Yet another NE roadtrip (location of two nights a mystery)
Jun 13th, 2016, 01:27 PM
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Yet another NE roadtrip (location of two nights a mystery)
I've read tons of topics and different sites on the internet, but still feel puzzled and unsure. So here goes.
I and my dear mother are spending three weeks in the States this August-September. Our general route is pretty much settled and some of the nights are booked, but we think we need to tie ourselves down for a couple of more nights in advance. Labour weekend people, Labour weekend. Smack dab and that's when we're on the coast. Lovely.
My question is: we have two nights we need to pin down somewhere on the coast. What would be the sensible thing to do, considering the night before these two nights is in Kennebunk and the two nights after are in the White Mountains. We'd like to visit Portland, bike around Peak's Island. Otherwise just taking in scenery, sitting on some random piers, perhaps walk on a beach a bit. We like independent shops, food stall-kind of food, hanging in parks or in nature, photographing, writing postcards.
So where should we place ourselves for two nights between Kennebunk and Glen in the White Mountains? Portland is kind of busy accommodation-wise, unfortunately.
Our itinerary looks like this (yeah, everything past Quebec is kind of open for on-the-road-interpretation, also yeah, Quebec is a bit out of the way but it was one thing we just couldn't scratch, Montreal got the ditch instead):
Mon 8/29 arriving in Boston around midday from Europe
Tue 8/30 Boston
Wed 8/31 Boston
Thu 9/1 getting the car and starting the drive, with a first stop in Salem, accommodation for this night in Kennebunk (Fransiscan Guest House)
Fri 9/2 ???
Sat 9/3 ???
Sun 9/4 > White Mountains, accommodation in Glen for two nights
Mon 9/5 White Mountains
Tue 9/6 driving towards Quebec
Wed 9/7 Quebec
Thu 9/8 Quebec
Fri 9/9 driving to Vermont, Burlington?
Sat 9/10 Burlington/Stowe/RT100/Woodstock?
Sun 9/11 Woodstock?
Mon 9/12 Woodstock? > Harrisville, NH (because of the mill and the wool, mom's a fan of... yarn) > Red Hook, NY (a big perhaps though, this would be to visit a big fabric store, again, mom's a fan, but it depends on how the Vermont-part of this trip shapes up)
Tue 9/13 Red Hook > Hartford
Wed 9/14 Hartford > The Mashantucket Pequot Museum? > ?
Thu 9/15 ???
Fri 9/16 ???
Sat 9/17 the flight out of Boston leaves in the evening, so a whole day to get to the airport
I and my dear mother are spending three weeks in the States this August-September. Our general route is pretty much settled and some of the nights are booked, but we think we need to tie ourselves down for a couple of more nights in advance. Labour weekend people, Labour weekend. Smack dab and that's when we're on the coast. Lovely.
My question is: we have two nights we need to pin down somewhere on the coast. What would be the sensible thing to do, considering the night before these two nights is in Kennebunk and the two nights after are in the White Mountains. We'd like to visit Portland, bike around Peak's Island. Otherwise just taking in scenery, sitting on some random piers, perhaps walk on a beach a bit. We like independent shops, food stall-kind of food, hanging in parks or in nature, photographing, writing postcards.
So where should we place ourselves for two nights between Kennebunk and Glen in the White Mountains? Portland is kind of busy accommodation-wise, unfortunately.
Our itinerary looks like this (yeah, everything past Quebec is kind of open for on-the-road-interpretation, also yeah, Quebec is a bit out of the way but it was one thing we just couldn't scratch, Montreal got the ditch instead):
Mon 8/29 arriving in Boston around midday from Europe
Tue 8/30 Boston
Wed 8/31 Boston
Thu 9/1 getting the car and starting the drive, with a first stop in Salem, accommodation for this night in Kennebunk (Fransiscan Guest House)
Fri 9/2 ???
Sat 9/3 ???
Sun 9/4 > White Mountains, accommodation in Glen for two nights
Mon 9/5 White Mountains
Tue 9/6 driving towards Quebec
Wed 9/7 Quebec
Thu 9/8 Quebec
Fri 9/9 driving to Vermont, Burlington?
Sat 9/10 Burlington/Stowe/RT100/Woodstock?
Sun 9/11 Woodstock?
Mon 9/12 Woodstock? > Harrisville, NH (because of the mill and the wool, mom's a fan of... yarn) > Red Hook, NY (a big perhaps though, this would be to visit a big fabric store, again, mom's a fan, but it depends on how the Vermont-part of this trip shapes up)
Tue 9/13 Red Hook > Hartford
Wed 9/14 Hartford > The Mashantucket Pequot Museum? > ?
Thu 9/15 ???
Fri 9/16 ???
Sat 9/17 the flight out of Boston leaves in the evening, so a whole day to get to the airport
Jun 13th, 2016, 05:23 PM
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9/3 and 9/4 is Labor Day weekend, You will be hard pressed to find accommodations in Kennebunkport without a 3 night minimum. That said, 3 nights in Kennebunkport would be a great location to stay on the Maine coast.
Jun 14th, 2016, 01:58 AM
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Thank you. Yup, figured that darned weekend would be a problem, 
. We have that one night in Kennebunk booked, perhaps we could make it two nights instead and then go somewhere as close as possible to Portland for the last night before heading inland... It would be great to be able to stay somewhere where we could ditch the car, walk to dinner etc, but seems like we'll have to compromise on that.
Perhaps we'll head to Cape Cod for the last couple of nights and get that "being close to the ocean"-feeling over there instead. Shouldn't be too busy over there later on in September, ey.
. We have that one night in Kennebunk booked, perhaps we could make it two nights instead and then go somewhere as close as possible to Portland for the last night before heading inland... It would be great to be able to stay somewhere where we could ditch the car, walk to dinner etc, but seems like we'll have to compromise on that. Perhaps we'll head to Cape Cod for the last couple of nights and get that "being close to the ocean"-feeling over there instead. Shouldn't be too busy over there later on in September, ey.
Jun 14th, 2016, 02:48 AM
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What kind of fabric? Keepsake Quilting is on Lake Winnipesaukee, Center Harbor NH, I think.
Have you tried airb&b places in Portland? A fodorite rented an apartment and loved it. We haven't stayed in Portland but have been happy with the airb&b places we have tried. From the description you can find out if you are within walking distance of restaurants.
We recently stayed at a tiny 2nd floor apartment in Tamworth/Chorcura NH which puts you south of Conway instead of north in Glen. You can drive the famous Kancamagus Hwy thru the mountains, connect with I93, go south to exit 23 then go east thru Center Sandwich and Tamworth back to the airb&b. This route gives you both the mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee. You would also drive past Keepsake Quilting on this route. (cotton but no wool)
If you have to drive in to Portland, the parking garage is next to the boat terminal so you can leave your car for the day. When you return from Peaks you can walk to the Old Port Area with all the fun shops. (if your legs aren't too tired)
Have you tried airb&b places in Portland? A fodorite rented an apartment and loved it. We haven't stayed in Portland but have been happy with the airb&b places we have tried. From the description you can find out if you are within walking distance of restaurants.
We recently stayed at a tiny 2nd floor apartment in Tamworth/Chorcura NH which puts you south of Conway instead of north in Glen. You can drive the famous Kancamagus Hwy thru the mountains, connect with I93, go south to exit 23 then go east thru Center Sandwich and Tamworth back to the airb&b. This route gives you both the mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee. You would also drive past Keepsake Quilting on this route. (cotton but no wool)
If you have to drive in to Portland, the parking garage is next to the boat terminal so you can leave your car for the day. When you return from Peaks you can walk to the Old Port Area with all the fun shops. (if your legs aren't too tired)
Jun 14th, 2016, 07:28 AM
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I don't know about the first two free nights but the last two I would spend on Martha's Vineyard or Provincetown. Hartford is not worth it and while the Pequot Museum is well done it's about an hour from Hartford in the middle of nowhere except for two casinos. Northampton, MA has a world class yarn place called Webs and is a nice town for one night. Red Hook is far.
Jun 14th, 2016, 10:35 AM
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Thank you everyone! You've given me lots of food for thought.
Egbert: Very good suggestions and heads ups, appreciate it. Northampton seems an excellent choice, will forward it to my mother. And Marta's Vineyard does sound like a place one could spend the last nights on indeed.... Hm.
dfrostnh: Well, mostly stuff she can't get here back home, I know, not very helpful,
. She's not into quilting per se, but she does make small bags etc that utalize those small patches of fabric, so that place could indeed be something she'd enjoy. It's Hawthorne Threads she'd like to visit in Red Hook.
Ah, AirBnB! Somehow I completely forgot about their existence. Will check it out,.
Egbert: Very good suggestions and heads ups, appreciate it. Northampton seems an excellent choice, will forward it to my mother. And Marta's Vineyard does sound like a place one could spend the last nights on indeed.... Hm.
dfrostnh: Well, mostly stuff she can't get here back home, I know, not very helpful,
. She's not into quilting per se, but she does make small bags etc that utalize those small patches of fabric, so that place could indeed be something she'd enjoy. It's Hawthorne Threads she'd like to visit in Red Hook. Ah, AirBnB! Somehow I completely forgot about their existence. Will check it out,
.
Jun 14th, 2016, 11:01 AM
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If you want to go to the Pequot Museum (really nice museum), you could continue to Mystic for a night or two to enjoy the Seaport there or head over to Newport. Just further options for you.
You could stop at Gillette Castle (great overlook over the CT River), Essex Steam Train & Steamboat combo, Mark Twain House (in Hartford)
You could stop at Gillette Castle (great overlook over the CT River), Essex Steam Train & Steamboat combo, Mark Twain House (in Hartford)
Jun 14th, 2016, 11:38 AM
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Harrisville is very photogenic, a few lovely brick mill buildings reflected in mill pond, but tiny, not a stop that would take much longer than taking a few photos, looking around the shop, and maybe a nice picnic.
If you are going to Salem, don't miss the PEM, the best thing in town besides the architecture!
If you are going to Salem, don't miss the PEM, the best thing in town besides the architecture!
Jun 15th, 2016, 01:43 PM
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tchoiniere: Thank you, valuable suggestions right here.
SambaChula: Good to know, nothing to make a detour for then,. And check for PAM. It seems Salem has A LOT to offer... So much so that I'm even thinking about transferring that first night to somewhere nearby, instead of having to chuck north for a couple of hours. We'll see.
SambaChula: Good to know, nothing to make a detour for then,
. And check for PAM. It seems Salem has A LOT to offer... So much so that I'm even thinking about transferring that first night to somewhere nearby, instead of having to chuck north for a couple of hours. We'll see.
Jun 16th, 2016, 01:42 AM
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there's a small shop in Kennebunk I visited with a friend who has started punch needle. They had a lot of penny rug type supplies (excellent quality wool felts). Although I don't do that type of sewing, it was a fun shop to visit. Sorry, I can't remember the name but it was one of those places jam packed with finished samples and interesting doodads. I'm pretty sure it was Kennebunk and not Kennebunkport (or Wells or Ogunquit) and it was right in the downtown area. It's more of a needlework place that you can't find anymore.
Jun 16th, 2016, 09:28 AM
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If you were to visit Harrisville, I would combine it with visiting more of the area. Lots of covered bridges (in Ahsuelot for example, also Mt Monadonock, lake at foot of mtn., very authentic county fair with horse and ox pulls, etc. There used to be a great fabric/fiber crafts store in Keene, but haven't been there in years.)
Jun 16th, 2016, 01:11 PM
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I noticed a recommendation to stay in Tamworth instead of Glen. I strongly disagree! Glen is a much better location (not sure which hotel you have choosen) - Glen is a few miles from the quaint town of Jackson.
Head to Jackson to drive through see their covered bridge.
Be sure to visit the Jackson Historical Society and Museum of White Mountain Art (call or email the 92 year old curator, Warren, ahead of time and he will open just for you if you will be there at a time he is not normally open http://www.jacksonhistory.org/) - Fabulous art collection - even if you do not like art, this is a great take - free).
Head up to the Jackson Falls off Carter Notch road - you can picnic there, take a dip in the falls or just take in the view. Lunch at the Glen Ledge Store (awesome deviled eggs) or Jtown Deli in Jackson.
For a sit down breakfast or lunch, highly recommend The Sunrise Shack in Glen (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sunrise-shack-glen), lots of great choices in the area, but since you are there for one breakfast, this is the best - also Stairway Cafe in North Conway.
Be sure to visit Zebs and the Penguin shops in North Conway Village, also the Conwy Scenic Railroad is there, if you are into trains, they have both short and long rides.
You can get to the Kancamagus Highway easily from Glen (do not drive all the way back to Conway) http://www.kancamagushighway.com/ Head out Rt 302 towards Bartlett - you will see a left hand turn called Bear Notch Rd - this is a bit windy, just drive slow but takes you to about the mid-point of the Kanc. lots of great views/stops on this road.
The Bretton Woods Hotel is a beautiful stop - the last of the old Grand hotels, you can have lunch, just walk around, if you go at dawn or dusk you are likely to see moose during the drive (https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/br...etails/history).
You can drive the Mt Washington Auto road (if you have issues with heights, stop at Great Glen Trails and for a fee you can get a ride up in their van), also great hiking in this area. Try to pick a clear day so you can take in the views.
For a 5 star dinner try the White Mountain Cider Company in Bartlett (next to Glen) http://www.ciderconh.com/
For more casual dining, try the Moat Brewery, Shannon Door Pub for pizza, Delany's (love the onion rings), Chef's Bistro, Black Cap Grill (Black Cap is in with the shopping outlets in Conway - best lunch spot if you are outlet shopping). If you are coming from Portland to Glen, another fine dining spot is the Oxford House in Fryeburg, ME - worth the stop if you are passing through at dinnertime.
Head to Jackson to drive through see their covered bridge.
Be sure to visit the Jackson Historical Society and Museum of White Mountain Art (call or email the 92 year old curator, Warren, ahead of time and he will open just for you if you will be there at a time he is not normally open http://www.jacksonhistory.org/) - Fabulous art collection - even if you do not like art, this is a great take - free).
Head up to the Jackson Falls off Carter Notch road - you can picnic there, take a dip in the falls or just take in the view. Lunch at the Glen Ledge Store (awesome deviled eggs) or Jtown Deli in Jackson.
For a sit down breakfast or lunch, highly recommend The Sunrise Shack in Glen (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sunrise-shack-glen), lots of great choices in the area, but since you are there for one breakfast, this is the best - also Stairway Cafe in North Conway.
Be sure to visit Zebs and the Penguin shops in North Conway Village, also the Conwy Scenic Railroad is there, if you are into trains, they have both short and long rides.
You can get to the Kancamagus Highway easily from Glen (do not drive all the way back to Conway) http://www.kancamagushighway.com/ Head out Rt 302 towards Bartlett - you will see a left hand turn called Bear Notch Rd - this is a bit windy, just drive slow but takes you to about the mid-point of the Kanc. lots of great views/stops on this road.
The Bretton Woods Hotel is a beautiful stop - the last of the old Grand hotels, you can have lunch, just walk around, if you go at dawn or dusk you are likely to see moose during the drive (https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/br...etails/history).
You can drive the Mt Washington Auto road (if you have issues with heights, stop at Great Glen Trails and for a fee you can get a ride up in their van), also great hiking in this area. Try to pick a clear day so you can take in the views.
For a 5 star dinner try the White Mountain Cider Company in Bartlett (next to Glen) http://www.ciderconh.com/
For more casual dining, try the Moat Brewery, Shannon Door Pub for pizza, Delany's (love the onion rings), Chef's Bistro, Black Cap Grill (Black Cap is in with the shopping outlets in Conway - best lunch spot if you are outlet shopping). If you are coming from Portland to Glen, another fine dining spot is the Oxford House in Fryeburg, ME - worth the stop if you are passing through at dinnertime.
Jun 16th, 2016, 02:14 PM
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dfrostnh: Will keep an eye out for that store, thank you, .
SambaChula: A good heads up. We'll see how our route looks like after Quebec/Burlington. Right now I feel like not tying us into anything, but to keep it open. Therefore you never know where we'll really end up, we might as well roam the area around Harrisville,.
adnil1962: Woah! What a great post, thank you! Fantastic information indeed,. We're staying at Covered Bridge House in Glen, they have a covered bridge of their own, altohugh turned into a gift shop.
Big check for Bear Notch Road, that's something I'm pretty sure I would not have come across on my own.
. SambaChula: A good heads up. We'll see how our route looks like after Quebec/Burlington. Right now I feel like not tying us into anything, but to keep it open. Therefore you never know where we'll really end up, we might as well roam the area around Harrisville,
. adnil1962: Woah! What a great post, thank you! Fantastic information indeed,
. We're staying at Covered Bridge House in Glen, they have a covered bridge of their own, altohugh turned into a gift shop. Big check for Bear Notch Road, that's something I'm pretty sure I would not have come across on my own.
Jun 17th, 2016, 05:01 AM
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Have never been to that particular hotel in Glen, but my hubby knows the owner and says he is a great guy! I did want to mention if you do stop at the Oxford House for a meal on the way over from Portland don't eat in the dining room - ask to be seated in the downstairs bar (they do have tables there) - eclectic space and great food.
By the way this is our favorite place in Portland - http://www.micuccigrocery.com/ Cute Italian grocery, in the back of the store they sell pizza slices - if you are a pizza fan, this is yummy!!
This is our favorite breakfast spot in Portland - http://www.baysideamericancafe.com/
When in Boston, nothing fancy, a bit pricey, kind of a walk up/stand and eat place, but the best lobster rolls I have ever had - http://lukeslobster.com/menu/ If you want a sit down meal, try Legal Seafood, it is a chain, but really terrific seafood and always great service.
I wrote of a Chinatown tour we did in Boston a few years ago, if this is your first time there, I would suggest their North End tour instead as it is a more popular area - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-in-boston.cfm
Here is another post I did on our visit to Boston: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-in-boston.cfm
Instead of paying $50 for a boat tour of the Harbor, take the $3 ferry from the Aquarium train stop (near Longwharf Marriott) over to the Charlestown Navy Yard. It is only a 15 minute boat ride, commuter boat, but you get the same views, then the Navy Yard Museum and Bunker Hill Monuments are free.
By the way this is our favorite place in Portland - http://www.micuccigrocery.com/ Cute Italian grocery, in the back of the store they sell pizza slices - if you are a pizza fan, this is yummy!!
This is our favorite breakfast spot in Portland - http://www.baysideamericancafe.com/
When in Boston, nothing fancy, a bit pricey, kind of a walk up/stand and eat place, but the best lobster rolls I have ever had - http://lukeslobster.com/menu/ If you want a sit down meal, try Legal Seafood, it is a chain, but really terrific seafood and always great service.
I wrote of a Chinatown tour we did in Boston a few years ago, if this is your first time there, I would suggest their North End tour instead as it is a more popular area - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-in-boston.cfm
Here is another post I did on our visit to Boston: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-in-boston.cfm
Instead of paying $50 for a boat tour of the Harbor, take the $3 ferry from the Aquarium train stop (near Longwharf Marriott) over to the Charlestown Navy Yard. It is only a 15 minute boat ride, commuter boat, but you get the same views, then the Navy Yard Museum and Bunker Hill Monuments are free.
