my boyfriend and i are in our late 20's and looking to take a long weekend getaway vacation in new england. early to late september. we live in albany, ny and want something within three or four hours of us. not looking to do much more than relax, be near some water, good food and some shopping. nothing too expensive, snooty or touristy. any ideas? THANKS!!!

Have you been to Newport, RI? We spent a few days out there last year and it was a great mix of tourist, relaxation and quaint town. Not to mention the mansions, which if you have an interest in architecture or history, were absolutely magnificent.

Lots of B&Bs there. The main drag has restaurants as well as some night life.

We very much enjoyed our time out there. Wish we had been able to get some sailing in also.

thanks for the prompt reply! i've actually been to newport and although i loved it, i'd rather go somewhere i haven't been before. i figure if i don't find somewhere else that's where we'll end up.

Burlington, VT? Only 2.5ish hours away, right on Lake Champlain. Fun city with great bars & restaurants.

Try driving (Rt 2 and further east Rt 2A) for a beautiful fall ride. I would imagine hotels are booked long in advance, as you are approaching foliage season.
Just start at the Latham traffic circle and head east. When you hit I-91 you can head south for some shopping & dining (Holyoke, Amhearst, etc>) If you can bring along a canoe, there are a number of spots I'm sure you'd love. Just remember us all with a trip report afterwards, ok?

Portland, or even Portsmouth

Falmouth, Cape Cod! I was just there, and it is just about 3-4 hours from Albany. There appeared to be a lot of small hotels, B&B's, restaurants. It has a lovely harbour with some beautiful boats and yachts. The water is clear and warm.

We took a ride on a 78' sailboat, called the Liberte'. It was only $20 per person for a 2 hour morning tour out to Martha's Vineyard. (You don't get off the boat). They also have an afternoon tour that's 3 hours for $30. It's an absolute bargain and the highlight of our trip.

Check out this website. It's where I got a lot of info. before I went.

http://www.falmouthchamber.com/travel/index.php

I hope this helps. Have fun!
We stayed in a beach house closer to Woods Hole, so I can't make specific reco's for a place to stay.

Suggestion 1: Cooperstown?

You can stay at The Otesaga Hotel. It overlooks Lake Otsego and it has a great golf course.

Suggestion 2: Adirondacks

You can stay at the Lake Placid Lodge.

I'll second Cape Cod...but suggest the outer Cape where the National Seashore is for a less touristy destination. My very all time favorite B+B is the Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast in Eastham. They are the only lodging that is in the Park and they have a historic house with two suites and a cottage. We loved the quite, ocean and marsh views, watlking trails and the hosts are very warm and genuine. Suites are large and breakfast is to die for!

Hi raegan!

What about Marthas Vineyard? According to yahoo maps its about a 3 1/2 hour drive to the ferry from Albany. I went there last October for my anniversary looking to relax and spend some quality time together-it was absolutely perfect! One of my most memorable trips!! It was less crowded at that time and less expensive-although it was a month later so not sure if it will be the same for September. Theres lots of GREAT information on Marthas Vineyard on this forum if you decide to search for it! Escargot is wonderful so you will surely come across her helpful posts! Good luck planning!

September is still prime time for MV and Cape Cod. We love Edgartown but without a car on the island it's difficult to get from the ferry to that town. You might be able to get a reservation for your car if you call far enough in advance but it will add to the cost of your trip.

Though it may be a bit more than 3 to 4 hours, we just returned from a fabulous B&B in Newcastle, Maine (midcoast) after an anniversary 3-day stay there -- our third return trip, by the way. King size beds, A/C, peace and quiet, newly redecorated, wonderful complete breakfast included, all the trimmings!

Check out "The Tipsy Butler" B&B on line.

Enjoy!

Jackson N.Hampshire.Try the Covered bridge motel(not expensive).Close to the outlet shops of North Conway. Drive up Mount Washington.Do the Kamcamagus highway.Enjoy.Paul

Nantucket....
Just walk your bikes onto the ferry w/ one overnite bag and your all set.
Midweek in September just go to the visitor center and tell them that you would like to look at their B&B book.
You can even use their free phone.
Many places will offer reduced rates for mid-week stays...
We go every September.
There are excellent bike trails to every corner of the island. Bungi-cord a towel and a good book to the back of your bike and you're good to go!
(You can rent bikes there too, naturally...)
pete

The Seacoast of New Hampshire. The crowds and the prices go down in September. The beaches of Hampton have quieted down. WE also go hiking through Hampton Falls farm orchards. Lots of entertainment in Portsmouth. Out of the last three years the Hampton falls Inn has been our favorite pick. Whale watching and foliage are both at their peak!
www.hamptonchamber.com
www.portcity.org
www.hamptonfallsinn.com

I'd go to Vermont - straight up the Northway to Plattsburgh, then cross the lake by ferry.You'll be in the "Champlain Islands." Might try staying at Shore Acres or North Hero House, both in the town of North Hero, both on the water. There are some B&B's in South Hero that would be less expensive. Good food at both Inn's, not a ton to do other than enjoy the peace. If it gets to you, 35 minutes to Burlington. You might want to do that your last day, and cross the lake by a different ferry, or just drive south on 22A