Tips for the New England Shore?

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Given the fantastic advice DISer's give on WDW vacations, I figured this would be the perfect place to find out about trips elsewhere. If this belongs in another forum, please accept my apologies and move it accordingly.

I'm considering taking the family (self, daughter 8, and son 5) on an educational adventure along the New England coast this summer. We can take as long as we want - at least, until the money runs out! It seems best to focus either north or south of Boston (i.e., New Hampshire and Maine or Connecticut to Cape Cod). Either way, I'd love to hear suggestions from natives or vacationers RE: must-see places or events, tips on inexpensive lodging or meals or whatever. I'd greatly appreciate any input!

 

[Lynn CC]

You can visit www.capecodonline.com and gets lots of ideas of what to do in specific towns!
That sounds like such fun!!

 

[TimeforMe]

As you can see, I am from CT and love it here, however, the beaches are mostly (at least in this part) Long Island Sound. The further up you go towards MA, you will find the ocean beaches. I love Cape Cod a lot, however, there is NOTHING like the rocky coasts of Maine. Kennebunkport and the surrounding areas are so beautiful and there is a lot of great shopping, too. Freeport, home of LL Bean, is not too far and there are lots of great outlets. Kittery also has a ton of outlet. The beaches are outstanding, but the water is very cold--even in August! There is a lot of history in New England everywhere. Have fun!

 

[pajamommy]

If you come to CT, the Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium would be fun, educational things to do with your kids. Have fun!!

 

[mtemm]

I love the cape, but I'd head north to NH and Maine. I lived near Portsmouth for years and would return in a heartbeat. Its a coastal town in NH full of history, and across the bridge you'll find Kittery, ME. Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth would be educational and still fun for the kids. http://www.strawberybanke.org/

There is a beautiful coastal drive, check out Fort McClary http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Barracks/6402/Fort_McClary/
and Nubble Light. http://www.lighthouse.cc/capeneddick/

Head on up to Ogunquit for Marginal Way, http://www.flaterco.com/gallery/dwf/marginalway.html
and Kennebunkport. Portland is a fun city. Take a ferry and visit one of the islands. From Portland Freeport is only a short distance away. More outlet shopping, like in Kittery, but also the home of LLBean. Its a great store!

If you decide to head south, consider fitting Newport, RI into your plans. A lot of fun! Plus the history of the cottages from a century or so ago. Highly recommend the Astors. Its a little different than most of the tours. They are all remarkable.

 

[mtemm]

By the way, we just moved to Central NY. What should we (DH, son 13 months, and me) see here? We may only be here a couple of years so would like to see and do what we can while we're here.

 

[delswife]

*Laughing* I see no one mentioned Old Orchard Beach. That is another tourist trap, ahh excuse me, I meant vacation spot in Maine.
There are alot of beautiful places around here to visit, in Kennebunkport you can see former President Bush SR.'s home. Just near portalnd you can visit the lighthouses or go on a whale watch. We have a amusement park, but compaired to Disney, it is very sad.
There is also a Trolly Museum that is very educational. And of course tons of places to shop, Boothbay Harbor is very popular also.
The hotels/motels near the beach are going to cost you, I'd advise driving 10 minutes inland to the places on route 1. They are at least half the cost of the oceanside places.
If I think of anything elce, Ill post it. Let me know if I can help with anything elce.

 

[jjskribs]

delswife......... I hate to disagree with you but I LOVE Old Orchard Beach. I live on Cape Cod but vacation in Maine. We stay in a motel right on the beach. I walk for miles and miles on beautiful Old Orchard Beach. Unlike the Cape the beach is uncrowded. We always take a trip to Twin Lights and sit for hours watching the pounding surf and listening to the gulls. Maine is indeed "the way life should be!"

 

[delswife]

I was just teasing about OOB
I guess I am so close to it, I forget how nice it really can be.

 

[airhead]

In fact,we'll be staying in Old Orchard Beach 2nd week of july!
We stay about a mile or so north of the honkytonk. I just love the Maine coast.

airhead

 

[Buz]

Since you said educational, go to Plymouth and take the tour of the Mayflower II, see Pilgrim Rock and spend a bit of time at the Plymouth Plantation. Everyone is in character, performing everyday tasks from the time period. I spent a half hour watching them make baskets. There also is an indian village to see.

In Boston, of course you can see all sorts of historical things, from Old Ironsides to Bunker Hill to the Old North Church. Also stop in Concord and Lexington to see the Rev War sites.

Buz

 

[paras4ri]

We were in Maine today!!!! If you do get to OOB, be sure to eat here!!!! The Clam Bake Restaurant

 

[DeerAri]

Since you will be passing bye, why not hit the beautiful RI Coastline! Don't forget we have one of the countries best Culinary Arts school here therefore some of the best Chefs at our restaurants! Cut across through Newport visit a mansion or two, down some quahogs then make your way to Cape Cod. Then from there you can head up through Boston for a tea party or Paul Rivere's ride and wonder through NH to your ultimate destination in Maine. I agree that OOB is great as well as many other destinations that have already been mentioned. Let us not forget Saco River, Naples, Denmark area etc. Much further up is Moosehead lake region from there if you haven't already worn out yourselves, you can make the additional drive to Old Quebec Canada!

 

[twinmomplus2]

How about a whale watch? That would be fun, Also fun not so educational, I am afraid....Is pirate adventures out of either Orleans or Hyannis Harbor. We prefer the orleans Harbor cruise. You go out on a pirate themed cruise and hunt for treasure, at the end the kids pull up a chest from the water, We live on cape and My kids have done it 3 times and love it. There is also a cruise called captain Mikes out of Hyannis, which we have also done and that was more of an exploration cruise for kids, Where they pull up traps, and examine creatures, and talk about ecosystems, things of that nature, We loved it. Also woods Hole oceanographic institute is good, More touch tanks, and things of that nature.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

*Busily printing all this great stuff*

Thanks everyone, so much! I'm looking forward to checking out all of your tips. I'm no closer to choosing north or south, but will enjoy the process of deciding.

mtemm, the first thing that comes to mind is Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Farmers' Museum, Fenimore House (a museum of American art), and the Glimmerglass Opera. We love the Farmers' Museum - in the summer there are historic reenactments of life in an old farming community (it's more fun than it sounds, lol). Otsego Lake is also gorgeous any time of year. The Adirondacks are also incredible for the nature lover, and Enchanted Forest/Water Safari in Old Forge has a decent waterpark. A railroad line from Utica to Old Forge was restored a few years back, and offers a beautiful, relaxing ride. Syracuse has a lot to offer - I suggest a search on the city to find what interests you. I grew up a little south of the Utica area, and could probably come up with more ideas for that area if you'd like. I'm a recent transplant to the Cortland-Ithaca area, and am still exploring the local options as well. Are you interested in any particular region?