Suggestions for short New England visit
 

Our first New England visit and need all the help possible. We will arrive MHT Sat. Oct.2 around 5 pm and leave Wed. Oct. 6. Would like to see as much as possible in that short a time. Need suggestions on lodging - would you get a central spot and go from there? Possible cabin? Suggestions for local eateries. All help greatly appreciated. THANKS

We really need more info about interests plus who is "our" i.e. older, younger, with kids, etc. Central spot? For what area? I mean NE is a big area. And only basically 3 days?

Bill in Boston

You are arriving on the first weekend of the big foliage season. From MHT it's an easy drive to VT or further north in NH. You shouldn't have a lot of highway traffic going northbound because the heavy traffic is Friday late afternoon/evening and Sat morning.

I think your best best might be somewhere on the northern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It's an easy drive to the mountains from there, Squam Lakes area is gorgeous. It's a long drive all the way around the lake so that's why I specify north shore - Meredith (close to Rt 93), Moultonboro, Wolfeboro, Center Harbor, etc. If you're in Wolfeboro, you could also do a day trip to Portland ME or Portsmouth NH although staying one night in either one would give you a nice combo of mountains and coast. Portsmouth is only 45 minutes or less from MHT. Both Portland and Portsmouth have a large number of popular restaurants in all price ranges. A visit to Chowhound might help you narrow down your choices.
Depending on how activie you are, hiking could take up all your time. Recently I went with friends on an easy paddle on the Merrimack River (close to Concord NH). We didn't rent kayaks but there's a rental place at exit 17 off Rt 93. The river is very low this year because of no rain. It was a wonderful afternoon. Take a picnic lunch someplace.

We are in our 60's and this is a spur of the moment thing. Sighseeing mostly. I know it is not much time the reason I'm asking for help so we don't wander around to aimlessly. Thanks

The towns around Lake Winnipesaukee that dtfrost recommended are good choices, but you'll be in NH for prime foliage viewing in the White Mountains. You could also consider staying around Lincoln or North Conway. Think about taking this famous scenic loop through the mountains to see some fantastic colors: http://www.visitnh.gov/what-to-do/sc...mountains.aspx