New England trip - advice needed!
Oct 28th, 2009, 03:17 PM
#21
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Although the Mohawk Trail is a road, the Appalachian Trail is a hiking trail (so you won't really get to "travel" it unless you decide to go hiking on it).
If by "wildlife" you mean large mammals like moose and bears, I would think it highly unlikely. Depending on how warm it is (and whether those that hibernate are still sleeping), you might see small mammals, like chipmunks and squirrels. Many mammals are nocturnal (rabbits, raccoons, possums, skunks, foxes, deer) so you could see them if you are out at night. But you certainly do not want to hit a deer - or a skunk!
Of course, I live in the Boston suburbs, and I have seen all of the above-mentioned animals (plus coyotes!) out at night on the streets and in the yards around here. I have seen groundhogs (aka woodchucks) as well, in the afternoon or evening.
There should be some unfamiliar bird species for you, too.
If by "wildlife" you mean large mammals like moose and bears, I would think it highly unlikely. Depending on how warm it is (and whether those that hibernate are still sleeping), you might see small mammals, like chipmunks and squirrels. Many mammals are nocturnal (rabbits, raccoons, possums, skunks, foxes, deer) so you could see them if you are out at night. But you certainly do not want to hit a deer - or a skunk!
Of course, I live in the Boston suburbs, and I have seen all of the above-mentioned animals (plus coyotes!) out at night on the streets and in the yards around here. I have seen groundhogs (aka woodchucks) as well, in the afternoon or evening.
There should be some unfamiliar bird species for you, too.
Oct 28th, 2009, 03:27 PM
#22
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If you go to either the Boston aquarium or the aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut you will get to see sea animals. In the wild there are seals that follow the fishing boats into both Stonington, CT harbor and Gloucester,MA; they follow the fishing boats in and grab a free meal from the trash fish they reject. I have seen them in both places and also along the coast of Cape Cod all winter and up until April or when the water starts to warm up. There are plenty of deer, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, around at night and you might also see wild turkeys in the daytime.
Oct 29th, 2009, 01:15 AM
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Here's a link to a NH farm with a wild animal exhibit. They are only open weekends in April. I haven't been to this farm but a friend's family goes for hayrides and other events plus the farm has a very nice traveling farm animal exhibit I have seen at the state fair. The farm is not far from Rt 101, the route I advised against.
http://www.charmingfare.com/Generaladdmission.php
You can check on when the 2010 Wild New Hampshire Day will be. This year it was on April 18 so you might miss it. http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/News..._Day_2009.html
As previously posted, many animals are nocturnal but you might have a chance to see a deer or wild turkeys during the day even along an interstate highway. We tend to see animals early in the morning when they come out to feed or late in the day. I've lived here my whole life and finally saw my first NH moose this year and it was in my own yard. In NH, bears start coming out of hibernation in early April so we take our bird feeders down. We rarely see coyotes during the day but hear them at night. I'm sure there must be some small inns/hotels in country areas that get some animal visitors but you might do best to check for farms, Audubon groups, and science centers that might have good wild animal exhibits.
djbooks, I got a chuckle from your definition of mud season as the transitional season between snow and spring. Up until 2007 we lived on a dirt road so to us mud season is as Vttravelor describes. It's tough to steer on a really muddy road if your car has front wheel drive. For me, April can be a great time of year when weather is decent and it's still weeks before black flies arrive.
http://www.charmingfare.com/Generaladdmission.php
You can check on when the 2010 Wild New Hampshire Day will be. This year it was on April 18 so you might miss it. http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/News..._Day_2009.html
As previously posted, many animals are nocturnal but you might have a chance to see a deer or wild turkeys during the day even along an interstate highway. We tend to see animals early in the morning when they come out to feed or late in the day. I've lived here my whole life and finally saw my first NH moose this year and it was in my own yard. In NH, bears start coming out of hibernation in early April so we take our bird feeders down. We rarely see coyotes during the day but hear them at night. I'm sure there must be some small inns/hotels in country areas that get some animal visitors but you might do best to check for farms, Audubon groups, and science centers that might have good wild animal exhibits.
djbooks, I got a chuckle from your definition of mud season as the transitional season between snow and spring. Up until 2007 we lived on a dirt road so to us mud season is as Vttravelor describes. It's tough to steer on a really muddy road if your car has front wheel drive. For me, April can be a great time of year when weather is decent and it's still weeks before black flies arrive.
Oct 29th, 2009, 02:06 AM
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April can, indeed, be cold, raw and muddy on dirt roads, but your main roads should be fine. Depending on your luck, you can also get lovely weather then!
One suggestion: In our various travels in the U.S. over the years, we've found the packages of maps and other info available free from each state to be invaluable. Since you are planning far in advance (a good idea, by the way), I suggest visiting the online official state sites for states like Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Not sure if they will all send you their "packages", but you can try.
I understand that you are tied to April, but that does somewhat limit some of the typical "scenery". If you're interested in historical New England, you might consider a visit to Old Sturbridge Village, in Massachusetts. When we lived in Connecticut, we used to often have annual family memberships to that place and loved spending a day wandering around the grounds, as did our young children!
If you go there, OSV really deserves a whole day, since it consists of a whole village, reconstructed there, seeming to be alive in the mid 1800's, with "interpreters" in period garb, all very knowledgeable about life there at that time. Once you pay the admission (not cheap), you enter history, or so it seems to feel, and are free to wander around the "town" at will. You can watch them doing the things they'd have done then, from a cooper making barrels to old homes furnished and "functioning" to folks making maple syrup -- the way they boiled it back then, typically in a huge pot over a fire! You're free to spend as much or as little time in any one area as you like, too.
Just one possibility for you. However, I do think OSV is open year around, unlike some places.
One suggestion: In our various travels in the U.S. over the years, we've found the packages of maps and other info available free from each state to be invaluable. Since you are planning far in advance (a good idea, by the way), I suggest visiting the online official state sites for states like Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Not sure if they will all send you their "packages", but you can try.
I understand that you are tied to April, but that does somewhat limit some of the typical "scenery". If you're interested in historical New England, you might consider a visit to Old Sturbridge Village, in Massachusetts. When we lived in Connecticut, we used to often have annual family memberships to that place and loved spending a day wandering around the grounds, as did our young children!
If you go there, OSV really deserves a whole day, since it consists of a whole village, reconstructed there, seeming to be alive in the mid 1800's, with "interpreters" in period garb, all very knowledgeable about life there at that time. Once you pay the admission (not cheap), you enter history, or so it seems to feel, and are free to wander around the "town" at will. You can watch them doing the things they'd have done then, from a cooper making barrels to old homes furnished and "functioning" to folks making maple syrup -- the way they boiled it back then, typically in a huge pot over a fire! You're free to spend as much or as little time in any one area as you like, too.
Just one possibility for you. However, I do think OSV is open year around, unlike some places.
Oct 29th, 2009, 02:28 AM
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Wow - thanks everyone. It is becoming clearer to me now thanks to you all! Here's my 100th draft of our itinerary:
Boston 2 nights then up to Ogunguit for 2 nights with a trip to Portland whilst we are up there. Then cross-country to join the driving route of the Appalachian Trail in Massacheusetts at Williamstown. Stay around there for a couple of nights on our way to the Connecticut coast (destination unclear at the moment). 2 nights exploring there and then onto the Cape to have a good look around that area before coming home. Any comments?!! Don't worry, I can take it if you think it won't work!
Amanda
Boston 2 nights then up to Ogunguit for 2 nights with a trip to Portland whilst we are up there. Then cross-country to join the driving route of the Appalachian Trail in Massacheusetts at Williamstown. Stay around there for a couple of nights on our way to the Connecticut coast (destination unclear at the moment). 2 nights exploring there and then onto the Cape to have a good look around that area before coming home. Any comments?!! Don't worry, I can take it if you think it won't work!
Amanda
Oct 29th, 2009, 03:11 AM
#27
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If you are headed to the Ct coast you might want to consider Mystic Seaport ("the Museum of America and the sea")
http://www.mysticseaport.org/
But going SW to that part of the coast then NE to Cape Cod will add a LOT of driving time compared to other possible destinations
Do you have a good map of New England for plotting all this?
http://www.mysticseaport.org/
But going SW to that part of the coast then NE to Cape Cod will add a LOT of driving time compared to other possible destinations
Do you have a good map of New England for plotting all this?
Oct 29th, 2009, 05:35 AM
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I don't know what you mean by the ``driving route of the Appalachian Trail''. There is no part of the A.T. that allows cars, it is for hikers only. Do you mean the Mowhawk trail? That's ok then. Very scenic, with places to stop by the road and take in the view. Although April will not be the best viewing time.
I think Williamstown would be a good center for a couple nights. You can visit the art museums, see Mass MoCa in North Adams, and take a day trip south to the cute Berkeshire towns, with or without hikes.
April is the end of Sugaring season, the time to boil the maple sugar from the trees to make syrup -- there are lots of sugar houses in western MA where you can get a big american breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup straight from the boiling vat. Your hotel can probably locate one for you.
Your connecticut coast stay could be in Mystic, CT, or consider Newport, Rhode Island. Providence RI is a nice small city too.
I think Williamstown would be a good center for a couple nights. You can visit the art museums, see Mass MoCa in North Adams, and take a day trip south to the cute Berkeshire towns, with or without hikes.
April is the end of Sugaring season, the time to boil the maple sugar from the trees to make syrup -- there are lots of sugar houses in western MA where you can get a big american breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup straight from the boiling vat. Your hotel can probably locate one for you.
Your connecticut coast stay could be in Mystic, CT, or consider Newport, Rhode Island. Providence RI is a nice small city too.
Oct 29th, 2009, 06:00 AM
#29
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capxxx is correct about the trails and the locations for lodging. Do be aware that there is no direct route from Williamstown, MA to Mystic, CT and that you don't really want to "drive the CT coast" as the highway ( i 95) is a very busy commuter route which only has views of the coast in very limited places. If you use it to get to Mystic, make sure you do not try it during morning or evening rush hours as there is usually very bad traffic and an accident, road construction, or even bad weather can compound that. I would add that any time you are near a city, avoid rush hour, have a lazy breakfast or dinner and either drive very much before or after the rush. That said, get a good map and look at some of the pretty drives, some give little dots along them. Mystic would be ok to base for the Seaport and Aquarium, and there is a great Native American Museum at Foxwoods Casino about 20 minutes from there and Newport is a little over an hour from there so not bad as a day trip or on your way back to Boston. Children are not allowed in the gaming areas of the casinos in CT so I would not plan on gaming as part of the trip.
Oct 30th, 2009, 12:57 AM
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You've asked and several folks have tried to advise you on some things. Have you read their observations posted about Cape Cod at that time of year? Or "driving" the Appalachian Trail?
Whatever you decide, I hope your trip is enjoyable.
Whatever you decide, I hope your trip is enjoyable.
Oct 30th, 2009, 01:51 AM
#31
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Hi RetiredVermonter
Yes I have read the advice in detail and I am planning my trip accordingly. I have a fantastic book about driving close to the Appalachian Trail which has also provided me with some good tips. I have almost decided on the final route and can only hope the weather is kind to us!
Yes I have read the advice in detail and I am planning my trip accordingly. I have a fantastic book about driving close to the Appalachian Trail which has also provided me with some good tips. I have almost decided on the final route and can only hope the weather is kind to us!
Oct 30th, 2009, 07:10 AM
#32
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A few more comments: If you really want to see wild life such as moose, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are your best bet. Moose and bear are frequently seen while driving the Kancamangus highway. As you now realize that part of the country can have some nasty weather in April. The Mohawk trail is a fairly large highway that passes thru some scenic countryside, however despite it's name it's not a remote trail winding thru wilderness. The Appalacian trail however is a true footpath that runs from Georgia to Maine. You may be able to hike a few sections of it. Cape Cod has some very charming towns, and some of the most spectacular beaches on the east coast. If it's a choice between the Connecticut Coast or Cape Cod, there is no contest.
Oct 30th, 2009, 07:26 AM
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I still think you have too many destinations.
Stay 3 nights in Boston and 3 nights in Ogunquit (there's lots of day trips from here). Then Western MA for 2 nights and Newport RI for 2 nights. Or some approximation of that.
Stay 3 nights in Boston and 3 nights in Ogunquit (there's lots of day trips from here). Then Western MA for 2 nights and Newport RI for 2 nights. Or some approximation of that.
Oct 30th, 2009, 08:27 AM
#34
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I feel compelled to mention that seeing moose is not necessarily a great thing. Motorists who hit moose often have very serious accidents. Hitting deer is also no fun but they don't do as much damage to the car.
Oct 30th, 2009, 09:10 AM
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I'm originally from CT, and live in MA now. I agree with zootsi that I'd much rather visit Cape Cod than the CT coast, even in April. It isn't as though CT weather will be much different.
I live in northeastern MA on the coast. Our weather is usually slightly colder than Cape Cod's, but we still enjoy the coast in all seasons. You might want to read up on this area (North Shore) as well, as we have less dependence on tourism so more businesses are open year round.
I live in northeastern MA on the coast. Our weather is usually slightly colder than Cape Cod's, but we still enjoy the coast in all seasons. You might want to read up on this area (North Shore) as well, as we have less dependence on tourism so more businesses are open year round.
Oct 30th, 2009, 03:31 PM
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Thanks MareW
I was beginning to wonder if visiting Cape Cod was a mistake, but I am now reassured. We are based in Brewster and plan to look around as much of the surrounding area as we can in the limited 2 days we have there. Regarding the CT coast, I have found what seems to be a decent Inn at a place called Niantic. Have you any knowledge about it. Again, we intend to travel around and use this as a base.
I was beginning to wonder if visiting Cape Cod was a mistake, but I am now reassured. We are based in Brewster and plan to look around as much of the surrounding area as we can in the limited 2 days we have there. Regarding the CT coast, I have found what seems to be a decent Inn at a place called Niantic. Have you any knowledge about it. Again, we intend to travel around and use this as a base.
Oct 30th, 2009, 07:14 PM
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Cape Cod is not a mistake. It will be very nice in April.
Others have great suggestions here so I will not repeat too much of it except for one:
Spring time in Vermont often means "mud time" for everyone. Melting snow and rains on top of that can create quite a mess. You could still have a very nice time but you need to be prepared for the mud.
Others have great suggestions here so I will not repeat too much of it except for one:
Spring time in Vermont often means "mud time" for everyone. Melting snow and rains on top of that can create quite a mess. You could still have a very nice time but you need to be prepared for the mud.
Oct 31st, 2009, 04:46 AM
#38
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I have the impression from your itinerary that historic sites are not really high on your list, but I am putting in a strong pitch for Plimouth Plantation and the Mayflower II, great living history museums that give you an idea of what the original European settlers experienced when they arrived in New England
http://www.plimoth.org/
http://www.plimoth.org/
Oct 31st, 2009, 06:49 AM
#39
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I also will chime in about the CT. coast. Not much there.
Course I'm partial to the National Seashore part of the Cape. One can ferry from Boston to Provincetown (a walking town) with good restaurants, B&Bs and galleries as well as 40 miles of untouched National Seashore to hike and bike around. You'll likely be there during the time that the whales congregate around the shore.
Ogunquit is another favorite with some hiking options in the Agaminomous Mt. (sp.) area. Most of the foliage will not be on the trees yet but the birds will have started to arrive back. You will likely see lots of cardinals and a smattering of smallish critters. You really need to go upstate Maine to see the big boys and even then it's a pot shot.
Good luck and please tell us more about you likes.
Course I'm partial to the National Seashore part of the Cape. One can ferry from Boston to Provincetown (a walking town) with good restaurants, B&Bs and galleries as well as 40 miles of untouched National Seashore to hike and bike around. You'll likely be there during the time that the whales congregate around the shore.
Ogunquit is another favorite with some hiking options in the Agaminomous Mt. (sp.) area. Most of the foliage will not be on the trees yet but the birds will have started to arrive back. You will likely see lots of cardinals and a smattering of smallish critters. You really need to go upstate Maine to see the big boys and even then it's a pot shot.
Good luck and please tell us more about you likes.
Oct 31st, 2009, 09:31 AM
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I live in Western Mass (Pioneer Valley, Connecticut River). Your trip is in the first half of April. The people who are saying the Berkshires, Mohawk Trail, Vermont are scenic have probably not been there in the first half of April. There will be no leaves on the trees, no flowers except forsythia and daffodils and that's if you get a good year. It will be boring. The Conn. coast is pretty much always boring.
However - the Boston area and coast can be quite nice. Ogunquit will be further behind Boston in terms of leaves/flowers but should still be nice, it's not that far so I would keep that. The other suggestions to spend time on the Mass north shore (Gloucester, Rockport, Newburyport) and Newport RI are good. All those areas should have some flowers and they also have lots of historical offerings so are not totally weather dependent. Sturbridge may be muddy but will still be fun. Same for Plimouth Plantation. And really, there is much more than 2 days worth of things to see in Boston.
Seriously, I would skip all the western and northern areas this trip. You don't have all that much time anyway, and given the season you'd have a much more enjoyable trip if you stuck to the coast between Ogunquit and Newport, and only go as far west as Sturbridge.
However - the Boston area and coast can be quite nice. Ogunquit will be further behind Boston in terms of leaves/flowers but should still be nice, it's not that far so I would keep that. The other suggestions to spend time on the Mass north shore (Gloucester, Rockport, Newburyport) and Newport RI are good. All those areas should have some flowers and they also have lots of historical offerings so are not totally weather dependent. Sturbridge may be muddy but will still be fun. Same for Plimouth Plantation. And really, there is much more than 2 days worth of things to see in Boston.
Seriously, I would skip all the western and northern areas this trip. You don't have all that much time anyway, and given the season you'd have a much more enjoyable trip if you stuck to the coast between Ogunquit and Newport, and only go as far west as Sturbridge.
