Mini-vacation before baby...frugal suggestions please!

[englishteacha]

I'm expecting our first child, due in May. I'd like to do something with my husband to get away for a couple of nights, perhaps in February during vacation. I'd love to go somewhere warm, but flying during school breaks is very expensive! Any suggestions for a frugal get away in Maine or NH that would be relaxing? I was thinking of checking into a hotel with an indoor pool in Portland or Portsmouth, doing some shopping, maybe going to a show, swimming, going out for dinner, etc. I'd love other suggestions, though.

 

[Karenj2]

I don't have any suggestions for Maine, as I haven't been since I was a kid, but I did the same thing in the Philly area (where I'm from). DH and I had a mini vacation weekend - stayed at a nice hotel with an indoor pool. We slept in (as much as you can while PG), played tourist in Philly, came back to the hotel, showered & changed and had a nice dinner, then went back to the hotel for pool time and sleep! The next day we came home to a shower being held at our house!

I was 8 months pregnant, so the walking did tire me out (we had gotten record snows, so we were walking through snow drifts at every corner in the city), but it was a lot of fun.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

For my DH and I all we've needed was a nice local hotel. You can find fantastic local deals and there is hardly any driving involved. We are going away this Saturday to a hotel with a fireplace, and a sun room with a huge tub. We plan to watch a movie and just be together. We are being so cheap that DH (a fabulous cook) is making dinner and appetizers we can warm up in the microwave.

Even with a local hotel you can go to a nearby restaurant (if you are not as cheap as we are!), sit outside.... DH is not into shopping, so that would not be on our list, but can you find something else to do locally (museum, park...). I have found that things in your hometown are often overlooked.

Once you close that hotel door you will feel like you are in another world even if it is right around the corner from your house.

 

[englishteacha]

We're in a rural area, so "local" hotels are motor inns or ski resorts at least an hour away. Ski resorts in Maine in Feb. are EXPENSIVE! Thanks for the support. I'm glad my idea isn't totally nuts. I just thought it would be nice to have one last "us" trip.

 

[CherylA]

I'd suggest a few nights in Boston. Shouldn't be too terribly expensive. I recommend finding a hotel on the outskirts of the city and taking the T (subway) in each day.

 

[HeatherC]

How about Boston? The Marriott Copley Place has a nice pool and is inside the huge shopping mall so there is plenty to see and do without even going outside. Hang at the pool, go see a movie, browse in the bookstores and have a nice dinner.

You can go to Faneuil Hall, museums, etc..

Not sure where you are in Maine, but how about Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun? We love to do a "spa day" at Foxwoods. For $35 you can use the spa facilities and nice glassed in atrium pool area with hot tubs. We hit the gym, Steam room, pool, hot tub...order room service for lunch and then go to one of the restaurants for dinner. We end the day with the penny slots. We are not gamblers, but it is a great place to spend some time in February. We like to walk through the shops, listen to the free music or shows, etc.

Very often you can get a decent price on the rooms during the week. The spa is the Norwich Spa at Foxwoods.

If the rooms at Foxwoods or Mohegan are too expensive, you can always stay outside the resort.

Hope this helps give you some ideas.

 

[amyy]

I like the Senator in Augusta. They have a really spa and the restaurant on site is good. Plus there are several others close by.

Are you closer to Portland? Of course there is so much more to do there too.

 

[monkey30]

maybe use something like priceline for your hotel, and check around. I just found a 2 for 1 special they do on Sunday mornings only at a local spa (in canada not where you are), so you maybe able to take advantage of something like that!

 

[julieanddanny]

Check out the Adventure Suites in North Conway.

 

[clh2]

What about a nice bed and breakfast near where you live? I agree - once you check in...you'll be in a whole different world.

 

[Evi]

I'd say hit Portland and you won't have to sit in a car for the ride to Boston. You can bring baby for a trip to Boston in the spring for make way with ducklings.

While in Portland hit Soakology, Great Lost Bear and DuckFat restaurant. Find a nice hotel with a pool that you can float around and then you can snuggle up with hubbie at night with a good movie.

I think you could have a fab vacation in ME.

 

[3mickeymom]

usually has some good deals for certificates in Portsmouth area. Some can not be used on the weekend though. Sign up for their emails to get notification of when they go 80% off. I often buy certificates for my son who goes to school nearby.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Mountains, of course, insane in the winter, but how about one of the coastal towns? I know alot of places close up, but those that are open would probably have deals. Wells, Ogunquit, Kennebunk would all give you the option of going to Portsmouth or Portland if you wanted. Bar Harbor, Camden, etc may not have as much of the touristy stuff open, but would be a good get away from it all. (Says she who went to Samoset for her honeymoon... in January. )

 

[cinmouse]

There is a nice Marriott Residence Inn in Portsmouth or check out Wentworth by The Sea...also a Marriott but beautiful & great deals off season..about 15 minutes from downtown Portsmouth