Plymouth, Cape Cod & Boston with 7 year old
 

Please tell me if we are making a good choice. We are Californian's traveling to the east coast. We will have from Monday, October 6, through Saturday October 11 to visit Plymouth, Cape Cod and Boston.

Our current reservations have us staying in Plymouth for 4 nights. We thought we would end the trip in Boston, staying Friday night and flying home Saturday evening. We thought that having a "home base" in the middle (Plymouth) would allow us to see many places. Is this a good idea or should we have tried to stay a few nights on the Cape?

We'd also like to squeeze in either Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket as a day trip.

To those familiar with Plymouth - how much time does it take to really see the good stuff?

We would love any suggestions as great things to do at this time of year. This has been a very difficult trip to plan as we have not ventured very far from home and have no idea what to expect.

We are also in confusion if we should just stay at a hotel near the airport on Friday night (Boston), or if we should stay within the heart of it all?

Please HEEEEEEELP!!! This is probably going to be our only opportunity to do this type of vacation for a very long time.

Thank you,
Sealygal

You can see all that Plymouth has to offer in one (longish) day.

IMHO, you'd be better-off staying a couple of nights on the Cape, doing Plymouth on your way back to Boston, then spending a couple of nights in Boston.

Don't worry about staying at the airport, stay right in Boston instead.

I'm with Anonymous. The four nights in Plymouth really floored me-- it can be done in a few hours IMHO. A couple of nights at the Cape is nice and relaxing; hitting Plymouth on the way to Boston will give you the Pilgrim fix it sounds like you want. Honestly, Boston is such a great city, and so full of history AND big-city energy, you will kick yourself if you only spend a night there. Best of all, you should catch the show of the autumn leaves-- especially lovely up in Cambridge (Harvard Yard!).

I agree that Plymouth can be done in one day. See the Rock, the Mayflower, and Plymouth Plantation. Dine at Isaacs on the waterfront. It is on the second floor of a multi-unit building. The view is incredible, with very good food and reasonable prices.
Then, head to Cape Cod, staying in the Hyannis area. The boats to the islands leave from there, which would make a great day trip. Hyannis has a main street loaded with stores and places to eat. It also has the JFK Museum. Another day trip might be to Provincetown about an hour away, or to the lovely village of Chatham. Return to Boston, doing all the tourist things--Swan Boats, Public Garden, State House, Freedom Trail, etc. The best way to see the city is via a Duck Tour or the Old Town Trolley. If you need more information, post a reply.

Actually, I'd skip Plymouth. I'm thinking 7 years old is a bit young to really appreciate the history there.

You might want to spend three nights on the Cape, take the day trip to Nantucket (it's smaller and you can see much of it on a day trip), then head for Boston for two nights. You can easily cover the Cape in a few days in October (when there's little traffic) - even take a day trip to Plymouth.

There is SO much more to see and do in Boston.

Be advised, though, that hotel rates are their highest during fall foliage season. You could try Hotwire or Priceline, though I'd advise sticking to 4* and above since there are three of you. Or, book something now, then shop again the week before (when rates often get more reasonable if "fill rates" are disappointing).

Here's another recommendation for a Duck Tour in Boston (best booked in advance). Check out the "Make Way for Ducklings" walking tour. And, the Children's Museum is terrific. So are the Museum of Science and the Aquarium.

I supose it depends on the kid, but for my kids, age 7 was just right for the living-museum aspects of Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II. Concrete exhibits are so much better for this age than dry museums! Walking around in the cramped decks of the ship, imagining spending the equivalent of your whole summer vacation there, or wandering around the village, smelling the smells, patting the animals, and looking into houses, watching women cooking over open fires and then finally wondering where the bathrooms are -- just right for age 7.

Well, if you think the 7 year old will enjoy the history, I highly recommend the wax museum which depicts before, during, after the crossing. Nicely done with sequential exhibits, music, special effects.

I am so glad I found this web site. As I am laughing from some of the posts, I can see that I need to make some changes to my reservations.

Thank you all for rescuing us from a bad choice. Okay, so if we were to stay on the Cape, any particular places to stay? We are on a budget since our entire vacation involves 11 nights of hotels (we are going to a dog show in Philadelphia for the first 6 days, then driving up to MA).

I have these visions in my head of two completely opposite types of places to stay. First, a quaint little cottage, right on the beach. Second, a great hotel that can offer Chocolate milk shakes at midnight. Either one will do, but of course it needs to be safe, clean, and on the budget.

We will stop at Plymouth on the way to Boston. We definately need the Pilgrim fix along the way. My daughter is excited about this. She is quite advanced for 7 years and will probably enjoy the history.

So when we hit Boston, then we need a hotel that will be near the attractions. We will definately take the duck tour.

Isn't this great, we have 5 nights to get from Philadelphia to Boston and can see anything a long the way. Any suggestions as to how to use these 5 nights are greatly appreciated!

Thanks again,
Sealygal

You and your child will never regret (or forget) taking the time to stop for the day in Plymouth to see the Rock, climb aboard the Mayflower II and see/smell/hear/feel life of 400 years ago as re-enacted at Plimoth Plantation. Every American child should have the experience IMO -- anybody saying a 7-year-old is too young to appreciate this is probably too old to accurately recall their own very early years.

As a Mayflower descendent I HAD to pay homage to Plymouth and did so a few years ago. Uh... I spent two nights there and that was fine. The Plantation is certainly worth a visit and it must be beautiful in October; the whole state of Massachusetts must be gorgeous actually in October. With that in mind I'd try and head farther west to Concord and Lexington maybe even Sturbridge village? I think a day trip or even if you shaved a night or two off Plymouth and stayed on Nantucket I dont think you'd regret it. Salem has some interesting museums, but it turns into almost Mardi Gras in October, but they do have things for kids too at that time.

Sealygal,
I think your family is in for a great trip!

You may want to consider spending night-1 in Newport, RI on your way from Phillie to the Cape. Especially if you think you won't be back east for some time, the Cliff Walk and the Mansions are just so unbelievable! The Best Western Atlantic Beach Hotel on the Middletown line has pretty good rates.

Then I'd head right to Cape Cod for the next two nights. With a child, I'd probably opt for either Falmouth (which has a working oceanographic site) or Hyannis/Yarmouth which is loaded with hotels/motels (esp along Rt 28) and has tons of "mini-golf," arcades, and other kid-friendly activities and restaurants. Definitely take a high-speed ferry out to Nantucket for the day! I know the "Grey Lady" high speed leaves out of Hyannis; don't know about Falmouth.

Your idea to stop at Plymouth for the day on your trip from the Cape to Boston is perfect.

I'd do the final two nights in downtown Boston. The hotels will be pricey, but you can't beat the atmosphere! I'd try to stay either around Fanueil Hall area or around Copley Square. You will all get a kick out of the Duck Tour! I think it's a "must do" for Boston! In addition, go to the North End to experience Little Italy. There is also a wonderful half-day culinery tour through the market (but you must make a prior reservation). If you like art, the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is very unique. The Freedom Trail (walking) for more history - post pilgrims! Boston Common for "literary reference" and famous Swan Boats. Also, there is a fairly new interactive Immigration Museum (melting pot) in the financial district. I'd skip the Aquarium (a bit dated) and Science Museum (although good, not uniquely "Boston").

Wishing you and your family a great trip! Please post your impressions when you return.

Hello Again :) Okay, I just went to HotWire and found a 4 star hotel in Copley Square for $160.00/night. I have never used HotWire. It sounds like a good deal?

Some of you have mentioned Copley Square as "the Place" to stay. Are there any other areas I should consider?

Thanks again!
Sealygal

I think Copley Square will be a great place to stay. Boston Public Library is right there (great building), you're close to Newbury Street and the Back Bay, the T is close by (for trips to Faneuil Hall area). Boston Public Garden is walkable from there too.

Sounds like a great trip!

If you choose to stay in Hyannis, I think a 7 year old would like a motel/hotel rather than a B&B. We have incredible B&B's all through the Cape but for a 7 year old it might not be the best idea. The Anchor Inn in Hyannis sits on the inner harbor where you can see the ferries and all the harbor acitivity. It's close by to Main St. and a short drive to West Yarmouth for some typical mini golf activities. I would always suggest a drive down Rte. 6A for it's incredible beauty and historic homes, restaurants, galleries and shops. October is bus tour month on the Cape so make your reservations now. I also think the suggestions for Plymouth are pretty accurate, one full day and I would suggest the Plymouth Plantation would be fun for your son. It only takes a short while to see the rock and Mayflower as they're close to each other. Isaacs is great! Staying in Copley Square is also perfect. A duck tour would be just what a 7 year old would like. You are traveling during our best season and you won't be disapointed.

Sealygal-Hi! I live on Cape Cod and have 3 kids. You should stay at the Cape Codder in Hyannis. It has a great indoor slide pool. One day in Plymouth is really enough. Nantucket is really to far for a one day trip. Try Martha's Vineyard (1/2 hr trip) instead. Or use the fast boat to Nantucket(1hr). Go to the Christmas Tree Shop for all your souveniers. And go to Chatham and do the seal watch or Barnstable harbor for the whale watch. A few days in Boston would be alot of fun-we love the tour bus that you can get off and on. Have fun

I second the Cape Codder in Hyannis. It's new and family oriented. You should get a decent off-seson/midweek rate. The motels on Rt 28 in Yarmouth can divey.

Thank you all for your help. It is very scary for us to plan this trip with the thought in mind that it is probably the only one we will be able to take (afford) for the next decade.

I have looked at the Anchor-In. It is a possibility. Has anyone had experience with the Cape Cod Harbor House Inn?

We have considered the Cape Codder Inn but the pool is not that important since my daughter probably won't use it anyway. So have pretty much ruled it out.

She is 7 years, and enjoys more history and the beach (collecting shells) than playing mini golf or stuff like that. I'd like to try to do things that we cannot do here at home.

So in a nutshell, we have decided the perfect place on the Cape would be: Quaint, clean, view of ocean (better if ON the waterfront). We'd like to stay under $150/night, but are flexible for the right place.

We are arriving Monday evening, Tuesday to explore, Weds - Nantucket, and leaving Thursday for Boston, seeing Plymouth in route.

We are looking at places, as you have recommended in Hyannis, but are very willing to consider other areas.

Thanks again,
Sealygal

SOme other suggestions..
Try the Wyndam(sp? hotel in boston near
Quincy Market/Faniel Hall.. I found good rate in the past on HotelFinder.com
QM/FH is great to walk around and near the New England Aquarium.. Also, may sure to walk through the public gardens.. There is great Children's museum in Boston as well

Hi again Sealygal!

If your family wouldn't like the touristy Hyannis strip stuff, you may want to consider Chatham. I think it is the most charming town on Cape Cod, but not the easiest access. It is closer to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, I think, however. Chatham has two very beautiful, but expensive, ocean resorts: Chatham Bars Inn and Wequasset Inn.

If you want to stay closer to Hyannis, for the souvenir shopping and proximity to the dock for your Nantucket excursion, you may want to stay outside the "city." Just over the West Hyannisport line in Centerville is the Trade Winds Inn (hotel), with a beautiful view of Craigville Beach. You could go a couple miles either way, and be in either downtown Hyannis, or the charming town of Osterville. The prices should be out of high season during your visit, too.

Two good family restaurants in the area are Wimpy's and Barby Ann's. If your daughter's food preferences are as mature as her other interests, you may prefer the Roo Bar, Sweetwaters, or the Naked Oyster.

There are two uniquely wonderful (but expensive) restaurants on Rt. 6A in the Brewster area. One is Japanese and one is Mediterranean. Their names escape me, but they are only a couple miles apart. Perhaps someone else can help, if you are interested. Also, most of the "good" antique shops are along Rt. 6A, if that's your cup of tea.

Best wishes for happy trails!

If your daughter enjoys history, She would most likely enjoy mystic seaport

Sealygal, I would agree with the Cape Codder Hotel but I think the advantage of being on the harbor and watching the activities might be best for your daughter. I would suggest you check out the Calendar section of the Cape Cod Times on Fri. prior to your arrival. Here is a link for: www.capecodonline.com It will have all the activities for the week listed and make sure you check out the Museum of Natural History in Brewster for the outdoor natural interests your daughter might have. Also off Rte. 6A in Sandwich is the Green Briar Nature Center and they usually have a good collection of ocean creatures on exhibit. Chatham is incredibly beautiful and walkable for shops, B&B's, restaurants, small charming motels, and the OCEAN. I don't think you will be able to stay at the Chatham Bars Inn for $150, as we spent our anniversary there last year and it cost us over $300 a night. Also we just had another anniversary and had dinner at the Wequassett Inn and that was expensive as well. Tomorrow I will have my birthday lunch at the Wequassett Inn and I think if you can do it, a lunch or drink at either establshement would be something you will never forget.

As you travel to our homeland we will be vacationing at the Sorrell River Resort in Moab Ut. Our trip will cover the exact dates you'll be on the Cape. For us it's fun to vacation in a completly different enviornment and nothing is more different from the Cape than Arch's, Canyonlands and red rock. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and fun vacation.

Hi Bogger,
Happy Birthday and thank you for the information - we do plan on at least driving through Chatham and perhaps do a little shopping. We are looking forward to this wonderful trip. I wish you well on yours!
Sealygal

This is ironic, just today the temp service sent us a new receptionist who just happens to be from Massachusetts, Weston I believe is the town. Anyway I asked her about CapeCod and she thought for a moment and said... Chatham! So, for what its worth another vote for Chatham which she said was quite lovely.

I've been to the islands but only barely touched Cape Cod many years ago so I'm not that familiar with it :)

Chatham is hands down the very nicest town on the Cape. For shopping, dining, scenery, not to mention lack of "touristy" characteristics. There's an incredibly magnificent property RIGHT on Long Island Sound with very modern condo-like units at amazingly reasonable prices (especially after Labor Day), a very short drive from the "center" (you could even walk) yet a world away. Great for picking up seashells, too.

Chatham is a short drive from Hyannis as well. Or, actually, the entire Cape over a several day visit.

Thank you for the birtday wishes....lunch at Wequassett Inn was delicious. Just a small addition I noted that djkbooks is just a tad off with the Cape's geography...here's the scoop..Chatham, Massachusetts is located at the southeast tip of Cape Cod. If the Cape is viewed as a bent arm, Chatham is at the elbow. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, to the South is NANTUCKET SOUND to the north is Pleasant Bay.

I forgot to ask..djkbooks..can you find out the name of the facility on Nantucket Sound in Chatham that is reasonably priced? I would love to know for my own personal use for a getaway especially if it's walking distance to Main St. and shops. Thak you

If you're still looking for a stop on the way from Philadelphia, I recommend Mystic Connecticut - just about half way, and fun for all ages!

I've just read all the replies to your questions and have many thoughts. If your daughter likes history Boston is the place to be. If you really want to do the cape there are town saliking tours in Woods Hole, where there is also the oceanographic center, and Falmouth. Chatham, my favorite, has a walk through of their oldest house and you can view the fishing boats bringing in their load just outside of town, fun for kids. The National Seashore has activities for kids. Also, the drive along route 6a, which someone else suggested, is the best part of the Cape and has a lot to stop and see. BUT October is quiet and it is possible to get nasty weather so be prepared. I wouldn't bother with Nantucket. It is very quiet and not much to do for the long ride. If you really want to travel, I would suggest Martha's Vineyard. It is closer and each village on the island is a little different. But again, without beach weather you are limited to activites (the old wood carousel in Oak Bluffs may even be down for the winter). Plymouth is a delight for kids. Given the time of year, I would suggest north (Salem) instead of south (the Cape). Given you are approaching Halloween, the Salem experience would be more fun. They have the witch houses, the Gables, and a beautiful new museum. On the way, is the foliage, which usually starts to peak while you are here. In Boston, take in the Boston Tea Party ship, on the way to the children's museum. Do Bunker Hill Monument and the ship, Constitution, in Charlestown. A Duck tour is fun but you can't get off. (still worth doing though) The Town Trolley Tour lets you get off, although if you do that you might need more than a day to see it all. Also check out the Mapparium at the Christian Science Center. It is a globe of the world that you can walk through. Some of the things that were suggested, like the Swan Boats are great, but may be shut down by the time you come, so check everything out first. Boston is very seasonal. Even the Plymouth events may have shorter hours in the fall, so check first. I would suggest with a 7 year old to do the Isabella Stewart Garner Museum. It is different than most. The MFA is fine but typical. If you want to go though, I would suggest you check out the web site (MFA.org)there for special tours or children's events. It will make the experience more memorable. Since you are here over Columbus Day weekend (we celebrate here on that Monday) it will be very busy here, aside from the foliage time, and it may be parent's weekend at the various schools so don't wait too long to make any plans where you need reservations. For dining, I would suggest Durgin Park in Fanueil Hall. It is a typical old Boston restaurant where everyone sits together on benches and Yankee Pot Roast is the famous fare. There are plenty of other good eateries, but that one is historic. There is much more, but if you do the Freedom Trail and check out the Boston web sites, I think it will cover it all. Enjoy

Eznmomma, thank you for all the information. So there isn't much to do on Nantucket, eh? I hate to admit this, but Nantucket was "my" day. I have always dreamed about going there to get a Nantucket basket. Gee, now with the internet, I can order it from my living room chair. Ahh....but not the same. Many decisions....

I am getting so excited about this vacation. We in 6 days! (We won't hit MA till Oct 6).

Thanks again,
Sealygal

I agree that you should take a Duck Tour of the city. Your daughter will enjoy it. Check out their site: bostonducktours.com
Christine

Please don't skip Nantucket. There is plenty to do there. Lots of shops, bike riding, historic homes, whaling museum. There's a church steeple you can climb to the top of that gives you a view of the entire island Yes its a longer ferry ride than MV but its worth it. Your entire family would enjoy it. Read up on Maria Mitchell the female astronomer from Nantucket - your daughter might enjoy her story.

I agree with Bennie; Nantucket's a great day trip! Just an hour away on the high-speed, and full of fun shopping, great restaurants, wonderful whaling museum, and just a lovely "island" feel.