Honeymoon in New England
 

We are planning our honeymoon for this September/October driving through New England. We will have just under two weeks and will be flying into and out of Boston. Neither of us have ever been to this part of the country and are not sure where to start in planning. What towns are "not to be missed" and what would be the best travel path? Thanks so much!!

Some suggestions of quintessential New England towns/areas:<BR><BR>Bar Harbor, ME<BR>Burlington, VT<BR>Cape Cod<BR>Newport, RI<BR>Litchfield County, CT<BR>Mass Berkshires<BR><BR>COnsidering the time of year you may want to drive the Connecticut Wine Trail if you're into visiting vineyards.

First, congratulations on your upcoming marriage. To get the full flavor of New England, I’d head north first because the foliage peaks there earlier. I don’t know how much driving you want to do, but since it’s your first trip to the area and you may never return, I suggest you head for Maine (Kennebunkport, Ogunquit and Portland should give you a feel for the rocky coastline), then head west through the White Mountains of NH and into VT (Burlington), then south into the Berkshires of Mass and down into CT, heading east towards Mystic and into RI (Newport), then Sandwich on Cape Cod and back to Boston for a couple days. This route is probably way too much but it hits the highlights of each area, covers great scenery and offers variety. Sept/Oct is a beautiful time in New England so you’ll want to make reservations soon.

<BR>Stowe, VT for sure!

we have wine vinyards in connecticut.. <BR>anyways while you over here go to foxwoods or the mohegan sun casino. I personally cant stand gambling it bores the hell out of me.. but these two casinos are fun and HUGE..<BR><BR>see ya all in asia...

I'd spend some time at the Christmas Farm Inn or the New England Inn in Jackson, NH. Are we talking about 9/22 to 10/5, or 9/29 to 10/12?<BR><BR>Also, this may be helpful.<BR><BR>Congratulations!

I meant this...<BR><BR>http://gonewengland.about.com/library/bldrivema.htm

Check out www.rabbithillinn.com and www.mapleleafinn.com<BR><BR>Both in VT both are reported to be fabulous - See fodors forum and eopinions.com for further info.

Congratulations! That is the perfect time of year to come through New England. I agree that Litchfield Hills, CT is a good drive to take- you'll get the best view of the foliage.<BR><BR>If you want to do any sight-seeing, I recommend the Mystic, CT area. It's quintessential New England, and it's very romantic. There are tons of things to do, like the casinos Jorge mentioned. There are LOTS of great places to stay- I recommend www.randallsordinary.com, www.stonecroft.com, www.innatstonington.com, www.whalersinn.com for smaller inn-types.<BR><BR>Check out www.mysticmore.com for more info on the area.<BR><BR>I'm also a HUGE fan of Newport, RI. You can walk around downtown and shop, eat, etc. If you feel like touring the mansions, I think they're worthwhile.<BR><BR>Check out www.gonewport.com for Newport info.<BR><BR>Try to book early!

I live in NW CT, Litchfield County. I also own property in Vermont. I would not waste time in CT or the Berkshires of MA. The New England scenery is so much better in Vermont or along the coast of Maine. The coast of Maine is gorgeous (Acadia National Park is not to be missed). But, you will see the most colorful leaves in Vermont because they have the most sugar maple trees. The coast of Maine and the White Mountains of NH have a great deal of spruce/pine trees. So, I would focus on the Maine Coast and then Vermont. The possibilities are endless in Vermont. Peacham is a lovely little village. Montpelier is a good base. We find Burlington, VT too hectic. Also, further South Grafton (Old Tavern at Grafton..great place to stay www.old-tavern.com). Get A Vermont Atlas and Gazetteer and don't be afraid to get on those gravel roads (Class 3) and explore. For an idea, in NW CT the leaves peak mid October. In North Central VT they peak early October. But, it does vary with the weather. So, going along the coastal regions first is a good idea and then you will hit gorgeous colors in early Oct. in VT. But, it is a popular time of year, especially weekends. Reservations are important to be made early (now). Have a nice trip and take time to walk and explore.

I don't agree with Darcy. Sluggo's (5/1/02) post was an outstanding route if you want a good taste of the variety New England has to offer.

Yes, it is a route that will give you a taste of New England, but it will be just a taste of each place and mostly looking out the car window. Personally, I go nuts on those long driving trips. I get so much more out of a destination if we have time to walk around and kick some leaves. You know what I mean, take time to smell, taste and feel a place. Those little special moments will multiply and give you life long memories,and not looking out the car window memories. This is just my honest opinion, especially if you have only about 12 travel days.

I completely disgree with Darcy. Other than a drive partway up the Maine coast, perhaps, I would recommend heading straigh for the moutains. This is just not the time of year to spend much time on the coast, and surely it is not worth the long drive to Acadia (which is likely to be completely fogged in all day every day). The foliage is at least as splendid in the White Mountains as in Vermont or the Berkshires, and surely more beautiful than any I've ever seen in Connecticut. Burlington is not "hectic", but a lovely small city overlooking magnificent Lake Champlain. A boat ride there is a terrific way to see the foliage. Moreover, the BEST way to enjoy the foliage is by driving all over every day. I can't imagine referring to this as "looking out the car memories". There are any number of scenic places to stop and explore, not to mention postcard towns all along the way. <BR><BR>If it were my honeymoon, I'd spend a night or two in York Harbor, Ogunquit or Kennebunkport, drive through Maine to spend two nights on the eastern side of the White Mountains, followed by two nights on the western side of the White Mountains, then two nights in Northern V

then two nights in Northern Vermont (Stowe, for sure), two nights in Southern Vermont, then two nights in the Berkshires, then two nights in Boston. Obviously, with fewer days, the itinerary would have to be adjusted accordingly. And, many accomodations require a three-night minimum. <BR><BR>At this late date, however, any itinerary would depend upon lodging availability, as it is really late to begin planning a fall trip for this year.

I'm with those recommending touring through all the mountains. There are scenic drives in every direction - all spectacular. It's not as much driving as you'd presume. From Boston to Kennebunkport, to Jackson NH, to Franconia NH, to Stowe VT, to Bennigton VT, to Lenox MA and back to Boston is just over 600 miles. Very doable in under two weeks.