New England weekend getaway ideas-please help!
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Mickey Lover · 04-20-2005, 03:15 PM

We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this September, and I would like to take a 3-day weekend trip to the east coast (somewhere with lots of seafood). My DH hates WDW, has never been there, and won't go

Because he loves the outdoors so much and LOVES seafood, I thought somewhere in Maine or Boston would be nice, but have never been to either place, especially for only 3 days. Our travels have only taken the two of us to Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, while I have traveled to WDW with my kids many times. My DH is a simple man, and won't go for lots of frills, etc. There has to be someone out there that can help me - please!

Wish he loved Disney as much as I do!

disbizgirl · 04-20-2005, 03:29 PM

Hi, I live in New England. I can help you! What do you want to do? I love Boston for the history and food...but not too far away the beaches and mountains are so beautiful! You can be in Maine in about an hour from Boston so it is possible to do both in one trip. Write back or e-mail me..best wishes!

Mickey Lover · 04-20-2005, 03:42 PM

As a couple we really like the outdoors, scenic, not too "touristy" stuff. My husband loves seafood, so he would really want that kind of stuff. Boston sounds nice, if we could drive somewhere scenic for the day up in Maine. All I know, is think of anything as opposite as Disney World, and my husband will love it - no crowds, relaxing, casual, and of course, as I said, the seafood!

disbizgirl · 04-20-2005, 04:03 PM

Are you planning to fly or drive? If you are going to fly, I'd suggest trying to come into Manchester, NH or Porland, ME. Both will put you in close to the ocean and mts., but still allow you to get into Beantown if you desire...I've got lots of seafood restaurants for you, too. They've all been tried by our family - yum! Would you like to hike, whalewatch, go fishing, whitewater rafting, find lighthouses,etc? What about a lobster/clambake right on the beach? Or just take it easy? I also suggest looking at some copies of Yankee Magazine. They always spotlight great quiet areas in NE. We like Boothbay Harbor, ME, the Northshore of MA - i.e. Glouchester, Ipswich, Rockport-Porthsmouth, NH and Queechee Gorge, VT. I can go on and on...do you want casual or more upscale hotels/restaurants?

debsta922 · 04-20-2005, 04:05 PM

If you want outdoors, scenic and not too touristy I would suggest going to Maine. If you want spectacular Maine then I would suggest Arcadia National Park, but I'm not too sure of all the travel logistics (ie.. what airport, and how long of a drive once you land etc...). I would say the southern coast of Maine is also very beautiful, but from Memorial Day to Labor Day it can be very crowded. I know there's a lot of other New Englanders on the boards that can help you out as well.

Mickey Lover · 04-20-2005, 05:25 PM

We would like casual - hubby doesn't like to get too dressed up - Dockers at best. We would love a clam bake/lobster on the beach, we would love whale watching, we would love a state park. Don't mind paying $$ for a nice place to sleep, especially since it is our 25th anniversary. Since it is a very short trip, we would probably fly from Chicago. Thanks everyone!

Belle* · 04-20-2005, 05:55 PM

Another New Englander checking in. I agree with everyone - Maine is the way to go. Another magazine to check out is DownEaster. Soouth East Maine (Ogunquit, Kittery, etc.) has tons of great food, restaurants, beaches, outlets

, etc. Plus you are a reasonable drive from Boston if you want to spend a day there. Have fun planning!

Bert & Sully · 04-20-2005, 06:02 PM

Depending on the weather and what part of September it's a great leaf-peeping time in ME and NH assuming the summer isn't in drought.

KathyL · 04-20-2005, 06:40 PM

I am from Connecticut, but DH and I love the Freeport Maine area. The Harraseeket Inn is right down the road from LLBean. We love the Inn as well as walking around Freeport. The food at the Inn is also very good and you don't have to get dressed up. Happy planning.

KathyL

Jenny Pooh · 04-20-2005, 08:51 PM

Leaf Peeping doesn't start until Columbus Day or maybe a little earlier than that in the mountains. I love Kittery, Ogunquit, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine. That time of year all the tourists should be gone, but the down side some places may be closed for the season.

Portsmouth, NH is a cool little town! It's like a much, much smaller Boston. Lots of good seafood and right on the ocean. One of my favortive places to stay is Wenworth by the Sea. An old "grand" hotel that has been saved from decay. They have really brought it back to life! Wentworth by the sea

But if you really want a romantic place to stay go to the White Mountains in NH to a little town called Jackson. There is the best bed and breakfast called Nestlenook

It's very low key but is an incredible place to stay. Very private only 8(?) rooms to rent and no kids under the age of 16! Nestlenook Farm

disbizgirl · 04-21-2005, 07:20 AM

Jenn has handed you some great recommendations for lodging! These are great places - nice, but not so fancy you have to dress up. Wentworth By the Sea is owned by Marriott. If you go to Marriott.com and look under NH hotels you'll find more details. This place is wonderful! I've been in a suite there and took the relatives there for a family celebration. I believe the other two are privately owned but very nice. I've been in both of them, but didn't get to stay there.

If you really want to stay at a incredible place, try the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, ME. It's top notch! (Since this is your 25th..) The restaurant may be too fancy, but the inn and luxious cabins on the river are awesome! You can drive to lots of other great seafood restaurants, too. Again, Manchester, NH or Portland, ME would be your best airports. (Sounds like your husband may want to pass on Boston this time.) I'll get you even more details if you'd like...it's so beautiful here. You'll love it!

Mickey Lover · 04-21-2005, 10:17 AM

You guys are great. You have given me some great advice and some great places to start. Thanks for the websites, etc. I'm going to get started planning right now!

HBA117 · 04-21-2005, 12:45 PM

Try staying in southern Maine--Kittery,Kennebunkport or York. If you like lobster you will be in heaven! If you stay there, you are within a one and a half drive from Boston, . You can drive north or south all along the coast. Also Rockport, Mass. is very pretty--quaint inns, lots of restaurants --very artsy crafty

disbizgirl · 04-21-2005, 01:17 PM

I'm glad to help! BTW, have fun at WDW, too! Hope to hear about it when you return! Best wishes....

Kiarasmommy · 04-21-2005, 01:58 PM

I live in Kittery ME, and I'm thinking Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, Wells Beach are nice, even York ME. You can find some wonderful B&B's overlooking the Ocean. Even when it's crowded around here, you don't really feel it (unless you are at the outlets shopping). It's a very laid back way of life. I also think that you can fly from Chicago Midway to Manchester NH.