Is anyone very familiar with Nantucket or Marthas Vineyard and Maine to offer advice?

[scottmel]

Hi I am planning a Boston trip for June 2021. My August Adventures By Disney was cancelled to Boston and I have decided to go to Boston without Disney and use the savings to go to MV!

My Plan is 4 days in Boston (MFA, JFK, Ducky Tour, Ghost Gravestones Tour, Fenway and private day trip to various historic sites)

Now I get fuzzy after Boston. THINKING of 4 days on MV (notel Harborview or Winnetu or Vineyard Inn...I am open!). Planning on day tour around MV. Any must do dining? Lobster/Clam bakes etc? Also wanted to do day trip to NAntucket b/c we have never been.

After all of this - we were thinking of driving to Kennebunkport for a few nights.

Traveling with DD22 and DH. Any input most appreciated on MV, Nantucket or Kenneybunkport;. Am THINKING after Boston leg to get a car at airport then taking the car to MV (free parking at hotel) then using to drive to Maine. Make sense?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[SamFaniam]

@leebee might have some tips for you

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Boston born and raised. Still live and work here.

There’s a ton do in Boston and the surrounding areas. It’s relatively easy to navigate except during rush hours. Be sure to include dining in the North End!

DS and his girlfriend went over to MV a few weekends ago. Ferry costs were really low. They rented bikes while there and had a great time. I know they went to the beach and some touristy areas, ate somewhere (not sure exactly where, sorry), etc. There were no bath or changing areas on the beach so they had to utilize the woods, which was a little unusual for them, but they still had a great time. If you have a car it will be less of an issue. They did a lot of birthday and Christmas shopping while there, coming home with a lot of bags! Lol

 

[kymom99]

You may want to add in Newport. I’ve never had time to stop there but hear it’s beautiful.

 

[luv2sewtjr]

I attended a training for two weeks in Kennebunkport and explored all over. Did a walk around the Rachel Carson nature preserve one evening. Visited the beach area on the day I arrived. It’s rocky and cold, so more of just hanging out. Drove past the Bush compound. Also rode up to Portland to check out the light house and walk around down town. I also took a weekend to go to Acadia and loved that.

 

[scottmel]

I attended a training for two weeks in Kennebunkport and explored all over. Did a walk around the Rachel Carson nature preserve one evening. Visited the beach area on the day I arrived. It’s rocky and cold, so more of just hanging out. Drove past the Bush compound. Also rode up to Portland to check out the light house and walk around down town. I also took a weekend to go to Acadia and loved that.

Thanks! Would you recommend the area? As I stated above we will be in Boston and MV so thinking to extend the trip a few days up Maine or I am happy to head elsewhere. We were in Carmel last summer and so enjoyed it but same weather chilly and beautiful scenery...Is that what it all really is at the end of the day? Wondering if I should move over to NAntucket for a few days instead? thanks!

 

[3boymthr]

Just be prepared both islands are pricey.

We usually just do day trips but a few years ago stayed for a weekend on Martha’s Vineyard. We stayed at the summercamp hotel in Oak bluffs. It was very nice but a word to the wise there’s no elevator. Of course, this is true of most hotels on the islands as most are older buildings. Also make sure to read listings about A/C and private bathrooms. Every so often you will find a bed and breakfast without these amenities. https://www.summercamphotel.com/

Planning wise the trip fromMartha’s Vineyard to Kennebunk will take you the better part of a day, just because of traffic and ferry times, getting on and off the ferry, etc.

if planning to take a car to the vineyard you need to book early (think January). The slots fill up quickly. Car reservations are booked through the Steamship Authority and leave from Woods Hole. You can leave your car In a lot owned by the Steamship Authority in Falmouth but plan a shuttle ride into your timing. Shuttle rides can take up to an hour because of all the stops. You can also rent cars or bikes near the island ferry terminals. If looking for a quick portable lunch before getting on the ferry Woods Hole Market is a short walk from the woods hole terminal (just past the drawbridge). They have a deli and make custom sandwiches and sell pizza by the slice. You can eat on their deck overlooking the water or carry it back to the terminal.

while on MV one of the fun places to visit is the alpaca farm.
You can bike pretty much every where but be prepared the bike trails don’t go everywhere and the traffic on the road can be scary. Also roads can be hilly. There are some places, especially the light house, and the cemetery that are quite a ways from the ferry terminal. Also there are several towns on Martha’s Vineyard. The ferries dock in either Oak Blufffs or Vineyard Haven.

Not to deter you from visiting both but the only way to get from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket without going back to the mainland is to take an airplane. If you want to go to both islands and not pay for airfare plan on the better part of a day for travel as you will have to take the ferry back to Woods Hole, get to your car (or get your car off the ferry), drive to Hyannis, get another ferry.

Another island to consider while in New England is Block Island in Rhode Island. Beautiful beaches. Only one town but lots to do. Pricey like the Massachusetts islands but a lot of nightlife. No need for a car bikes and scooters available to rent.

EDIT: Other locations to consider if you are going to be there for a couple extra days - 1) Lexington & Concord; lots and lots of historic sites plus Walden Pond, etc 2) Provincetown. Lots of shopping, beautiful beaches (Cape Cod National Seashore), some museums and historic sites, lots of nightlife and some really good restaurants.

 

[xjillianpaige]

I'm not sure that there's 4 days worth of stuff to do on on the Vineyard. I've been to Oak Bluffs for a road race (Boston born and bred, but was a NH family, not a Cape/Vineyard family) and was there for the weekend (Friday afternoon to Sunday morning) and we ended up taking the early ferry home. It was also rainy and we didn't have a car. If we had a car and it was nice we would have taken the late ferry. Maybe went over to Chappaquiddick.

Some things to do on The Vineyard (Oak Bluffs area)
- Beach
- Flying Horses Carousel (antique carousel)
- Black Dog Tavern
- Cottage museum/cottages

 

[Carol_]

Wear bug spray.

 

[low-key]

no, but enjoyed Wings

 

[scottmel]

@3boymthr - oh geez this is sounding SO involved. Ok how about Boston and just MV for 4 days? Do you think this is worth the effort of getting there? My ORIGINAL thought was staying in Boston the entire time and taking a one day trip to either Nantucket or MV. We are big into private tours etc. and found a few of them on the island that looked good so that would use up some time. We love Coronado Island in San Diego, Carmel in Cali and Key West! So we definately like activity and I pictured MV more like this....thoughts?

@xjillianpaige oh geez....hmm...well I was thinking of Edgartown for the Nantucket vibe. Planned on the alpaca, private tour of island, a lobster bake and pool shopping. Am I going thru a lot of effort for this in your opinion? I have never been to Boston. I have about 5 days worth of activities set up there, I could extend a day or so and just do day trips to Salem, Nantucket, etc? I had iniitally thought after MV of going to Kennybunkport but picturing cold temps like Carmel. I need a tour advisor on this trip. I just can't seem to grasp it.....Thoughts?

 

[3boymthr]

You may want to add in Newport. I’ve never had time to stop there but hear it’s beautiful.

Newport IS beautiful. The mansions are amazing. There is also the cliff walk, shopping, kites & picnics at Brenton Point state park. One of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the country is in Newport (older than the Union Oyster House).

 

[3boymthr]

@3boymthr - oh geez this is sounding SO involved. Ok how about Boston and just MV for 4 days? Do you think this is worth the effort of getting there? My ORIGINAL thought was staying in Boston the entire time and taking a one day trip to either Nantucket or MV. We are big into private tours etc. and found a few of them on the island that looked good so that would use up some time. We love Coronado Island in San Diego, Carmel in Cali and Key West! So we definately like activity and I pictured MV more like this....thoughts?

@xjillianpaige oh geez....hmm...well I was thinking of Edgartown for the Nantucket vibe. Planned on the alpaca, private tour of island, a lobster bake and pool shopping. Am I going thru a lot of effort for this in your opinion? I have never been to Boston. I have about 5 days worth of activities set up there, I could extend a day or so and just do day trips to Salem, Nantucket, etc? I had iniitally thought after MV of going to Kennybunkport but picturing cold temps like Carmel. I need a tour advisor on this trip. I just can't seem to grasp it.....Thoughts?

if you are looking for the Key West Vibe then Provincetown will be more that vibe than Martha’s Vineyard. Don’t get me wrong Martha’s Vineyard is nice but a completely different vibe from Key West. I find MV to be the kind of place you go for a long relaxing week at the beach trip or a day trip. Don’t get me wrong you could definitely find enough to keep yourself busy for a couple days on Martha’s Vineyard but it will take more planning. I have never been to Coronado Island so I can’t say how that compares. Ptown has all the shops, whale watches, you can take a Sunset harbor cruise on a sailboat, hit a few bars, see a drag show, visit the pilgrim memorial, the pirate museum, art museum, sunset over the ocean, etc. Because there is a National Park there are programs that the parks offer as well. And I think the beaches are nicer. You have a choice of ocean beaches or bay beaches. it’s about 2.5 hours to drive out there if traffic is good.

Edgartown is beautiful but to get to Edgartown and spend a day there you are going to need a car unless you find a guide and truthfully I don’t see there being a full day of activity there unless you really linger when shopping.
You could definitely extend your time in the Boston Area, hit Salem, Quincy (Adams National Homestead), Lexington & Concord

Also, what part of June are you thinking of going? If Early June, weekdays will be less crowded at the tourist spots, etc as schools here let out usually after the 15th and this year with a delayed start because of COVID it might be even later.

 

[scottmel]

@3boymthr I appreciate the thoughts. Last summer we stopped in Carmel and Monterey California on the way to Waikiki. I love Waikiki. Upscale, super clean, fun vibe - I should have used that as my comparison instead of Key West. I guess I just feel that I am IN Boston and won't ever be closer to MV or NI so I should at least go to one or the other. I felt that Edgartown was most like Nantucket hence choosing that section. Would it be worth all this hassle to only stay 3 nights do you think> I was stretching it to 4 nights simply b/c of the perceived effort this is all going to take. I would bring a rental car. Another option is the typical day trip thru a company and take an island tour and return to boston the same night. But for the same effort I am thinking spending a few nights there makes sense?

At this point in the game I am PRAYING the pandemic is over as my daughters college grad trip is to be a trip to Italy but in case that is still up in the air, I chose Boston as a backup since it within the USA...But I am so invested in the planning I am trying to swing both!

 

[MICKIMINI]

I live on the NH/ME border. It is about a 45 minute drive up 95 to ME from the airport. I suggest taking the Portsmouth NH exit just before the NH/ME bridge. It's 1/2 mile to the quaint, seafaring downtown with brick sidewalks and colonial homes. You come in on Market Street so park anywhere or in the garage. It is a perfect stop for coffee as you walk around or a waterfront lunch. I highly suggest this stop. Newcastle is another lovely drive around the island if you have another half hour.

Hop back on 95N and welcome to Kittery, ME. If you want to drive along the beach, take the York Exit and drive through the colonial town of York and continue along Long Sands and Short Sands Beaches. Make sure you drive around Nubble Light between the two beaches. I would continue on Route 1 N. You may want to stop in Ogunquit and walk the Marginal Way along the ocean. Enjoy the drive!

Fish shacks rather than fancy restaurants will provide the best Maine experience for "fine dining". Enjoy!

 

[HeatherC]

I also live in Massachusetts and love all the places you mentioned. Have spent years vacationing in all the places you mentioned and love them all. I think your plan is a good one with the exception of including Nantucket. It is a gorgeous island, but it is 30 miles out to sea and harder and much more expensive to get to than MV.

I would probably do four days in Boston and then spend a couple days on MV. The Winnetu is beautiful but very pricey. I would also consider any number of the inns in Edgartown. And rent a bike and take the mini ferry which only holds like three cars (like 500 feet) across to Chappaquiddick and visit East Beach and Wasque. It is absolutely stunning. Also on MV you need to head to Menemsha for sunset and drive to Aquinnah (Gay Head) for the beautiful beach and stunning vistas. Oak Bluffs is also fun for a few hours with all the gingerbread cottages painted different colors as well as more shops and restaurants to explore. If you don’t really want beach days, three days would be great for MV.

After that, I would go to Newport, RI for two or three days. Once you get off the ferry from MV, it is not that long of a ride....under 90 minutes. You could do the Cliff Walk, tour the mansions, visit all the shops, try out some fun places to eat, etc.. you could then also take the ferry over to Block Island for a day trip. It is about an hour on the hi speed ferry. Don’t bring your car...will be hard to get car reservations and you don’t need one for a day trip. There are taxis that give tours, or you can rent a bike or moped. I know this for a fact because my brother owns a home there and we are there all the time.

While I love Maine and it is gorgeous as well, it will definitely be cooler like Carmel. There is also a lot to see in Maine, so I would actually save that for another trip. MV, Newport and Block Island all have the same New England vibe you are looking for and none will disappoint. You will also definitely be able to get lobster anywhere in New England, so don’t worry about that.

Hope this helps in your planning.

 

[kymom99]

Just be prepared both islands are pricey.

We usually just do day trips but a few years ago stayed for a weekend on Martha’s Vineyard. We stayed at the summercamp hotel in Oak bluffs. It was very nice but a word to the wise there’s no elevator. Of course, this is true of most hotels on the islands as most are older buildings. Also make sure to read listings about A/C and private bathrooms. Every so often you will find a bed and breakfast without these amenities. https://www.summercamphotel.com/

Planning wise the trip fromMartha’s Vineyard to Kennebunk will take you the better part of a day, just because of traffic and ferry times, getting on and off the ferry, etc.

if planning to take a car to the vineyard you need to book early (think January). The slots fill up quickly. Car reservations are booked through the Steamship Authority and leave from Woods Hole. You can leave your car In a lot owned by the Steamship Authority in Falmouth but plan a shuttle ride into your timing. Shuttle rides can take up to an hour because of all the stops. You can also rent cars or bikes near the island ferry terminals. If looking for a quick portable lunch before getting on the ferry Woods Hole Market is a short walk from the woods hole terminal (just past the drawbridge). They have a deli and make custom sandwiches and sell pizza by the slice. You can eat on their deck overlooking the water or carry it back to the terminal.

while on MV one of the fun places to visit is the alpaca farm.
You can bike pretty much every where but be prepared the bike trails don’t go everywhere and the traffic on the road can be scary. Also roads can be hilly. There are some places, especially the light house, and the cemetery that are quite a ways from the ferry terminal. Also there are several towns on Martha’s Vineyard. The ferries dock in either Oak Blufffs or Vineyard Haven.

Not to deter you from visiting both but the only way to get from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket without going back to the mainland is to take an airplane. If you want to go to both islands and not pay for airfare plan on the better part of a day for travel as you will have to take the ferry back to Woods Hole, get to your car (or get your car off the ferry), drive to Hyannis, get another ferry.

Another island to consider while in New England is Block Island in Rhode Island. Beautiful beaches. Only one town but lots to do. Pricey like the Massachusetts islands but a lot of nightlife. No need for a car bikes and scooters available to rent.

EDIT: Other locations to consider if you are going to be there for a couple extra days - 1) Lexington & Concord; lots and lots of historic sites plus Walden Pond, etc 2) Provincetown. Lots of shopping, beautiful beaches (Cape Cod National Seashore), some museums and historic sites, lots of nightlife and some really good restaurants.

We took a Whale watching excursion out of Provincetown. It was cool. We also went to Plimoth plantation and to the mayflower II. Living history sites.

Next time I get to the area I plan to stay in Gloucester on cape Ann. I’d like to do a sailboat charter out of Boston. A friend went to Salem and told me not to bother so I’ll skip that. I’d like to drive up to Portsmouth as well to see the lighthouse.

OP sounds like you have an amazing trip planned!