New England 2.5 weeks Route advise
Jul 26th, 2011, 12:26 PM
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New England 2.5 weeks Route advise
Hi all,
Ive been trying to figure out which route to take for my 2(.5) week or 16-18 days road trip in October (4 until 19-ish) by myself through New England. Ive been reading a whole lot (maybe too much); so now it's time for some feedback. The list Im thowing out is way too much I know, but still I would like to ask what can or should be taken out. Next to that I would like a general tip if one who never went to New England, to focus on one state or more? Basically I think I will cut out ACADIA all together because it's to far to drive back. Or if you say well, that one is the most beautiful of ACADIA, WHITE MOUNTAIN FORREST OR GREEN MOUNTAIN FORREST. Also is it wise to include Berkshire hills? Ok what do I like to see or do: food, white water rafting (what are the best places III, IV or maybe V?), fall foliage (duh), whalewatching, themepark, lighthouse, covered bridges, kayak or kano, walk, beach, train ride, balloon flight.
O yeah one more thing: cheap sleep spots, where or what are the best options?
Here's my insane first shot of the ROUTE: please give as much feedback as possible.
O yeah first 3 days are in Boston (enough?)
Day 1-4 Boston, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport
So basically the choice has to be made from this point on. To continue to Acadia via Booth bay harbor or skip that and go to see below.
Day 5 Lake Winnipesaukee
Day 6-7 Kancamagus Highway and White Mountains
Day 8-9-10 Stowe, Burlington, Waitsfield, Middlebury, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock and Grafton, all VT
Day 11-12 Green Mountain National Forest
Day 13 - 14-15 Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills
Day 16 -17 Springfield, Agawam (Six flags) Worcester to Boston
Is it a lot? Probably is. The thing is I want to enjoy as much as possible and remember I am alone. Your comments are highly appreciated. Thanks Micheal
Ive been trying to figure out which route to take for my 2(.5) week or 16-18 days road trip in October (4 until 19-ish) by myself through New England. Ive been reading a whole lot (maybe too much); so now it's time for some feedback. The list Im thowing out is way too much I know, but still I would like to ask what can or should be taken out. Next to that I would like a general tip if one who never went to New England, to focus on one state or more? Basically I think I will cut out ACADIA all together because it's to far to drive back. Or if you say well, that one is the most beautiful of ACADIA, WHITE MOUNTAIN FORREST OR GREEN MOUNTAIN FORREST. Also is it wise to include Berkshire hills? Ok what do I like to see or do: food, white water rafting (what are the best places III, IV or maybe V?), fall foliage (duh), whalewatching, themepark, lighthouse, covered bridges, kayak or kano, walk, beach, train ride, balloon flight.
O yeah one more thing: cheap sleep spots, where or what are the best options?
Here's my insane first shot of the ROUTE: please give as much feedback as possible.
O yeah first 3 days are in Boston (enough?)
Day 1-4 Boston, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport
So basically the choice has to be made from this point on. To continue to Acadia via Booth bay harbor or skip that and go to see below.
Day 5 Lake Winnipesaukee
Day 6-7 Kancamagus Highway and White Mountains
Day 8-9-10 Stowe, Burlington, Waitsfield, Middlebury, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock and Grafton, all VT
Day 11-12 Green Mountain National Forest
Day 13 - 14-15 Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills
Day 16 -17 Springfield, Agawam (Six flags) Worcester to Boston
Is it a lot? Probably is. The thing is I want to enjoy as much as possible and remember I am alone. Your comments are highly appreciated. Thanks Micheal
Jul 26th, 2011, 01:27 PM
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October in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Western Massachusetts is peak foliage season. Unfortunately, lodging books up in this area then, so I wouldn't dawdle finding places to stay if you want to do this trip. It might even be too late by now.
You could easily spend three or four days just exploring Boston, depending on your interests. Three days with all those places in Vermont is not enough time -- I'd trim a couple spots here.
Acadia may be a bit out of the way, but it's marvelous.
Springfield and Worcester are not exactly garden spots. I'd substitute Northampton/Amherst and Old Sturbridge Village here, unless you have kids who won't stand for passing up Six Flags. And the recent tornado that tore through Springfield likely hasn't helped its meager status as a tourist destination.
You could easily spend three or four days just exploring Boston, depending on your interests. Three days with all those places in Vermont is not enough time -- I'd trim a couple spots here.
Acadia may be a bit out of the way, but it's marvelous.
Springfield and Worcester are not exactly garden spots. I'd substitute Northampton/Amherst and Old Sturbridge Village here, unless you have kids who won't stand for passing up Six Flags. And the recent tornado that tore through Springfield likely hasn't helped its meager status as a tourist destination.
Jul 29th, 2011, 03:03 AM
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I would head NORTH first and then make your way back south. Color 'peaks' are hard to predict but the peak moves from north to south so, based on the time of year you'll be here, I advise you do the same. This color map helps you see how things might happen. http://www.yankeefoliage.com/peak-foliage-forecast-map/
Jul 29th, 2011, 04:35 AM
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Try not to miss Acadia. It is indeed marvelous.
How much leaf peeping do you need to experience? Perhaps it would be better to split your time between two destinations and enjoy each place rather than rushing about. Consider splitting your time between Boston and then one rural destination, either the Berkshires, Vermont, N.H., or Maine.
Since you're alone, without kids: Don't waste your time at Six Flags! I wouldn't even put this on the list. You will see nothing new there, I assure you.
You'd better get cracking on securing hotel reservations for this time of year in New England!
Lastly, if you're flying into the area before your tour begins, consider purchasing an open jaw ticket to allow you some flexibility and as a time saver.
(Make some reservations that you can cancel without a penalty today!)
How much leaf peeping do you need to experience? Perhaps it would be better to split your time between two destinations and enjoy each place rather than rushing about. Consider splitting your time between Boston and then one rural destination, either the Berkshires, Vermont, N.H., or Maine.
Since you're alone, without kids: Don't waste your time at Six Flags! I wouldn't even put this on the list. You will see nothing new there, I assure you.
You'd better get cracking on securing hotel reservations for this time of year in New England!
Lastly, if you're flying into the area before your tour begins, consider purchasing an open jaw ticket to allow you some flexibility and as a time saver.
(Make some reservations that you can cancel without a penalty today!)
Aug 1st, 2011, 04:44 AM
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If you are interested in white water rafting I would check out these links for 2 outfitters that run trips on 3 different rivers in Maine. You would need to check dates because the trips may end in early October and there are dam releases. These Maine rivers are fantastic rafting. If you can and decide to include a rafting excursion then of course your itinerary needs to change.
http://www.northernoutdoors.com
http://www.threeriverswhitewater.com...FSI55QodBktMXg
Even if you don't take a rafting excursion I would consider going to Gloucester and Rockport, MA which is north of Boston. Gloucester harbor is a working harbor (home of the movie Perfect Storm) and Rockport is quaint, picturesque. Visiting Halibut Point State Park while in Cape Ann is a special treat; also some fabulous sea food abounds. I would do a whale watch trip from here. I don't think Ogunquit, Maine has anything more to offer than Gloucester/Rockport especially in the fall when you won't be swimming, particularly if you go to Halibut Point so I would drop Ogunquit and maybe visit Portland, Maine instead on your way up. Make sure you go to the PortHole for breakfast in Portland!
Stellwagan Bank is a marine sanctuary and by far is the ultimate destination to go for whale watching. Trips leave from Cape Cod which you will not be going to, the aquarium in Boston, or in Cape Ann in Gloucester. You can check out this link for more info: http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/wha...companies.html
Personally, I would skip Lake Winnipesaukee; to me it's just a very large lake and nothing so special when you have a limited time in NE. Also skip the trip via the Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills; you will see more beauty in VT. I would also cut out Springfield, Agawam and Worcester. If you cut all of this out then going to Acadia should work out and it is very special. There are some wonderful harbor towns along the coast of Maine including Camden. If you want a special place to stay check out in Lincolnville, just outside of Camden, The Inn at Ocean's Edge. If you do go rafting you will have to go across from the coast into western maine and you will be in exquisite back country and a lot less touristy than NH.
http://www.northernoutdoors.com
http://www.threeriverswhitewater.com...FSI55QodBktMXg
Even if you don't take a rafting excursion I would consider going to Gloucester and Rockport, MA which is north of Boston. Gloucester harbor is a working harbor (home of the movie Perfect Storm) and Rockport is quaint, picturesque. Visiting Halibut Point State Park while in Cape Ann is a special treat; also some fabulous sea food abounds. I would do a whale watch trip from here. I don't think Ogunquit, Maine has anything more to offer than Gloucester/Rockport especially in the fall when you won't be swimming, particularly if you go to Halibut Point so I would drop Ogunquit and maybe visit Portland, Maine instead on your way up. Make sure you go to the PortHole for breakfast in Portland!
Stellwagan Bank is a marine sanctuary and by far is the ultimate destination to go for whale watching. Trips leave from Cape Cod which you will not be going to, the aquarium in Boston, or in Cape Ann in Gloucester. You can check out this link for more info: http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/wha...companies.html
Personally, I would skip Lake Winnipesaukee; to me it's just a very large lake and nothing so special when you have a limited time in NE. Also skip the trip via the Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills; you will see more beauty in VT. I would also cut out Springfield, Agawam and Worcester. If you cut all of this out then going to Acadia should work out and it is very special. There are some wonderful harbor towns along the coast of Maine including Camden. If you want a special place to stay check out in Lincolnville, just outside of Camden, The Inn at Ocean's Edge. If you do go rafting you will have to go across from the coast into western maine and you will be in exquisite back country and a lot less touristy than NH.
Aug 1st, 2011, 09:16 AM
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Day 1-4 Boston, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport
So basically the choice has to be made from this point on. To continue to Acadia via Booth bay harbor or skip that and go to see below.
In Ogunquit you can walk the Marginal Way and enjoy seeing sandy beaches. But I would suggest taking a boat ride out of either Portsmouth or Portland. Although not a whale watch, the trips are interesting. You can visit Nubble Light in York and whatever lighthouses are around southern Maine. I think there's an evening cruise of Casco Bay (Portland) to see lighthouses at night but it's probably only on weekends.
Day 5 Lake Winnipesaukee
Day 6-7 Kancamagus Highway and White Mountains
You can stay in one place for these three days. The Big Lake is very beautiful esp if can see it from up high, perhaps Castle in the Clouds or the tram ride up Gunstock. Gunstock Resort in Gilford also now has a zip line course as does several places in the White Mountains. This is a new popular activity. My favorite area is between Lake W and the White Mountain - Sandwich NH. We did a loop last Labor Day weekend when we were staying in Campton. Went east on the Kanc in the morning (was in N Conway before lunch) did some shopping, headed south on Rt 16 than drove from Tamworth to Center Sandwich. Some real pretty landscapes - small towns, old houses, mountain backdrop. Also possible, a foliage cruise on Lake W but this might be a little long for some.
You can head north/NW to get to Stowe and Burlington area but your choices are all over the place. Traveling around VT is going to take you thru the Green Mountain National Forest. You might check for kayaking rentals in any of these areas. The only place I'm familiar with is near Concord NH but they will drop you off and pick you up after a half day paddle on the Merrimack River ... and there's nesting eagles in the area.
Day 8-9-10 Stowe, Burlington, Waitsfield, Middlebury, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock and Grafton, all VT
Day 11-12 Green Mountain National Forest
Suggest staying in the north for 2 nights. Burlington is a long drive from Stowe but you could make a day trip head a little south and come back on a different route.
Middlebury is a good base for central VT. You can just stop in Woodstock and Quechee on your way to MA.
Day 13 - 14-15 Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills
Day 16 -17 Springfield, Agawam (Six flags) Worcester to Boston
I would eliminate the Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills. Haven't been to Six Flags but you might compare to Canobie Lake Park in Salem NH (30 minutes from Boston) and save the miles. Then you can fit some of what you want to do i.e. white water rafting into your schedule.
So basically the choice has to be made from this point on. To continue to Acadia via Booth bay harbor or skip that and go to see below.
In Ogunquit you can walk the Marginal Way and enjoy seeing sandy beaches. But I would suggest taking a boat ride out of either Portsmouth or Portland. Although not a whale watch, the trips are interesting. You can visit Nubble Light in York and whatever lighthouses are around southern Maine. I think there's an evening cruise of Casco Bay (Portland) to see lighthouses at night but it's probably only on weekends.
Day 5 Lake Winnipesaukee
Day 6-7 Kancamagus Highway and White Mountains
You can stay in one place for these three days. The Big Lake is very beautiful esp if can see it from up high, perhaps Castle in the Clouds or the tram ride up Gunstock. Gunstock Resort in Gilford also now has a zip line course as does several places in the White Mountains. This is a new popular activity. My favorite area is between Lake W and the White Mountain - Sandwich NH. We did a loop last Labor Day weekend when we were staying in Campton. Went east on the Kanc in the morning (was in N Conway before lunch) did some shopping, headed south on Rt 16 than drove from Tamworth to Center Sandwich. Some real pretty landscapes - small towns, old houses, mountain backdrop. Also possible, a foliage cruise on Lake W but this might be a little long for some.
You can head north/NW to get to Stowe and Burlington area but your choices are all over the place. Traveling around VT is going to take you thru the Green Mountain National Forest. You might check for kayaking rentals in any of these areas. The only place I'm familiar with is near Concord NH but they will drop you off and pick you up after a half day paddle on the Merrimack River ... and there's nesting eagles in the area.
Day 8-9-10 Stowe, Burlington, Waitsfield, Middlebury, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock and Grafton, all VT
Day 11-12 Green Mountain National Forest
Suggest staying in the north for 2 nights. Burlington is a long drive from Stowe but you could make a day trip head a little south and come back on a different route.
Middlebury is a good base for central VT. You can just stop in Woodstock and Quechee on your way to MA.
Day 13 - 14-15 Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills
Day 16 -17 Springfield, Agawam (Six flags) Worcester to Boston
I would eliminate the Mohawk Trail and Berkshire Hills. Haven't been to Six Flags but you might compare to Canobie Lake Park in Salem NH (30 minutes from Boston) and save the miles. Then you can fit some of what you want to do i.e. white water rafting into your schedule.
Aug 2nd, 2011, 12:31 PM
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All, thanks a lot for taking your time to reply to me.
The plan has changed a bit I would say.
It's now just a combination of Boston and Vermont, with a day trip to Cape Ann for some lobster.
So any great tips on Vermont would be welcome. Or wonderful 1-2 day trips from Boston.
The plan has changed a bit I would say.
It's now just a combination of Boston and Vermont, with a day trip to Cape Ann for some lobster.
So any great tips on Vermont would be welcome. Or wonderful 1-2 day trips from Boston.
Aug 3rd, 2011, 08:13 AM
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Catch the ferry from Boston to Provincetown for a nice day trip. You will get a feeling for the sea and will, I think, enjoy the lively P-town scene. There is public transportation in P-town if you decide to leave the commercial area, which is easily walkable from the ferry, and head to the National Seashore beaches. Or you could always rent a bike to get around.
http://www.baystatecruisecompany.com/
http://www.smartguide.org/capecod/land-links.html
http://www.baystatecruisecompany.com/
http://www.smartguide.org/capecod/land-links.html
