We will be taking a week long trip, 2 days in Boston, 2 in Portland, Maine, and 3 in North Conway, New Hampshire. My son was supposed to get married in NH in 2020, and we had booked this itinerary. COVID shut that down. Wedding happened, a much smaller affair at Lake Tahoe.

We decided to take the original trip this year as it sounded like fun. What are some must sees, dos and eats on this trip plan? Already thinking about visiting Sig. I spent a lot of time in Boston in the 1980s, and I'm Navy. USS Constitution is already on the repeat list.

Steamers n beer.

In Boston- you have probably done all these but the Old North Church, Freedom Trail, Lexington and Concord are all good things to see.

Take a class or two at Sig Academy in Epping NH.

If you want to bypass and visit Cape Cod, its just a slight detour. Great weather and still not too busy here. Lots to see, do, and great places to eat.

Take your time. Go up Rt. 1 from Boston to Portland, rather than the Turnpike. Enjoy the old road. Stop at the Kittery Trading post.

On your trip from Portland to North Conway, There's an old country store in Frye that is worth a stop.

In North Conway, hit Cathedral Ledge and Diana's Baths for short hikes.

As you’re driving up to Portland, you may want to check out The Steakhouse in Wells Maine! Most go to Maine for fresh seafood, until they discover The Steakhouse!
They have an outstanding ribeye, and the baked beans might be better!
No reservations, opens 4-4:30, and people will stand in line for hours!

Not on many "must see" list but While in Boston a stroll through the Granary Cemetery is interesting. Worth the hour or two. You will recognize many of the names on the markers. John Hancock, Paul Revere, Franklin, even Mother Goose.

https://www.trolleytours.com/b...anary-burying-ground

Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston.

Drive Route 1A along the NH seacoast. It's the best coastline in New England. Of course, I grew up there so I'm biased. Stop at the Beach Plum at North Hampton Beach for the best lobster roll in New England.

Mount Washington Auto Road or Cog Railway. It ain't Pike's Peak but the weather can be worse so pick your day carefully.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
Steamers n beer.

Good luck finding steamers for a reasonable price. My wife's cousin runs a restaurant at the beach and her cost for steamers is up 150% over last Fall.

I agree with Arties suggestion to drive up RT1 and hit Kittery Trading Post along the way. If I had the time in NH I might take the Kancamagus Highway to Lincoln and then work my way back to Boston via RT93. Driving through Franconia Notch is some nice scenery with several easy pull offs for viewing. Stop in Campton at the little red school house for a lobster roll if that’s your thing. Maybe hit the lakes region/Winnipesaukee.

Battle ship cove, Plymouth rock, Mayflower replica are all pretty close to each other in Plymouth, Ma.

If weather permits tubing down the Saco River is fun. Rent a tube and cooler tube. Bring sandwiches and beer in the cooler. Website is sacorivertubing.com. I book the 5 mile and spend all day on the river. Usually I go in July and the river is slow so they put me on the 3 mile and it still takes all day.

Moat Mountain Smoke House is good. Overall 3 days is actually too long unless you go hiking or similar. There is some fun at the ski place there too, mountain coaster or something like that.

I grew up in New England (NW Connecticut) decades ago and many day trips and vacations were spent there.
There are so many things to see and do there that having a week isn't close to enough time. I'd pick out a several that sound interesting and do your research online to narrow it down to just two or three. Also have a couple of backup's, in case one of the primary picks doesn't work out.

If you try to see too many you'll just spend too much time driving around and not get to really enjoy any. Most of that area takes a long time to get anywhere due to the congestion and and an older road system.

My personal preference for ocean is Maine over Massachusetts. You could spend several days from the New Hampshire border up to 75 miles north driving along the coastal areas and visiting the small towns. Lobster country for sure if that's what you like and scenic. Beaches are beautiful but the water is very very cold for swimming.

Historical-and out to Lexington & Concord, the Boston area has a number of Revolutionary War places that are relatively close to each other.

Mountains and hiking or outdoors-I'd catch on another trip as there are lots of places with similar beautiful sights and this would take up a lot of time that you don't have.

This area would be a great place to take a summer with a motor home and travel around at a leisurely pace and never run out of new things to see.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris17404:
Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston.

Drive Route 1A along the NH seacoast. It's the best coastline in New England. Of course, I grew up there so I'm biased. Stop at the Beach Plum at North Hampton Beach for the best lobster roll in New England.

Taking Rt 1 during the warmer months, especially on the weekend would take an entire day of stop and go traffic for miles along the NH coastline.

Any courses at the Academy are quickly filling up or already full so if that's the intention, book now.

quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:
Mount Washington Auto Road or Cog Railway. It ain't Pike's Peak but the weather can be worse so pick your day carefully.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
Steamers n beer.

Good luck finding steamers for a reasonable price. My wife's cousin runs a restaurant at the beach and her cost for steamers is up 150% over last Fall.

Oh snap!!

I visited for a week in 2007 (went up to Kennebunkport) and had those and/or the cold lobster sammich at least one a day.

Lobster?

Just some random thoughts for Boston and points north - very casual but interesting stops.

Boston - Green Dragon Tavern

The Green Dragon Tavern has a long and rich history, playing an important part in the freedom of Boston during the War of Independence. Established in 1654, The Green Dragon was a favourite haunt of Paul Revere (whom we considered a close neighbour) and John Hancock (whose brother lived next door!). It has been ratified by Daniel Webster – the famous historian, that it was indeed in the Green Dragon that the plans for the invasion of Lexington and Concord were overheard thus starting the famous ride of Paul Revere.

https://www.greendragonboston.com/

Red’s Kitchen and Tavern - route 1 north Peabody (heading north toward Ipswich and Portsmouth, Kittery out of Boston)

https://www.redskitchenandtavern.com/

The Clambox - heading north from Boston

Our roadside restaurant is located about 30 miles north of Boston in the historic beach town of Ipswich. Generations of New England families have been coming over to enjoy the finest fried seafood for more than 85 years.

https://clamboxipswich.com/


Portsmouth NH - on the way north to Kittery, Maine

https://www.goportsmouthnh.com/

quote:

Originally posted by rscalzo:
Taking Rt 1 during the warmer months, especially on the weekend would take an entire day of stop and go traffic for miles along the NH coastline.

I don't think so. Get off 95 at the Hampton tolls, drive down 101 to Hampton Beach, turn left and drive north up Rt 1A thru Hampton, North Hampton, Rye, New Castle, and Portsmouth. Get back on 95. I've driven around the NH seacoast my entire like as a native. It'll take about an hour or so, plus stops. It's only 13 miles of coastline. Enjoy.

Oh, and definitely spend half a day in Portsmouth and eat at a restaurant on the water on Ceres/Bow Street.

Lots of great suggestions! Thanks.