Hello all,
My husband and I will be celebrating our first anniversary in October of this year. We will be leaving from southern NJ and plan to travel up the coast. My thoughts were
Sun: Mystic Seaport
Mon: Newport, RI
Tues: Newport, RI
Wed: open
Thurs: Portsmouth, NH
Fri: Portsmouth,NH
Sat: head home

I tried to read a bunch of reviews here, it seems like many favor Newport and Portsmouth. Had considered going to Bar Harbor,ME but seems like it is too far to drive. Any recommendations on other places to stay or do you think there's enough in Newport and Portsmouth. If so would you stay 3rd day in Newport or Portsmouth?
what about Mystic, is it worth it or is there somewhere else we should check along that area?
we're looking for a nice relaxing time, like to wander around, light walking trails, beach, light shopping,
thanks, Laura

Mystic is definitely worthy of a day. You can add a bit to it by visiting the Submarine Museum in Groton also. There is a nice beach area to walk there as well and you can look at at Ledgelight (a large red square lighthouse, very pretty) and maybe catch a submarine coming or going along the river. Newport is really nice. Visit the mansions, do the cliff walk, shop in the little stores...so much to do. I can't help with Portsmouth, since I have not been there.

OOPS, forgot also to ask about hotel recommendations. we are planning to prob stay at wentworth by the sea in portsmouth (have marriot points); is it worth it?

Laura

I can't help with hotels. We lived in both Groton and Newport, and so stayed at only a couple hotels. It has been several years though and I would hate to give outdated information, so I will let someone help you who has stayed there recently.

The Wentworth By The Sea is a great choice, you'll enjoy it there. You could always take a day trip to Kennebunkport, about 30-45 min from Portsmouth. You'll also really love Newport, it's so beautiful there. For your open day, maybe you could stop in Boston? It's about 1.5 hours from Newport and 1 hour from Portsmouth.

If it's fall foliage time I think I would head up into the NH lakes region...maybe the Bayside Inn in Alton Bay...Portsmouth is a lot like Newport in my opinion....and if seashore is your desire I'd head for Cape Cod before I'd head up to Portsmouth.

I like Portsmouth and Newport, but I think you can cover Portsmouth in one day. Think about adding Portland, ME instead of one day in Portsmouth. Other options would be a day in Boston, since you'll be driving through, or half a day in Newburyport, MA. You'll be driving by there as well.

The Marriott is in Newcastle, which is a short drive to the center of Portsmouth. It's very nice and the area is beautiful. If you're more interested in being in the center of Portsmouth, consider the Sheraton.