OT - Vacationing in New England!!

[Melman]

Ok..my turn to plead for suggestions!! I've been to the Boston area quite a number of times and LOVE it!!! I'm finally heading there on vacation with my son, my best friend, and her daughter. (Her hubby doesn't "travel well" so he's staying home to take care of their dog.)

We have way too many ideas of what to do than I'm sure we could possibly handle in one week...but I want to cram as much in there as possible and still enjoy every minute of it. I have lots of questions. I'm hoping there are enough folks on the BB that either live in NE or LOVE to visit NE.

First, to bribe my friend into going, I had to promise her a day at the beach. We're going to Cape Cod. I know NOTHING about Cape Cod. I'd love to have a chance to hang out on the beach, take some pictures of lighthouses, do a little shopping, visit Hyannis so can say we've been there, etc. Is there a particular beach that we need to visit? A certain town that has the most awesome-really-cool-shopping opportunities?? A lighthouse that just has to have its picture made?? I need suggestions for this whole day.

We also plan a trip to Salem. My friend's daughter is almost 16. She's intrigued with the witch trials and other historical events in that area (we're also going to Concord at some point.) Suggestions on tours? Places to visit?? How long should we allot to Salem in general? Is it possible to visit Salem and Concord in the same day???

I was thinking about a trip to Cape Anne and the Gloucester area. Oh dear....whale-watching popped up. I've wanted to go on a whale-watching trip for YEARS. Has anyone been on a whale-watching trip from Mass??? I guess I've always thought of a trip that leaves out of Maine. Suggestions?? I'm not sure that we're going to have enough time to do everything.

Notice I've left out food opportunities. HA! Nope, I haven't forgotten that wonderful food up there. The biggest problem with food is that I LOVE seafood! The other three folks don't like it. Any suggestions of where I can get awesome seafood (don't even care what kind...lobster, "chowda", clams, whatever)...but that they can find NONseafood equally as good??

ANY suggestions on what to do, where to go, what to eat, etc. are all extremely welcome!!! I've been trying to get back up that way for more than 5 years and want this to be an awesome trip.

Thanks so much!!!!!!

[Kristilyn1]

Well, you must go to Gloucester. Whale watching can be fun in New England--but you may or may NOT actually see any whales. I would give that a rating of 5 out of a 10 for "things one MUST do in New England".

The cape. It's nutty. You will need a true Cape Codder to tell you which beaches are not chock full of people. I would suggest taking a ferry over to Martha's Vineyard for crazy, nutty shops and hoardes or Nantucket for quiet beauty. My personal fave is Martha's Vineyard and zipping around on mopeds and the big waves at South Beach. Or if you are feeling frisky you can hit Gay's Head and it's beautiful rocks and oh yeah, naked people.

When my out of town friends arrive in New England they always want three things:

a trip to Cheers in Boston (yes, they are old enough to remember this show)

A game at Fenway Park. Since Fenway is not long for this world and as the oldest ball park in America--if you can swing it, I highly recommend it.

A lobster feast complete with bib. Legal Seafood is somewhat overrated but a meal of good seafood can be had and all the obligatory "land lubber" delights can be had too.

Kristi

[pmmahan]

I'll take the Cape Cod recommendations since I am from there.

IMHO, there isn't really a whole lot in Hyannis. Its very commercialized, crowded, lots of traffic.

Where are you staying?

Let's see....Chatham is a very quaint little town with a GREAT lighthouse, cute shops and restaurants. Nice beach. If you can, they have boat rides out to Monomoy Island. Beautiful, lots of wildlife. There are also deep sea fishing trips you might like (or DH)
In Chatham, there is a nice pub/restaurant .... the name is escaping me now, but it is right on Main Street, across from the Mark, Fore, and Strike dept store. Just ask anyone. Begins with an S....
Route 6A is an historical drive you won't want to miss. Old homes, great shopping. Very pretty. THis is the Cape. I believe it starts in Hyannis and goes up to Orleans.
Go on a Whale Watch off Provincetown (or P-town). P-town also has great shopping, resturants, and a colorful population.
Want a fun day trip? Take a ferry from Hyannis or Falmouth to Martha's Vineyard or nantucket. Avoid these islands on the weekends at all costs. Rent bikes and ride around the islands.
Woods Hole in Falmouth. I believe there is a museum, interesting stuff about undersea discovery.

Food:
Food can be expensive and overrated. But when you find a good place, it is EXCELLENT.
Some of my favorites:
Sam Diego's - Hyannis. Yummy Mexican food.
Kream n Kone - Chatham (NOT IN DENNIS) - great chowder, fried seafood, etc.
Clancy's-Dennis (not the beach bar - the restaurant) huge portions of food, very dependably good, reasonable prices.
the Impudent Oyster - Chatham. A little more "gourmet" and expensive - well worth it for the fresh seafood.
There is a restaurant in P'town. It is a small place, that you need to go downstairs to. It is on Commercial Street. Ii think there is Rose in the name. (I am really bad with names today!)

THat's all I can think of for now. Please let me know if you want any more info!! Have a great time!!

[Nutmeg]

Okay, I guess I'll take advantage of the thread to ask some questions of my own. I'm leaving for a month in Boston on Monday, and I'd love suggestions for non-chain restaurants. I've already discovered Tealuxe on my last visit, but I'd love to find a fun Indian and seafood place (Legal Seafoods is a little pricey for my student budget). Also, any good pubs that I would feel comfortable getting a pint on my own?

Thanks!

[adb]

Here are a couple of Indian restaurants that have been suggested to me. I have not gotten a chance to try them yet, but they were recommended by someone who grew up in India.

New Mother India - Waltham (not sure if you will have a car- this is a ways out from the city)

Punjabi Dhaba Restaurant - Cambridge

There are a ton of others on Boston Citysearch that they recommend. If you happen to venture over the NH border, check out Indian Village in Nashua. DH is Indian so we eat a lot Indian food and love this place.

[cindyluwho]

I really like the beaches in Ipswich, which is on Cape Ann.

[Melman]

This is all fantastic information. Thanks to pmmahan for suggesting NOT going to those places on the weekends!! That's something else I need to know. Are there certain places in or around this whole area that are better on a weekend...aka...smaller crowds??! We're arriving late on a Saturday night so we really only have Sunday to deal with. I'm guessing we can be pretty flexible with what we do each day Monday-Friday??

We're staying IN Boston and taking day trips to all these places (they're going to all hate me before this week is up...GET UP..Time to be OUT of the BED and Out of the HOTEL!! :-) Things to do..places to be!) I can't remember the hotel but I'm pretty sure it's on Com Ave. Since we're hitting the Cape...AND Salem...AND Cape Ann..AND Concord...and and and...I'm actually thinking Boston is pretty well centrally located.

Please keep those ideas and suggestions coming!! I'm not leaving for about 7 or 8 weeks. Yes. I'm excited!!! Can't wait!!
(PS...no DH on my part (divorced)...her DH is staying home.) Two wonderful friends..and two teenagers who get along very well.

[pmmahan]

Oh, boy. I have to tell you, the Cape may be a bit of a haul from Boston for a day trip. If your time allows, I would recommend staying on the Cape one or two nights. Traffic in the Boston area is quite rough, and it typically takes 1.5- 2 hours to get to the Cape WITHOUT traffic. Salem, Concord, and Cape Ann are all much closer and better for day tripping. Don't want to rain on your parade, just want to be honest. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Melman]

That's definitely the kind of info I need. Is the Cape (as a whole) one of those places that pretty much shuts down early in the evening???? Think there might be a better day to travel in that direction??? I know we really are stretching it trying to do so much...but we're being flexible and trying to not drive ourselves ragged in the process.

And now I've got to think about a ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. ;-)

All these suggestions and descriptions have me so excited!! A friend just stopped by and said she was surprised I was looking at so many thing NOT food related!!! :-) She gave me the names of a couple of restaurants in the North End. YUM!!

[pmmahan]

You might consider Plymouth instead of heading all the way to the Cape. Its probably 1 hour from Boston (again, depending on the traffic) you've got the Mayflower, the water, the shops. Water's colder, though, cause it is on Cape Cod Bay, facing North.
The ferry from Hyannis to MV will be about 1.5 hours, to Nantucket, 2 hours.
There are whale watches that leave from Boston.
Restaurant suggestion in the North End:
LoConte's on Salem St. EXCELLENT food.

Also, go to Mike's Pastry on Commercial St (i think - anyone will know where it is) great cookies, cannolis, YUMMMMMMM

[BosunsWife]

If you decide to go to Martha's Vineyard, take one of the local bus tours. Fairly inexpensive and you get to go around the whole island. The bus will stop out at Gay's Head Lighthouse on the bluffs. Good picture taking and a wonderful view. You can also rent mopeds and do the island yourself. IMO, also a day trip since after a while all the tshirt shops start to look the same LOL.

[Mamasue]

I agree with pmmahan, the Cape is a haul from Boston and in my opinion not worth a day's trip. Me, I love Ogunquit and neighboring towns in Maine better than the Cape anyday. Traffic to the Cape can be brutal too. As noted Plymouth and Salem are good siteseeing towns. While in Boston you have to take a Duck Tour or Trolley Tour. Take a walk down Newbury street to window shop and maybe grab lunch at one of the outdoor cafes. Of course there is Fanuel Hall and the North End which is a short walk from there.

[slknight]

I'd have to agree with the opinions on the Cape. I live on the North Shore, right near Cape Ann. If you promised your friend a day at the beach, there are some great beaches up here. Cindyluwho mentioned a beach in Ipswich, which is Crane's Beach. It's considered one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. Also, Singing Beach in Manchester (near Gloucester) is great. For beach information in Mass., check out this link which gives rankings, parking, phone numbers, etc: http://travel.boston.com/newengland/cape/beaches.shtml


Singing Beach does have a very limited parking situation, but the commuter rail (from North Station in Boston) stops within walking distance.


You might also want to consider a whale watch out of Newburyport. Newburyport is a great coastal, touristy town with lots of shops and restaurants. (Also my husband's home town)

Cape Ann info: http://www.cape-ann.com/
Newburyport info: http://www.newburyport.net

I can give you a ton of other info on both the Cape Ann area (Essex, Ipswich, Gloucester, etc) and Newburyport, so just let me know what you want to know about, and I'll be happy to give you my 2 cents.

-Susan

[bossy]

Originally posted by pmmahan:
Also, go to Mike's Pastry on Commercial St (i think - anyone will know where it is) great cookies, cannolis, YUMMMMMMM

OH YES! We've only been down to Boston a handful of times (not very good for being less than an hour from Beantown) but Mike's Pastry is absolutely to die for! We've been there on weekends and it was soooo crowded. Maybe one of the Bostonians can suggest a time when you can actually see everything they have. When we were there it was tough getting close to the counters! This is an absolutely amazing bakery! (Can you tell I'm excited?? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

[Melman]

Those were some fun links. I hate to say I've never heard of Newburyport, but I haven't. The pictures on the webpages are beautiful. I'll definitely check into these possibilities. If we're going to basically waste a day trying to "do the Cape", my vote is already to think about one of the other coastal areas. Mamasue - I just looked up Ogunquit earlier today as a possibility!! I really love Maine and it wouldn't take much arm-twisting to get me to head in that direction.

For all you folks who have left such wonderful hints and ideas, I'll definitely check out all the options. I'm sure I'll have more detailed questions as our trip comes together. Any other suggestions are still appreciated!

As far as "food food food"...I'm keeping all these restaurant names in a file and will see what I can do to get us to at least some of the places!!! I love personal recommendations!! Thanks so much!!!


[This message has been edited by Melman (edited 06-21-2001).]

[cindyluwho]

Also, the best Indian restaurant I've ever been to is Tanjore in Harvard Square, just across from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. It's SOOO good!

[BosunsWife]

I guess I'll hit on Salem since no one else has. We lived in Newport, RI for two years prior to moving to Hawaii.

I LOVE Salem. I told DH that maybe I was a witch in a prior life, (he ponders this question daily I'm sure LOL). We've been there several times and there is so much history there. There are a lot of different tours, we chose not to do any of them and just did our own thing. IMO you can do Salem in one day, unless it is Halloween and then you may want to spend more time because there is a lot going on. Our best time was going there during Halloween! You can do most of it simply by walking. A good restaurant is a brewery (name escapes me right now) that you can get to by walking straight down the hill (main drag) and when you get to the bottom of the hill you take a right and walk maybe two blocks. Good beer (microbrew type) and good food. The last time we went was when DD was an infant and we just loaded her into her front pack and away we went.

[This message has been edited by BosunsWife (edited 06-21-2001).]

[kwormann]

Originally posted by Kristilyn1:


When my out of town friends arrive in New England they always want three things:

a trip to Cheers in Boston (yes, they are old enough to remember this show)


Kristi

What do you mean they are old enough???? How old to they have to be the remeber CHeers?????
I believe I resemble that remark..... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Kim

[Melman]

I grinned at the comment too. OUCH! PS...I've already been to the bar actually called "Cheers" (is it still open?)...plus the one called "Bull and Finch". Isn't that the pub that the show copied for their set?

[Kristilyn1]

I'm old enough to remember the show too! But talk to someone in their 20's and they have NO IDEA what you are talking about.....

LOL.

KRisti

[KathrynY]

I'll put in a plug for Ogunquit - we try to get there a couple of weekends a year. There's a beautiful big public beach with plenty of space for everyone, and a nice walking path along the coast about 1 1/2 miles long. It's about 20 minutes north/east of Portsmouth NH, an easy drive. Also, when you get off the highway at the York/Ogunquit exit the Stonewall Kitchen store is right there. http://www.stonewallkitchen.com
Their Sundried Tomato Mustard is the best, and they have free samples! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by KathrynY (edited 06-22-2001).]

[Melman]

I just thought of something....when is blueberry season in Maine?? I know we're getting close to prime time around here, but our blueberries don't compare to the Maine varieties!! I'd LOVE to bring some home with me!!!

Thanks!!!!

(Just checked out that kitchen site. I can't wait to let them know we're stopping at a kitchen store! :-) I guess this is one of the advantages of the the designated tour guide!!!!)

[slknight]

Originally posted by Melman:
....when is blueberry season in Maine?? I know we're getting close to prime time around here, but our blueberries don't compare to the Maine varieties!! I'd LOVE to bring some home with me!!!

Blueberry season in Maine is August. The Maine Wild Blueberry Festival is August 19-25: http://www.union-fair.com/Blueberry.cfm

-Susan

[Melman]

**The Maine Wild Blueberry Festival is August 19-25**

Wouldn't you know it. I'll be up there the week PRIOR to the 19th. I'm still guessing that's probably close enough to the right timing that I should be able to find some ripe ones to possibly bring home with me!!

[pmmahan]

I will put in one tiny little dissent here....Fanueil Hall is great, but the food in Quincy Market (what Liz is describing) is not cheap. In fact, its really known for being expensive and full or tourists (sorry, Liz!!) Plus, it is often crowded. I have bought an ice cream cone in there for $5! Ridiculous! Durgin Park is kinda fun for the touristy thing, but the food is just okay....and the prices are a little high for what you get. Go off the beaten path for food in Boston. Find a native and ask. There are so many fantastic, cheap restaurants in Boston...you just have to know where to look. Ask the younger working professionals for ideas (we all know where to go on our salaries!)

Ana's Taqueria and JP Licks in Coolidge Corner, Jasper's Seafood Shack in Cambridge!

Don't mean to offend by disagreeing here, but just giving a different perspective!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[maizeyoats]

I have to agree with Liz....You are going to be a tourist and should do the things everyone does on their first trip to Boston.
I am a native of Massachusetts but always love going to Quincy Market and never tire of it.
I live in westerm Mass and it's really nice out here but you will not have time for us I don't think.
And one more thing about the Cape. I agree with all who said it is definitely not a one day trip. My favorite spot is Chatham; however I would not recommend the Cape for anyone in the summertime....toooo crowded.
I think you will have to come back in the fall for that.
P.S. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggestions on this post. I think everyone has done a good job and now it's up to you. By the way we will all want to know what you did end up doing when you get back.

[Melman]

Actually, it's not MY first time there!! With my former job at Digital, I used to go up there all the time. There was even a point in time that *I* could give directions to people who lived there!!! I've been to Durgin Park, plan to take my son and friends to at least shop in Quincy Market, pastries at an Italian bakery, and will treat them to the sights and sounds that I can either remember or will have in these notes. I LOVE that town!!

It's the areas closer to the coast that are very unfamiliar to me. When I used to travel up there, I was more in the I-495 "loop" area...Marlboro, Maynard, Acton, even up toward Andover and into Merrimack, NH. I never traveled much into the areas where we're going in August (Salem, Ogunquit, other areas on the coast of MA, NH, or ME, etc.) I figure there are wonderful suggestions from people who actually live there that I'm going to trust much more than AAA.

With helpful hints from the board, I've already pretty much scratched off the idea of going to the Cape (not enough time and entirely too many of those pesty tourists --ha ha...just like myself.) I don't have a problem avoiding tourist traps and going for the real beauty, food, history, food, photo-ops, etc. Did I mention the food?

I'm sure I'll continue to have question if you guys don't mind answering them. I really appreciate all these suggestions! I'm not sure if it shows (yeah..RIGHT!) but if I could head up there tomorrow, I'd be more than happy about it!!!

[maizeyoats]

This is off topic..but any any of you living in the Natick area would you read my post on the gelato thread. I am really curious to know if any of you have been to the Marino Lookout Farm.

[CheerLiz]

mpuskar;

For cheap eats and LOTS of variety, try Faneuil Hall in Boston. It's an old market with both indoor and outdoor shops, but the inside of the market is one big "food court" with tons of variety.

Also, if you love Boston, DON'T MISS the Boston City Store -- they sell all the old street signs, stoplights, etc. in a little tiny store underneath Faneuil Hall. The rest of Faneuil Hall is mostly mall-type stores: Crate & Barrel, Body Shoppe, etc.

If you want the TRUE crotchety-New-Englander-treatment, be sure to go to Durgin Park. My sister moved to Charlotte and wants to go every time she comes back to visit. It's a hard thing to explain -- whenever we have freinds come to visit, we bring them there and watch their mouths drop open!

If you have a day in Boston, definitely do the Freedom Trail. Ask your hotel for a map -- they're everythwere. It's a path of red brick that runs about 3 miles throughout the city that will take you to all kinds of historical markers, including the Mayflower.

And for great shopping, let me put a plug in for tax-free NH! We're only about 40 minutes away from Boston. (You can buy firecrackers here, too -- Live Free or Die!)

As the Del Fuegos sang back in the 80's -- "Love that dirty water -- Boston, you're my home." I love the place!

Liz

[Lauren]

I live South of Boston near RI, so I'm familiar with the area, too. I agree with all that's been said. I love Maine! You can't go wrong with any of the southern coastal towns, like Ogunquit. And, you will be hard pressed not to find seafood there! Most restaurants will offer non-seafood related choices for your friends.

We went on the Duck Tour a couple of weeks ago. What fun! The driver gives a great tour of Beacon Hill and the area before "driving" into the Charles. The trip took about 90 minutes.

If you're heading west to Concord, you may want to check out Lexington. My in-laws live there and it is beautiful! I see tours on the green, in the center of town, often.

Enjoy!

[Melman]

I forgot to ask when this was mentioned earlier. What's a Duck Tour???? Thanks!

[Mamasue]

http://www.thewrap.com/newsletter/page5.html

Melman... I have never taken this tour but others have told be that its a lot of fun.

[Elisabeth]

Such wonderful suggestions so far! I live not too far from Portsmouth NH--and will second plugs for Newburyport, which is terrifically charming, and Cape Ann generally. Portsmouth is also wonderful and highly recommended for a day trip--but you only have so much time! I wouldn't do Salem and Concord on the same day trip. There's a full day's worth of things to see in each place, and traffic between the two can be a nightmare. The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is well worth a visit.

Has anyone mentioned The Elephant Walk yet for Boston restaurants to try? Really great Cambodian food, not too pricey. There are 2, I think--one in Boston, one in Cambridge (well, technically Somerville; near the Porter Sq. T stop, still an easy walk from Harvard Sq if you like to walk).

Also, I've been on (too) many whale watches and have never not seen a whale. Most of the places will issue a rain check if they don't find whales for you to look at. It's great fun, and pleasant to be on the water, but it does eat up a large chunk of the day, and I always come back exhausted, so this might be something I'd pass on! Unless you really love boats and whales.

[Lynn B]

A great thread!!! I am reliving lots of wonderful memories!!!!

We took a 2 1/2 week road trip through NE a couple of years ago. Definately one of our FAVORITE vacations!

We LOVED Plymouth... a beautiful town, and so rich with history. AND there's an "Old Time Photo" place there where you can get your pictures taken dressed up as Pilgrims! (And we were told, the ONLY place in the whole US that you can do that!) That was fun! (Even our teenage DD loved it!)

BTW, I believe that all of the whale watches basically go to the same feeding ground ("Stillwagon Banks"????) so it's just a matter of how long your boat ride will be from all the different departure sites. We were there in mid-August, and left for our whale watching expedition from Plymouth and we saw LOTS of whales!!! It was so AWESOME!

You are going to have such a blast!!! Can I go, too, pleasepleasepleeeeeease?!!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Lynn

[Melman]

Everytime I check back on this topic, I just get more and more excited!!!! I honestly can't wait to cram all my stuff in the car and head north!!

Thanks for the tip about leaving from Plymouth for whale-watching. Mid-August is exactly the time I'll be there. I'm going to have some tough decisions with whether to do this or not...and tougher decisions trying to decide on where to "catch the boat". It honestly has been one of my long-time goals to SEE A BLASTED WHALE!! :-) I want pictures!!

As far as coming with me.....you wouldn't believe all the offers I've had since I started planning!!! Where in the world were all these people when I've been trying for 4 or 5 years? Harrummpph!! :-) Maybe after the BB group has fun in Las Vegas this year, maybe some of the east coast people might be interested in heading to NE next year or something!! Sign me up!! Wouldn't that be cool to be with a group of people who ALL love eating...all seem to love sight-seeing...and so many who seem to love NE!!