I'm starting to plan for a trip next summer (2002). We would like to visit the Northeast - thinking of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont.

I've started researching areas and I'm overwhelmed. Everywhere looks good in a Deparment of Tourism brochure. Can anyone help me narrow it down?

We have two weeks, would like to spend at least some time on the coast, and will have two daughters, age 4 and 7. Ideally, we would stay a few days at each stop, and end the trip with a relaxing few days at a beach/lake/mountain cabin or inn.

Maine's coastline is beautiful. We spent a long weekend and just covered the bottom third of the coastline, and I can't wait to go back! A must is the lobster, of course. Acadia Nat'l Park is something I regret not getting to. There is a huge outlet shopping area which is quaint, where the L.L. Bean outlet and store are. You can also take a short cruise to Nova Scotia from Maine. We were impressed with the coast, friendly people and relaxed atmosphere.

Cape Cod, Bar Harbor, and then somewhere in the mtns of NH might be nice. Might be kinda touristy though.

My boyfriend and i just got back from a weeks vacation in Maine. We LOVED it!
We stayed 2 nights in each area. Portland, Boothbay Harbor and Ogunquit.
All three stops had alot of little shops and restaurants, but for kids I would recommend either Boothbay Harbor(very relaxing, nice harbor views but no beach) or Ogunquit (very nice beach, and shops, but not a whole lot of things for the kids to do besides the beach) When I did my research before our trip, I found Old Orchard Beach (ME) which is supposed to be excellent for kids ie:boardwalk, rides. but I got several responses from this site that it is kinda tacky? In Maine you can go from the mountian/lake area to the beach. I called the chamber of commerce for each area we were thinking about going and received alot of visitor guides and other useful info.
I believe the also have a book with a breakdown of each area. ie: mountian/lake area, southern coast, mid-coast, and others. I made our reservations 3 months prior to our vacation and things were already booked. My advise, book EARLY. I hope this helps. At least for Maine anyway.

With young children, I would suggest renting a cottage someplace and taking an occasional day trip. I have fond memories of vacations when we met other kids, learned how to dive, went in the water EVERY day, etc. NH's Lakes Region or somewhere along the southern Maine coast would be good because both areas have places for good day trips. Portsmouth NH on the coast is a great city for adults, for example, but it also has a great children's museum. NH's Lakes region has Squam Lakes Science Center in Holderness. Over on the NH/VT border near Dartmouth College is the Montshire Museum. If you came during the right time, the Big Apple Circus plays in that area. A fantastic one ring show. Summer theatre in both NH and Maine have children's shows. NH's Lakes region is also close enough to the White Mountains so you might try some easy hikes.
We live in a rural area so I was very surprised during one vacation to hear the city parents say how great it was to have the children all playing together on the beach. At home, kids only got together on play dates. Don't go to far north in either state because things get few and far betwee. Another mountain area attraction your children are at the perfect age for is Storyland near North Conway. The other poster gave you good advice, good cottages are hard to find if you wait too long.

I'm a Northeasterner and very familiar with New England. Massachusetts is a wonderfully historic state, however with the "BIGDIG" in Boston, it's not easy to enjoy. Lexington and Concord are great opportunities to travel the "Battle Road of the American Revolution" The "Shot heard 'round the world" was in Lexington. Cape Cod is nice, but during the summer is hellatious to get to and around once there. New Hampshire is known for it's lakes, and mountains, and I do believe are good value. There's all sorts of amusement parks in NE, if you want to splurge on the kids. Santa's Village in Bethlehem NH, StoryLand just north of North Conway (another outlet haven - but close to activities like big river kayaking. In the same area of NH is Mt. Washington - the highest peak in the Northeast. They have a Cog Railway that runs in the summer - a wonderful experience!! I'm sure they have a website. I love Ogunquit in Maine - has a little theatre with 1st rate Broadway talent that appears, a walkable town with electric (i think!)trolleys - The LLBean and other outlets are south of Ogunquit - great for a rainy day. Rhode Island is known for Newport (big Yachting and gilded age mansions e.g. Rockefellers, and their Cliff Walk) But their capital- Providence has undergone quite a renaissance, and has some fabulous restaurants and historic attractions. If I can be of further help let me know