Trip through New England

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dswails2729
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Trip through New England

Post by dswails2729 »

My girlfriend and I are taking a week long trip through New England this spring/summer. We're making stops in Narragansett, RI, Portland, ME, Boothbay Harbor, ME, and Boston, MA. Do any Bogleheads have suggestions for things to do along the way? Sites to see? Places to eat?

Thanks.
The Wizard
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by The Wizard »

Way too much to say for one post.
You've got a coastal route there, so you can hit various beaches on fair weather days; modest crowds and possibly cheaper parking before mid/late June.
Plan on hitting local clam/lobster shacks along the way. There's one every 5-10 miles along the coastal roads.
Look at "attractions" in TripAdvisor for the places you'll be. Not everyone admires the same thing.
Black Fly season inland from late May to mid June most years but doesn't look like you're heading to the White Mtns or the Lakes Region.

More specifics possible if you can narrow your interest a bit...
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oxothuk
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by oxothuk »

The Wizard wrote:Plan on hitting local clam/lobster shacks along the way. There's one every 5-10 miles along the coastal roads.
+1

Of course with (breakfast,lunch,dinner) you can only make 15-30 miles per day.
General Disarray
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by General Disarray »

Yes, narrow down your interests, both in terms of travel sites and food preferences.

In Boston, lots of great restaurants (Italian in the North End and other areas), but other cuisines too. Lots of historical sites and museums in the city and beyond it, and the world's best universities.

Haven't been to Narragansett, but last fall stopped by Westerly/Watch Hill, RI, which is close by, and went to the Ocean House Hotel for Sunday brunch. It was a very good brunch, with an ocean view.
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dswails2729
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dswails2729 »

Restaurant recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Narragansett- We have a room reserved on the water for two nights so, weather permitting, we'll most likely spend most of our time on the beach.

Portland- We'll only be in Portland for one night but we were thinking about the Allagash Brewery tour and possibly wandering around the city.

Boothbay- We were hoping to find a captain who could take us out on a lobster boat tour. We're staying in Boothbay for three nights and a lobster tour is definitely on the list. Other than that we're open to anything. Maybe kayaking, hiking, etc. Anything outdoors.

Boston- We have tickets to a Red Sox game but other than that we're open.

Thanks in advance.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by The Wizard »

That's a good time to hit Cape Cod for a couple days as well, especially mid-week...
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chw
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by chw »

Sounds like a lot of ground being covered in 1 week. For Boston, if limited on time, perhaps do the Duck tour, or a Freedom Trail tour (they are touristy, but IMO well done). I would stay either at a hotel on the waterfront (along the new greenway), or if want to get some shopping in, stay in the Copley area in Back Bay. If Red Sox are in town, and you're baseball fans, a trip to Fenway is always enjoyable. Many dining options- you could visit the North End (walkind distance from the waterfront area) for many Italian dining options, Quincy/Faneuil Market area, as well as seafood fare in the area (ask the concierge where you're staying for recommendations). Harbor cruise could be nice as well (also accessed on the wharf behind the Boston Harbor hotel. On your way to ME, a stop in Portsmouth, NH may be worth it. I haven't been there in years, but they have great restaurants/pubs. A google search could turn up some things to do depending on time you may have.

You mention Narragansett, RI. They have good beaches, but not aware of tourist type things there. Again, time permitting, you may want to shoot over to Newport, RI. Many mansions there to tour, as well as cliff walk which I believe is reopening in June (it has been closed since Hurricane Sandy). Tennis HOF is there, as well as a nice little downtown area for shopping and dining options. They also have some good beach options (2nd Beach that I recall going to several years ago). Newport is a short drive from Narragansett (about 1/2 hour), via the Jamestown, and Newport bridges.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by chw »

The Wizard wrote:That's a good time to hit Cape Cod for a couple days as well, especially mid-week...
June is my favorite time of year on Cape Cod, but given the short time period and the route you've planned, it may be a bit off track to divert there unless you're changing plans.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by The Wizard »

As for restaurants, there are so many in some of your areas (Boston & Portland) that I'd just fall back on TripAdvisor to see what's good nearby. Seafood yes, but twice a day for the week might be a bit much. Try an Irish pub or an oriental place to broaden things out...
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dswails2729 »

Thanks for the replies everyone. The Freedom Trail and Faneuil Market are on our list of possibilities. We also considered an evening dinner cruise off the harbor. Is there one you would recommend?
chw
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by chw »

dswails2729 wrote:Thanks for the replies everyone. The Freedom Trail and Faneuil Market are on our list of possibilities. We also considered an evening dinner cruise off the harbor. Is there one you would recommend?
This is the one I mentioned behind the Boston Harbor Hotel: http://www.odysseycruises.com/Boston/home . I believe they may cater more to groups, but in the summer, may have special events you can join. I would contact them to see what may be available. The Duck tour is a mini tour on the water for part of the trip, as well as giving you some historical facts that you may also get on the Freedom trail tour. Intercontinental Hotel on the waterfront is also a newer hotel on the waterfront, and more reasonably priced than the Boston Harbor Hotel (though still a bit pricey).
Stonebr
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by Stonebr »

dswails2729 wrote: Portland- We'll only be in Portland for one night but we were thinking about the Allagash Brewery tour and possibly wandering around the city.

Boothbay- We were hoping to find a captain who could take us out on a lobster boat tour. We're staying in Boothbay for three nights and a lobster tour is definitely on the list. Other than that we're open to anything. Maybe kayaking, hiking, etc. Anything outdoors.
Lots of great restaurants in Portland, but Street and Company comes to mind as a good place to start. You'll need reservations. It's in the Old Port section of town.

Boothbay -- definitely take a day trip out to Monhegan Island if the weather is good. Boats go out every morning and bring you back in mid afternoon. It's one of the best things on the Maine coast.
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dowse
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dowse »

Consider Portsmouth, NH and Kennebunkport, ME. In Portland, take a swing out to Portland Head Light. I've heard that taking a harbor cruise is a great take, but haven't done it yet. Spend some time strolling the streets in the Old Port district. Further up the coast, you may want to check out Freeport, home of LL Bean and it's flagship store, along with many other outlet stores. If you continue up the coast, the town of Camden is very picturesque and if you manage to get up the coast even further, Acadia National Park is just spectacular.
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Kosmo
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by Kosmo »

Newport, RI...and check out all the mansions. There's a couple of Indian casinos in CT. Dozens of lighthouses in ME. And there's so much in and around Boston you'd have a hard time not finding something interesting to do.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by cheese_breath »

If you want to dip a few miles south from RI into CT tour Mystic Seaport and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by sans souliers »

While in CT, there are numerous clam shacks located along the shore, where you should have a lobster roll made in the proper manner.
By this I mean hot buttered lobster in a buttered & grilled flat-sided hot dog roll.

And I hear the New England clam chowder at The Black Pearl in NewPort, RI will be unforgettable.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by beachplum »

dswails2729 wrote:Thanks for the replies everyone. The Freedom Trail and Faneuil Market are on our list of possibilities. We also considered an evening dinner cruise off the harbor. Is there one you would recommend?
Just walk through faneuil market on your way to the north end, don't stop to eat at the market. Forget the dinner cruise and eat dinner in the North End instead.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by The Wizard »

beachplum wrote:
dswails2729 wrote:Thanks for the replies everyone. The Freedom Trail and Faneuil Market are on our list of possibilities. We also considered an evening dinner cruise off the harbor. Is there one you would recommend?
Just walk through faneuil market on your way to the north end, don't stop to eat at the market. Forget the dinner cruise and eat dinner in the North End instead.
I tend to agree.
Those "dinner cruises" tend to be "booze cruises" and there's not much to see out there anyway, that you can't see from shore.
You could take a boat out to one of the harbor islands during the day, but you don't really have enough time to do everything...
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by General Disarray »

beachplum wrote:Just walk through faneuil market on your way to the north end, don't stop to eat at the market. Forget the dinner cruise and eat dinner in the North End instead.
Agreed. And don't stop at Mike's Pastry, a highly over-rated tourist trap at the North End. Instead, go to Bova's, a family-owned Italian bakery that is open 24 hours! It's less crowded there and the food is better. They have great cannoli and other pastries there, both sweet and savory.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by cherijoh »

Stonebr wrote:
dswails2729 wrote: Portland- We'll only be in Portland for one night but we were thinking about the Allagash Brewery tour and possibly wandering around the city.

Boothbay- We were hoping to find a captain who could take us out on a lobster boat tour. We're staying in Boothbay for three nights and a lobster tour is definitely on the list. Other than that we're open to anything. Maybe kayaking, hiking, etc. Anything outdoors.
Lots of great restaurants in Portland, but Street and Company comes to mind as a good place to start. You'll need reservations. It's in the Old Port section of town.

Boothbay -- definitely take a day trip out to Monhegan Island if the weather is good. Boats go out every morning and bring you back in mid afternoon. It's one of the best things on the Maine coast.
I did a walking tour to Maine a few years ago and stayed in Boothbay Harbor for a few days. I would highly recommend it! We went out with a lobsterman and had dinner on an island that is also a state park. While we walked around the island, the lobsterman and his helpers (family?) cooked us the best lobster dinner which we ate at the picnic shelter - It was delicious! I think we had a private charter, but I found this http://www.cabbageislandclambakes.com on Trip Advisor which sounds like a similar experience. We also hiked Monhegan Island, although with your limited time, I'm not sure I'd put it on my list.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dswails2729 »

dowse wrote:Consider Portsmouth, NH and Kennebunkport, ME. In Portland, take a swing out to Portland Head Light. I've heard that taking a harbor cruise is a great take, but haven't done it yet. Spend some time strolling the streets in the Old Port district. Further up the coast, you may want to check out Freeport, home of LL Bean and it's flagship store, along with many other outlet stores. If you continue up the coast, the town of Camden is very picturesque and if you manage to get up the coast even further, Acadia National Park is just spectacular.
LL Bean is on the list, if we find time. We also considered Portsmouth and Kennebunkport but may save these for another trip. What do you recommend in each town?
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by pshonore »

cheese_breath wrote:If you want to dip a few miles south from RI into CT tour Mystic Seaport and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
And while you're in Mystic, the Whole Belly fried clams at the Sea Swirl (Route 1 right down the street from the Seaport) are excellent. Also
Abbots Lobster in Noank for Lobster.
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dswails2729
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dswails2729 »

cherijoh wrote:
Stonebr wrote:
dswails2729 wrote: Portland- We'll only be in Portland for one night but we were thinking about the Allagash Brewery tour and possibly wandering around the city.

Boothbay- We were hoping to find a captain who could take us out on a lobster boat tour. We're staying in Boothbay for three nights and a lobster tour is definitely on the list. Other than that we're open to anything. Maybe kayaking, hiking, etc. Anything outdoors.
Lots of great restaurants in Portland, but Street and Company comes to mind as a good place to start. You'll need reservations. It's in the Old Port section of town.

Boothbay -- definitely take a day trip out to Monhegan Island if the weather is good. Boats go out every morning and bring you back in mid afternoon. It's one of the best things on the Maine coast.
I did a walking tour to Maine a few years ago and stayed in Boothbay Harbor for a few days. I would highly recommend it! We went out with a lobsterman and had dinner on an island that is also a state park. While we walked around the island, the lobsterman and his helpers (family?) cooked us the best lobster dinner which we ate at the picnic shelter - It was delicious! I think we had a private charter, but I found this http://www.cabbageislandclambakes.com on Trip Advisor which sounds like a similar experience. We also hiked Monhegan Island, although with your limited time, I'm not sure I'd put it on my list.
Thanks, we'll keep that in mind.
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dswails2729
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dswails2729 »

cherijoh wrote:
Stonebr wrote:
dswails2729 wrote:
I did a walking tour to Maine a few years ago and stayed in Boothbay Harbor for a few days.
Did you hike the Appalachian Trail?
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by swaption »

This should keep you busy (and make you very hungry).

www.lobstergal.com

Been to many of these places and she knows her stuff. The places in New Hampshire for fried clams seem like a good bet and the lobster roll before going over the bridge in Kennebunk. Been to one of the recommended spots in Freeport. If you want beach, and perhaps cut out some travel, could substitute Ogunquit in Maine for RI. One of the best beaches I have ever been to, great restaurants, and quite a bit to do, including a decent theatre for shows. I spend a lot of time in Maine.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by lloydbraun »

I grew up going to Narragansett Town Beach every summer so I know the general area pretty well. That being said, if you have a car and don't mind a nice drive, head about 7-8 miles south (west) on route 1 or 1A from Narragansett and eat at the Matunuk Oyster Bar. If you'd prefer to go to Newport but don't want to eat in a tourist trap, there's a great place named Anthony's Seafood Restaurant in Middletown, RI, about 3-4 miles from downtown Newport. Brickley's Ice Cream is also pretty good if you want a snack and there is one in South Kingstown and another in Wakefield, both of which are within a few miles of Narragansett's main beaches. They have GREAT waffle cones. If you don't mind spending a little money for dinner on your way out of Rhode Island, my favorite Providence restaurant is Al Forno. It has a casual dress code but it's a world class quality restaurant.
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Re: Trip through New England

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bill1958 wrote:
dswails2729 wrote:Thanks for the replies everyone. The Freedom Trail and Faneuil Market are on our list of possibilities. We also considered an evening dinner cruise off the harbor. Is there one you would recommend?
This is the one I mentioned behind the Boston Harbor Hotel: http://www.odysseycruises.com/Boston/home . I believe they may cater more to groups, but in the summer, may have special events you can join. I would contact them to see what may be available. The Duck tour is a mini tour on the water for part of the trip, as well as giving you some historical facts that you may also get on the Freedom trail tour. Intercontinental Hotel on the waterfront is also a newer hotel on the waterfront, and more reasonably priced than the Boston Harbor Hotel (though still a bit pricey).
Another that I highly recommend is Liberty Cruses.... They run tall ships - sails e.t.c. Just something amazing about a wood ship with sails :-) Odyssey is better for the food but not as good an experience IMO.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by Jack FFR1846 »

If it's raining, skip Narragansett.

You could spend 3 weeks in Boston and still not see everything. Some things worth doing while there:

Christian Science Center: On the northwest corner (Mass Ave), there's the museum. I forget the name...there's a giant glass globe of the world you walk into on a glass bridge. Used to be free when I and my wife were in college and I always loved going in there. There's a fee now, I think.

(cambridge) MIT: Go into the main building with the big dome. Stand under the dome in the exact center (it's marked). This is the center of the universe. Perhaps go over the Mass Ave bridge and count the distance in Smoots.

(cambridge) Harvard: Walk in Havahd Yahd. (I don't talk like that....grew up in western mass, so I have an Ohio accent like all newscasters in the 60's). Lots to see and explore in Harvard Square. Look up to see Dewey Cheetem and Howe (click and clack).

If you're a guitarist, venture further west on Mass Ave to Music Emporium in Lexington (maybe 10 miles west of Harvard Square). Some of the best acoustic guitars anywhere (Collings seller) and great advisors.

Top of the Pru: We go there for lunch. For about the price of admission to the observatory, you get a view of the city while you munch on a pizza and Sam Adams.

F1 Boston: (south in Braintree): Sorry....I'm a car guy. Indoor go kart racing

Museum of Transportation Brookline: In Larz Anderson Park about 8 miles west of Boston, south of rt 9. Historic cars in the carriage house. If you go in the spring/summer, there's something going on outside on the lawn nearly every Saturday or Sunday. Look for a calendar of events. Tutto Italiano is one of the biggest events they hold, taking up a huge amount of space with hundreds of Italian cars. Yes, plenty of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Maseratis but also Italian micro cars, Alfas, Fiats, cars you've never heard of.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by The Wizard »

dswails2729 wrote:
cherijoh wrote:
I did a walking tour to Maine a few years ago and stayed in Boothbay Harbor for a few days.
Did you hike the Appalachian Trail?
Amusing question.
I've hiked portions of the AT in Maine but the whole trail is considerably inland. If you're up for that sort of thing, dayhikes or longer, plan your NEXT New England trip for the July-September timeframe...
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buckstar
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by buckstar »

Could you extend your trip a little bit and try to make it up to Acadia National Park/ Bar Harbor? Unless you're planning on going back sometime, the park and the entire island are awesome! You could easily spend a week just there.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dswails2729 »

buckstar wrote:Could you extend your trip a little bit and try to make it up to Acadia National Park/ Bar Harbor? Unless you're planning on going back sometime, the park and the entire island are awesome! You could easily spend a week just there.
Acadia was highly recommended by a friend of mine as well. Unfortunately, we will have to save it for a later date.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by Steady59 »

Boothbay is nice but a bit of a tourist trap and can be crowded especially if you go by car. Consider going one more peninsula up (OK, down) and explore the Pemaquid region. From New Harbor, you can get a boat to Monhegan for an afternoon. When you get back, getting a lobster dinner on the upper deck at Shaws overlooking the harbor is about as a good as it gets. 2 miles down the road is Pemaquid beach (super nice) though the water is a bit nippy. A half mile further down is the old fort in Pemaquid Harbor where there are some old ruins that are interesting also. The lighthouse is another mile away and one of the most photographed in the state. Usually a nice small gallery there also.

Damariscotta is nice also for an afternoon for the shops and restaurants. And if you like oysters, Damariscotta and the Damariscotta river are Mecca.

Its a great area that many just go by on their way to Camden and beyond.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by 22twain »

TodB wrote:[Pemaquid Point] lighthouse is another mile away and one of the most photographed in the state.
In fact, it's the lighthouse depicted on the back of the Maine quarter. Unless you've switched completely to plastic, check your pocket, or wherever you dump your coins at the end of the day. You might get lucky. :D

My wife and I visited there a couple of summers ago. When she was a girl back in the '60s, her parents used to rent a cabin behind a house not far from what is now the park at the old fort. Amazingly, the house and cabins were still there, pretty much as she remembered them, and they were up for sale! Something like $300-$350K IIRC. But we quickly decided we weren't interested in quitting work completely down here in the southeast and becoming innkeepers in Maine.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dgdevil »

I see you are not going north of Boothbay, BUT 30 minutes northwest of the turnoff to Boothbay is Thomaston, where there is a very cool prison store - staffed by inmates. It sells beautiful artwork and woodwork of all shapes and sizes, from prison-themed birdhouses to household furniture. Very reasonable prices and all for a good cause.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by dowse »

dswails2729 wrote:
dowse wrote:Consider Portsmouth, NH and Kennebunkport, ME. In Portland, take a swing out to Portland Head Light. I've heard that taking a harbor cruise is a great take, but haven't done it yet. Spend some time strolling the streets in the Old Port district. Further up the coast, you may want to check out Freeport, home of LL Bean and it's flagship store, along with many other outlet stores. If you continue up the coast, the town of Camden is very picturesque and if you manage to get up the coast even further, Acadia National Park is just spectacular.
LL Bean is on the list, if we find time. We also considered Portsmouth and Kennebunkport but may save these for another trip. What do you recommend in each town?
It's been too long ago to give you specifics on Kennebunkport, other than just walking around the town near the waterfront. As for Portsmouth, Strawberry Banke Musuem (actually multiple 18th century buildings), downtonwn and waterfront areas. For restaurants, Portsmouth Brewery (brew pub), River House (best chowder I've ever had), Poco's (Mexican).

Have a great trip!
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by ubermax »

Great choice for a trip , we live in Connecticut now but I’m originally from Newport - just curious about Narragansett , (1) personal connection (2) on/close to coastal route 1 (3) better accommodation rate than Newport (4) other – not important , just curious.

I guess the first decision in planning a NewEngland trip would be inland, coastal, or both – from the threads it seems like you’re leaning towards coastal.

I would recommend a stopover or overnight in Newport – Ocean Drive, mansions, cliff walk , 2nd Beach, and downtown Newport – starting at the intersection of Memorial Blvd. & Bellevue Ave. with garmin or Google maps at the ready head South on Bellevue – hang a left onto Narragansett Ave. and go to the end – here you can park on the street and walk with mansions on one side and the ocean on the other , the “Cliff Walk” – returning to your car backtrack and take your first left , go a short distance & pass by the Breakers , the largest mansion – return to Bellevue and continue heading South where you’ll pass several mansions and eventually fewer mansions and mostly ocean , “Ocean Drive”.

If you follow Memorial Blvd. East you eventually come to Second Beach , the most popular on the island - my wife and I enjoy walking along the beach there.

Downtown Newport – Thames Street – Bannister’s Wharf , dinner at the Black Pearl or the Clarke Cook House and lunch at the Wharf Pub – if you plan on staying over I would recommend the Hampton Inn in Middletown.

Massachhusetts – the Duck Tour in Boston is outstanding and if time allows a trek to Cape Cod and Provincetown would be worthwhile.

Others on this post have provided great options for some of the other NewEngland states – going inland we enjoy cross country skiing in Jackson Village, NH and would recommend walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Me.

Enjoy the trip and maybe plan a longer trip in the future .
Last edited by ubermax on Sun Mar 09, 2014 3:29 pm, edited 2 times in total.
crg11
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by crg11 »

Definitely recommend Portsmouth, NH if you have time or another trip. Terrific city that defines classic New England port town. It's great for walking around and there is lots of stuff to do.
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by rob »

TodB wrote:2 miles down the road is Pemaquid beach (super nice) though the water is a bit nippy.
As someone who grew up on the Pacific ocean [Warm] and have got used to New England.... "a bit nippy" means bring the axe to break thru the ice :-)
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Re: Trip through New England

Post by Altephor »

On your way to Portland, if you guys want to shop, stop in the Kittery outposts. Great outlet shopping. And then I would highly recommend the town of Ogunquit, ME. I've been going there my entire life (I am from CT). If you go during the 'season' (aka summer) it gets very crowded, but it is a nice quaint seaside town. Good beaches, and great fresh seafood restaurants in Perkin's Cove. The entire town can be covered on foot, so don't keep moving the car and paying for parking (I'm not sure how much a paid parking lot is, I've always stayed at hotels there, but there are plenty of them). There is a nice oceanside walking trail called The Marginal Way, which also has some history to it (which is spelled out in placards along the trail). My favorite restaurant in the town is called Barnacle Billy's, it's a pretty casual cove-side restaurant with your typical New England fares (lobster, chowder, hot dogs, burgers, etc). You can also pay for what's called the Lobster Boat Tour, where you are taken out of the cove along the lobster trap 'trails' with a historical presentation and some sight-seeing along the way.

I think everyone else has pretty much covered Boston.
HomerSector7G
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Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2013 9:10 pm

Re: Trip through New England

Post by HomerSector7G »

Former Bostonian. Two suggestions that are a bit off the normal tourist track.

1) grab a picnic and go out to Castle Isle near Pleasure Bay in South Boston (despite the name you can drive and park - no boat ride). There are NEVER tourists there but on a nice day there are tons of locals. Sitting on the hill outside the old fort watching the planes takeoff/land at Logan, the boats heading in/out on the harbor, and taking in all of the locals is a great way to spend an hour or two on a nice weekend day.

2) Harpoon Brewery - close to Pleasure Isle in Southie, I love this brewery. They have a great story, a nice tour and a great tasting room....oh and some good beers!
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