Bowsprit

Someone asked about the shopping in these little coastal towns. On the Cape, towns such as Falmouth, Chatham and Provincetown have unique galleries and shops. You'll not have any trouble finding handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings and other art. You'll also not have trouble finding noodles, inflatable, smiling dolphins and sand sculptures that double as candles. It's the beach, there's 'stuff' for everyone to buy.

bachslunch

Not sure I agree with a couple of observations above:

"Leaving out Cape Cod on this trip would be like leaving out the Eiffel Tower if you were visiting Paris."

Not so sure about that. It might perhaps be more akin to traveling to Paris and not making a jaunt to the Normandy Beaches and Mont St. Michel. A good thing to do, but not exactly "in Paris" like the Eiffel Tower is. And given that it's really not just a day trip (and if one's going to experience Cape Cod in some detail, that's also the case), it's arguably wise to save the Cape for an occasion when one can devote some time to it.

"I'd do a 'drive through' Newport and a 'drive by' Hartford. I live near Hartford and I assure you, there's not a thing to see here."

Depends on how much time one has and what one's sightseeing priorities are. If one really likes to tour historic houses and is a real complete-ist about it, a Newport visit can easily take 3-4 days in the summer. And there certainly are things to see in Hartford, including the State Capitol, Wadsworth Athenaeum, Old State House, Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe Houses, and a few other lesser attractions -- but I agree that with this short a period of time and given the ambitious nature of the OP's wish list, I'd likely scratch Hartford from the itinerary this time around.

sf7307

>>

I think that was me, and this is a perfect explanation. Thanks.

Nikki

Along Route 6A on the north shore of the Cape there are many antique shops in the towns of Brewster, Dennis, and Yarmouthport. All these towns are picturesque and it is a historic old road with beautiful old houses.

Bowsprit

Nikki, you're absolutely right.

If anyone does decide to visit Hartford, check to make sure any of the sites suggested actually still are funded and open before planning a trip here to avoid disappointment. Regarding special trips, I suspect Hartford would not be on anyone's 'bucket list'.

The Cape Cod National Seashore is the jewel of Cape Cod and is a worthwhile target destination. Thousands of visitors do just that every year. Perhaps I should have said: "Leaving out Cape Cod on this trip would be like not seeing Mont St. Michel while visiting Normandy."

LakeSideChick: You're in the enviable position of being spoiled for choice. Have fun planning.

bachslunch

Bowsprit, I agree 100% with your idea that it's always a wise idea to "check to make sure any of the sites suggested actually still are funded and open before planning a trip...to avoid disappointment." After taking a vacation where a few attractions I had hoped to see were unexpectedly closed up for good, I nowadays routinely check around to make sure before I head out on a trip -- and am thinking that's wise for Hartford or any other destination.

And these days where funding has gotten scarcer (with resultant hours cuts or outright closures), am thinking it's an even better idea.

Bowsprit

It's also a good idea to 'google' directions to Hartford sites as the signage in the city is the worst I've experienced. Hartford is a place of untapped potential.

Dreamer2

Hi there!

Keeping quaint, historic, and picturesque in mind...

Two Seaside Must-sees:

Newport, RI (So unique!)
Portsmouth, NH (Best place to stay: Marriott Wentworth in New Castle. Include a day trip to coastal Maine, including Kennebunkport.)

Two Must-sees in the Mountains:

Woodstock/Queechee, VT ((Best place to stay: Woodstock Inn.)
Lenox, MA (History, music, theatre, art, foliage)

Enjoy your planning!!!!

lilaki

wow - timely thread! might be hitting some of these places this fall! thanks!