OT: trying to plan summer trip in new england

[suzct]

Any recommendations for a family of 4. Me, DH DD5 and DS3. I am looking at Smuggs resort in Vermont or maybe Grand Harbor Hotel in Bar harbor Maine. We don't want the Cape as we'll be there visiting family another time. Looking for family resort. Good kiddie pools and maybe some activities. Shopping,restaurants etc. Any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[clori]

we like http://www.east-hill-farm.com but not much nearby.

 

[solgent]

Smuggs is great, but be aware that to get to the charming shops and restaurants of Stowe, you must drive, and to some extent you have to drive to get around Stowe, such as to various restaurants along Mountain Rd. You and your children may also enjoy visiting the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury (the next town after Stowe).

We visited Bar Harbor in 2004 and it is a great town. I do not know where the hotel you mention is located but you can walk around the town shopping/dining district and there are free shuttle buses taking you along different routes in Acadia National Park.

 

[aidansmom]

If you're beach people, I think York Beach, Maine is a great place with young children - as long as you're not looking for anything too fancy. There is a hotel called The Anchorage which is directly across from Long Sands (a great beach) and has two indoor and one outdoor pools - we brought ds there when he was 18 months and plan on returning this year with ds 3 and dd 10 months. The town of York has an arcade and a cute little zoo and amusement park - we think it's a great place to go with the kids (it's where I was taken growing up and I always loved it as a child). Again, it's nothing fancy - but it's right by Ogunquit and about one hour's drive from Portland and Freeport.
Bar Harbor is gorgeous, too, we just haven't gone with the kids yet, so I can't speak to that. Good luck!

 

[metivier]

The Bar Harbor Inn in "downtown" Bar Harbor is nice but a little pricey at peak season. Right on the water though, so you can easily walk through town (and get ice cream at Ben & Bill's ), go to the dock, etc.

When we go to Acadia we usually rent a house on the other side of the island (Southwest Harbor) or, if our stay is shorter than a week, we stay at the Bar Harbor Inn.

Check out the Port in a Storm bookstore if you are touring the area -- it's in Somesville. VERY nice bookstore and a very scenic spot. If you go in early June, the spot is a favorite hangout for bald eagles.

 

[newholidayx2]

thank you for the link to East Hill Farm

 

[stitchesmom]

HI

We have gone to Luxury Mountain Getaways in Lincoln, NH several times. The place is great. Activities around the clock and lots to do in the area.

We stayed in a villa and they were great. Mountain views. The pools are also wonderful both indoor and outdoor.

There's lots to do. Storyland is nearby, North Conway Railroad also lots of good food and shopping.

Check out the website lmgnh.com
Lets us know when you decide. good luck

 

[tiff211]

I second storyland in NH!!! We went last year and DD5 and DD3 LOVED it. They actually talk about going there more than *gasp* DISNEY!!! When I asked them where they would rather go the pause was very long and then they both yelled out "DISNEY". WHEW!!!