If you had 5 days in New England...

[aristocatz]

A perfect vacation, IMHO:

http://www.trappfamily.com/

The lodge is outstanding. Foliage is breathtaking this time of year. It's also about 10 minutes from the Ben & Jerry's factory

 

[tiggerplus5]

We had family visit us this summer (DSinlaw and DBinlaw-forty something) and they really enjoyed the trip we made to Newport, RI. I was really surprised. We visited the famous Newport mansions and there are good restaurants and shopping. But I'm not sure what is shut down by October. I know the mansions are open year round cause we've been there in the winter. They have self guided tours with headphones so you can explore at your own leisure. There is a beautiful Cliff Walk on the shore that connects a lot of the mansions. Also open year round. It may be chilly depending on the weather. It reminds me of Ogunquit (Marginal Way) and the Maine coastline. Newport is geared for adults so if you have little ones the mansions might not keep their interest. This is about 1 hour south of Boston.
We spent a day in Boston and Salem, too. They really didn't like Boston as much as I thought. It was a lot of walking and taking the subway and they were not used to ANY big cities.

I love Boston! We live about an hour away. The freedom trail is good. The Old North Church in the north end is a nice walk and it's free. The North End is Little Italy in Boston. Lots of restaurants. Faneul Hall (also part of the Freedom Trail) near the Aquarium has something for everyone. Variety of food, shopping and street performers. The harbor is right there and you could take a harbor cruise, whale watch, etc,. And definitely take the Duck Tour. It's a lot of fun and you get to ride in the Charles River
So my sister in law and hubby’s favorites were:

1) Newport RI
2) Salem MA
3) Boston

You are driving a lot for five days. Each of the trips listed above is about an hour from my house and it seemed like we spent a lot of time traveling each day. They were all day trips. (Unless you want to do a lot of driving.)
Sarasota Springs has gambling but it is a ways away And so is Vermont MA is kind of boring except for the foliage and Yankee Candle in Deerfield, MA.

Connecticut has two casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. We are not big gamblers but if that is your thing, they are both beautiful casinos/hotels. My mom goes all the time.

The White Mountains (as Patsfan suggested) is closer to Boston and is an easier drive than Vermont. Beautiful any time of year. Foliage does start to disappear mid October in NH. And it’s true. New England in the Fall is busy!!

My faves (with limited time)

Boston
Ogunquit, ME
White Mountains

or
Boston
Newport, RI
Foxwoods Casino, CT

My hubby's family were late risers and they didn't understand why everything closed early around here! 5-6 pm and touristy things close. Everything except the casinos It's kind of like rope drop at WDW. Get going early, especially if you have to drive for 2 hours to get there.

So do you have family in Bedford, NH? It's kind of a small town. Just wondering. We've driven through it but there's not much there. Are you staying at a B+B or something?

 

[tiggerplus5]

Ellen suggested Keene, NH. It just dawned on me that they have an annual pumpkin festival that we go to every year! They break records for the most jack o lanterns. Check out the web site http://www.pumpkinfestival.com/

If you are in NH on the 17th, it's a must see!

 

[akhenaten]

Salem, MA is wonderful, as is Boston.

I live in RI. It's pretty cool, but no major things to see. I'd skip coming here and go somewhere else

Really?? I had a wondeful trip to Newport RI.... Those Mansions are fantastic..
The Breakers ...and the Cliff Walk....
I would recommend Newport!!

Edited to add we went in October and it was beautiful....

 

[3boymthr]

If you want New England then Newport, The White Mountains, Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast of Maine,

Also the route you have planned across NH into VT is going to take you a full day of driving if not more especially in October - without allowing for stops for lunch or scenery. It's leaf peaping season and people are driving very slow and the deer and moose are out in full force at night - I'd seriously re-think that drive. We went that route one time and it was a very very long drive. Most of your drive speeds are under 45 MPH with a lot of lights and stops along the way. Map quest gives drive times but it doesn't factor in traffic or lights.

I'd skip Lake Champlain, cut down 89 to 91 to Route 2 in that part of the state the scenery is beautiful. Plus you'll skip some of the toll on I-90.

 

[mickeyboat]

I would definitely stop in White River Junction, Vermont (at the junction of I89 and I91) and have lunch with mickeyboat - just saying....

Around this area you will find some amazing foliage during that time. We peak Columbus Day weekend, but there will still be some great color while you are here, especially south of us.

I am going to pm you my phone number.

Denae

 

[3boymthr]

Oh, another thought, avoid driving to the following locations on a weekend esp Columbus day Weekend:

NH
Vermont,
Maine
Salem

Or you, DM and your aunt will be saying the following in a round:

"OMG, the road was a parking lot"
"It took us three hours to go three miles"
"We couldn't find anyplace to stop - the lots were all full"

'Nuff said.

 

[binny]

I would definitely stop in White River Junction, Vermont (at the junction of I89 and I91) and have lunch with mickeyboat - just saying....

Around this area you will find some amazing foliage during that time. We peak Columbus Day weekend, but there will still be some great color while you are here, especially south of us.

I am going to pm you my phone number.

Denae

Well that is just a given my friend! I am so excited to finally meet you after all these years!!


Ok so we will be scaling down a bit. We are going to spend some more time working on it. I found a decent Boston Logan hotel for the 2 night prior to departure.

Did anyone know if there was an easy way to get from Manchester airport to Logan?

Thanks!!

 

[Nie0214]

Fall foliage in New England is great, and parts of Maine (and probably Northern NH) are at their peak starting the second weekend in October.

 

[mickeyboat]

Did anyone know if there was an easy way to get from Manchester airport to Logan?

Thanks!!

Check this out.

http://www.flightlineinc.com/bosmanchesterairport.html

I have never used them before or know anyone who has used them, but the price is pretty reasonable and they have a ton of departure times.

Denae