We are travelling to Boston mid June for two weeks and would like to move out of the city for a few days and sample what New England has to offer.

The problem is we don't know whether to head north towards Freeport, Bar Harbour etc or South down to Cape Cod, Martha's vineyard, Newport etc.

What do you think would be best ( we are in our late twenties and don't want to spend more than about $140 a night on accomodation?)

Don't want somewhere too quiet either!

I am topping this because I am intrested in the responses.

I don't know about the other places you mentioned but Cape Cod has so many Irish pubs, restaurants, shops and motels you're sure to feel right at home.

If you go try to stop at Mitchell's Steak House in Hyannis. Great appetizers, drinks and entertainment in their lounge. Most of the bartenders and staff are Irish.

With all due respect to Gene, when I have friends visit from Ireland, they aren't here to see the Irish or the Irish Americans; they're here to see America and all Americans. I learned the hard way that the Cape is too similar to parts of Ireland (access to the ocean). I've found that what appealed the most to all is the White and Green Mountains, the smaller towns where they can meet and talk with us, as well as the cities of Boston and New York and Washington, D.C. Having said that, I do note that all the areas you mentioned are on the coast. So I think you should head north to the White Mountains, the over to Portsmouth, NH and then to Portland and Freeport, Maine. I don't know much about Bar Harbour in mid-June though I'm guessing you'll miss the crowds.

Here's another recommendation for heading north. You'll get shoulder season rates for accomodations in Newburyport MA, Rockport MA, Portsmouth NH and all along the coast of Maine. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Newport lodging is far pricier in general that the aforementioned destinations. You needed go nearly as far as Freeport or Bar Harbor to enjoy plenty of the coast of Maine.

The White Mountains are another terrific destination. Scenic drives in every direction.

Personally, I would spend a few days on either end of your two weeks in Boston and travel through Maine, New Hamsphire, even Vermont or the Berkshires in Western MA in between.

Other than Boston, Newburyport MA, and Portsmouth NH, you'd be headed into significantly "quieter" territory. There is nightlife everywhere, just less of it.

Jusmcg - my brother lives in Kerry and when he and his girlfiend come here to Boston all they want to do is shop. They love the bargains that can be found at the outlet malls - Kittery Maine or North Conway NH. If you decide to head for Maine you'll be traveling up RT 95 right past Newburyport, Portsmouth and the Kittery outlets.

If you want a taste of America check out a minor league baseball game. The Portland Seadogs are an affliate of the Boston Red Sox. The games in Portland are hokey, low key and center on fan participation. Tickets are cheap ($6 each).

Have a great time!