Northeast vacation ideas needed.

[Jennifer S]

We live in Philadelphia and we're trying to decide on a vacation. We are thinking about driving to Maine. What is there to do along the way? I have been south, east and West but never north. Where should we go?

Any other ideas where we could drive are also welcome. Thought about Outer banks as an option too. Please don't suggest anything in Pennsylvania/NJ we've done it all.

Thanks.

 

[CEDmom]

I recommend Cape Cod. There's so much to do there. They have great biking, hiking, beaches, ponds, bays, fishing, whale watching, mini-golf, art galleries, great restaurants, festivals etc. http://www.capecod.com

 

[mtemm]

what are your interests? what time of year?

 

[Jennifer S]

summertime. We have two boys ages 6 and 10. We like amusement parks, beaches, hiking- just about anything- but not cities.

I thought we might drive up 95 from Philly to Maine and didn't know what there was along the way.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Hey, there's Plymouth...see the rock, rock the boat, taunt the Pilgrims...it's a hoot!
http://www.visit-plymouth.com/

 

[Kycha]

How about the Niagara Falls/Toronto/Buffalo area?

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I would stop in Newport & Boston........I have either lived or visited both many times..... I would say no to Cape Cod especially if it is during high season.

 

[paras4ri]

Lake Compounce, in Bristol, CT is a great amusement park. There's also Canobie Lake Park inj Salem, NH. They're both small enough to be able to see it all.

 

[luvwinnie]

Definitely go to Maine! I love it. Kennebunkport is very nice and Ogunquit. If you want to go further north, definitely see Acadia Natl. Park and Bar Harbor.

 

[Patch'sD]

First, Take Jersey Tpke North to Gothals Bridge to Verrazano Narrows Bridge Get on Belt Parkway Get off on Coney Island Avenue. Park at the aquarium. Ride the Cyclone and Get Some Dogs at Nathan's across the Street. Get back on the Belt Parkway and then the Cross Island Pkwy. Take Throgs Neck Bridge and head towards CT. Take 95, Towards RI and Hit the Casinos. Then off to Boston for some Chowder. Then off to Maine, I too recomend that a stop in Bar Harbor is well worth it. Lobsters for everybody.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

OP, how long do you have for this trip? Maine is a big state, and there's lots to do all along the coast. Like boats? Islands? Artist communities? Cities? Mountains? Beaches? White water rafting? Fine dining? Eating lobster on a picnic table at a lobster pound? Country fairs? Will you be staying in B&Bs, hotels, campgrounds, cottage rentals? I know of some very nice places all along the coast. Like maritime museums? Transportation museums? Like shopping? Outlets? Funky little towns? Riding on railroads? Oh, so many choices!

 

[dejr_8]

I would vote for Bar Harbor and Acadia. If you are into outdoors there is more than enough to do there.

To me the Cape is way over-rated. I think people want to go there for the romanticism of the Kennedys. I think it is too crowded. I was there twice and was not impressed.

If you've never been to Boston you may want to stay a day or two there. We used to do the Freedom trail every year that we lived there. It really is a great way to see Boston.

 

[Jennifer S]

We have 9 days. We like to camp but not for this trip. We prefer hotels since we'll have the kids.

I didn't realize how many choices there are. We like amusement parks, mountains, beaches not too many mueseums. The boys are 10 and 6.

 

[Zandy595]

How about the Niagara Falls/Toronto/Buffalo area?

That's where I'm from, Buffalo area. I was going to suggest Niagara Falls too, until the OP said they were going from Philly to Maine.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We spent 4 nights at theThe Sagamore Resort in Lake George last summer and I cannot wait to go back. The kids loved it, we loved, and all was wonderful. We went fishing, hiking, paddle boats, and parasailed, the kids did the kids club and we had great dinners.
I would not hesitate to reccomend this place at all.



http://thesagamore.com/

 

[dejr_8]

We have 9 days. We like to camp but not for this trip. We prefer hotels since we'll have the kids.

I didn't realize how many choices there are. We like amusement parks, mountains, beaches not too many mueseums. The boys are 10 and 6.

There are plenty of hotels in Bar Harbor - no need to camp.

 

[Jennifer S]

We spent 4 nights at theThe Sagamore Resort in Lake George last summer and I cannot wait to go back. The kids loved it, we loved, and all was wonderful. We went fishing, hiking, paddle boats, and parasailed, the kids did the kids club and we had great dinners.
I would not hesitate to reccomend this place at all.



http://thesagamore.com/

That looks beautiful but it's almost $600 a night. Does that include meals?

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

That looks beautiful but it's almost $600 a night. Does that include meals?

I assure you I didn't pay 600.00 Travelzoo had a special BOGO and I think it came to abou 150-175 per night. There are all kinds of packages, be sure to sign up for the emails. I know too that AMEX sometimes has affordable rates too.

 

[Mainebound]

Well, I live in Maine so this will likely sound like bizarre advice, but last summer we had an amazing vacation in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We really enjoyed Story Land, a smallish water park, an old time amusement park with a bear show, lots of hikes (short one with the kids), places to explore caves (I mean really cool caves where you have to be on your hands and knees to get through). and we rented a 3 bedroom townhouse overlooking Loon Mountain which had 5 pools, 3 indoor, two outdoor, as well as 5 hot tubs, both indoor and outdoor, a place to rent video games, two arcades, bball, tennis, etc. The rental for a week was about $700. We even saw a bear on one of our hikes!

But if you decide on Maine, I second everyone's suggestions. Old Orchard Beach is great, as is Bar Harbor with Acadia National Park. There's a great movie theater in BH where you can eat pizza at table while watching the movie. Also whale watching, etc. At Acadia there is so much to do, provided you want to bike, hike, paddle, swim, etc.. You an bike (downhill) the carriage roads from Bar Harbor and then take the free bus shuttle back to your hotel or to town. LL Bean hosts the free shuttle, I believe, and their mega store/s in outlet mecca Freeport are also worth a stop. But hotels in Bar Harbor are going to be expensive.

Acadia is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.. It is a National Park. Here is the US govt link with lots of photos:
http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

also Portland is fun. You can take various scenic boat rides, whale watches, cool shops, etc. And Cape Elizabeth nearby has great beaches (with cold water of course).

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific question about destinations in Maine.

I also recommend Newport. It is where I am from and I was married there!

 

[honeymom]

I agree on White Mountains. I've been there and it was beautiful. Have also been to Bar Harbor/Arcadia - also well worth it.

If you want an active/playing vacation without a lot of sightseeing, I have also heard great things about Smugglers Notch resort in Vermont and the Tyler resort (can't remember exact name) on Lake Champlain, also in Vermont.