Boston
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Matt..

Original Poster:

4,028 posts

219 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
I am off on a short holiday to Boston at the end of next week and am being a bit poor at organising what to do when i get there!

So far all i really have is a couple of sports games and a gig smile

Does anyone know of any good day trips you can do from Boston? and would a car be needed do you think?

I am possibly going to go down to NYC which is 3.5hrs on the train, and 4.5hrs back on the bus (i have been before, so a quick trip is ok for me). Would this be a bit crazy for a day? (i am thinking 8-10hrs there).

XB70

2,494 posts

226 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
Take a boat down to Salem - we were there around the same time that you are going (about 2 years ago) and it was great - Halloween things everywhere, a parade (all very 'Dawsons Creek' movie set type of town!) and we had a blast. It was like the town from Scream!

Just make sure that you catch the right boat back since the last one leaves early - you can get a train back which is fine also

Well worth it

satchbot

1,916 posts

226 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
Catch a hockey game

Zad

13,013 posts

266 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
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Go on a "duck" tour. Big ww2 amphibious trucks that do a tour of the city and it's rivers.

eccles

14,386 posts

252 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
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A trip to Skeggy should be nice at this time of year, it's not too far either.

schmalex

13,616 posts

236 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
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Hire a car & go up to Portsmouth, New Hampshire & some of the small coastal towns & villages around there (including Salem). There is a really cheap designer outlet mall in Kittery / Maine about 10 mins from Portsouth as well, if you are into the shopping thing. The scenery around that is absolutely stunning. You can also go up to the White Mountains, which are nice.

Otherwise, take a trip out to Cape Cod. Lovely New England beaches with lots of fishing villages etc.

satchbot

1,916 posts

226 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
Definitely Salem for Halloween yes Some nice bars and restaurants in Boston town centre. Must go back sometime scratchchin

Matt..

Original Poster:

4,028 posts

219 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
satchbot said:
Catch a hockey game
I have that sorted as well at the Patriots NFL game smile

I am there from next Thurs to Monday, so don't have too much time. I am unsure on the whole renting a car thing, having never driven abroad or an auto! I am open to it though, i just need to work out if its a good idea, and if it is, where i should really go. I might swap going down to NYC to do this though...

Edited by Matt.. on Wednesday 15th October 22:17

bishbash

2,447 posts

227 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
The holocaust memorial is an eye opener, it's near quincy market and only takes 5 mins to look at.
The aquarium is good.

MrVelox

2,974 posts

217 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
Good god don't take the Bus back from NYC, take the train.

In America Bus = Disgusting

Matt..

Original Poster:

4,028 posts

219 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
I am thinking of ditching the NYC idea and hiring a car and exploring places instead smile

However, i don't know where to go, and am trying to find somewhere that can rent me a car that isn't terrible biggrin

marc.l

822 posts

255 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
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I always drive from Boston to New York takes about 15 mins but never stop and carry on untill I get to Coningsby. You must visit the Stump and Skegy is only a short drive.

HTH :]

Puggit

49,813 posts

278 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
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Why exactly do you need to leave Boston? So much to see and do in the City!

forsure

2,245 posts

298 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
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I was in New England last week, my first visit to the US.

Didn't have long enough in Boston, lots to do/see there - the 'Duck' tours seem to be popular.

Also went to Plymouth, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Newport, Pittsfield, Woodstock ('the quintessential New England village'), Green Mountains, Burlington, Stowe, White Mountains, Portland, Kennebunkport (very pretty), Cape Neddick lighthouse.

All highly recommended; stunning scenery and architecture everywhere - and the Fall 'colors' were spectacular.

Went up Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park, White Mountains (4180ft) by 'aerial tram' (cable car). Fantastic views on a clear day.

ETA: I'm told the coastal route from Boston to Portland is well worth driving, but I didn't have time so used the 'Interstate'.



Edited by forsure on Wednesday 15th October 23:41

HRG

72,863 posts

269 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
eccles said:
A trip to Skeggy should be nice at this time of year, it's not too far either.
And some right bargains to be had if you drive to Springfields...

Poledriver

29,597 posts

224 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
You could pop up the road to Lincoln and see Missy A_K smile

Matt..

Original Poster:

4,028 posts

219 months

Wednesday 15th October 2008
quotequote all
Puggit said:
Why exactly do you need to leave Boston? So much to see and do in the City!
Because its always good to see the surrounding area too smile

Here is my plan so far, you can see i have many gaps that need filling!

Thursday: arrive early afternoon, brief look after in the afternoon to find out where everything is. nhl in the evening
Friday: No plans. Either rent a car and go exploring, or maybe go down to NYC
Saturday: No real plans, but will most likely be my proper look around boston day. Freedom trail, go up the Prudential tower, quincy market, shops, harvard, salem, etc...
Sunday: NFL + concert
Monday: No plans, most likely to be like Saturday and more looking around Boston. Leave early evening.

satchbot

1,916 posts

226 months

Thursday 16th October 2008
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Glad to hear you're catching a hockey and football game thumbup The Freedom Trail is a good walk and you do get to see a fair bit. Get yourself down to the harbour for a lobster/seafood dinner.

MrVelox

2,974 posts

217 months

Thursday 16th October 2008
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Hell, you have only a few days, stick close to Boston. When you are there the fall colors will be just about peaking, so that will be something to see.

Pats game ought to be good, they're playing the Rams (I still hope they lose as a Giants fan however).

Lots to see in Boston, just don't buy anything related to the Red Sox, that will give you AIDS.

Nigel H

2,251 posts

240 months

Thursday 16th October 2008
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We did this

http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/boston-whale-wa...

You may need to have a strong stomach to cope with the boat though, I reckon 50% of our party were seasick