Weekend destinations in Vermont/New Hampshire?
Aug 22, 2012, 1:59 pm
#1
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Weekend destinations in Vermont/New Hampshire?
My old roommates and I go on a trip every year. Usually it's to something in wine country, but this year we're thinking New England. What are some good places in Vermont or New Hampshire (or Maine) where we can have good food, do some hiking and other outdoorsy stuff, and generally have fun for a weekend?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Aug 22, 2012, 8:18 pm
#2
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I'll start - for hiking, you really can't go wrong with the North Conway, New Hampshire area. Tons of options for hiking and outdoor sightseeing, as well as outlet shopping if you're at all into that.
That said, North Conway is not exactly renowned for good food, but there are decent options, depending on what type of food you're into. If it's pizza, I highly recommend the Shannon Door Pub in Jackson. Moat Mountain Brewpub is also terrific.
That said, North Conway is not exactly renowned for good food, but there are decent options, depending on what type of food you're into. If it's pizza, I highly recommend the Shannon Door Pub in Jackson. Moat Mountain Brewpub is also terrific.
Aug 23, 2012, 6:53 am
#3
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+1 for North Conway. Diana's Baths are a fun place for a hike (and a swim, if it's warm).
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tag...s/interesting/
http://www.nhtourguide.com/waterfalls/dianas_baths.htm
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tag...s/interesting/
http://www.nhtourguide.com/waterfalls/dianas_baths.htm
Aug 23, 2012, 8:54 am
#4
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You didn't indicate what time of year. If for 2012 leaf peeping season, you may run into availability issues.
In any event, the Stowe, VT area would meet most of your needs. And, Burlington itself would work -- although you'd need to drive 45 minutes or so to get to hiking.
In any event, the Stowe, VT area would meet most of your needs. And, Burlington itself would work -- although you'd need to drive 45 minutes or so to get to hiking.
Aug 23, 2012, 4:56 pm
#5
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There are so many options. My favorite is Acadia National Park in Maine. Phenomenal hiking (perfectly marked trails from easy to truly challenging), great cycling, foodie options in Bar Harbor, excellent lobster in Bernard (western part of Mount Desert Island where Bar Harbor and much of Acadia are located), this is where I'd suggest. You can fly to BGR and drive 45 minutes to Bar Harbor.
If you're interest is foliage, you'll find it gorgeous no matter where you choose to spend the weekend. Not sure if other states have websites like this but the State of Maine has a foliage watch website letting you know the current conditions. It updates weekly on Wednesdays once the foliage begins. http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/
If you're interest is foliage, you'll find it gorgeous no matter where you choose to spend the weekend. Not sure if other states have websites like this but the State of Maine has a foliage watch website letting you know the current conditions. It updates weekly on Wednesdays once the foliage begins. http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/
Aug 24, 2012, 9:49 am
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Acadia in Maine is lovely.
Lake Winnipesaukee, especially the town of Wolfeboro is a great spot for boating and enjoying the huge lake.
Stowe, Vermont is a nice ski area close to Burlington and offers good hiking options.
With that being said, Burlington is a funky town (lots of hipsters) with plenty to offer.
Even the North Shore of Massachusetts is lovely for some of the best seafood the US has to offer.
Lake Winnipesaukee, especially the town of Wolfeboro is a great spot for boating and enjoying the huge lake.
Stowe, Vermont is a nice ski area close to Burlington and offers good hiking options.
With that being said, Burlington is a funky town (lots of hipsters) with plenty to offer.
Even the North Shore of Massachusetts is lovely for some of the best seafood the US has to offer.
Aug 24, 2012, 10:21 am
#7
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Thanks everyone! We've settled on Burlington since it's easiest for all of us to get to.
Can anyone recommend country inns/hotels in the vicinity? We're looking for a place to sit out on the veranda with a cocktail, and that has a good restaurant in it or nearby. Think "grand old country estate" type places.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Can anyone recommend country inns/hotels in the vicinity? We're looking for a place to sit out on the veranda with a cocktail, and that has a good restaurant in it or nearby. Think "grand old country estate" type places.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Aug 24, 2012, 6:18 pm
#8
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Thanks everyone! We've settled on Burlington since it's easiest for all of us to get to.
Can anyone recommend country inns/hotels in the vicinity? We're looking for a place to sit out on the veranda with a cocktail, and that has a good restaurant in it or nearby. Think "grand old country estate" type places.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Can anyone recommend country inns/hotels in the vicinity? We're looking for a place to sit out on the veranda with a cocktail, and that has a good restaurant in it or nearby. Think "grand old country estate" type places.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Aug 25, 2012, 2:18 pm
#10
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Check out the Inn at Shelburne Farms. The restaurant there is very good. Burlington is about 15 minutes to the north. Vergennes, which has a couple of excellent restaurants, is about 20 minutes to the south.
Aug 27, 2012, 9:00 pm
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Aug 28, 2012, 6:53 am
#13
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The Pitcher Inn, about an hour south of Burlington, in picturesque Warren, Vermont, is a fabulous place with an outstanding restaurant (and great breakfasts that only are available to guests of the inn). I would opt for the Pitcher Inn over Shelburne Farms if you don't object to the distance from Burlington. There is great hiking and other activities nearby at Sugarbush Resort. Also, if you go make sure to check out the Vermont Country Store across the street.
).Thanks all! I've booked the Vineyard Cottage at Shelburne. I'll let you know how it goes.
Aug 28, 2012, 5:41 pm
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Aug 28, 2012, 5:50 pm
#15
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I'm looking at it now...they're all flying in but given my unemployment it looks more cost effective to drive - especially if I rent the car in New Jersey. Another idea is to take Amtrak there and fly back. Amtrak's return schedule won't work for me. On the other hand, it's a 9 hour train ride. Eek!