Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

My sweetie for my graduation yesterday said as my gift he is going to take me someplace for a week in July or August (after he just vowed no more vacations after our cruise next month!) and I wanted to get ideas for places to go in New England.

I was thinking maybe Newport or Martha's Vineyard? Or else possibly down in Ocean City, MD.

He also said if we could get an awesome deal on airfare to Ireland (he'd consider that--but no such luck).

Just looking for ideas/recommendations, preferably on the shore....

TIA!

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

I loved Newport , RI & Portsmouth, NH!

DH wants to move to Portsmouth. . .

ETA- Newport can be expensive. We stayed in the next town & drove in ( about 10 minutes) and parked at a municipal lot & then walked around everyday.

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

Newport is always great.
I hear Nantucket is awesome too.

Also:
Cape Cod
Maine (especially the Ogunquit and Kennebunkport area and Bar Harbor)

Toronto
Niagara Falls
Montreal
Quebec City
are all great!

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

Whale watching in Newburyport. Though that's just a day. But it's near Cape Ann, Salem and Boston's about an hour away too.

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

No. Conway, NH is a great little town to visit if you don't mind being away from the coast. There are TONS of outlet stores and it is also home to Mt. Washington which you can drive up and see the most amazing views.
My DH works at a resort in Conway so I can give you info on the place if you want.

Of course, being from Maine, I'm very partial to it! There are many scenic towns up and down the coast....Bar Harbor is my favorite! Again, if you don't mind being away from the ocean, I could point you in the direction of some great bed and breakfast locations on lakes.

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

Rainmama...thanks (& everyone else). I'm kinda tossed up. We were just in NH (Ashland) for New Years at a B&B. We have friends that go to Conway & rave about it.

I personally love Bar Harbor, bf has never been. How far a drive is that from NY (Queens)--approximately?

I was also considering Kennebunkport (we went 2 years ago & loved it), but I'd kinda like to go someplace we both never been.

Thanks!!!!

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

I would love to be able to go here:

The Chanler

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

Bar Harbor is a haul from NY. It takes us about 6-7 hours to get from Portland to Nassau county. Bar Harbor is 3 hours east from Portland. But if you're up for the drive, it is well worth it. The island is amazing and has a little bit of everything....mountains, lakes, oceans, shopping, bars, restaurants, hiking, bike riding tours, camping, really cute B&Bs, and some luxury hotels. It's a tourist haven so I personally avoid it in the summer but it is the best season to go.


ETA: oops. I just re-read your post. You've been to Bar Harbor?

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

Yes I was actually in Bar Harbor w/ someone from my past (a reason bf may not want to go) & also that would be a long drive. We made it to Kennebunkport in about 5 hours, but probably not willing to do more of a drive than that...we'll see. I'm just getting ideas now. Thanks for your help!

We stayed at the Ullikana.

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

I don't know how much your DH is looking to spend, but both Newport and Martha's Vineyard can get kind of pricey. I love Ocean City and it's a lot cheaper, though a further drive. Another thing you may want to keep in mind is booking a last minute deal through travelzoo or expedia or something.

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

Rainmama, I love Maine. What area of the state did you live? I fell in love with Bar Harbor when I visited it!

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

Mystic CT was awesome - as was Newport RI.

I hear from people that Maine is beautiful as well.

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

I loved Newport when we went. But it was right after Christmas so a little bit less pricey (and probably a lot less crowded) then I think it would be in the summer. But really beautiful and I LOVED seeing the old mansions and walking around the town.

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

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Posted by 1017Bride

Rainmama, I love Maine. What area of the state did you live? I fell in love with Bar Harbor when I visited it!

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we live in the hills of western maine.........were all the snow is.....

Re: Vacation to New England? Newport? Other Ideas?

It must be beautiful Jonn