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Discover New England
11nts/12days
The following suggested itinerary gives you the opportunity to base yourself at just two different locations in New England, experiencing the diversity of the landscapes from very different parts of the region. This is a great itinerary if traveling with small children.
Day One: Arrive Boston*, Massachusetts/Travel to New Hampshire Lakes Region
Note: if this is your first visit to Boston we recommend at least a three night stay in Boston. For the repeat visitor there is always lots to see again so we suggest you spend a couple of nights to reacquaint yourself with the city. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to stay at least one night in Boston if you have a late afternoon/early evening arrival into Logan from a transatlantic flight. An early afternoon arrival into Boston eliminates the need to overnight that first evening in Boston and could head out of the airport to your first stop outside of your gateway arrival city.
For planning purposes, we will begin outside of Boston.
Travel north to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire (www.lakesregion.org ), approximately a two hour drive from Boston's Logan Airport. This location serves as a wonderful base for exploring both the lakes and mountain region of New Hampshire but also an easy drive to the Maine coast and central Vermont.
Suggested Lodging: We suggest at least a 5nt stay
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Inns & Spa at Mill Falls 312 Daniel Webster Hwy. Meredith, NH 03253 (603) 279-7006 (800) 622-6455 Email: info@millfalls.com http://www.millfalls.com |
On the shores of spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee in the heart of the Lakes Region, the Inns & Spa at ...
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Common Man Inn & Spa 231 Main Street Plymouth, NH 03264 (603) 536-2200 (866) 843-2626 Email: info@thecmaninn.com http://www.thecmaninn.com |
Historic property features 37 spacious guestrooms, Foster's Boiler Room, an extensive and relaxing f...
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Day Two: New Hampshire Lakes Region
Enjoy the delights of being in this picture perfect lake front setting of Lake Winnipesaukee. This vast lake dominates the region and there are fine places to enjoy the charms of the lake and its many islands. You can cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington or take a paddle yourself and go kayaking or fishing! (www.cruisenh.com )
Overnight in the Lakes Region
Day Three: Exploring the White Mountains Region
Within a short drive of the lakes region you are in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Enjoy driving through some of the prettiest villages in New England. Hike to the top of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in New England (6,288 ft) or failing that take the eight mile toll road to the top or take the Cog Railway on a steam train. Pay a visit to the historic Mount Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods or go shopping at the tax free NH outlet stores in North Conway. If traveling with children, take advantage of some of the great family attractions throughout the White Mountains such as Storyland, Santa's Village or Six Gun City. (www.visitwhitemountains.com )
Overnight in the Lakes Region
Day Four: Exploring the Southern Maine Coast
For a chance of scenery today and an opportunity to see the wonderful and dramatic rocky coastline of Maine, head to the southern coast area of the Kennebunks. The drive time is approximately two hours. Visit The Kennebunks (www.visitthekennebunks.com ) which includes Kennebunkport, summer home the Bush family and home to the Seashore Trolley Museum with a four mile ride and also Ogunquit, (www.ogunquitmaine.com ) the perfect seaside holiday destination with long sandy beaches, and great for families and couples alike as this area is abundant with activities including the increasingly popular sea kayaking. A 'must see' is Perkins Cove, maybe take a lobster boat ride from the pier.
Overnight in the Lakes Region
Day Five: Exploring central Vermont area
Just under a two hour drive from the Lakes Region is Woodstock, Vermont (www.woodstockvt.com ). A picture perfect Vermont village first settled in 1768, Woodstock retains the elegant charm and rugged character of American antiquity. With a covered bridge in the middle of town, and stately homes surrounding the village green, it is easy to see why Woodstock has been called the "quintessential New England village." There are unique shops and galleries, artisan studios, country stores and fine restaurants. Time allowing, take a tour Billings Farm & Museum (www.billingsfarm.org ) in Woodstock. An agricultural museum that recreates farm life of last century and where you can experience the agricultural traditions of cheese making and maple sugaring. Quechee, VT is also worth a visit and especially the Simon Pearce Mill and Showroom (www.simonpearce.com ) right in the village. You can watch glass and pottery in the making. As you head back to the Lakes region, stop in Hanover located right on the Connecticut River and home to Dartmouth College. A picture perfect college town set around a lovely town green, Hanover makes a great lunch or coffee stop. Don't miss the Hood Museum, a small but beautifully designed art museum right in the center of town.
Overnight in the Lakes Region
Day Six: NH Lakes Region - Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Drive south today to Cape Cod, Massachusetts (www.capecodchamber.org ) With its sandy beaches, rolling dunes and Old World charm, Cape Cod has long been America's playground. On 'The Cape' (as it is known), the Old King's Highway (or Rte 6A) runs through several small villages, each one a little different from the next but all filled with the charm and an assortment of unique attractions.
Suggested Lodging on Cape Cod: We suggest at least 6 nights on the Cape to enjoy the beaches and to get to know the area and surrounding islands a bit more.
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ShoreWay Acres Resort Inn Historic Shore Street Falmouth, MA 02541 (508) 540-3000 (800) 352-7100 Email: info@shorewayacresinn.com http://www.shorewayacresinn.com |
In the heart of Falmouth-by-the-Sea, classic Cape Cod charm, comfortably priced. 80 hotel and B & B ...
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Cape Codder Resort and Spa Route 132 and Bearse's Way Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 771-3000 (888) 297-2200 Email: info@capecodderresort.com http://www.capecodderresort.com |
Cape Cod’s most acclaimed full service resort is centrally located in the heart of Cape Cod, MA. Rol...
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The Cove 13 South Orleans Road (Rte. 28) Orleans, MA 02653 (508) 255-1203 (800) 343-2233 Email: thecove@c4.net http://www.thecoveorleans.com |
THE COVE MOTEL: Waterfront. Complimentary boat ride in-season. Suites w/kitchens, refrigerators, ...
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Orleans Waterfront Inn 21 Route 6A Orleans, MA 02653 (508) 255-2222 (800) 863-3039 Email: info@orleansinn.com http://www.orleansinn.com |
Historic waterfront mansion. Cape Cod Frommers Best Hotel Value, Best Chefs. Nauset Harbor Views, ...
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Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa 149 Main Street Sandwich, MA 02563 (508) 888-3622 (800) 444-3566 Email: info@danlwebsterinn.com http://www.danlwebsterinn.com |
This award-winning Inn set in the heart of Historic Sandwich, offers guests the romance of the past ...
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Even'tide Resort Motel & Cottages 650 Route 6 South Wellfleet, MA 02663 (508) 349-3410 (800) 368-0007 Email: mail@eventidemotel.com http://www.eventidemotel.com |
Voted "BEST MOTEL ON OUTER CAPE COD" for 12 years. Abuts 30,000 acre Nat'l Seashore property and 25 ...
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Lighthouse Inn 1 Lighthouse Inn Road West Dennis, MA 02670-0128 (508) 398-2244
Email: cyndi@lighthouseinn.com http://www.lighthouseinn.com |
A working lighthouse on 9 scenic acres featuring 700' oceanfront, 80 spacious rooms in Cape-style ho...
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Day Seven: Exploring Cape Cod
Get to know this wonderful area of New England. You can enjoy the 43,586 acre Cape Cod National Seashore, pedal the 25.1 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail or take your clubs to one of the Cape's 27 public-access golf clubs. Maybe visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens (www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.com ) that features Americana, antique cars and the Cape Cod baseball League Hall of Fame. In the port of Woods Hole, the mysteries of ocean life are on display at the NOAA Aquarium and the Oceanographic Institution.(www.whoi.edu) and a Cape 'must-see' attraction is the seaside resort town of Hyannis, the summer home of the Kennedy family and the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Museum.(www.jfkhyannismuseum.org )
Overnight on Cape Cod
Day Eight: Whale Watching Excursion
You can take a whale watch from all points along the New England coastline but on Cape Cod you are nearer to the Stellwagen Bank which is one of the primary feeding grounds of the many humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales plus dolphins and porpoises that migrate to the New England waters to feed there during the months May to October. During your approximately three hour excursion you will learn from experienced naturalists how to identify the humpback and finback whales due to pigmentation and markings on their backs.
Take advantage from other great excursions such as deep sea fishing, harbor cruises and also floating classroom trips to learn more about the marine life around Cape Cod.
Overnight on Cape Cod.
Day Nine: Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard Or Nantucket
Day Trip To Martha's Vineyard-
Just a short ferry ride (approximately 35-45minutes) from the mainland, the Vineyard (www.mvy.com )features pristine sandy beaches, golf courses and great natural beauty. Check out Oak Bluffs' brightly painted 'gingerbread cottages' which began as a 19th century Methodist summer campground. Vineyard Haven is another picturesque community and the island's year round ferry port Edgartown is an elegant yachting center, its streets still lined with whaling captain's stately homes. The island also has five light houses, all originally built in the 1800's and subsequently replaced, and in some cases, moved back from the encroaching sea. The Gay Head and East Chop Lighthouse are open for sunset tours.
Best way to get around the island is either by rental car or a sightseeing tour or taxi. Bicycles are also available at numerous locations.
OR Day Trip to Nantucket
Thirty miles off the Massachusetts coast, this crescent shaped island (www.nantucketchamber.org ) is in a world by itself. Cobblestone streets and an array of Georgian, Federal and Greek revival homes reflect Nantucket Town's history as a prosperous whaling port. Quieter that Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket is a great place to adjust to slower pace of life, and visit the unspoiled beaches, solitary lighthouses and acres of conservation land. Best way to get around is by bicycle and there are many places to rent a bike upon arrival on the island.
Note: if you have an additional day, visit both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
Overnight on Cape Cod
Day Ten: Exploring Newport, Rhode Island
A short drive (approximately one and half hours from Falmouth on the Cape) brings you along the coast to Newport.(www.gonewport.com ). An easy day trip from most points along Cape Cod, Newport is well worth the visit. Famous for its 19th century Gilded Age mansions, these 'summer cottages' (as they were known) were built by America's fabulously rich and famous industrialists for often just six weeks of the year and are filled with gilt, marble, antiques and treasures. The Newport Preservation Society now runs the mansions and you can tour these magnificent homes. Other highlights include the three mile Cliff Walk that gives you a spectacular view of the mansions and the ocean. (www.cliffwalk.com) Also be sure to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum where the rich history of tennis is chronicled. (www.tennisfame.com ). You can even play on the oldest grass tennis courts in the world!
Suggested Lodging in Newport (or return to Cape Cod):
Overnight on Cape Cod
Day Eleven: Exploring Plymouth
A short drive north of the Cape is Plymouth. (www.seeplymouth.com ) Plymouth is home to the 'Plymouth Rock' and the Mayflower II, enduring symbols of the Pilgrim's arrival in the New World. The region also offers picturesque harbors, historic lighthouses, and acres of cranberry bogs that turn ruby red as harvest time approaches.
Plymouth bills itself as "America's Hometown". The colonists' struggle to build a new community and their relationship with the indigenous Wampanoag are brought to life at Plimoth Plantation, (www.plimoth.org ) a recreation of the 1627 Pilgrim community. You can interact with costumed interpreters who do not recognize the present day and learn more about their daily life in the New World.
Suggested Lodging (if needed or return to Cape Cod):
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John Carver Inn & Spa 25 Summer Street Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 746-7100 (800) 274-1620 Email: info@johncarverinn.com http://www.johncarverinn.com |
Located in the heart of historic Plymouth, MA, on the site of the original Pilgrim settlement, the J...
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Day Twelve: Depart Boston
Today you head north back to Boston. From the beginning of the Cape this drive will take you approximately 60-90 minutes. From the tip of the Cape at Provincetown, it will take approximately one hour more. (You can also take the ferry from Provincetown to Boston which takes approximately 45minutes but bear in mind that this is a passenger ferry boat only, no cars are allowed).
* For suggestions for your stay in Boston, please review the other driving itineraries #1-4
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