Hello,
I'm trying to find some ideas for a 4 day weekend this coming May 16-19, driving from Montreal, for my husband and I. This is my husband's 50th. We've been to Quebec City, Ottawa, Burlington, Stowe and Toronto too many times for it to be special.
Any suggestions? We've been to Boston once before, but rooms I've looked at are going at 400$ a night. I was hoping for something/where max 300$/night (OR LESS) since we will be away 3 nights.
There is only one driver, so unless we do two towns, I'd say the max drive time from Montreal would be between 6-7 hours.
Thanks for your suggestions!

That is graduation weekend in Boston so hotels are generally booked solid. What about Portland, Maine? Maybe something along the Maine coast.

AHH. At least I understand why there was so little availability. Thank you for the info!

You don't say what kind of things would appeal to you, but Portsmouth, NH, is a nice spot for a weekend. Small enough for pleasant strolls, a nice "open-air" museum (Strawberry Banke).
Stratford & Niagara-on-the-Lake are fun if you like theatre, but they're at the outer limit of your distance.
Some of the resort towns in Maine would be closer -- Bar Harbour, Camden, etc. The U.S. destinations would, I think, have the advantage of NOT being in a busy holiday weekend mode.

I'll second Portsmouth NH.

You could stay at Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle. It's a gorgeous spot.

Thank you for these suggestions.
We enjoy walking in all forms, mostly in a combination of sightseeing, gardens, waterfront, museums, perhaps a show and windowshopping, possibly biking. We are looking for a place where there is such a combination of things to do.
Portsmouth does seem to offer all of this!

Oh, Portsmouth will be perfect for you then! You'll be a little early for the festivals and plays in Prescott Park but the waterfront "decks" will be open. You can grab seafood at the Ferry Landing and margarita's at Poco's.

The Berkshires in western Massachusetts are within driving distance of Montreal. Two Audubon sanctuaries with pleasant walks, several mountain trails: Mt. Greylock in north county and Monument Mountain in south county. Other nature reserves and hiking trails. Clark Art in Williamstown has an outstanding collection (largest Degas collection outside of France, and much more). Norman Rockwell museum in Stockbridge. Berkshire Botanical Gardens in Stockbridge will be glorious that weekend.

The last time we went to Montreal from here in Berkshire County, we deove as far as Ausable Chasm near Plattsburgh NY and then on to Montreal for 3 nights. Drove directly home from Montreal--I would say it was about 7 hours though we stopped for lunch and supper along the way.

I vote for Portsmouth, too. Drive out route 1B thru Newcastle for a very pleasant drive (it will take you past the Wentworth hotel). There's a paved walking path along the ocean at Odiorne Point. If the weather is nice you are close to the beaches. Fun window shopping. A little early for gardens but you should see some great spring flowering shrubs. Mapquest will tell you to take Rt 101 from Manchester to Portsmouth but it's a very boring hwy. I suggest Rt 89 to Concord, go north on Rt 93 to Rt 393 (bypasses Concord's commercial area) and then Rt 4 to the coast. It will take you thru Northwood's Antique Alley if you'd like to do some antiquing. Durham's UNH college campus would be a slight detour but is very pretty esp if lilacs are blooming. As you continue toward the coast it is a pretty drive and then you go over Great Bay bridges. (Rt 16) I love this part of the drive. If you want a short detour, Flagg Hill Winery in Lee NH is a nice visit for a tasting. They also make Gen John Stark Vodka. The harbor or inland rivers boat trip out of Portsmouth are very good. The drive along the coast thru Rye takes you past private mansions. You will see a lot of people walking and biking.

Hi Cappuccino,

I'm from MTL also and I am always trying to think of new places nearby to head to for long weekends. While I LOVE maine/new hampshire area, I dunno if I would pick it for a mid may weekend. I would go for NYC...read up on priceline and you could probably get a room within your budget and enjoy the shows, dining, shopping etc that you mentioned. Or to save $$ you could stay in NJ and drive into the city or take public transport....That way weather won't be such a deciding factor in your holiday.

Enjoy your trip and let us know what you decide.

Layla

Thank you for all of these suggestions!
Since it's not a surprise trip, I'll talk it over with my husband too.

I found a room for you in Boston, at the Harborside Inn for you on the 16th floor. The rate is $199nt plus tax. It's a queen room and they are holding it for me, if you would like it call the Harbourside Inn at (617)723-7500. Tell Robert you are friends of mine (Gail Tweedy)

The Harborside is across the street from Fanuiel Hall and there is a T stop right at the front door. The city is walkable from there.

I stayed there a couple of months ago and loved it. The room was very nice, and the location can't be beat.

ttt