Thanks, again, to all. I think we will skip the train and just drive out of NYC.

Also, realizing that I want to make the most of the July 4th experience, I'm now going to add another day to our trip so we can properly see Boston - as we will consume the whole day of the 4th.

Thanks also, for the tip about Waterworks. I didn't know anything about this but 'googled it' and now really hope to see this too. Unfortunately, the 2006 schedule is not yet posted.

Transportation to Boston from NYC, www.fungwahbus.com, www.sunshineboston.com, www.travelpackusa.com According to Budget Travel you can travel for $10 1 way on these Chinatown buses. Stops are convenient and easy to get to in NYC. We'll give this a try if I don't find good airfare.

At the Boston end, the Fung Wah bus is the only Chinatown bus to stop at the South Station bus terminal; all the others just stop at random places in the street in chinatown. If you're considering the bus, do look into Greyhound, too -- some of their fares are very competitive with the Chinatown rates and of course their overall reputation is much better.