NWR Anniversary Trip

jelenybeany · July 2012

H and I took a delayed HM to Playa del Carmen the first week of May. We want to do something the week of our one year anniversary (September 3), but we can't spend another $3500.

We live in Maine. Any ideas on a 3-5 night vacation destination nearby? We're considering NYC (I went once with a friend for only two nights) D.C. (Not really drivable but plane tickets are very inexpensive) and Montreal. I'm not really interested in Montreal because I've been twice and didn't love it. He's pushing it. I was thinking Bar Harbor but he insists we'd get bored for even three nights.

We've ruled out Boston because we've been a ton.

Not really a budget per se, just looking for fun ideas.

Thanks so much!

kozacs · July 2012

Philly or Newport, RI

AdeleDazeem · July 2012

Philly would be super fun if you like to eat. We have some amazing restaurants (Morimoto, Buddakan, Amada, Tinto, Vetri's, etc). They're so good that NYC started stealing them :-)

I do think NYC would be really fun and it's closer to Maine.

TravelingJen · July 2012

What about Cape Cod, Nantucket, or Martha's Vineyard?

Additionally, what about Quebec City instead of Montreal?

Sue-n-Kevin · July 2012

I'm a HUGE proponent of DC because I think it is such a cool city and nearly everything you want to see is FREE!

Not sure what you consider a reasonably priced ticket, but my son lives in DC and we fly into Baltimore because it's cheaper (our local airport is a hub for Delta, and we have to fly Delta). From Baltimore you can get to DC by bus and Metro subway, or by train to the DC Union Station.

You don't need a car in DC because the Metro gets you everywhere. It is safe and easy travel. Besides, you have to pay $25-$50 a night to "store" a car in DC at the hotels.

The best budget friendly hotel we've found is the State Plaza, a former apartment complex turned into a hotel. You have a kitchen with fridge & microwave, and can save money on food (there is a CVS Pharmacy around the corner and they sell foods). Also a liquor store next to CVS, LOL />

The State Plaza is about 5 blocks from the Lincoln Monument and Vietnam War Wall. That is at one end of the Mall, and to walk to the other end is about an hour. Wear very comfy shoes, you will walk a LOT and in September it should be less humid.

Places to see I highly recommend (all free):

All the monuments
The Smithsonian museums, on either side of the Mall
The US Bureau of Engraving (where the sheets of bills roll off the printers, very cool)
The LIbrary of Congress (free tours every hour or two, worth it to hear the history of the way it's decorated, what everything means)
National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution are, as well as other important documents in our history
The Capitol (you can get guided tours through your US Senator or Representative, look for "constituent services" on their websites)

For a great restaurant, I'd recommend Founding Farmers, excellent food and reviews

If you are interested, sign up at the Washington Post website for weekly "things to see/do" emails. These detail restaurant reviews, things happening in the coming week, etc.

I'd also add Newport RI (I think it's crazy at Labor Day), really cool. Cape Cod should be winding down.

If you are Red Sox fans (which I assume you are, LOL), they are playing the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore during the weekend of Sept 28-30th. We delayed our honeymoon last year a couple of weeks so we could be in San Fran when the Tigers were playing the Oakland A's. If you check the Red Sox media guide (somewhere online on their website), they usually have the road hotels where the team stays. We stayed at the same hotel as the Tigers for 4 nights (no, we are NOT stalkers, just fans) got tons of autographs, they didn't mind.

Just thought I'd throw that last item in there. Another road trip would be to see the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, and then continue on to the Baseball one in Cooperstown........that's a dream trip of ours some day.

There's also Toronto, probably an 8 or 9 hr drive for you.........it's 13 hrs from Detroit to Boston through Canada, so taking out the 5 hrs to Toronto for us.

BTW: We'll be in Maine next month to visit a friend who has a house on the lake in Sanford. Going to get our fill of "lobstah", LOL. Looking forward to it.

MrsGandthebeag · July 2012

That's a great post above me. I would definitely vote for DC too. DH and I went a couple years ago for a quick trip and stayed in Baltimore right near the inner harbor. It is absolutely gorgeous. We saw a Red Sox game at Camden Yards, actually two games for so much cheaper than Fenway and it's a great stadium. We took the train into DC and had a blast.

jelenybeany · July 2012

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

SuMmErKuTiE · July 2012

Cape Cod

Block Island (off the coast of Rhode Island)

Marthas Vineyard

Nantucket

Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, and MGM Grand in Connecticut

You could do the Connecticut Wine Trail and stay at different bed and breakfasts along the way and finish up your stay at one of the casinos or in Newport.

http://www.ctwine.com/

http://www.mohegansun.com/gateway/index.html

http://www.foxwoods.com/mgmaccommodations.aspx

I grew up in CT, and my favorite things about the area are the casinos, the wine trail, and the accessibility to Newport, Cape Cod, and Block Island for day trips or weekend trips.

The casinos are MUCH more than just gambling. They have fantastic nightlife, great restaurants, shopping, beautiful pools, concerts, and amazing spas if you're looking to be pampered.

SuMmErKuTiE · July 2012

There are also 5 night Bermuda cruises that go out of Boston and NYC

Soon2BeMrsTing · July 2012

I always loved spending my Labor Day weekends in northern Vermont when I was growing up. September 3rd will be the final day of the Champlain Valley Fair if you wanted to consider heading to the Burlington area. There's great shopping on Church Street, with gorgeous views of sparkling Lake Champlain. Good restaurants, too. Lots of tours are available in the area as well, such as Ben and Jerry's ice cream and the Vermont Teddy Bear company.

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