More specifically, Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
Possible side trip to Vermont.
I hear Boston's a really nice state.
When are you going and how many days? Is the plan to fly to Boston then go somewhere from there?
With or without kids?
Are you looking for foliage?
Have a ton of recs, kids, no kids? Foodies? Craft beer kinda folks? Once I get to laptop will give you the laundry list.
Are you travelling stag or bringing sand to the beach??
- family visiting family in Boston
- leaf peeping
- a day in each said area except Boston (2 days)
- no kids
- foodies
- drinking
- history
- eccentrics plus down for some traditional looks
Check out the Celtics for traditionals, hey?
Quote from: 4everwarriors on October 05, 2014, 04:52:55 PM
Check out the Celtics for traditionals, hey?
I don't think they're going to be playing.
Can't even watch BU or BC hockey (they're playing away).
Possible Bruins game.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps AKA Henry Ellenson's 2016ncaachamps on October 05, 2014, 04:17:05 PM
- foodies
Was in Boston area with fam in early August for a week. Love NY for restaurants and have been generally disappointed in Boston by comparison. Had an exceptional meal at Troquet -- one of the best meals in the last few years. Took the family - 3 kids (8-14) are well-trained. No one ordered the same thing and it was all amazing -- ricotta cavatelli, duck, steak, chicken, lamb, halibut. The desserts were great as well. Biz casual dress with wine bar on lower level. Right down the street from Boston Common. http://troquetboston.com/#menu
If the east coast grill is having hell night you need to go that place is amazing and hell night is legendary! The barking crab is one heck of a place that you definitely should check out. Gorgeous view of the skyline and incredible sea food. The eagle's deli has an amazing burger but unless you're out by BC I wouldn't say its worth going that far out on the T. Sam's down town has an amazing sandwich. My source is I dated a Boston girl for a few years and we were major foodies.
Happy to assist.
Providence: Hit up Federal Hill, best Italian in New England, Spirito's and Siena are my favorites. For some good pub food, and good local beer, Trinity brew hourse near the DD Center is solid. Also, if in the mood for pizza, Bob and Timmys is fantastic. Newport, RI is also gorgeous, and cliff walk is pretty cool too...I might choose this over Providence, as you can get good food throughout NE, http://www.cliffwalk.com/
Boston: For beer, Sam Adams tour is actually kinda nice. It's free, and you get 2-3 beers out of it. If you have the extra time, hit up the trolley that goes to Doyles Bar. (Get a free SA pint glass when you order a suds). Another great place is the Harpoon tasting Room. Great great spot. No TVs, over 50 Harpoon beers on tap, many you can't get anywhere else and they only serve homemade pretzels...great spot! http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/breweries/boston/beerhall If you go here, Yankee Lobster is nearby great fresh seafood.
Other spots in Boston: Raw oysters & chowder: Union Oyster House. Near Fenway Park, hit up the Bleacher Bar: Actually built into the ground level of the Green Monster. Also heard the FP Park tour is pretty nice too. Other spots in Boston; USS Constitution, Faniuel Hall, Public Gardens are very pretty this time of the year...If you want a meat sandwich, go to Sam LaGrassa's. http://www.samlagrassas.com/
If you are making your way north, Rockport and Gloucester are very pretty. Rockport has an awesome state park on the ocean, http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/halibut-point-state-park.html
PM me when you get out here, more than happy to provide more insight.
No Names. Book it.
Grendel's in Cambridge.
Quote from: rEllensonko on October 05, 2014, 06:58:11 PM
Happy to assist.
Boston: For beer, Sam Adams tour is actually kinda nice.
>:(
In Boston, Union Oyster House is awesome and after stop in for a pint and live music at the Green Dragon. The historical trail is pretty cool too. We did a lot of walking around Boston and the subway is pretty good.
The wife and I loved Acadia national park in Maine, lots of fantastic hiking (only wish the wife backpacked, it's an epic place for that). Stayed in Bar Harbor and loved it. Lots of great places with character and the lobster was fantastic. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Stopped by Bath on the way(my choice) they have a big ship building area there and lots of history.
Enjoy the trip.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps AKA Henry Ellenson's 2016ncaachamps on October 05, 2014, 04:17:05 PM
- family visiting family in Boston
- leaf peeping
- a day in each said area except Boston (2 days)
- no kids
- foodies
- drinking
- history
- eccentrics plus down for some traditional looks
77ncaa:
On foliage, it depends on when you go. I attached the up-to-date foliage map from Yankee Magazine for you (below) as parts of New England are already at peak.
http://www.yankeefoliage.com/live-fall-foliage-map/
MAINE:
I would recommend
Portland, ME. 1hr 50min drive from Boston. A fun little scenic waterfront city. Several breweries & brewpubs including The Shipyard, Allagash & Geary's. www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/15/
If you stay downtown you get unique sunrise off the bay in the morning. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow home is there. You can visit LL Bean just 30mins away in Freeport. You can also stop at any of the beach towns in between Portland & the New Hampshire line such as Ogunquit, York, Kennebunk or Old Orchard Beach.
New Hampshire:
Portsmouth, NH is kind of like less interesting Portland, ME. They have a refurbished DT and a waterfront plus a historical section and a few brewpubs.
Vermont:
Burlington, VT is a family favorite and I'd highly recommend, but it may be way farther than you want to drive for a day (about 3.25hrs one way from Boston). It was recently listed as the Best College Town in America as it's the home of the University of Vermont. Pedestrian only center of town that overlooks Lake Champlain with the Adirondacks in the background. Home to the Magic Hat Brewery as well as some brewpubs. The Shelburne Museum is unique & interesting and it's right next to a winery (they sell a wine called Marquette, coincidently) and The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. Ben & Jerry's ice cram factory is just outside of Burlington off of I-89 and available for tours.
renko's recommendations on Boston and points north & Rhode Island are pretty solid. I agree and would take a visit to Newport over Providence if you have to choose. The mansions & the cliff walk are something to see.
In Boston, you can do the Freedom Trail (and pick & choose your stops) which basically just connects the dots on all the historic known spots in Boston. It passes through the North End on the way to the Old North Church (made famous by Paul Revere's ride). There are plenty of good Italian restaurants here. I went by smell and ended up in place with home made ravioli that made my kids day.
Portland Maine is a cool little city. Nice bar scene and nice downtown for a city of its size.
You MUST try a lobster roll. They are pricey, but well worth it. Fresh as can be. Another cool thing in Portland is a mead factory (distillery?). You can take tours of this place
http://mainemeadworks.com/
They also give you sample tastings of all of the mead. Yet another activity is whale watching. Another thing I found cool about the city is this little retro toy store downtown. Not retro like toys from the 60s (eg, wooden firetrucks), but rather toys from the 80s and 90s (eg, thundercats, ninja turtles, monster in my pockets, etc)
Quote from: Eldon on October 06, 2014, 11:18:26 AM
monster in my pockets
What you call a "toy" I call a "weapon"
It would be pretty difficult to top my childhood home in Milford, Conn.!
Quote from: MU82 on October 06, 2014, 12:00:48 PM
It would be pretty difficult to top my childhood home in Milford, Conn.!
Affectionately referred to as The Milf?
Check upcoming concerts at The Middle East
My family shares a cottage in York Beach, ME. Any of the towns around there are an easy drive from Boston, a little over an hour. There is a good amount of history in the area. A lot of seafood recommendations. You don't have to look far for deep-fried seafood or lobster rolls. If you are looking for straight-up lobster, there is a shack called Off the Boat which is as it sounds. My friends have always loved it. Also, if you're into trying to walk on the beach, two of the most popular beaches around are found in York (Long Sands and Short Sands beach).
Portsmouth, NH is 15 minutes from York and has a lot of history as well.
Quote from: hilltopper65 on October 06, 2014, 12:09:54 PM
My family shares a cottage in York Beach, ME. Any of the towns around there are an easy drive from Boston, a little over an hour. There is a good amount of history in the area. A lot of seafood recommendations. You don't have to look far for deep-fried seafood or lobster rolls. If you are looking for straight-up lobster, there is a shack called Off the Boat which is as it sounds. My friends have always loved it. Also, if you're into trying to walk on the beach, two of the most popular beaches around are found in York (Long Sands and Short Sands beach).
Portsmouth, NH is 15 minutes from York and has a lot of history as well.
Small world, I've been going to York beach every July with my entire extended family for the past 15+ years. Long sands beach and Nubble light are definitely worth seeing
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on October 06, 2014, 08:38:14 AM
77ncaa:
MAINE:
I would recommend Portland, ME. 1hr 50min drive from Boston. A fun little scenic waterfront city. Several breweries & brewpubs including The Shipyard, Allagash & Geary's. www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/15/
Shipyard has my favorite pumpkin beer of all time Pumpkinhead....it is a must try. Allagash in general is outstanding and they have a great brewery/tasting tour.
If you are into history I would highly recommend visiting Quincy(not to be confused with Quincy Market). It's just a few minutes from downtown Boston, take the redline to Quincy center. Quincy was home to John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and the birthplace of John Hancock. They have a historic trolley tour from quincy center that takes you to the birthplaces of John Adams and John Q Adams. Also goes to the original Adams mansion and the church of presidents where the two former presidents are buried in the basement. I would Highly recommend Albas restaurant, right in Quincy center just a block down from the church of presidents. Pretty upscale and pricey but amazing food. If you want a more blue collar locals place McKays restaurant is right across the street from the birthplaces and they serve a great breakfast.....I recommend the country breakfast, or the Irish breakfast.
Lots of good hiking in White and Green mountains this time of year. Hop on the Appallatian Trail for a ways. Or drive up coastal Maine all the way to Acadia.
Quote from: Celtic Truth on October 07, 2014, 11:15:45 AM
If you are into history I would highly recommend visiting Quincy(not to be confused with Quincy Market). It's just a few minutes from downtown Boston, take the redline to Quincy center. Quincy was home to John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and the birthplace of John Hancock. They have a historic trolley tour from quincy center that takes you to the birthplaces of John Adams and John Q Adams. Also goes to the original Adams mansion and the church of presidents where the two former presidents are buried in the basement. I would Highly recommend Albas restaurant, right in Quincy center just a block down from the church of presidents. Pretty upscale and pricey but amazing food. If you want a more blue collar locals place McKays restaurant is right across the street from the birthplaces and they serve a great breakfast.....I recommend the country breakfast, or the Irish breakfast.
Kin-zee in local parlance. I meant to mention this one also. It was fascinating to visit recently after reading the book & watching the John Adams mini-series. It closes for the season on November 10. We visited on that date and both President Adam's and their wives had a wreath & flag laid on it. Apparently, every Veteran's Day weekend (I think this was the reason), deceased presidents get this at their burial site. The library was built by JQA's son (out of stone to be fireproof per JQA) to house his father's and grandfather's books & writings.
Quote from: Eldon on October 06, 2014, 11:18:26 AM
You MUST try a lobster roll.
This is for MU82 - The lobster roll was invented in Milford, CT in 1929.
Quote from: Celtic Truth on October 07, 2014, 11:07:14 AM
Small world, I've been going to York beach every July with my entire extended family for the past 15+ years. Long sands beach and Nubble light are definitely worth seeing
Growing up, I used to visit my French-Canadian relatives way upstate in Greenville, ME on Moosehead Lake. When some of my older relatives passed away my parents decided to not drive so far anymore and would go to York Beach instead to get their Maine fix in. (The Maine coast in summer is loaded with French-Canadians anyway.) My brother and I would go in the water and it was so cold you didn't know it as it would numb everything until your knees and elbows turned purple and eventually we would stumble back to our beach towels with our muscles stiffened so much from the cold. All the towns on the Maine coast are wonderful to visit with plenty of places to eat fresh Maine caught lobster.
(Since fatherhood, all my family beach vacations have been Virginia Beach and south to avoid the "cold" water.)
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on October 07, 2014, 12:36:39 PM
Kin-zee in local parlance. I meant to mention this one also. It was fascinating to visit recently after reading the book & watching the John Adams mini-series. It closes for the season on November 10. We visited on that date and both President Adam's and their wives had a wreath & flag laid on it. Apparently, every Veteran's Day weekend (I think this was the reason), deceased presidents get this at their burial site. The library was built by JQA's son (out of stone to be fireproof per JQA) to house his father's and grandfather's books & writings.
Love that HBO series. Adams was one of the most important, and difficult, Founders of this great Republic. I thought Giamatti was an odd choice but he delivered magnificently. One of the most unheralded influences in shaping the fledgling nation was Abigail Adams. America is a better place because of her.
Quote from: keefe on October 07, 2014, 01:46:57 PM
Love that HBO series. Adams was one of the most important, and difficult, Founders of this great Republic. I thought Giamatti was an odd choice but he delivered magnificently. One of the most unheralded influences in shaping the fledgling nation was Abigail Adams. America is a better place because of her.
Keefe, My then 9 & 11 year old daughters enjoyed the visit and it must have been something between the pre-tour Tom Hanks narrated video and park ranger discussions at all the stops, but they left thinking Abigail was some cool chick and insisted they each had to get a book on her at the gift shop at the end.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on October 07, 2014, 12:36:39 PM
Kin-zee in local parlance. I meant to mention this one also. It was fascinating to visit recently after reading the book & watching the John Adams mini-series. It closes for the season on November 10. We visited on that date and both President Adam's and their wives had a wreath & flag laid on it. Apparently, every Veteran's Day weekend (I think this was the reason), deceased presidents get this at their burial site. The library was built by JQA's son (out of stone to be fireproof per JQA) to house his father's and grandfather's books & writings.
Actually pronounced Kwin-zee. But at least u didn't try to call it Quin-see. The Library was designed by HH Richardson who was a very famous architect who also designed Trinity church in Copley square in Boston which is regarded as an architectural masterpiece. And Quincy does all of the American holidays big, as we are called the city if Presidents. I would highly recommend a visit to Quincy.
BTW I was born and raised in Quincy, and my family has lived their for 4 generations, great city
Interesting to hear an outsiders perspective. What sites were you impressed with, and what did you go see/do?
Quote from: Celtic Truth on October 07, 2014, 02:09:12 PM
Actually pronounced Kwin-zee. But at least u didn't try to call it Quin-see. The Library was designed by HH Richardson who was a very famous architect who also designed Trinity church in Copley square in Boston which is regarded as an architectural masterpiece. And Quincy does all of the American holidays big, as we are called the city if Presidents. I would highly recommend a visit to Quincy.
BTW I was born and raised in Quincy, and my family has lived their for 4 generations, great city
Interesting to hear an outsiders perspective. What sites were you impressed with, and what did you go see/do?
Celtic Truth - Got the pronunciation from my cousins from Needham. In Quincy, I only really saw everything in Adams National Park & the church they are buried in. Wasn't the church designed by the same architect as Quincy Market? They were raising the town Christmas Tree that day and we stopped by Gunther Tooties for coffee and pastries afterwards. My wife bought a mug she liked the coffee so much.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on October 07, 2014, 03:11:24 PM
Celtic Truth - Got the pronunciation from my cousins from Needham. In Quincy, I only really saw everything in Adams National Park & the church they are buried in. Wasn't the church designed by the same architect as Quincy Market? They were raising the town Christmas Tree that day and we stopped by Gunther Tooties for coffee and pastries afterwards. My wife bought a mug she liked the coffee so much.
Good to hear that you enjoyed your time in Quincy. Gunther Tooties is a pretty good spot but you should have stopped at the Original Dunkin Donuts which is in Quincy
Quote from: Celtic Truth on October 07, 2014, 03:30:00 PM
Good to hear that you enjoyed your time in Quincy. Gunther Tooties is a pretty good spot but you should have stopped at the Original Dunkin Donuts which is in Quincy
Did not know that. Will have to put DD on my list for my next visit to Boston.
I'm loving this thread so much, I've shared it with others!
Thank you!
Keep them coming!
;D
Quote from: 77ncaachamps AKA Henry Ellenson's 2016ncaachamps on October 07, 2014, 06:12:04 PM
I'm loving this thread so much, I've shared it with others!
Thank you!
Keep them coming!
;D
We're going to need a full Scoop report after your trip for wherever parts of New England you visit!
Quote from: Celtic Truth on October 07, 2014, 11:07:14 AM
Small world, I've been going to York beach every July with my entire extended family for the past 15+ years. Long sands beach and Nubble light are definitely worth seeing
I wouldn't be surprised if we've walked by eachother... I was there for a few weeks in July. My friends came out from across the country, we might have caused a lobster shortage.
What's your favorite ice cream at Brown's?
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on October 07, 2014, 12:55:43 PM
Growing up, I used to visit my French-Canadian relatives way upstate in Greenville, ME on Moosehead Lake. When some of my older relatives passed away my parents decided to not drive so far anymore and would go to York Beach instead to get their Maine fix in. (The Maine coast in summer is loaded with French-Canadians anyway.) My brother and I would go in the water and it was so cold you didn't know it as it would numb everything until your knees and elbows turned purple and eventually we would stumble back to our beach towels with our muscles stiffened so much from the cold. All the towns on the Maine coast are wonderful to visit with plenty of places to eat fresh Maine caught lobster.
(Since fatherhood, all my family beach vacations have been Virginia Beach and south to avoid the "cold" water.)
Yeah, the water is pretty cold. I usually try to stay below nut level...
Yo, if you graduated in '65, I'd say you're no deeper than a foot in water then, aina?
Quote from: hilltopper65 on October 07, 2014, 07:25:20 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if we've walked by eachother... I was there for a few weeks in July. My friends came out from across the country, we might have caused a lobster shortage.
What's your favorite ice cream at Brown's?
Its gotta be the cookie dough......Huge chunks of cookie dough in every bite. But the brownie sundae is tough to pass up
Quote from: Celtic Truth on October 07, 2014, 07:46:31 PM
Its gotta be the cookie dough......Huge chunks of cookie dough in every bite. But the brownie sundae is tough to pass up
Impressive. I don't think I've ever finished a brownie sundae by myself, always surprised by the people who order it. Kahlua fudge brownie has always been my favorite.
I don't drink beer often, but if Shipyard continues to make the Pumpkinhead, I'm gonna need a sponsor. ;p
Simply delicious. Was served with a cinnamon sugared rim...liquid food became liquid dessert.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps AKA Henry Ellenson's 2016ncaachamps on October 12, 2014, 06:16:25 PM
Was served with a cinnamon sugared rim...liquid food became liquid dessert.
(http://blacksportsonline.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Roy-Hibbert-Yall.jpg)
77ncaachamps - Whatever happened to your autumn trip to New England? Did it work out? Did you visit multiple locations?
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on December 11, 2014, 03:50:48 PM
77ncaachamps - Whatever happened to your autumn trip to New England? Did it work out? Did you visit multiple locations?
I will recount it tonight. On the road right now.