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Post by kittyriot on Sept 12, 2024 15:24:52 GMT -6
Hi Friends! I’m looking to book a quiet vacation for next summer. I’m having a hysterectomy in June so anything we do needs to be low key and easy. I’m thinking somewhere I can get r&r and O can still explore and have fun and be a kid.
I was leaning east coast Canada or east coast USA.
Canada, while home, is not giving me the kind of options I’m looking for and Cap Cod/Maine/Vermont are overwhelming me with their options.
I would love to hear feedback from people who love the area. I’m hoping for family friendly, nice but not 5 star Martha’s Vineyard nice, decent amount of activities there/nearby to keep an 11 year old entertained, good food nearby.
I deeply appreciate the feedback on here, actually knowing that people have been and enjoyed eases my fears around booking!
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Post by grumpycakes on Sept 12, 2024 16:02:35 GMT -6
Are you looking for anything specific like lake, ocean, mountains, etc? Do you want a touristy place with lots of different stuff to do (but lots of people) or are you looking for something a little quieter? I’m in NH so I’ve vacationed in this area a lot.
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Post by kittyriot on Sept 12, 2024 16:08:37 GMT -6
Are you looking for anything specific like lake, ocean, mountains, etc? Do you want a touristy place with lots of different stuff to do (but lots of people) or are you looking for something a little quieter? I’m in NH so I’ve vacationed in this area a lot. Nothing super specific. Quieter, but still decent food within walking distance. On water, I was thinking Ocean but I’m open to just about anything. Just needs to be family friendly enough to have options for the kiddo. |
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brux
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Post by brux on Sept 12, 2024 16:09:01 GMT -6
A few years ago, we did a family vacation to southern Maine. We flew into Boston, which is a lovely place to visit too, and then drove north to York, Maine. We stayed a few nights here. My kid enjoyed the outdoor pool. thelighthouseinn.com/We had great meals in that town and in Ogunquit, Maine too. I dream of going back there another summer soon. |
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Post by kittyriot on Sept 12, 2024 16:28:58 GMT -6
A few years ago, we did a family vacation to southern Maine. We flew into Boston, which is a lovely place to visit too, and then drove north to York, Maine. We stayed a few nights here. My kid enjoyed the outdoor pool. thelighthouseinn.com/We had great meals in that town and in Ogunquit, Maine too. I dream of going back there another summer soon. This sounds like exactly what I want. Short flight, maybe stay two days in Boston, rent a car and head to the shore for a week. I want to eat my weight in all the clam chowders! |
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snowyowl
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Post by snowyowl on Sept 12, 2024 17:14:29 GMT -6
Lots of chill Rhode Island towns to choose from! Newport is always a bit crazy, but fun. Places like Narragansett, Westerly and Jamestown are quieter and cute towns.
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snowyowl
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Post by snowyowl on Sept 12, 2024 17:49:05 GMT -6
A few years ago, we did a family vacation to southern Maine. We flew into Boston, which is a lovely place to visit too, and then drove north to York, Maine. We stayed a few nights here. My kid enjoyed the outdoor pool. thelighthouseinn.com/We had great meals in that town and in Ogunquit, Maine too. I dream of going back there another summer soon. This sounds like exactly what I want. Short flight, maybe stay two days in Boston, rent a car and head to the shore for a week. I want to eat my weight in all the clam chowders! Black Pearl in Newport spoiled me for all other clam chowders for life. |
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Post by kittyriot on Sept 12, 2024 17:55:12 GMT -6
This sounds like exactly what I want. Short flight, maybe stay two days in Boston, rent a car and head to the shore for a week. I want to eat my weight in all the clam chowders! Black Pearl in Newport spoiled me for all other clam chowders for life.  |
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cnf
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Post by cnf on Sept 12, 2024 19:21:38 GMT -6
Finger Lakes! Get a room at Belhurst Castle, go on a wine tour, get spa treatments, go out on Seneca Lake. It's such a lovely, low key vacation.
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Post by lucilleaustero on Sept 12, 2024 19:45:40 GMT -6
Maine, Maine, Maine.we just did 9 days there. bar Harbor and Portland are amazing and equally as great for relaxing as they are for keeping busy.
Shelter Island is my favorite East Coast summer destination.so much to do, but you won't feel crowded and you could not ask for a more relaxing spot.
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Post by peachesncream on Sept 13, 2024 6:11:53 GMT -6
I'll be the odd one out and throw out Charleston or any of the coastal islands in that area.
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trueblue
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Post by trueblue on Sept 13, 2024 6:12:28 GMT -6
If Rhode Island is a serious contender, splitting your time with a few days on Block Island might also fit your wish list.
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emma
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Post by emma on Sept 13, 2024 6:26:55 GMT -6
If you are looking to stay in Canada then St Andrew’s NB is my vote, or the village of Alma on the edge of Fundy national park. Both are beautiful and on the Bay of Fundy with great seafood. PEI is always a great place to visit too
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Post by coffeecake on Sept 13, 2024 6:28:07 GMT -6
Farther south, but Isle of Palms, SC or Hilton Head, SC. Isle of Palms: stay in Wild Dunes. They have lots of condo and house options. Hilton Head: stay in Sea Pines. They are both similar in that you can easily spend the entire time hanging out at the beach and pool, bike riding, etc. Or you can venture out and find other activities.
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mathrun
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Post by mathrun on Sept 13, 2024 6:28:28 GMT -6
This sounds like exactly what I want. Short flight, maybe stay two days in Boston, rent a car and head to the shore for a week. I want to eat my weight in all the clam chowders! Black Pearl in Newport spoiled me for all other clam chowders for life. They sell it canned. Not quite as good as fresh, but way better than any other canned clam chowder. Seriously though one of my favorite vacations when my kids were young was 4 days at Smuggler’s Notch, VT to do the hiking/swimming/eating lots of Cabot cheese, maple flavored food, and B&Js ice cream thing. Then Newport, RI in mid June just before it gets busy to do the tourist stuff and eat at BP and Benjamin’s. |
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Post by icedcoffee on Sept 13, 2024 6:45:22 GMT -6
MH and I went to Cape May a couple years ago and I loved it. Shopping, good food, and it was a very chill vibe with stuff to do still. I want to go back sometime!
We also were supposed to go to Newport but then covid ruined that, so I'd also vote that one as well lol
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shadows
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Post by shadows on Sept 13, 2024 10:02:00 GMT -6
If you are looking to stay in Canada then St Andrew’s NB is my vote, or the village of Alma on the edge of Fundy national park. Both are beautiful and on the Bay of Fundy with great seafood. PEI is always a great place to visit too You just unlocked a memory of going to the Bay of Fundy when I was 11ish. My mom got upset because I got my clothes absolutely filthy. I can't offer any advice because that was a looooong time ago, but I remember having fun. PEI has been on my list of places to visit since my great aunt introduced me to Anne of Green Gables when I was 8. |
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emma
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Post by emma on Sept 13, 2024 10:29:05 GMT -6
If you are looking to stay in Canada then St Andrew’s NB is my vote, or the village of Alma on the edge of Fundy national park. Both are beautiful and on the Bay of Fundy with great seafood. PEI is always a great place to visit too You just unlocked a memory of going to the Bay of Fundy when I was 11ish. My mom got upset because I got my clothes absolutely filthy. I can't offer any advice because that was a looooong time ago, but I remember having fun. PEI has been on my list of places to visit since my great aunt introduced me to Anne of Green Gables when I was 8. PEI in the summer is so great to visit, the seafood and especially the shellfish is unbelievably good. It’s laid back but with stuff for kids to do, plus all the Anne of Green Gables things |
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Post by kittyriot on Sept 13, 2024 13:54:06 GMT -6
You just unlocked a memory of going to the Bay of Fundy when I was 11ish. My mom got upset because I got my clothes absolutely filthy. I can't offer any advice because that was a looooong time ago, but I remember having fun. PEI has been on my list of places to visit since my great aunt introduced me to Anne of Green Gables when I was 8. PEI in the summer is so great to visit, the seafood and especially the shellfish is unbelievably good. It’s laid back but with stuff for kids to do, plus all the Anne of Green Gables things So you have tapped into exactly what was in my head… St. Andrew’s, PEI, Shediac, Sydney…any of the above were very appealing, but I wasn’t finding the hotel with the amenities I was hoping for for O. The Algonquin just seems too fussy for what I want and the other options just limited. Like lousy pools, or all Holiday Inn’s. I went digging for campgrounds (like a KOA), airbnbs (which appears to be the best option), etc Im probably overthinking it. I just feel badly with one kid and try the right balance of stuff to do, especially if I’m having a tough day |
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emma
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Post by emma on Sept 13, 2024 14:42:07 GMT -6
PEI in the summer is so great to visit, the seafood and especially the shellfish is unbelievably good. It’s laid back but with stuff for kids to do, plus all the Anne of Green Gables things So you have tapped into exactly what was in my head… St. Andrew’s, PEI, Shediac, Sydney…any of the above were very appealing, but I wasn’t finding the hotel with the amenities I was hoping for for O. The Algonquin just seems too fussy for what I want and the other options just limited. Like lousy pools, or all Holiday Inn’s. I went digging for campgrounds (like a KOA), airbnbs (which appears to be the best option), etc Im probably overthinking it. I just feel badly with one kid and try the right balance of stuff to do, especially if I’m having a tough day the Algonquin isn’t as fussy as it seems online. I haven’t stayed since it was a Fairmont but even then it was more laid back seaside vibe in a beautiful historic building, and it has a nice outdoor pool. Alma doesn’t have fancy hotels but Fundy Park has a cliff top swimming pool and a huge playground. Plus paddle boarding or kayaking in the lakes |
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Post by kittyriot on Sept 13, 2024 14:47:01 GMT -6
So you have tapped into exactly what was in my head… St. Andrew’s, PEI, Shediac, Sydney…any of the above were very appealing, but I wasn’t finding the hotel with the amenities I was hoping for for O. The Algonquin just seems too fussy for what I want and the other options just limited. Like lousy pools, or all Holiday Inn’s. I went digging for campgrounds (like a KOA), airbnbs (which appears to be the best option), etc Im probably overthinking it. I just feel badly with one kid and try the right balance of stuff to do, especially if I’m having a tough day the Algonquin isn’t as fussy as it seems online. I haven’t stayed since it was a Fairmont but even then it was more laid back seaside vibe in a beautiful historic building, and it has a nice outdoor pool. Alma doesn’t have fancy hotels but Fundy Park has a cliff top swimming pool and a huge playground. Plus paddle boarding or kayaking in the lakes Oh good to know on the Algonquin!! I will reconsider that spot for sure. And I’m looking again at PEI. Most of the decent spots are already patchy for next summer, so if I want to go that route I’m sure I’ll have to decide super soon. |
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sweptaway
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Post by sweptaway on Sept 13, 2024 15:37:57 GMT -6
When are you thinking of going ? I don't want to be a downer but I don't think I'd schedule a trip for at least two months after a surgery like that.
My first thought was Cape May though
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Post by kittyriot on Sept 13, 2024 17:28:14 GMT -6
When are you thinking of going ? I don't want to be a downer but I don't think I'd schedule a trip for at least two months after a surgery like that. My first thought was Cape May though I was looking at the end of August which would be two months out. |
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grogu
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Post by grogu on Sept 13, 2024 17:59:54 GMT -6
We've traveled multiple years to the Delaware Bay and really enjoyed ourselves. The area we went to was about 30 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach and we rented a house. The beach is really quiet and calm and a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs. It's close enough to Rehoboth to easily do the activities and boardwalk there if we wanted.
My brother and his family have done Cape May or Long Beach Island and I've heard that area is really nice too.
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sweptaway
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Post by sweptaway on Sept 13, 2024 19:41:51 GMT -6
When are you thinking of going ? I don't want to be a downer but I don't think I'd schedule a trip for at least two months after a surgery like that. My first thought was Cape May though I was looking at the end of August which would be two months out. Gotcha. I will say this current time of year a week or two post Labor Day is my favorite time for the shore. But school makes that hard! |
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laurie
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Post by laurie on Sept 13, 2024 20:16:16 GMT -6
Cape Cod is overrated and over priced, says the girl who’s lived 30 mins from the cape her whole life.
I am putting in another vote for Maine. Ogunquit is lovely, as is Bar Harbor. We are currently camping this weekend in New Hampshire near Lake Winnipesaukee. Another nice summertime destination.
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snowyowl
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Post by snowyowl on Sept 14, 2024 20:45:19 GMT -6
Black Pearl in Newport spoiled me for all other clam chowders for life. They sell it canned. Not quite as good as fresh, but way better than any other canned clam chowder. Seriously though one of my favorite vacations when my kids were young was 4 days at Smuggler’s Notch, VT to do the hiking/swimming/eating lots of Cabot cheese, maple flavored food, and B&Js ice cream thing. Then Newport, RI in mid June just before it gets busy to do the tourist stuff and eat at BP and Benjamin’s. I’ve never tried it canned, but they also sell it frozen and that’s pretty true to form. I haven’t been over there in too long. It’s my birthday next week, I’m dragging my boyfriend to Black Pearl for chowder 😂 |
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cnf
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Post by cnf on Sept 15, 2024 8:38:12 GMT -6
Maine, Maine, Maine.we just did 9 days there. bar Harbor and Portland are amazing and equally as great for relaxing as they are for keeping busy. Shelter Island is my favorite East Coast summer destination.so much to do, but you won't feel crowded and you could not ask for a more relaxing spot. Ohhhh, we did Maine this summer too. Bar Harbor, schoodic peninsula, Acadia. Amazing! |
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Post by spicysalmonroll on Sept 16, 2024 15:21:27 GMT -6
Agree- lifelong Masshole who hates Cape Cod.
York & Ogunquit Maine are def the ticket. While Bar Harbor is great for hiking, I don't find all that much else to do there and it's a pain to get to from a major airport. I find Portland totally boring and pretentious (too much fine dining too few classic clam shacks). RI & CT shore I enjoy for a day trip but for any longer, Maine is better.
Nubble Lighthouse, Marginal Way, Long sands beach, short sands beach, ogunquit beach, mini golfing, all the affordable seafood.
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caer
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Post by caer on Sept 28, 2024 15:07:02 GMT -6
Just wanted to chime in because we’re in York, Maine right now and I’m absolutely obsessed with it. We have a little cabin on a lake in Poland, Maine, so I’ve spent a lot of time in that area and in Portland. But this is my first time here and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s absolutely adorable. Wells and Ogunquit are nearby and equally lovely.
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