Weekend trip from NYC (no car)
 

I am planning a trip up to Southern New England from New York City. We'll have a car once we get to our destination, but we need to use public transportation to get there. <BR> <BR>We're just looking for some place to quiet to spend time with family (My parents are meeting us at our destination). We're looking for someplace scenic and relaxing, but I don't want to spend too many hours on the train to get there. I've been thinking about Madison, CT. Any suggestions? (Oh, the group make-up is four adults and one 12-year-old). Thank you.

From Manhattan, there's a bus/train to virtually anywhere in the northeast (with the possibility of a cab from the stop./station to take to a short diatnce more if needed) but the bigger the city (e.g Newport RI) the more likely it is to get you right to the center of things in one trip. More details, please--how long is "too many hours on the train"?When are you planning on going--now, or winter? <BR>What kind of lodging are you looking for--hotels, motels,b&b, resort? Waterside or city? Personally I'm not familiar with Madison CT (though I just spend the weekend in Litchfield County CT--a beautiful area , by the way) . <BR>You might also want to buy or borrow the book "Heavenly Weekends : Travel Without a Car : 52 Daytrips, Overnight, and Weekend Getaways Near New York " <BR>that even tells you how you can manage without a car AT your destination

Jan- <BR>Thanks for your reply. Here's some more details: We're planning on going this weekend. (Oct. 20-Oct.22) More than three and a half hours on a train equals too many for me. We're not looking for any lodging (Parents are taking cross-country RV trip, and we'll stay with them). We're actually thinking about staying in the Mystic Seaport area, but I don't want to spend all my time at Mystic--looks too Disney for my tastes. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the book suggestion. I have already looked at it (I spend way too much time in bookstore travel sections!) <BR> <BR>Does anyone have any recommendations. Great restaurants, antiques or scenery? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Mystic is nothing like Orlando, but it does draw the crowds. Madison is lovely, but not easy to get to by train. You'll have to take MetroNorth or Amtrack to New Haven, then switch to something called the Shorline North. Madison does have an RV campground, but you probably knew that. It's a lovely little town, with lots of places to spend quiet time. Can't think of a restaurant for fine dining, but Lennie and Joe's is the best seafood joint on the shoreline.

Closer to New York is South Norwalk, CT, which has a beautifully restored downdown area with lots of fun shops and restaurants. Although perhaps a bit more urban than you were looking for, it has a beautiful turn of the century Americana feel. There's also an aquarium, but I wouldn't recommend it. I thought it was overpriced for the quality of the exhibit there. <BR> <BR>By the way, Mystic is terrific, but not cheap. Check out the prices before going.