Just had an invite for a stay about 40 minutes from Logan. Since Oct is the worst time for my (achoo) allergy, we really want to go. But we don't want to stay with our friends (and 3 other couples) for a whole week. (GASP!) I need help.

We are thinking to fly up on the 2nd or 3rd (arrival at 2:30) - rent a car and take a little trip - ending up at their house for the Columbus Day Weekend and then flying home. That would give us 3 or 4 nights for exploring. Is that long enough?

We haven't been to the Portsmouth area. So was thinking about that. We have been up the coast a couple of times - all the way to the top of Maine - loved it all. But would like to see something different. Would Portsmouth be realistic?

Car rental - should we rent a car at the airport or take a shuttle out? I have heard horrid things about Logan in the past, but maybe it's gotten better.

I also know that in October there will be leaf-peepers everywhere. So we need to make reservations fast. We like B&B's, Inns, old Hotels, can't abide motels (makes it hard on a budget traveler....)

Thanks for any help, suggestions, criticism, and full-blown itineraries!

Carol

The southshore of Boston down toward the Cape is a beautiful area. Plymoth, Woods Hole, around to Province Town there are all small town areas that would be relaxing places. Lots of B&Bs and small hotels.
Relaxing, slow travel...but cold!

Sandi

The Backside of Rome

I love Boston in October. I think the entire area is wonderful. The last time we were in there, we arrived by train from Portland, Maine, on the Nor'easter...the Amtrak takes you along a most scenic route. It runs the opposite direction, too, so you might want to journey out from Boston to a destination before picking up your rental car.

If I were contemplating a trip like yours, I'd head for Newport, RI. It's an easy drive from Boston ( we rented a car on the outskirts of Boston ) and what a great time we had there. Lots of great restaurants, the mansions, of course, we toured a winery near Sakonnet Point. It's one of our favorite places.

Jennifer

Carol, have you been to Concord MA? The Hawthorne Inn there is a great B&B, although I would imagine it's a bit pricey in October, which is definitely high season. There's also the Colonial Inn, in the center of town, but it's pretty expensive too. There might be other cheaper B&Bs in the area, although I haven't really researched it. Concord is a lovely little New England town with lots of places of interest nearby.

Anyway, let me know if you are coming to the area, and I will show you around Louisa May Alcott's house, where I'm a part time guide.

I think it will be cheaper to rent a car away from Logan because there is an airport surcharge to help pay for the Big Dig. (Yes, the Big Dig where the tunnel just collapsed and killed a woman this morning. What an awful tragedy!) Anyway, there are Logan Express shuttle buses that take you to several of the suburbs and I'm pretty sure you can rent cars near those terminals. The one closest to our area is the Anderson Regional Transportation Center in Woburn (which, you need to know, is pronounced Woo-burn, or in the local dialect, Woo-BUHN).

Thanks for the responses. I love this board!

ok, where to start? I hate to just keep saying "we've been there - we've done that" but we have traveled a good bit in New England, but not for about 12 years. Last time was our 25th Anniversary. We came during October and saw the Fryeburg (?) Fair in Maine, and prowled around. Just love it.

Bugaloo - on a previous trip we have been to Newport and also Provincetown. But we usually raced up to Maine as fast as we could - and so missed some good places along the way.

About Logan, is it any better if you just go north (I-90 to I-95)? Does that get you out of the traffic, or do you still have to go through the tunnel? The Logan Express SHuttles sound great. I just need to figure out which direction to go. I guess I can Google and find an website that should be very helpful.

Roz, I don't think we made it to Concord! How far is Concord from Portsmouth? I need to get my map out. The people we will stay with are actually closer to Stow - almost due west of Boston - actually it's at Gleasondale which used to be a town a few hundred years ago. I think only the name survived in the road. And thanks for the Woo-Buhn! I'll have to go there just so I can show off my correct pronunciation. We were trying to catch a train in England to Salisbury and one of the people in the station made me pronounce it until he was satisfied. We did make the train, but just barely!


Oh Jennifer, I love trains too! 5 years ago we took a trip from Ft. Worth Texas to Halifax, Nova Scotia on Amtrak and the VIA trains. (and back!) My husband tells everyone he had AMTRAK engraved on his butt when we returned. When I mention train to him - he just gives me *that* look!

I am making some progress. Have found a good-priced air ticket - Non-stop - of course it's to Logan. All the other towns around there are 1 stop from DFW and add about 3 hours both ways.

Please keep suggestions coming. I have so much to plan. And we have a September trip first - so I keep bouncing back and forth.

Carol

Carol, if you are staying near Stow, you are only 10 miles away from Concord. So I don't think you'd want to go to a B&B so close by. But if you can plan a day trip to Concord, and let me know when you are coming. I would love to show you around Orchard House (Louisa's place).

I must admit I don't know Portsmouth that well, although I understand that Strawbery Banke there is worth visiting.

Have you been to Portland on your trips to Maine? That is a great city with some fantastic restaurants.

The White Mountains in New Hampshire are beautiful that time of year. It is a bit of a drive (3 hours from Logan to Franconia Notch), but well worth it in my opinion, especially if you are interested in mountains, leaf-peeping, or hiking. There are a number of easy day hikes (or longer ones) in the area that I could recommend if you are interested.

I don't know much about Portsmouth -- I've only driven through it -- but I'll second the recommendation for Portland in Maine.

Carol, you didn't mention when you'd be there in October, but David and I have spent two Halloweens in Salem. What fun! It's an easy journey from Boston and is accessible from the other areas you are contemplating. If you haven't experienced Halloween in Salem and you'll be in the area, don't miss it...

Jennifer

We've about settled on the Portsmouth Area - there is a lot to see from that vicinity. Portsmouth itself seems like a charming town and I'm trying to find lodging there - it's either stay right downtown so we can walk around (and pay more $$$) or get out about 10 miles from there in an inn and pay less, but get nicer accomodation.

Since it is October, there are no "good deals" but since it's the middle of the week, there are quite a lot of vacancies.

Has any heard of the "Three Chimneys Inn" up around Durham? What about "Lamie's Inn and Old Salt Tavern in Hampton?" I've done some Googles but haven't found much info except on Trip Advisor which I take with a grain of salt.

We have been to Salem years ago when our kids were younger and that would be fun at Halloween, but we'll be there the 1st couple of weeks in Oct.

Roz, I will PM you and find out when a good day would be for you and then do some planning. I would lOVE to see the Alcott house - I'm of the generation that not only read "Little Women", but "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys" and.... just drew a blank!

And yes we have stayed in Portland on a previous trip (but just overnight). Strawberry Banke is one of the venues that we want to see in Portsmouth.

Thanks for all the sharing,

Carol

If in Concord, the bridge in Lexington, and the Old Manse. North of Boston, America's Stonehenge: Mystery Hill, NH. South of Boston, Plymouth Plantation; everyone should see that, it has the best historical interpreters in the country. On the Cape, the Daniel Webster Inn in Sandwich for oysters.

quote:

If in Concord, the bridge in Lexington, and the Old Manse.

The Old North Bridge (where the Minutemen held off the Redcoats) is in Concord, right next to the Old Manse. In Lexington, the town green is the site of the first shots fired in the American Revolution. Both places have a Minuteman statue, so that's probably the source of the confusion.

Just as an additional bit of historical trivia, the Minuteman in Concord is by Daniel Chester French, whose most famous work is the Lincoln Memorial. The Minuteman was his first big commission, executed on the 100th anniversary of the Revolution. His first art teacher was Louisa Alcott's sister, May (the Amy of Little Women).

OK, now that everyone's eyes are glazing over, Carol (Brahmama) can have her thread back!

- Roz (don't get me started on the Alcotts; it can be dangerous!)

We just spent a day and night in Portsmouth in late June on our way to Maine. Stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, only open a few weeks and right in the center of town. More than we usually pay, but very nicely appointed room and much better setting than the motels out by Rt. 95.
We took the tour boat out around the Isles of Shoals, but I imagine that may not run in October. Did not really have enough time to do justice to Strawbery Bank, so that will wait for another visit.
There is supposedly a walking tour map of the many beautiful old houses in town, but we could not find it anywhere! The tourist kiosk was closed the hours it was supposed to be open and the CofC on the outskirts of town didn't have it either.

Had a good breakfast at Friendly (???) Toast, and an excellent dinner at Radici, both on Congress Street. I haven't been to Rye, but it might be worth a visit, and we really liked Kittery Point and York ME for beautiful homes as we wandered on up the coast of ME.

Roz,
I love that you totally enjoy your work! Isn't it great to do something that you really like. I was a choir teacher for 11 years and couldn't believe that I was getting paid to do something that I loved so much.

I have questions for you, but I haven't had a chance to PM you and won't for a couple of days as we have company coming right at noon today.

Con,
How interesting that you were just there! We did price the Hilton Garden Inn which has a marvelous location and looked very nice, but it's just not in our retired teachers' budget (sigh). We did find an Inn (and Spa) to stay at and it's in walking distance (10-15 minutes to the heart of Portsmouth), but it's right across the old bridge right on the water in Kittery. We can see the bridge from our window.

I hope we can find the map for the walking tour! That's on our list. And also Strawberry Banke. I have heard of the Breakfast place, too. and I think it's open 24 hours. I guess for breakfast after a night out on the town! Radici is nice to know about. Is it Italian? (as opposed to American/Italian?)

Where is Kittery Point? Did you cross the old bridge to get there? Did you have any lobster?

I'm hoping the Boat Tour is still alive and kicking the 1st week in October - maybe because of all the leaf-peepers they will be hanging on.

Thanks to all of your for the information. This trip is shaping up nicely.

The only bad part is figuring out where to rent a car and how to get out of Logan! I still haven't done my homework and figured out the airport at all. Anyone have a good link?

Carol

Radici is Italian - D had the fish special (forget what it was) and I had a very good pasta with seafood as main courses. Also our first taste of candied almond semi-freddo. Nice friendly atmosphere.
We went over the bridge toward Kittery right from downtown Portsmouth. I think it is Rt. 103 that winds around as close to the water as you can get through Kittery Point and York Harbor???
We had our lobster about 3 hours further north. At our favorite place on a small quiet cove, at picnic tables on a dock, under an awning, in the dense fog and rain. (the only night we could get there). It was still wonderful. We don't even try to eat lobster during the rest of the year here in the MidAtlantic area; we always wait until we get to Maine. (Although...our local good Italian restaurant is having a Monday night Lobster Fra Diavolo special all summer....may have to break down and try it!)

quote:

Where is Kittery Point? Did you cross the old bridge to get there? Did you have any lobster?

If you get to Kittery Point, the best place for lobster is the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, http://www.chaunceycreek.com/
I know extactly what Con was talking about not wanting to eat lobster anywhere else. Chauncey Creek beats all lobster places I've been to.

Steve

October will be fantastic. How about taking Concord Trailways bus Express from Logan to Portland. Rent a car in Portland (or just rent one at Logan),and head west on Rt 302, take in the Fryburg fair, then head to North Conway and see Mt Washington. Fall color should be at its peak . A drive up and over the Kagamangas Highway will give you a view of natures finest color and a peak at the white mt range. You could even drive up the Mt Washington auto road if it is still open. It may be closed already due to snow/ice up at the top, so you would have to check ahead. Stop at one of many "Pick you own Apples" and sample some of Maines finest apples and cider.
If you wanted to go east, you could alway travel up Maines Rt 1 with a stop at L.L. Beans in Freeport along with all the other little outlet stores all along the way up Rt 1.
After a trip to L.L. Beans head west to Sabithday Lake, Poland Spring area and visit the Shakers who make some of the best goodies from their own farm produce. Tour Shaker village. Then head to the fair in Fryburg, which would take you right past my area.
That will also be the time of the Maine Moose hunt. A trip to Greenville, Maine will put you in the heart of the great north woods and moose country and the moose hunt. From me in the Norway area, Greenville is about 3 hours North.
Or you could drive north swing west to Vt (Ben and Jerrys ice cream factory in Burlington VT...yummmm . and then head south. So many things to do and see. Im sure no matter what you do you will love the north country.

Ooops, sorry last post was from me.

Sue

Yes, go to Chauncey Creek! It is open until Columbus day and then they close for the winter.

-Mary

Carol,

If you don't already have your airline tickets, you might look into flying to Manchester, NH, rather than Logan. Southwest, among others, flies to Manchester. Getting in and out of Logan nowadays is just horrendous after that awful tunnel collapse. They are telling people to at least double their travel time to and from the airport, and there is no estimate on when the collapsed tunnel will be open again. (Not to mention the fact that I would have very serious second thoughts about driving through any of those Big Dig tunnels that are still open now.)

I hope by October they might have figured it out, but anyway, renting a car at Manchester would be cheaper, I'm sure, and if you want to go to Portsmouth anyway, you'd be up in the right direction. It's not hard to get to Manchester from Stow either.

- Roz

Well, darn, we do have the tickets (e-tickets). I don't know why I was in such a hurry to get them for October. I guess it was priced right. Anyway, maybe we should try to change them to Manchester. They are AA so there will be a change fee.

Thanks for the advice.

Con,
Radici sounds wonderful. I'm not real sure what the candied almond semi-freddo *is* but I know I'll like it. (Almond is the operative word here!)

Steve,
Chauncy Creek is definitely on our list. Thanks for chiming in.

Swiss Miss,
Thanks for the recommendations and for your enthusiasm! It pumps me up too - wish we could go sooner and stay longer.

Carol

Unfortunately, American does not fly to Manchester. Here is the list of airlines that serves MHT. It is a nice airport -- a lot more laid back than Logan (a lot smaller, of course). We like to fly from there whenever possible, but unfortunately we're stuck with Logan for international flights.

Wait!!! Does American fly into Green in Providence? I can't recall if it does but it would be a great alternative too. We never have problems there BUT sometimes, for whatever reason, the security lines are very long. Otherwise, good bye Logan, Hello Green!

quote:

Steve,
Chauncy Creek is definitely on our list. Thanks for chiming in.

Carole, I just realized you are going in October. I am not sure if Chauncy Creek would be closed for the season by then. Even if they are open, their lobster tanks would be mostly empty by October. Sorry

Steve

I'm a resident of Portsmouth and just love it here, so Portsmouth gets my vote! Portsmouth is charming, and full of interesting things to do. We're also an hour from the White Mountains region, and perfectly placed for a drive up the coast of Maine in the Fall.

Kittery Point is right across the old Memorial bridge. For a beautiful drive, take Rt. 236 up the coast. I'd also recommend a drive to Newburyport, 20 minutes south on Rt. 95. It's a beautiful little harbor city similar to Portsmouth. They have lot's of Fall fairs there too. Ogunquit and Kennebunkport ME are beautiful little spots to take a drive to.

On Rt. 1 in Kittery is where all the outlet stores are. Mega shopping!

If you fly into Logan, you can take Rt. 90 to Rt. 95 North straight all the way to Portsmouth. You can also take a CJ Trailways shuttle bus from Logan to Portsmouth if you're worried about the mess in Boston. You can also take the Downeaster to neighboring Dover or Exeter.

I would also recommend flying into Manchester NH or Portland ME though. Logan is a nightmare, especially with pieces of the Big Dig falling on people now.

If you want to stay downtown, there's the Sheraton Harborside Hotel, and the Hilton Garden Inn for big hotels. There are lots of B&B's too like the Sise Inn, Inn at Strawberry Banke (a short distance from Strawberry Banke in a very old house), the Inn at Christian Shore, Martin Hill Inn, Bow Street Inn, just to name a few and all close to or in th