Nice trip. You didn't try to do too much yet you got around and saw a lot. The next trip will be even better!

I know it's no consolation, but our weather has continued being rainy and dreary with only a day of sun here and there. The weather people are calling it the second dimmest (i.e. no sun) month in history though we may become #1 by the end of the month.

I like your description of the B&B owners and agree with your sentiments about being helpful while not being overwhelming.

Thanks for the great report.

P.S. Sorry about the Red Wings. My good friend is from outside Detroit so I was keeping up with the playoffs.

tdmort, thanks for posting this lovely report. I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit. Halibut Point is a great place, isn't it? I went on a sunny day last September, and took pictures and relaxed on the rocks. I loved it.

by the way, around here we call them "rotaries", not roundabouts. and yes, they can be hell...

cw...sorry to hear the weather hasn't been better. I figured it was just a matter of bad luck on our part.

Yes, china_cat, I do remember them being called rotaries because when we saw the first sign for one ahead we didn't know exactly what it was. We quickly discovered...

I am glad you enjoyed Salem and Cape Ann and found your stay there relaxing. Especially glad that your husband's knee problems didn't prevent you from enjoying Halibut Point. It is a beautiful spot and especially meaningful to me because it was one of my mother's favorite places along the coast.

A most excellent trip report! So glad you switched hotels and Hotel Marlowe ended up being a great choice. You survived driving in Boston and Cambridge! Just thrilled it all worked out for you, your husband and his knee!!!

Thanks vttraveler and gyppielou. I really appreciated your advise. I can't wait to go back to New England. It was lovely...rainy weather and all! :)

hi tdmort, I just want to thank you again for the trip report. You have no idea how happy you made me (and I probably can speak for other Boston and NE Fodorites) by:

1) You came here and asked about your itinerary
2) We answered and made suggestions (prob too many)
3) You read our responses and adjusted your itinerary accordingly
4) You took our advice when you went on your trip
5) You came back and posted your trip report!

You have no idea how few posters ever did all 5 steps... Your report made us feel all our efforts didn't go wasted.

Awww....thanks yk. Thank you all for reading my report. Seriously, thanks for letting me share. I love to write and it was nice to hear how much you all enjoyed the report!

Have a great evening everyone!

What a great trip, and thanks for the detailed trip report!

I am so glad you had a good time on your trip. I love reading reports of others thoughts on Boston and the surrounding area. Having lived here my whole life, I forget that some people haven't always known this area. And since you went to Bartley's, I thought this might interest you:
http://www.loadedgunboston.com/2009/...s-segment.html

Guy Fieri was there filming for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, his show on the Food Network. No clue when it will air, but it will be fun to see what he thought (even though he annoys me, I will be watching for this).
Sorry about the school groups, I should have mentioned that in my post on your original thread, I know I said it about Plimouth Plantation but I should have pointed out that it would affect Boston historic sites too.

I forgot to add that I stayed in my first Kimpton hotel a couple years ago and I am total devotee to them now. Every single one that I have stayed at has been exceptional. The service is great and the beds are super comfy. One of the ones I stayed at even put a fish in your room for you as a pet if you wanted it. So much fun. If you join their rewards program they will email you special rates all the time.