Nice introduction to New England
 

Driving home from camp in Colchester, VT this summer (we live in Wash DC). We're thinking of Colchester to Hanover, NH, to Boston to Newport, RI onto Providence (to see friends) through Philadelphia and then back to DC. Should I include Mystic, CT and/or Salem, MA? Am I missing anything really critical for a first time visit? It's just me, a 15 y-o and a 12 y-o. (I think adding a visit to the Cape may be just too much at this point)

THANK YOU!

Do you have some time between Hanover and Boston? I would head for the coast of Maine and eliminate Mystic and Salem.

Mystic is right along the way; but Salem, Maine, and the Cape would be side trips.

The itinerary would depend on how much time you have, and the interests of the group.

Hanover is a great idea.

Boston is fantastic.

If the 15 and 12 y-o's are male or like sailing, I would definitely opt for Mystic. The Seaport is really interesting for people who like (a) the sea or (b) gadgets and technology. There is also a nice aquarium, for those whose tastes run to nature.

If they were interested in neither, Old Lyme might be interesting. A 19th century center for American impressionist painting.

My kids love nature, aquariums and after a couple of weeks of sailing camp, hopefully sailing!, so maybe I'll go with Mystic. (Does anyone know how the aquarium ranks relative to the Baltimore aquarium?) Is Newport going to be total disaster with a reasonably cooperative (emphasis on reasonable - not tremendously) 12 y-o boy? Is there a tour there that might keep his interest a bit? (Happy to go through Monticello, but hey that's Monticello!)

thank you!

Kids get a kick out of the Astors mansion in Newport that has tour guides who are actors portraying the original residents, complete with gossipy details about each other. There's the Museum of Yachting in Newport, too. I thought the Mystic Aquarium was very well-done, but haven't been to Baltimore's.

The Astor Museum sounds GREAT!
Thanks!

They call them "living history tours" which sounds stuffy but our tour was a hoot! Be prepared for some participatory role-playing; history nerds will find this tour very rewarding.

http://www.astorsbeechwood.com/tours.shtml

In summer, take your kids for some beach time to either second beach or first beach close to Newport. Many of my fondest memories are of warm summer days on Second Beach - great waves and great body surfing.There are also sailing and boat trips for all of you (how about a 12 meter sailing vessel?) or sailing lessons for the kids ( at Fort Adams. They will also love serious kite flying on Ocean Drive in Newport. Yes, Newport is busy at this time but it is always fun.

Any suggestions on where I can stay in Newport? Just one night I think -- will that be a problem in July?

What is your budget? Would you want a regular hotel, B&B...?

one adult, two kids. I'm thinking a B&B won't want us in one room. I'm driving, some place nice and clean -- location is probably key.

thanks

There is a new Residence Inn by Marriott in nearby Middletown. You would be only 2-3 miles from Thames Street in Newport and about the same for the beaches. A king bed room with a sofa bed may be appealing to you. While I haven't stayed at this particular property (since I am local), I have stayed at many Residence Inn properties and they are a good value. A bonus is that breakfast is free and there is a free manager special "dinner" on business nites - nothing fancy but it's free. You do realize that for your friends in Providence this is only about 35- 40 minutes away?

Parking is a hassle in Newport; IMHO you'd be better-off staying right in town at a hotel with parking. A couple of them have pools, free breakfast, etc.

If we spend a day with friends in Providence and then want to see the Astor museum in Newport and the Mystic Seaport (and other sites in both), swing by Yale (is that possible?) before heading into Philadelphia area (and time isn't too much of a problem -- we can do this in 2-3 or even 4 days) where would/should I stay? Newport and then again Mystic? I don't want to drive more than four hours at a stretch.

THANK YOU for your great tips!

Yes, a night or 2 in Newport and then a night in Mystic would make sense.

I live south of Hanover NH along I89.

Small stops in Vermont and NH:

Off of I89S in Vermont:

Now if it's a hot day, there is always the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury VT if your ice cream fans.

I would definitely stop in Woodstock VT for an hour or so. Around 1/2 way between Colchester and Hanover. Gillinghams General Store is fun. Several restaurants. Several movies have been filmed there.

Hanover NH has Dartmouth College and a view of the Connecticut River.

Further down I89 in NH is Lake Sunapee harbor. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith has a home there and has been seen around town.

I am from Connecticut and have always loved the Mystic area. We stayed at the Residence Inn right near the Seaport and it was fine.

Enjoy. Sounds like a nice trip.

Almost forgot - A quick stop past Woodstock in Quechee VT. There is a beautiful gorge there.

There is roadside parking and you can view the gorge right on Rte 4. There are sidewalks. If you like you can take a hike to the bottom. But it's steep on the way back up!

If you love hot dogs, stop at the Ott Dog Stand. Yum.

There is an antique mall and Cabot Cheese place right past the gorge.

Get off I89 and take Rt 4 through Woodstock and Quechee, then get back on I89 to head towards Boston again.

These are great tips. (Ben and Jerry's is a fabulous idea!) They'll love it!
Thanks so much!