At the end of July/early August, I am bringing 3 Italian friends around New England, and since I'm from the west coast, would like help. We will arrive in new York, spend a couple of days there, then we have another week or so to tour around and see something. Can anyone give me a good itinarary? Thanks

What are their interests? Everybody wants to see pretty countryside but I think the trip will be more interesting if you can 'customize' it for them. Maybe a visit to Sturbridge Village in MA and then up thru VT. Burlington is a lively area with good restaurants and nice views across Lake Champlain. Head back to NH via Rt 89. Dartmouth campus is in Hanover and again, there's some good restaurants and interesting shopping. Stop in Sunapee NH. If the League of NH Craftsmen is having their annual fair that would be a wonderful opportunity to see a lot of contempory crafts and demonstrations. The fair is about 10 days and very well attended. If you are too early for the fair there you can always take a boat ride on Lake Sunapee. From there head to the mountains and consider a trip to the top of Mt Washington, but only if the weather is absolutely clear. Take the Kancamangus hwg over to North Conway NH. Stop for a picnic or swim? You can overnight in Concord NH. Between the Museum of NH History right on Main St and some unique shops, downtown will make a nice visit. Take Rt 4 over to Portsmouth. You can visit Strawbery Banke for historical perspective and/or enjoy a harbor cruise. Of course you will have to head up into Maine and go at least as far as Portland. Take time to inspect a couple of beaches and have a real lobster dinner on an open deck. If your friends enjoy music, check the event listings because free outdoor concerts seem to be getting more and more popular. Pack some inexpensive bag chairs in the car so you are always ready to sit on a town common and enjoy the evening. Boston will be a must do as well. A Duck Tour would be a zany, fun event but you might want to skip the Blue Man Group if your friends prefer serious theater! The craggy beaches of Maine are very different from the long stretches of sand you will find on the Cape. New England is small, but sure offer a grand variety of scenery.

Um, you do know that New Yorks int' considered part of New England, right? Anyway, there's SO much more than a week's worth of stuff to do, it would be helpful to find out what you and your guests are interested in -- nature, hiking, history, architecture, shopping, museums? Donna's suggested itinerary woudl be fun for people who want to see the greenery of NH, but there are SO many other possibilities!

Um, sorry about the typing -- it's early! I meant to write that New York ISN'T part of New England.

omg - Strawberry Bank is sooooo boring!