Hi everyone, my husband and I are trying to plan our first trip with our baby and we're looking for some suggestions. We've been to Newport (just the two of us) and had a great time, now we're looking for another coastal New England spot to visit that we could enjoy with our 6 month old. We're looking to travel in the middle of June and enjoy coastal scenery (not looking to lay on the beach, though), do some sight seeing, shop, and eat lobster in casual restaurants. We'll also need a place that has some nice places to stay that would welcome families (i.e. not a B&B). We thought Bar Harbor sounded great, although I'm leary of a 12 hour drive with a little one (we live on the Jersey shore). Maybe a spot in Massachusetts would be right for us? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Every child is different, so what my son tolerated, at that age, may be different than your child. That said, a trip of more than 3 or 4 hours may be pushing it. Assuming they nap for a couple of hours, you're still looking at them being strapped into a car seat and unable to move for a couple of hours. Most kids find that a bit tough.

We did the Newport trip with our son when he was 9 months old and got stuck in NY/CT traffic. It took us about 7 hours, the last three were complete h@ll! (That was with 4 stops to stretch!)

I'd suggest you try your first trip as a "let's see how they handle it." Some kids find new surroundings a problem and a new sleeping environment to be tough. You might consider keeping the drive between four and five hours, if that.

If finances aren't a concern, you also might consider getting a suite, when possible. We found with our, now two, kids that being able to put them into a separate room gave them some quiet and us some privacy when they fall asleep.

Newport is a good option, though you've been. If you do go, we really like the Marriot. It has an indoor pool and is centrally located.

Good luck.

Watch Hill/Westerly, Rhode Island. Nice beaches, shops, lots of great little towns close by.

Thanks for the tips. Yes, we were nervous to visit anyplace that was too much of a drive, and if we couldn't find someplace that was within a 5 hour drive or so we thought we may go back to Newport since we did have such a good time there. I will look into the ideas for Rhode Island, any other suggestions for places to stay or visit that were successful trips for a new family?

Ogunquit/Kennebunkport Maine!

I agree that Ogunquit would be a great spot.You could walk the Marginal Way with the baby(a scenic walk along the cliffs and ocean) that goes from the beach area to perkins Cove, where there are lots of shops and restaurants. One nice place to stay is the Anchorage hotel-overlooks the water and has a nice pool.

You can check Mystic, CT. They have an historic seaport (www.mysticseaport.org) and an aquarium www.mysticaquarium.org (see www.mysticmore.com ). Plus outlet shopping there and along the way in Clinton and Westbrook, CT.

I agree with the previous suggestions of Ogunquit or Kennebunkport Maine. They are about 6 hours south of Bar Harbor and just as nice. The York beach area, the first coastal community as you enter Maine from the south,is also lovely. I am glad you aren't planning on much beaching, June can be cool and damp in Maine.

A Mainer in Portland

Here's another recommendation for Ogunquit/Kennebunkport.

Also nice is Rockport, Massachusetts.

When you decide WHERE to go, then look into what type of accomodations - probably more important than the WHERE. You want a suite (unless baby is very sound sleeper) with at least refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot. This is because hauling a baby out to eat in a restaurant 3 meals/day gets old very fast. Even kids who are tolerant of sitting in high chair at restaurant at home may begin to become restless doing it several times/day. Also, mini-kitchen facilities good for storing leftovers you have to take from restaurant when baby gets restless and you have to leave before finishing your meal. Good for storing food for baby, etc.

If possible, a first floor room/suite or one with elevator. It is unbelievable how much stuff you have to haul (or think you have to haul) to travel with a baby. I remember packing up for a trip to the mall and remembering the time when I took less stuff for a long weekend trip for me. And hauling babyseat, stroller, etc. up and down stairs can become an unmemorable part of the trip.

Wherever you go, have a good trip. We have been traveling with our kids since before they were born - they are now teenagers - as long as you are realistic about age-appropriateness of both destination and activities, it really can be fun.