ugh. Who can afford them? They've really got out of hand in the last 5 years. I would try priceline. I glanced over this thread and I imagine someone already reccomended Bidding for Travel .http://p070.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding
Go on the forum for NY Hotels and explain your situation. Someone can help you.
I live near Burlington Vermont and although it is a nice city, I agree
with your decision to not visit Western Vermont. I think Woodstock is a good choice for your trip. I also wouldn't bother with Montpelier or Rutland. They are fine cities, but out of your way.
I think the Jackson area is a good choice as well.
There tends to be a rivalry between NH and Vermont for foliage. Although I'm from Vermont, I find NH to have better
foliage. Like you, we seem to get a lot of green, gold and orange. I've had more luck with blazing reds in NH, although it depends on the season. Last year was average and the year before was terrible. You need a little luck.
I hope you have a wonderful time and I'll glance at this thread from time to time in case I can offer some advice.
Hello! You and I spoke extensively about 5 years ago, you gave me advice for a trip I took to Alpbach, Austria and Kandersteg, Switzerland. We had a wonderful time, much in part to many of your suggestions.
New York City hotels. Ugh. Who can afford them? They've really got out of hand in the last 5 years. I would try priceline. I glanced over this thread and I imagine someone already reccomended Bidding for Travel .http://p070.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding
Go on the forum for NY Hotels and explain your situation. Someone can help you.
I live near Burlington Vermont and although it is a nice city, I agree
with your decision to not visit Western Vermont. I think Woodstock is a good choice for your trip. I also wouldn't bother with Montpelier or Rutland. They are fine cities, but out of your way.
I think the Jackson area is a good choice as well.
There tends to be a rivalry between NH and Vermont for foliage. Although I'm from Vermont, I find NH to have better
foliage. Like you, we seem to get a lot of green, gold and orange. I've had more luck with blazing reds in NH, although it depends on the season. Last year was average and the year before was terrible. You need a little luck.
I hope you have a wonderful time and I'll glance at this thread from time to time in case I can offer some advice.
