Help me formulate ideas for Boston and Maine
 

My husband is going to Cambridge, MA on business in late September. He has to spend 2 days working on Tues. and Wed. He asked me if I want to go along and I said sure. I have never been to Boston before but my daughter loves it. I have gotten a Fodors and a Frommers and am busy reading posts here on the board but need to make air reservations soon.

How many days will we want to plan? We could a) go out earlier like the Friday before or b) stay afterwards over the weekend. Perhaps that isn't enough time and we should spend the whole time in Boston? How much time would a little trip up the coast require? What might be a nice itenerary? Your suggestions and opinions are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

IMO, you need at least 3-4 days for sightseeing in Boston alone. You can do a day trip somewhere and make this a 5-day trip.

What do you expect to see in "a little trip up the coast"? If you just want to see the water, a day trip to Gloucester/Rockport would be enough. If you're thinking of Maine, you'll need a couple of days.

We were talking over lunch and I think you are right - just not enough time. We will stick with Boston. We will leave SJ on a Friday so we can have Sat., Sun., Mon. to sightsee and he has to work Tues, Wed., and has to return on Thurs. I was hoping to stay longer and see more.

You're allowed to travel without him, if you can stay longer. Especially if you have some things to do in Boston that he's not particularly interested in.

I will have the two days he is working on my own. The whole point of going was to spend time together.

Ahh, but September weather can be so stellar...try to plan a day trip up the coast, or up to the lakes region in New Hampshire. Go the Friday before, and rent a car on Monday to venture out.

Thanks Joe. We are wondering if there is an airport North of Boston we could fly into, rent a car, drive down the coast and end up in Boston. I'll have to check it out.

MHT Manchester NH is north of Boston. It is probably less than an hour to Portsmouth NH which would make a great visit. Up to you how much you travel Rt 1 south to Boston or hop on Rt 95 for quick trip. You could take a harbor cruise. Late Sept can be beautiful although too early for colorful foliage.
There is also Portland Maine but airfare is probably more expensive to that airport.
Highly recommend Culinary Tour of Boston's North End or Chinatown with Michele Topor tours. Great way to spend a couple of hours. The Chinatown tour is limited to 10 people and is only twice a week. Ends with a fun dim sum lunch. It might be something to do by yourself but my husband who hates cities loved the Chinatown tour. I did the North End tour with friends.