Message: I have a day and a half to drive from NJ to Montreal and would like to camp someplace at least half way to Montreal. Any suggestions on route/sidetrips for someone not in a big hurry? I will be traveling last week of September.

I admit I posted this on the VT site, but have decided I do not necessarily need to go through Vermont.

Upstate NY suggestions welcome!

Kev, it depends on where in NJ you're coming from and what kinds of things you'd like to see/do. Do you want to sightsee? Hike? Do you like mountains? Just want to take scenic drives? Camp in a state park or private campground? I live in Albany so I know this region fairly well. Give us some more info and I can give you some suggestions.

Hey Ben
Im trying to plan a trip myself, Im out by bergen county in northern NJ, Im trying to plan something going upstate, my optios are open but Ill menton a fw things that I would like to find.Well one thing would be tofind a nice cabin/lodge that is quaint and slightly romantic or at least very nice looking- with access to a pool, and activities such as fishing, hiking, biking etc. Possibly things to do other then in the woods, like wineries a small town nearby for light shopping. KNow anything like that or can you give any advice? Aside from that I would also like suggestions for a more rugged trip, like cabins/possibly camping, that offers the above amenities as well minus the pool I guess. Just looking for something beautiful and peaceful, where my gf can relax while Im running around takingt all in...thanks for your help.

one more thing, i do like mountains and grea drives as well, alson dont mind bathing in a clean lake or one with a nice waterfall and hidden areas, thanks again.

I will be leaving from Weehawken (after a few days in NYC) and basically am open to anything. I do not know the area at all and would like to capture the flavor of upstate NY without veering too far of the route to Montreal. I have a rented SUV for me and the GF and we will have a tent, but will be mixing it up camping and hotels, but thought these might be good days to camp.

Scenic, drives, hiking, sightseeing we love all of the above, but would like to focus on "not to be missed" options.

We are not shoppers but appreciate a good waterfall/lake, nice architecture, or the odd quaint village. Photography is a hobby.

State park or private does not matter, but as it will only be one day I do prefer someplace that is not a huge RV park. We are nature lovers and like a little peace and quite (I know some RV'ers are quiet, but tend to house large groups of people)

Kev, The drive from Weehawken to Montreal normally takes 6-7 hours straight up I-87 (Thruway/Northway), so bear that in mind as you plan your itinerary. Here are some suggestions if you want to get off the beaten path but not veer too far from it:

Try taking Route 9W north from NJ. It hugs the Hudson and parallels the Thruway. You can visit West Point for history and great architecture - the USMA is celebrating its bicentennial this year, so now might be a good time to visit. Stay on 9W to Kingston (don't bother with Newburgh), then head north on SR28 to Mt. Tremper for the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope, the world's largest (it's pretty, weird and fun). Or continue on to the village of Phoenicia for tubing on the Esopus Creek. Back at Mt. Tremper, take SR 212 to Woodstock, a place that lives up to its artists' colony reputation.

If you have the time and want to see Howe Caverns from there, take SR 212 back to the Thruway, get off at Exit 21, then head west on SR23 'til SR 145 splits off. Follow 145 to Howes Cave. If you want to keep heading north, though, stay on the Thruway to Albany - NY's capital is always worth a visit, and there's an abundance of places to stay here. If you want to keep going, take the Thruway to Exit 24, then follow signs for I-87/Northway north to Montreal. Plenty of sleeping/dining options between here, Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls. I'm not sure of the camping options - check the State DEC or Parks & Rec websites for info.

Now comes the tough part: do you want a beautiful mountain drive or a beautiful lakeshore drive? For mountains and quaint villages, from wherever you spend the night, head north on US9 to SR73, then take 73 toward Lake Placid. At LP you can visit some of the 1980 Olympic sites, shop, or continue on to Whiteface Mtn., 5th highest in NY. You can take a gondola ride to the top of Little Whiteface, or you can drive to the summit via SR431 out of Wilmington. The view from the top of Whiteface is awesome!! Definitely worth the time!! From there, SR 86 and 9N will take you back to the Northway near Port Kent, where you can tour Ausable Chasm. Then continue north on Rt. 9 through Plattsburgh to the border, where you pick up Autoroute 15 to Montreal.

For a pretty lakeshore drive, take Route 9 through Lake George, then pick up Route 9N along the lake toward Ticonderoga. At Ti, you can visit the historic Revolutionary War fort - they really do a good job there. Then take SR22 north from Ti. This road hugs the Lake Champlain shoreline, so you have scenic views of the lake on one side of you, Adirondack views on the other, and pretty little villages along the way. Stay on 22 'til it joins Route 9, visit Ausable Chasm at Port Kent, then continue on 9 through Plattsburgh to Canada.

There you have it. Hope this helps. Have a great time!

BAM

Ben: thank you for the great reply, I have a tendency to try to cram too much into one day so thought I should get someone elses realistic assessment. I would love to see West Point and your other ideas sound great. I'm leaving myself two full days to get to Montreal to make sure I do not bypass upstate NY without a good viewing! Thanks

Len, what I laid out for Kev would work for you too, but here are some additional thoughts:

If you like rustic with creature comforts, check out the Wawbeek, a rustic resort on Upper Saranac Lake. Probably one of the nicest places in the mountains - cozy cabins, gourmet dining, fishing, hiking, boats, tennis, biking, and a lake setting that's to die for. URL www.wawbeek.com It's about 30 mins. from the village of Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid is about 15 mins. beyond Saranac. Lots of great mountain drives, shopping, and sightseeing in LP: Olympic sites, Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge. Whiteface is about 20 mins. from LP - see my note to Kev about what you can do there. If the Wawbeek's price tag is too high, other places to look into would be Hemlock Hall in Blue Mountain Lake, Elk Lake Lodge in North Hudson, or Big Moose Inn in Big Moose (yes, there really is a community called Big Moose). They're all pretty isolated but easy drives to some small towns.

For slightly more rustic, my favorite place is the town of Long Lake in Hamilton County. It's smack in the middle of the High Peaks - gorgeous country! There are a number of motels and lodges in Long Lake. I recommend the Motel Long Lake and Cottages (we've stayed there for the past 12 years) and the Long View Lodge. From there you can fish, hike, swim, canoe, boat, and take some great drives - or do nothing at all. Avoid the Adirondack Hotel - calling it "funky" would be generous. Lots of state land all around for hiking. For camping, the state runs a campground on Lake Eaton, just outside of town. Buttermilk Falls at the south end of the lake is the perfect spot for a picnic, swim or just letting time pass.

The Finger Lakes Region is NY's wine country. Unfortunately, I don't know that area so I can't help you on that score.

Hope this helps you. Post if you'd like more.

BAM

ttt

go to newark, fly to Paris, go overland to london, fly back to montreal.