I just took it that you were pointing out the differences between the two towns, I'm sure both great in their own way. I can taste the lobster now.

<<we are not going to keep the car in Boston. I enjoy public transport and would not want to deal with hassle of traffic etc.. when public transport is so convenient and affordable. >>

And it's nearly impossible to park - many areas of Boston and its surrounding towns allow only permit parking for residents.

Recommendations for the Maine coast are quintessential Maine coast towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit and York. Maybe it's just me but I would not send a first time visitor looking for a coastal experience to Portland-it's big and has a more industrial feel (although with excellent restaurants & a great vibe). For the NH coast I strongly recommend a few days in Portsmouth, NH-a great year round city. Historic homes, fantastic restaurants, great museums. It's just an hour south of Portland. Happy to provide more specific recs if you are interested. :)

See how little I know of this area. I thought Portsmouth was Maine�� yikes, time to bring out a bigger map. I will check out Portsmouth and check back in with you for recommendations. Thanks!

Portsmouth is the NH seacoast city just before you cross over the bridge to Kittery Maine. It can be confusing because you have to go to Kittery to get to the Portsmouth Navy Shipyard. (sorry, couldn't resisted throwing that in)

NH has a very short seacoast. If you got Rt 1 or I95 from Boston, you go thru Portsmouth NH.

If you want to see fall color you would be able to see some in northern VT at the end of September. Not too much in the other locations you are planning to visit. If you want more suggestions about this part of New England, I can supply information, but it doesn't sound as though you would plan on this area.

Vttraveler - I was not planning on seeing northern Vermont this trip due to time constraints. Thanks tho.
Afon- my daughter has just brought the Cape to my attention. Her and I need to talk more about it, she is very interested in this area, but something else will need to be dropped from our itinerary. Thanks for the day trip link.

That's what I thought. i only mentioned it because seeing fall color was mentioned as your original reason for the trip, and you really won't see foliage changing that farther south or on the coast in September.

Coastal town not mentioned...artsy fartsy Rockport(MA.) is worth a scenic stop. Popular Motif #1 can be seen in the harbor. My late mother-in-law lived in Rockport summers and was called "The Dame of Rockport" for her water colors which were all over town. Yes, motif #1, too. Now everyone in the family has at least one Grandma water color. (Gloucester and Salem are closeby)

Lobster, crab everywhere in town. In Ogunquit ME.), Barnacle Bill's is a good place for a loobster feast..there are others.

stu (former Quincy-ite)

Rockport looks like a lovely town. I have yet come across a town in my research of New England that does not look beautiful.. If we stop in Rockport will be sure to check out Motif #1.