Planning a Fall Trip to NE - Need advise please !
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to NE. It's our second trip. First was Cape Cod, M. Vineyard, Boston, Portsmouth, Kennebunkport, Conway, NH, Stowe VT. Loved it all but thought we could try some new places. Repeat a few. Love to see Fall Foliage too.

We are planning a trip 9/25-10/2. We love to sight see, eat/ drink, lots of exercise by walking, a little biking. Don't mind driving some - Obviously!

Here is what we are thinking...

Newport RI - 2 days visit mansions - not sure what else?

Cape Cod - This time go to Nantucket 1 Day - Bike

Go to Portland 2 days - Go to Kennebunkport - 1 Day

2 Days Bar Harbor

Return RI - Depart

Do you have suggestions on what to do? Where to go? Ideas to stay in Bar Harbor? THANK you!!!!!!!!!!!

It seems to me this is a lot of ground to cover in just a few days.

This is quite a bit of driving.

Newport to Bar Harbor is 351 miles. That's approx 6 hours of driving up and 6 hours down the coast.

Re Cape to Nantucket - do you plan to visit the Cape or simply go to Woods Hole to catch the ferry to Nantucket?

If you're planning for a week's visit I would suggest either focusing on Maine or the Cape and Newport.

You are really too early for fall foliage unless you head up into Canada. You might get some color in central NE at higher altitudes - but you are too soon for the coast or anyplace much south of Canada.

And where is the fall foliage in that itinerary?

That sounds like way too much to me, too. Are you going to Cape Cod, staying overnight, and just taking a boat to Nantucket for a bike ride? Not sure I understand that whole "1 day" adventure.

I think I would cut out Newport and Bar Harbor and just concentrate on the rest.

Thank you to everyone for the responses.

My husband and I enjoy moving around. But something to think about on the return drive. Great Point.

We have been to Cape Cod but never Nanutcket. We were just going to spend the day in Nantucket. Spend the night in Cape Cod.

From the books I have read, it said the fall foliage began 3rd week of September. We went the same time 2 years ago and were on a little early but from what I have read it's hard to predict the week, with the average leaves turning beginning the 3rd week of September.

I was hoping to see the colors in our drives and in Acadia.

When does the fall foliage begin??

Thanks DT

I would try to spend at least 1 night in Nantucket. It's really beautiful and there's lots to do. I'm sure you'll see foliage in the Bar Harbor area but, I agree, that's an awful lot to fit in in under a week. I'd cut out Bar Harbor or Newport.

I've been to Stowe the third weekend in Sept and not seen any color. It's different from year to year. You should see color in northern areas probably Bar Harbor but the coast is warmer so you might not see much color by 10/2 as you would see inland.
If there's color in Camden, it ought to be very pretty so drive south on rt 1 after you leave Bar Harbor. You can get back on Rt 95 in Brunswick.

Obama stayed at the Holiday Inn in Bar Harbor during his recent visit there- Holiday Inn Regency. We've got 5 nights booked there too (coincidently)for August. It is located just outside of downtown, overlooks Frenchman's Bay. Looks nice from the website, reviews say its a bit dated - perhaps with a presidential visit its been spruced up. Outdoor pool area looks very nice.

If you do decide to go to Newport, visiting the mansions is great - and you can do the Cliff Walk also. Ft Adams is great for a tour.

Thank you so much for the tips.

I will check out the Holiday Inn in Bar Harbor.

I am looking forward to Camden..I keep reading about it on blogs..must be nice.

Wyatt- Any ideas on where to stay in Nantucket?

Thanks again!