Need advice on trip Boston to Buffalo
 

We are traveling by car from Boston to Buffalo to see family. I would like to stop and stay overnight somewhere instead of the long drive (we are in our 70s)...any ideas???

Thanks

What about somewhere in the finger lakes region? There are some lovely inns in that area: http://www.flbba.org/

Finger Lakes is a good idea...and it's along the Thruway, if that's your route. If you travel along the Southern Tier there are so many decent little motels. I think it is a matter of whether you want to sight-see or just stay somewhere clean and pleasant and then keep on driving.

More scenery along the Southern Tier. Is Glens Falls too out of the way? There is also the Alleghany region. Olean area.

I think the Finger Lakes is too close to Buffalo for this trip -- you might want to stop near Albany/Rochester/Schenectady instead.

it is an 8 hour drive from boston to buffalo - you can stop in Albany which is 5 hours from buffalo - syracuse which is three hours from bufflo - I wouldn't do Rochester since it is only 1.5 hours from Buffalo. You could go a bit out of your way at Albany and stay the night in Saratoga - very nice (but busy and expensive if you go in August because of the races) - I can't think of where you would stop to split the trip into 2 4 hour segments - it would have to be between Albany and Syracuse. Maybe Troy or Utica? I've never stoped in either town so I can't recomend anything there.

I assume you are not looking to do any sightseeing along the way, you merely want a rest. I'm assuming you will be using I-90 - the Mass Pike and the NYS Thruway.

You'll find nothing in Troy. Albany will have a number of places. You'll find better prices near Thruway exit 23 (on Rt 9w) than near Exit 24.

For 1/2 way, Albany is a bit too close to Boston, Finger Lakes too far. Something between Albany & Utica is about right.

If you go to Schenectady, you'll find a Super8 and a Quality Inn right off exit 25, and usually less expensive than the others I've mentioned.

Go to Amsterdam (exit 27) and you'll find a Super8 right off the exit, and a Best Western downtown - an easy and short ride.

There's a Travelodge just off Exit 28, Fultonville - right on the Mohawk River. They used to have paddleboats, but I don't think they do any longer.

See what you can find at
http://www.roomsaver.com/coupon_search.php?state=NY
or pick up one of the books at stop on the thruway or turnpike. Utica has a lot of chain hotels right off the exit too.

Thanks all...I think we would like to stop where there is some sightseeing or a casino, etc...or an outletmall?.. you have given me some ideas..

There is a casino off the thruway near Syracuse. I believe the name is Turning Stone and it's near Verona. Also, Skaneatlas in the Finger Lakes is just south of Syracuse and not too far off the thruway.

Re Skaneatlas ...isn't there a great restaurant there?

Turning Stone Casino is off I-90 at Exit 33 (Verona / Rome). They have a number of lodging options. From very expensive to cheap. Utica is about 15-20 minutes east of Turning Stone. Right off I-90 is a decent Red Roof Inn that is recently renovated and cheap. The only other places I'd stay in Utica are Hotel Utica (beautiful old hotel renovated to it's original look) and the Radisson, which is a block or two down from the Hotel Utica. Both are about one mile off of Exit 31.

If you're looking for sightseeing I would I suggest that you not stop in Utica. While I've only been there once, I didn't see any reason to return. There would be more to see in Syracuse. I don't know of outlet shopping in Syracuse, but there is an outlet in Waterloo which might be too much of a first day drive. It's about 2 hours from Buffalo.

Yes I remember that outlet in Waterloo. Can you tell me if going to Buffalo it would be before Verona and the Turning Stone hotel. I think that might be nice ...stay at Turning Stone and next day go to the outlets.

Can't help but wonder why you bother with outlets when Buffalo/Niagara are full of them.
For something scenic along the route (we have stayed near Troy and Albany) I really like Skaneateles which is only a little over 5 hrs from Boston. We stay at Mirbeau Inn since it's usually for a special occasion, but even if you don't stay at the Inn, the dining there is fabulous!

http://mirbeau.com/

Tobie...going to Buffalo to see family so once we get there we are booked, if you know what I mean.

<<Tobie...going to Buffalo to see family so once we get there we are booked, if you know what I mean.>>

I know exactly what you mean. ;)

I'd still recommend Mirbeau if it's not too far from your other interests. Skaneateles is only about 20 miles off the expressway as I remember.