travelbuff127

Travelling to Maine this summer (mid-June) and plannning our stops along the way. Bearing in mind I'm travelling with a 4 yr old I've chosen to overnight in Boston for the ride up with a brunch stop in Newport, RI and then overnight in Mystic, CT with a stop in Portsmouth, NH for lunch on the way back. Anyone have some suggestions, or better ideas for us? Please, DO TELL!!!

Neal_Sanders

Travelbuff, you've chosen four of he most scenic spots between New York and Maine. If you're overnighting in Mystic, make certain that your dinner is at Abbott's Lobsters in the Rough, which is in nearby Noank. You stand in line to order your lobster dinner, then wait for your number to be called. Take your lobster dinner out to the barge anchored behind Abbott's and watch the passing parade of boats. It will be memorable!

dfnh

I can't quite figure out your itinerary. Newport RI is south of Boston then Mystic would be west of Newport and then you would drive north to Portsmouth for lunch. Maine is right across the bridge from Portsmouth. Not sure if you meant on your way back from Maine you would go to Mystic for an overnight. Or you are doing a little circle before heading to Maine.
In Portsmouth, Prescott park is right across from Strawbery Banke. It would be a good place to stretch your legs and let your 4 yo run around. You are apt to see people walking dogs, playing frisbee, etc. It's on the water.
York Beach ME is a popular family beach. There's a playground near the downtown/arcade area. It's a family tradition to watch the taffy pulling machine window at the Goldenrod. If you have the option of an overnight on the way back from Maine, you can go west from Portland to NH's White Mountains. Storyland in Glen NH is very, very popular for young children. I'm guessing it would be 1 1/2 hrs from Portland ME. There are a lot of family places around Lake Winnipesaukee, too if you wanted some lake swimming time.
Another option from Portsmouth NH would be to drive west via rt 101 to Charmingfare Farm in Candia NH (near Manchester). They have farm and exotic animals, offer hayrides. Near Portsmouth NH is a great water park, Water Country which has some small pools, activities for young children. It's right on Rt 1 south of Portsmouth. Hope you have a great vacation!

tchoiniere

dfnh, it took me a little while to figure out.

Here is what their plan is
On the way to Maine,
Brunch in Newport then stay Boston.

On the way home from Maine,
Lunch in Portsmouth then stay in Mystic.

I would probably try to stay in NH / lower Maine on the way up to Maine rather than spend the extra $ in Boston when it doesn't sound like there will be any reason to go into the city.

zootsi

As dfnh mentioned, your stops don't seem to make sense direction wise. A stop in Boston en route to the Maine coast might be fun, but consider the traffic you might encounter going in and out of the city. Newport, while quite scenic, is way off the path of heading to Maine, as is Mystic. Realize that Boston has a lot to see, and you might want to do more than a brief overnight there. The Maine coast has so much to offer, you could easily spend a month exploring it's towns, lighthouses, etc,etc. Portsmouth is right over the border from Maine and is nice place to spend an afternoon. You might want to save Newport and Mystic (not particularly interesting for a 4 year old) for another trip.
Also realize that mid June is not summer beach weather in Maine, but can still be pleasant enough.

travelbuff127

Thank you all so much. That's why I put my agenda out there - SO YOU ALL COULD CRITQUE IT! Bravo!!!!!

I do see everyone's point. However, this will not be my first time up in the New England area but a first for the husband and daughter. I'm working on compromising two other people her which as you can all imagine is not easy to do. Understand now why I picked the stops I did. I thought the seaport village of Mystic would appease the child, possibly a duck tour in Boston to appease both husband and child. A stroll over to Cheers for the hubby (his idol was Sam Malone). And being able to eay lobster or crab along the way is what suits me!!!!

Also worth mentioning is the fact that I did summer up north as a child and work as a counselor as well so I am familiar with all of the spots ALL of you have mentioned. I prefer this trip to be one that connects with nature. Don't care if I swim or get a tan either. I just want us to reconnect with the USA and our national parks which is why I chose Acadia to be our holiday for the summer. Pools and beaches are abundant from the big city here so I need not explore that AT ALL.

I so appreciate all of these suggestions and at this point have opted to explore the Portsmouth area more. I will also make it a point to stop at Abbotts as well.

Neal, DFNH and TC - you are all very travel savvy and I thnak you for your input. Keep it coming as you think of it!