Suggestions for Family Vacation through the Northeast

Trying to outline an itinerary for a family vacation (kids 12 %26amp; 15) starting in Maine/Vermont/or New Hampshire and traveling down- perhaps ending in Boston or Philly. We like outdoor activites and history. Any suggestions. Thanks for your input.

Suggestions for Family Vacation through the Northeast

At what time of year? For how many days?

Suggestions for Family Vacation through the Northeast

Hi,

Thanks for your prompt reply. We would travel for a week to 10 days..some time this summer. Either mid/late June or mid July. Any suggestions would be very much welcome!!!! thanks!

First off, June tends to be less crowded (at least until the last weekend). The weather can be more unpredictable, i.e., fog, rain, cool weather. Mid-July is smack in the midst of our busiest season; lots of people, lots of activity.

As to what is going on/is available, you might want to check with:

http://www.acadiamagic.com

which provides links to the National Park as well as to lodging, restaurants, and other activities.

Also,

http://www.ouracadia.com

is a web site maintained by a frequent visitor to the island; it has a lot of ideas on places to eat and things to do.

You might also scan the Bar Harbor forum for ideas and as always, there will be several here to help you with questions and advice.

Will you be flying into the area? If so, which airport are you thinking of flying into?

Driving to Boston and driving to Philly is a big difference. With your timeframe, I would definitely suggest ending in Boston. Concentrate on New England.

If you fly into, say, Manchester NH, you could take I-93 to I-89 into Vermont. Stop at Quechee Gorge and Woodstock, spend a day or two exploring the Green Mountains.

Continue on to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Check out Franconia Notch State Park, Crawford Notch State Park, go to the summit of Mt. Washington (via the Auto Road or the Cog Railway), and drive along the Kancamagus Highway. There%26#39;s an infinite supply of outdoor activities in the area (some ideas: swim in the Pemigewassett River, hike Artists%26#39; Bluff, visit the Flume Gorge)

Take the long drive across Maine to Bar Harbor and spend at least a full day in Acadia National Park. Then drive back down the coast, stopping in Camden to climb Mt. Megunticook or drive up Mt. Battie. Check out Damariscotta, Pemaquid Point, Wiscasset, Portland Head Light and Nubble Light.

Continuing down the coast, make sure to stop in Portsmouth, NH and see the Strawberry Banke museum. From there, head to Newburyport, MA; follow the coast through Ipswich, Gloucester, Rockport, and back towards Salem.

From Salem, go to Boston and enjoy all the historic attractions. Take a trip to Concord/Lexington and/or Plymouth if you have the time. If you want to book a round-trip plane ticket, you can just drive back up to Manchester in no time.

If you are in Boston for a day rent bikes and peddle down the Minuteman Trail in Concord/Lexington area. There are historic houses, some with reenactors (sp?), historic battlefields and pretty scenery. If you have girls, the Alcott House (of ';Little Women'; fame) in Concord has one of the best tours I%26#39;ve been on.

The Maine coast is a lot of fun and very beautiful. Look for an indoor pool for the kids in Maine...it%26#39;s a little chilly in June...but my favorite time of year in Maine.

I would avoid Salem unless you are really really interested. It is very touristy and the traffic is awful (though far worse at Halloween!).

Hello,

Thank you to everyone for your responses! Fantastic ideas and exactly what I was looking for! I do appreciate your input in helping me plan my trip. THANKS!!!!!!