octr202 - thank you for your suggestions.
We're thinking that we will stay on the northern outskirts of Boston and commute in to see the sights and possibly take the foot ferry to Provincetown for a day out.
A trip to Salem (MA!) is definitely on the cards with possibly trips to Portsmouth and the North Shore.
It's fascinating looking at all the place names - can appreciate why the area is called New England!
Thanks for your advice.