Where to vacation in New England? (now with TR on pg 8)

Grant · Last edited by Grant on Sat Jun 30, 2012 11:19 am; edited 1 time in total

It seems we've just plum run out of places to head for a summer vacation, so I'm looking for some help.

We live in the midst of the Green Mtn National Forest, so when vacationing, mountains/lakes/streams are not really what we are looking for. Being a summer vacation, we would prefer a beach but N.E. beaches are often rocky, cold, and over crowded. We've driven up to PEI and Nova Scotia in the past but 12-15 hrs in the car can be rough. Lake Champlain is great but without a boat, it's not as enjoyable.

The budget is always an issue, but we're willing to consider renting somewhere that's reasonable.

So let's hear from those Yankees that really love where they go and why. PMs encouraged if you don't want to share your special get away in the open forum.
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JohnF · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:37 am Post subject:

MDI/Acadia

Hiking, Sea Kayaking, Sailing, Sandy Beach, Biking, Good restaurants.
Pretty cheap lodging. We got a "pre-season" rental (last week June) for ~$900 that accepts 3 dogs. Kitchen. Dog run. Nice deck with great views of the Mountains.

benny · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2869 Location: NY

If you can avoid the peak season, Block Island, RI is a great place. I have only been there in Sept or Oct when it's quiet. I hear it's jammed in summer.

You can manage the entire island on bikes.

And while shrinkage is a rite of passage for New England swimmers, BI's ocean water is pretty warm.
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!ski · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 6117 Location: Boulder CO

Your US Citizenship (Green Card, Visa, or Permanent Resident Status)
is good in all 50 United States.

Though depends how far one is inclined to drive.

I would think "beach" needs to be at least as far as South Carolina.

Maybe stop and visit the National Mall in the District of Columbia
on the way for a day to break up the drive.

-r

edgeworker · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 3289

freeheelwilly

Dirk · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 5340 Location: Vermont

I second MDI/Acadia, but not at the height of summer. Too damn crowded. If you can wait till after labor day, that would be my choice.

Seriously consider renting a camp and boat on Lake Champlain. The cycling in the Champlain Islands and along both the NY and VT shores is great, as long as you stay off the major state highways.

robrox · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 1:06 pm Post subject:

Six Flags?
Close to Springfield, Mass... Handy to nice hiking, biking, etc.

There is a fossil exposure area close by in Holyoke..great Dino tracks Cool

Awesome river paddling on the Westfield (and others)
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Lincoln Terns · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 1:21 pm Post subject:

edgeworker · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 3289

We've camped @ Burlingame SP many times. Plenty to do from there including Block Island which I'll 2nd or 3rd.

SkaredShtles · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 1:33 pm Post subject:

Cedar Point. Looks like it's within 12 hrs for you...

Unless you don't like roller coasters. You should pick something else if that's the case.

rsireland3 · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 1:33 pm Post subject:

High season or off season? $ or $$$? We do Maine, but that's because i went there as a kid. My family is gone, but I return. York County is very crowded and very expensive. Its 4 hrs from my house. But, I really like it in the off season a lot. And we sometimes go during insane season too. We usually stay in Wells. We have taken to using a pop-up and staying at the Ocean View CG. Depending on when your kids get out of school, the 2nd week of June is usually the last of the low(er) rates. If you look early enough (February) you can also rent a cottage for $600+/- in Wells Beach during that week. That last week is important because beaches and more importantly beach parking is free or at least sig cheaper. Other times of the year, park at Hannaford in Wells and take the trolley. Going further up the coast, one can find nice sandy beaches. Many are parking by local permit only, so doing research and finding a cottage rental that gets you near one or gets you a permit is key. Biddeford Tide Pool is one such area to look at. We're going to Lubec this summer in August, but that is a serious drive.
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elmoreman · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 525 Location: Elmore, VT

Maine: popham beach or north haven island (virtually no tourists)
Mass: Chatham and Provincetown are my favorites, great fishing and beaches
Nova Scotia: Beddeck

As you know, if you want warm water, you're going to have to head south. Renting a camp on Champlain can often include the use of a boat, but the beaches are lame compared to the coast.

We are renting a place on Lake Webb in Maine this year that gives us use of sail/motor/kayak and canoes.

A fun summer trip would also be a paddling trip in the ADK's that would put you through some locks and a variety of water (river/lake/pond).[/list]

rsireland3 · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 1:54 pm Post subject:

Fenris · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 1:55 pm Post subject:

Get past Portland and beaches are largely either parks or free.

We rent out Loghaven for a couple of weeks each year. Personally I would suggest later in the summer when the harbor has calmed down a bit, though June 24th-27th is Windjammer days which is a lot of fun if you like big sailboats, especially since they parade right in front of the house.

For a real get away though I would suggest getting yourself out to Isle au Haut. I would suggest Matinicus but that might be a little rough... Monhegan can be fun if you can manage a night there, but can be zoo otherwise during the day.