30

Yes, I originally brought up the Ben and Jerrys factory tour. I've heard a lot of good things about it from friends and we both developed an unhealthy obsession with the stuff when we were recently in Hawaii. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you consider our waistlines), we can't easily purchase it over here in Australia.

It certainly won't be the no. 1 attraction we're busting to see though but if we're going to be in the area, we'll make a reasonable detour to visit.

Again, I really appreciate all the responses so thank you. I've been taking note of all of it and its definitely helping the research.

Scott.

31

No need to bad mouth the Red Sox. Just mentioning the name says it all.

32

What we have here is a debate over a mountain, vs. dessert, vs. Mt. Desert Island.

33

OOOO Mt. Washington. I forgot about that.
Yeah, go there, do that.

Oh, and Fenway is still a good idea.

Edited by: LongIslandBob

34

Ian,

Sorry, I don't want to create a thing here but in defense of Nicole, she just pointed out what I had written in my original (?) post. As I said, the ice cream factory isn't really a mandatory locked in thing, it was just part of the original allure of that part of Vermont. If we can find somewhere else in Vermont and NH that sounds better, we may not go there.

I certainly don't want to feel ungrateful for any suggestions here. Nicole
may not have even mentioned it if I had not originally brought it up.

Cheers,

Scott.

35

Every party needs a pooper, so I'll chime in. Regardless of where you go in New England, bring some insect repellent for black flies. And don't plan on on taking a ferry between Boston and Portland unless someone can link you to a current schedule and ticket prices. (I won't be the person to do it, because currently no such ferry exists.)

36

adding to #34: If you go to Mt. Washington, make a reservation on the Cog railway for a glorious ride! You certainly don't want to drive the mountain road, which is scary enough even if you're used to driving on the right. You can also tour the public areas of the famous hotel, where a lot of history was made.

Hey, you may need to add a week...

37

#35, if someone would add some chile to the mix, one could say we've made a mountain out of a molé hill.

38

You certainly don't want to drive the mountain road, which is scary enough even if you're used to driving on the right.

Hey ... we drove up and survived - in a Chrysler Sebring Convertible no less ... I've even got the bumper sticker to prove it. If you go, you could experience Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream as well. And yes - the Mt Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods is outstanding - and only the site of the western world economic system for three generations . not too bad.

39

Ianw6705 wrote:
"I stand by my comments - anyone who recommends Portland ME or a Ben & Gerry's ice cream factory (good grief) over Acadia NP or Mt Washington - is definitely not playing with a full deck."

You may stand by your comments but you obviously can not read. I never recommended Portland nor Ben & Jerry's (please notice the correct spelling) over Acadia. I did independently recommend Acadia in my first post which you failed to read. I provided directions to Ben & Jerry's, a place OP wants to visit. Why does this them make me "not playing with full deck"? Your interests are your interests and yes, you may choose not to go to an ice cream factory but this is not about what you would do, this is about what the OP wants to do.

I also never did not recommend Mt Washington or any of the numerous offerings in the White Mountains, just didn't have time to write about them as options during the drive over from Portland to Burlington but certainly as one drives northwest from Portland, you enter through a very beautiful part of NH that should be enjoyed. In actuality, folks that are from New England don't drive up Mt Washington (as you recommended), we prefer to hike it. However, to be completely honest, most avid hikers in the area would not even rate Mt Washington as high on one's list for hiking options in the area simply due to the fact that one can drive up it and it has tainted the experience. There are many other mountains nearby (which if you want Scott I can give you some options) which are a much better way to enjoy the landscape at the summit without cars/SUVs at the top with you.

Also, since I did in fact at one point live in Portland ME and in fact probably know the area a lot better than you who appears to have briefly visited there, I think I am a better authority as to whether it is worth seeing. And again, the OP mentioned they were interested in some of the fine cuisine that is available in Portland which is something that folks who live in metro Boston/southern NH and downeast Maine are very familar with - Portland has a small but thriving reputation for excellent "foodie" options that rivals Boston at cheaper costs. It would make sense than that a pair of visitors who want to visit Maine and mentioned good food as part of their interests, would want to perhaps to stay here for a night or two. OP wanted to stay for 4 days and I agree with other posters that this is perhaps a little too long for most visitors to Portland. BTW Scott, if you want/need specific restuarant recommendations, just ask. There are many restaurants that serve wonderful meals, with the strong concept of utilzing local ingredients and local farmers' products to creat some excellent restaurant excursions.

Ian I think your comments are extremely inappropriate and I wish the moderators of this forum would delete your arrogant, rude and childish statements as it is not productive to the main point of TT which is to provide uptodate, first-hand experience on traveling for other travelers, not to criticize what one wants to do on their vacation/honeymoon.

40

If you want to go hiking I would consider the White Mountains of NH to be a "premier" destination. The Presidential Range is the only place in New England where you can hike extensively above treeline (think: alpine vegetation no taller than your ankles and lots of granite) except Mt. Katahdyn in Maine. The views are impressive and the trails are very well marked. North Conway is a good town to base yourself in with inexpensive hotels, especially in May. Jackson is a smaller, quainter village with more expensive lodging but plenty of quiet B&B's to choose from.

I would second the recommendation to stay outside of Burlington if you are looking for peace and quiet though it is an interesting small new england city but you'll be getting that experience in Portland. Portland is great if you like to eat; packed full of restaurants! If you are looking to hike in VT, Camel's Hump and Mt. Mansfield are the most popular mountains and basing yourself in Richmond or Waterbury would be nice. Stowe is also nice and has the same upscaley-New England ski village feel as Jackson, NH.

In NY and Boston a car will be a nuisance but for the rest of the trip it is nearly a requirement as New England bus service is fairly terrible. There is however a bus from Logan Airport directly to the White Mountain National Forest which is good for hiking... (concord coach) but from there you would have to hitchhike the 2.5 hours to Portland. No bus.

41

Ian I think your comments are extremely inappropriate and I wish the moderators of this forum would delete your arrogant, rude and childish statements as it is not productive to the main point of TT which is to provide uptodate, first-hand experience on traveling for other travelers, not to criticize what one wants to do on their vacation/honeymoon.

Time to grow up a bit and get a slightly thicker skin Nicole ... your comments are not so precious that they are immune from scrutiny and criticism ... the TT is a broad church - lots of us lots of the time have opinions that vary from others - sometimes quite markedly so. I suggest you get very used to it if you plan to continue here. And you did disparage Bar Harbor (and by implication, Acadia NP) in favour of Portland ... for reasons I cannot being to imagine.

42

Not sure if I would recommend trying to climb Katahdin in May. First, I believe the trails are closed in May, as the authorities wait for the snow to melt (otherwise, the trails would become irreparably damaged due to mud). Second, the trails tend to open right as the enormous hatch of black flies begins, meaning every breath you take is filled with biting insects (bring a headnet!)

I agree that it's more fun to visit small towns in most of New England. Vermont, New Hampshire are full of interesting places.

12 nights in NYC might sound like a lot to some people, but it is a wonderful city to explore, particularly if you're interested in art and culture, or even nightlife. Lodging in NYC is extremely expensive, but other things are not too bad. If you plan to explore the ethnic enclaves of NYC, you will find lots of interesting, cheap meals.

I would recommend Quebec City. Montreal is also fun - more cosmopolitan, less 'charming' than Quebec City.

43

Yeah I heard about the black flies but the're in more places than Maine. I've dealt with them be fore I get a net and some bug spray and ignore them. but yeah, they are vicious to the unprepared.

That said, I was not aware that Katahdin opens that late. That is some good solid advice.

44

in my opinion you would have just as good of a hike in NH or VT without bothering to venture all the way out to Katahdin. And I agree that some of the trails/roads may still be closed if it's a heavy snow year.

I would also un-recommend the drive or railroad up Mt Washington only because they are quite expensive (sixty-seventy dollars per person on the Cog) and the surrounding mountains are better in my opinion since there's no parking lot on top. BUT, if you want mountain scenery and you're not up for an adventurous hike there are ski areas that will take you up on their gondolas for less money -- try Wildcat mountain for an awesome view of Washington or Cannon Mountain further south. Both allow you to hike one-way and take the gondola the other way if you choose.

And oh dear, the blackflies! I failed to notice you were coming in May. Maybe you'll spend the whole time playing cards in your hotel room? I hope not!