I need help new england vacation
Apr 11th, 2007, 06:58 PM
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I need help new england vacation
Hy all, looking for a one week family trip in August. We live north NJ and will drive about 6 hrs. husband and 2 tweens. I am looking for some place beautiful, great food, upscale resort, happy with kids. Does anyone have any thoughts? TY ETK
Apr 11th, 2007, 11:09 PM
#2
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I don't know anything about resorts, but just to keep your request alive so that more people can answer in the morning, let me suggest either the Adirondaks or near Acadia Nat. Park in Maine. Maine may be a little far for your preferred six hours, but it's a great destination.
Apr 12th, 2007, 04:29 AM
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My husband and I stayed at the Mirror Lake Inn last summer, we loved it but thought it a bit too quiet for the kids. I thought the Sagamore might be a good idea, with more activity? I would love to head to Maine, does anyone have specific recommendation? Thank you for all suggestions
Apr 12th, 2007, 06:20 AM
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Take a look at Wentworth by the Sea on the coast of NH, and at Lighthouse Inn in Dennisport, Cape Cod. Don't delay as August nights will fill-up by mid-May. If you golf, consider Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine.
Apr 12th, 2007, 08:51 AM
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Adirondacks are fabulous and so is the Sagamore but I never thought of them as New England. Anyway, they are in your driving range! If you consider those suggestions you may also want to take a look at Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands region of NY. A good link for that would be
www.iloveny.com
The Riversedge Resort and Bonnie Castle are 2 of my recommendations. Quite a lot to do in this area and I think your tweens would like it too.
Hope this helps,
Annika
www.iloveny.com
The Riversedge Resort and Bonnie Castle are 2 of my recommendations. Quite a lot to do in this area and I think your tweens would like it too.
Hope this helps,
Annika
Apr 12th, 2007, 11:57 AM
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Thank you all so much. At this point we are leaning toward Wentworth by the Sea. Any thoughts? Both kids 11 and 12 are well traveled and somewhat spoiled as DH and I like to enjoy a little luxury when we vacation. I sometimes think we should enjoy some of our own backyard instead of hoping a plane somewhere. Keeping in mind if the kids are happy we are happy. TY ETK
Apr 13th, 2007, 01:42 AM
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The kids should like Water Country on Rt 1, big water park with all the usual thrill rides. Educational visit to science center on Odiorne Point? There might not be enough action for them to enjoy a harbor cruise or inland rivers cruise. There are several theaters in Portsmouth and nearby including events held in Prescott Park - frequently there are afternoon shows for children. They might also just like beach time at Hampton (arcades and tee shirt shops).
Apr 13th, 2007, 03:20 AM
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I agree with everything DHFrost mentioned.
Odiorne Point is nice for easy "hikes" and beautiful views, as well; I'd definitely take it in if you are staying in New Castle.
The kids will love Portsmouth. The Strawberry Banke is an educational stop, but very well done. Most of the schools within an hour's drive do a field trip there sometime around your kids' ages. The theatre in the park at Prescott is adjacent to Straw Banke.
They would probably enjoy the arcade boardwalk in Hampton, and the ride through Rye along Rt. 1A is just stunning. Take a half hour detour to walk through the Fuller Gardens en route. My kids thought it was like The Secret Garden - very low key, but lovely.
Water Country is usually a big hit, but make sure they have water shoes, or their touring days will be done.
I think they'd love a harbor cruise, fishing cruise, or day trip out to the Isles of Shoals.
The hotel itself is beautiful; it's a Marriott if you have points. It's not the most insulated against noise, however, and the restaurants are good, but not spectacular. There is a great marina bar/restaurant that is very fun. There are many great restaurants in the area, esp in Portsmouth and Ogunquit (about a half hour away). The outdoor pool area is a bit small, but lovely, and offers pool service. There is also an indoor pool for inclement weather, and a spa for you.
All in all, I think it would be a very nice choice. Let us know what you decide, and how it goes!
Odiorne Point is nice for easy "hikes" and beautiful views, as well; I'd definitely take it in if you are staying in New Castle.
The kids will love Portsmouth. The Strawberry Banke is an educational stop, but very well done. Most of the schools within an hour's drive do a field trip there sometime around your kids' ages. The theatre in the park at Prescott is adjacent to Straw Banke.
They would probably enjoy the arcade boardwalk in Hampton, and the ride through Rye along Rt. 1A is just stunning. Take a half hour detour to walk through the Fuller Gardens en route. My kids thought it was like The Secret Garden - very low key, but lovely.
Water Country is usually a big hit, but make sure they have water shoes, or their touring days will be done.
I think they'd love a harbor cruise, fishing cruise, or day trip out to the Isles of Shoals.
The hotel itself is beautiful; it's a Marriott if you have points. It's not the most insulated against noise, however, and the restaurants are good, but not spectacular. There is a great marina bar/restaurant that is very fun. There are many great restaurants in the area, esp in Portsmouth and Ogunquit (about a half hour away). The outdoor pool area is a bit small, but lovely, and offers pool service. There is also an indoor pool for inclement weather, and a spa for you.
All in all, I think it would be a very nice choice. Let us know what you decide, and how it goes!
Apr 13th, 2007, 04:40 AM
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IT's very pricy, but one of the best spots for kids in New England is the Chatham Bars Inn (great pool, great beach, kids programs) and it's gorgeous. The setting over the harbor is spectacular, it honestly looks like the caribbean on a sunny day.
The Wequassett Inn has been renovated and looks fantastic, it's probably nicer than the Chathams Bars Inn now.
You can bring bikes and cycle the Cape Cod bike trail, go on a whale watch, and spend a few days in Boston to round out the trip, I love Boston.
The Cape is a great spot for a family vacation and Chatham is so charming.
Personally, I would choose that over the Wentworth. No beach at Wentworth, and there is a LOT of driving involved if you want to do other things.
Look at the Chatham Bars Inn and Wequassett, they're topnotch (unfortunately so are the prices)
The Wequassett Inn has been renovated and looks fantastic, it's probably nicer than the Chathams Bars Inn now.
You can bring bikes and cycle the Cape Cod bike trail, go on a whale watch, and spend a few days in Boston to round out the trip, I love Boston.
The Cape is a great spot for a family vacation and Chatham is so charming.
Personally, I would choose that over the Wentworth. No beach at Wentworth, and there is a LOT of driving involved if you want to do other things.
Look at the Chatham Bars Inn and Wequassett, they're topnotch (unfortunately so are the prices)
Apr 13th, 2007, 04:45 AM
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Heed the advice about booking early. We are planning a "historic New England" trip for mid-July. I started looking into places to stay about three weeks ago and I'd say that 80% of the places I tried were already booked.
Apr 13th, 2007, 04:46 AM
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Honestly, the photos don't do it justice. It's also near the town pier and my kids loved to watch the fishing boats come in with their catches. They can walk or ride bikes to town for an ice cream. Nauset beach is close and has awesome waves, kids LOVE it!
Can you tell how much I think these are better choices? I think I'm going to make a reservation myself! It's been a few years...
http://www.chathambarsinn.com/
and
http://www.wequassett.com/
Can you tell how much I think these are better choices? I think I'm going to make a reservation myself! It's been a few years...
http://www.chathambarsinn.com/
and
http://www.wequassett.com/
Apr 13th, 2007, 06:12 AM
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etk401 - You will love the Wentworth - we've stayed 3x now and would go back in a heartbeat. My 14 yo daughter loves it so much that she told me yesterday that she wants to have her wedding there!
In Portsmouth do not miss the Flatbread Pizza Company for casual dinner - all organic pizza and salads, yummy desserts and fun service. You might get lucky and have live music too. We also like the Stockpot and Capt Simeon's (for fried clams etc - very casual, not upscale at all but great views) over in Kittery Me.
Dreamer2 and dhfrost have given great recommendations. I would add that down the street from the Wentworth as you head to Portsmouth on the right hand side there is a small town park that is right on the water, has a big open area for kite flying and a playground. We love to go there to stretch our legs and enjoy the views, play catch etc.
Canobie Lake Park is not too far away in Salem NHand is a small family owned amusement park that's been around since the early 1900s. There are only a few roller coasters and thrill rides but we always manage to have a great time there. For both Water Country and Canobie Lake Park check out Dunkin Donuts and Market Basket supermarkets for discount coupons.
There are also some excellent kayaking opportunities nearby. I can't give specifics because we tend to go with another famiy that plans everything but there are probably outfitters in the area that could help with rentals and tours. We often see groups out on the inlets.
If you get a rainy day try your hand at candlepin bowling - only found in New England. Small balls, diffent shaped pins and 3 trys to knock them all down.
In Portsmouth do not miss the Flatbread Pizza Company for casual dinner - all organic pizza and salads, yummy desserts and fun service. You might get lucky and have live music too. We also like the Stockpot and Capt Simeon's (for fried clams etc - very casual, not upscale at all but great views) over in Kittery Me.
Dreamer2 and dhfrost have given great recommendations. I would add that down the street from the Wentworth as you head to Portsmouth on the right hand side there is a small town park that is right on the water, has a big open area for kite flying and a playground. We love to go there to stretch our legs and enjoy the views, play catch etc.
Canobie Lake Park is not too far away in Salem NHand is a small family owned amusement park that's been around since the early 1900s. There are only a few roller coasters and thrill rides but we always manage to have a great time there. For both Water Country and Canobie Lake Park check out Dunkin Donuts and Market Basket supermarkets for discount coupons.
There are also some excellent kayaking opportunities nearby. I can't give specifics because we tend to go with another famiy that plans everything but there are probably outfitters in the area that could help with rentals and tours. We often see groups out on the inlets.
If you get a rainy day try your hand at candlepin bowling - only found in New England. Small balls, diffent shaped pins and 3 trys to knock them all down.
Apr 13th, 2007, 06:53 PM
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Thank you all for your thoughts. I have looked at the websites of the cape cod properties. They look wonderful. We prefer to have separate sleeping areas, and with a boy and girl who hate those pull outs let alone being in one together, we find it works best to have adjoining rooms. I have not called the properties yet, but i believe the wentworth may work to our advantage.
we are planning our trip for August, weather and crowds, would you suggest early or end of the month?
Since I am not familiar with the area,is this a walking community? A place to go for casual dinner and a walk? Thank you all again
we are planning our trip for August, weather and crowds, would you suggest early or end of the month?
Since I am not familiar with the area,is this a walking community? A place to go for casual dinner and a walk? Thank you all again
Apr 14th, 2007, 02:40 AM
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The Wentworth is on a major route (one of the prettiest in that area) but it's off by itself. Newcastle is a lovely little town. You will see a lot of bicyclists etc but the road is quite narrow. Our favorite drive in type of restaurant is nearby - the Ice House (place to go for ice cream, too). Lots of people drive over to the coast and walk along the beach. Nearby Portsmouth is definitely a walk around type of town and very popular. Expect crowds on weekends. It's popular for day trippers, weekenders, and everyone. We carry bag chairs in the car so at times have sat in Prescott Park to enjoy the views. I think you will find a variety of places to walk but maybe not around the Wentworth area. Newcastle is very old. There is not a downtown shopping area or little shops but there is in Portsmouth. Maybe someone will correct me but I don't even recall a convenience store in Newcastle. The area right around the Wentworth is private condominiums, golf course, etc. I don't think there is any slow time for the Portsmouth area during the summer.
Apr 14th, 2007, 04:14 AM
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you might want to consider the Lake Placid area, there will be a lot to do in that area and all levels of accomodations. that should be about 4.5 to 5.5 hours. check out lakeplacid.com there are at least two upscale resorts on the lake.
Apr 14th, 2007, 12:27 PM
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Early August is a killer, everything fills up....how late in August can you go? Late August is sometimes a bit less-traveled since schools open up then in many parts of the country, others are just getting ready to go back-to-school.
Apr 15th, 2007, 11:00 AM
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I think the last week of August works for us. I like to be able to park the car at the resort and not have to drive someplace each day. I enjoy booking a boat trip one day. I love to go to a nice small town for dinner then walk, browse and have some icecream. does the Wentworth offer any of this?
