Local Honeymoon Trip - East Coast

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I am getting married in June 2006, and we are considering a somewhat local honeymoon (within 5-8 hours drive of Philadelphia/Central NJ). We are thinking about Cape Cod but haven't made any decisions yet. Any suggestions!

Thanks in advance! :)

[Meredith]

Yeah, Cape Cod can be very romantic. You could also do the Vineyard or Nantucket. Do you want a B&B or hotel? What about Newport, Rhode Island, or taking the ferry to Block Island as well? So many amazing places nearby!

I'm jealous!

[Maggie8202]

I would look into Nantucket Island. I lived there for a summer back in 2000 and it is such a layed back and romantic astmosphere, especially if you go before July 4th. It is soo beautiful, and there are great inn's or if you prefer a hotel style we went back last year and stayed at the nantucket inn and loved it. There are tons of beaches, so many you will find one to meet your needs, great resturants, fun shops, and you can 4-wheel on many of the secluded beaches. The sunsets are so magnificent, and there are some great places to have a bottle of wine and enjoy it, or even have a picnic and watch the sun go down. Check out www.nantucket.net it has lots of great info. If you need any help let me know.
Maggie:)

[rosa727]

I was going to say Nantucket and then realized that was a popular suggestion. It is so cute and romantic. We stayed at a B&B there, which was great.

Block Island is also great - I went there every summer while growing up. It is very laid back and really cute.

[justHB]

A couple of years ago we drove from Pittsburgh, PA to Kennebunkport, Maine for a week-long vacation and had an absolute blast! I would strongly recommend it as a honeymoon destination, especially during the summer.

[donm425]

what about Niagara Falls? there are hotels & casinos plus if you didn't want to drive you could always fly up there.

I also love Montauk

My boss & his wife just returned from the Greenbrier in West Virginia, they said it was beautiful

Have fun!

[mbw1024]

Southern Maine is great. Lots to do and easy driving for day trips and such. Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are both great towns with good places to stay and eat.

If you are looking for a little cabin, try a place called The Dunes in Ogunquit. We stayed there last year over Memorial weekend and it was really romantic.

I go to this area 2-3 times a year so if you want any help in the area let me know.

Mary Beth

[PG-rated]

I second southern Maine and Newport. Actually, if you have a week or so, I would suggest driving up I-95 and stopping for a couple of days in Newport, Boston, and Maine (any of the southern towns are great, and Kittery for shopping). There's also Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, which has been making itself into more of a destination getaway.

[karina]

Here are some tours I found:

Niagara Falls & Washington D.C. 2006
Day 1 NEW YORK CITY.
Day 2 NEW YORK CITY-CORNING-NIAGARA FALLS.
Depart Manhattan, heading northwest across New Jersey, through the Pocono Mountains and into upstate New York, arriving in Corning at midday. Late this afternoon cross the border at Rainbow Bridge and proceed to the Canadian side of the Niagara River in the province of Ontario. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Niagara Falls.

Day 3 NIAGARA FALLS.
On this morning’s sightseeing tour behold the spectacular falls from Table Rock. Then board the Maid of the Mist for amazing close-ups. Tonight join our optional fun-filled Canadian musical. This entertaining evening includes a five-course dinner served family style.

Day 4 NIAGARA FALLS-PHILADELPHIA.
Head south, following the Susquehanna River through the Appalachian Mountains and into Pennsylvania Dutch Country by mid-afternoon. Then it’s on to the handsome city of Philadelphia for an overnight stay.

Day 5 Wed. PHILADELPHIA-ANNAPOLIS-WASHINGTON D.C.
The "City of Brotherly Love" is also the birthplace of American Independence, and is therefore steeped in history. Our morning orientation tour focuses on the city’s historic landmarks. Afterwards you have free time to visit the Independence National Historic Park or Independence Hall. Head for historic Annapolis, and there’s some time to explore this quaint waterfront town at your leisure. Then it’s on to the U.S. capital and seat of government, Washington D.C. for a two-night stay. Later join the optional outing featuring dinner followed by an illumination tour of the city’s most famous memorials.

Day 6 WASHINGTON D.C.
The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure-trove, and your half-day tour features ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, the KOREAN and VIETNAM WAR VETERANS MEMORIALS, and many other well-known sights. You’ll also stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. The afternoon is free. Your Tour Director will suggest independent activities to explore this fascinating city.

Day 7 WASHINGTON D.C.-NEW YORK CITY.
This morning drive to Newark International Airport for guests with homebound flights. (Please schedule flights after 5:30 p.m.) The trip ends in Manhattan in the late afternoon.

Islands of New England
Day 1: Providence, Rhode Island - Tour Begins
Join Collette on a journey highlighting the natural beauty and traditional charm of New England. Your tour begins in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island.

Day 2: Providence - Newport - Providence
Begin your day with a sightseeing tour of Providence, “America’s Renaissance City.” See renowned Brown University, founded in 1764, and the Baptist Meeting House, the first Baptist Church in America. Following your tour, travel to Aquidneck Island and the beautiful city of Newport, the “Yachting Capital of the East.” Drive along breathtaking Ocean Drive and gaze in awe at the majestic mansions along Bellevue Avenue. This afternoon, a tour of the Marble House mansion, the gorgeous summer home of Mr. and Mrs. William Vanderbilt, will delight you. Enjoy dinner in Newport before returning to Providence. (B, D)

Day 3: Providence - Boston, Massachusetts - Providence
Today you depart Providence and travel north to the exciting city of Boston. Your passport to history, Boston’s charm will envelop you while on a tour of Beacon Hill, the Old South Meeting House, the Public Gardens, the historic North End, the Old North Church, the U.S.S. Constitution and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. With time at leisure, you may stroll along the famed Freedom Trail, or peruse the red-brick townhouses, outdoor cafés and art galleries found along Newbury Street. Return to Providence for a sumptuous dinner. (B, D)

Day 4: Providence - Cape Cod, Massachusetts
En route to Plymouth, Massachusetts, stop at a working New England cranberry bog that specializes in dry harvests. Enjoy a guided tour and learn about this unique crop. Next, step back in time with a stop in the celebrated city of Plymouth. It was here, in 1620, that the Pilgrims landed. See legendary Plymouth Rock and board a reproduction of the Mayflower, the 102-passenger ship used by the Pilgrims for the 65-day journey from England. Experience the Pilgrim way of life with a visit to Plimoth Plantation, a recreation of a 17th-century Pilgrim village. Before continuing to the Cape, visit a family-owned Massachusetts winery and learn about the making of their unique fruit wines. (B, D)

Day 5: Cape Cod - Martha’s Vineyard - Cape Cod
A full day on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard is sure to please. Known for visits by presidents and royalty, this summer home to many artists, writers and celebrities is full of surprises. A local guide will show you all the highlights including quaint gingerbread-styled cottages, and a once-famous whaling port, resplendent with sea captain’s homes and widow’s walks. Depart Martha’s Vineyard and cruise back to Cape Cod. Tonight indulge in a traditional New England lobster feast. (B, D)

Day 6: Cape Cod - Nantucket - Cape Cod
Today you visit the stunning island of Nantucket. Upon arrival, time is available to stroll along the waterfront or browse the shops along cobblestoned Main Street. This afternoon, a tour of the island brings you past beautiful cottages, beaches and lighthouses. (B)

Day 7: Cape Cod - Provincetown - Cape Cod
Your day begins with a tour of Hyannis. Catch a rare glimpse of the Camelot era as you travel through Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound, and visit the poignant Kennedy Memorial. Enjoy a visit to the Cape Cod National Seashore, and charming Provincetown, a lively artist colony, before enjoying a dazzling farewell dinner onboard an elegant diner train*. Indulge in a five-course menu while you sit back and watch the beautiful Cape Cod scenery roll by. (B, D)

Day 8: Cape Cod - Boston - Tour Ends
Return to Boston, where your tour ends. Look back with many wonderful memories of your vacation to the islands of New England. (B)

New England & French Canada
Day 1: Arrive New York City
Welcome to New York City, your gateway for your New England and French Canada vacation. This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception hosted by your Brennan Tour Director. Overnight at Sheraton New York Hotels and Towers

Day 2: Sturbridge Village and Boston
Board your luxurious motorcoach this morning to travel northeast to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, a fascinating living heritage center of 19th-century America whose vintage buildings have been gathered from all over New England. Continue to Boston for a leisurely two-night stay. (B, D) Overnight at Sheraton Boston Hotel

Day 3: Boston Sightseeing
This morning, enjoy a tour of the downtown sights, featuring the historic North End, the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides,”), the Boston Common, the State House, the Tea Party Museum Wharf and Copley Square. This afternoon is at leisure. (B) Overnight at Sheraton Boston

Day 4: Boston to Bar Harbor
Today drive northeast toward the rockbound coast of Maine, passing innumerable snug coves and secluded fishing villages. Your destination is Bar Harbor, gateway to spectacular Acadia National Park. (B, D) Overnight at Bar Harbor Inn

Day 5: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
Today drive through wild and rugged Acadia National Park, with stops at Thunder Hole and atop Cadillac Mountain. The afternoon is free to explore the town and its quaint shops or simply relax and enjoy the coast. (B) Overnight at Bar Harbor Inn

Day 6: Bar Harbor to Québec City
Today, drive northwest through the Maine woods and into Canada. When you see the stone walls of Québec City, you will feel as though you are stepping back in time to Old France. Tonight, savor fine French cusine at a charming restaurant in the Old City. (B, D)
Overnight at Loews Le Concorde Hotel

Day 7: Québec City at Leisure
This morning, explore North America’s only walled city, abounding in winding cobblestone streets and quaint restaurants and boutiques housed in buildings over 400 years old. Later, you may wish to take an included excursion to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, revered by pilgrims since 1888. (B) Overnight at Loews Le Concorde Hotel

Day 8: VIA Rail to Montréal
Today you will travel in style through the province of Québec onboard VIA Rail. The line follows the St. Lawrence River to Montréal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Lunch is included on the train. This evening enjoy dinner in Old Town Montréal. (B, L, D) Overnight at Fairmont Queen Elizabeht Hotel

Day 9: Montréal
This morning, Montréal sightseeing includes Notre Dame Cathedral, the cobbled streets of Old Montréal and Mount Royal for a beautiful view of the city. (B) Overnight at Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel

Day 10: Stowe, Vermont
Travel south from Montréal past the shores of Lake Champlain into Vermont, whose verdant Green Mountains and quaint villages punctuated by white steeples line your route. A guided tour of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream making facility comes complete with delicious samples. An early arrival at our resort allows ample time to explore Stowe on your own, or perhaps treat yourself to a fabulous spa treatment. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner hosted by your Brennan Tour Director. (B, D)
Overnight at Top Notch Resort & Spa

Day 11: Stowe to Boston / Home
Today travel from Stowe, Vermont through New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Berkshire’s of Massachusett’s en route to Boston. Arrival at the Logan Airport is approximately 3:00 p.m. Please schedule your flight home after 5:00. (B)

http://www.tourvacationstogo.com/

[mb1197]

I recommend Nantucket. I guess I'm partial to it though since DH grew up there and BIL still lives on the island. DH and I are leaving Dec 1st to go up for the Xmas Stroll. It's a beautiful place with lots of shops and great restaurants. If you want specific suggestions from a "local" I can ask DH for you. Just let me know.:)

[lightview]

mb1197,

We are definitely leaning towards going to Nantucket. Please provide information about best places to stay. thanks!

[Maggie8202]

Like I had mentioned nantucket.net has your best resourses. I had personally stayed at the Nantucket Inn when we went back to visit and was very happy. It is the one of the only hotel style places on the island that is moderately priced. The rest are more like inns and cottages. It had a nice pool and came with complimentary breakfast. The bathroom products were also from bath and body works! It was close to the airport, so away from town, but they were close to the bus route. I have also heard positive things about the summer house.

[lightview]

Maggie,

Sorry I didn't thank you earlier but I did go out to nantucket.net. I guess I was a little overwhelmed by all the choices for hotels & inns and wanted some personal recommendations. Thanks again.

[bookworm]

I haven't stayed at either of these, but I have been to both and they are both very nice (and in town). One is the Elephant Something or the Something Elephant. The other is the Jacob Something (Coffin, maybe?) house. Ok, I don't remember the exact names. But I suspect it's enough info to find them online :).

[Maggie8202]

Sorry, I didn't understand that... this should help out more. I did go visit the sight and if you are not familiar I can see that there are too many choices...

I am not sure if you are planning on renting a car on island, bringing the car over by ferry (about $400, and reservations have to be made as soon as they are put up for sale so that it is not booked, in about feb) or if you were going to just taxi and bus it. The bus system on island is fairly new and takes you almost everywhere you want to go.

http://www.thesummerhouse.com/
This is more cottage and inn style. The only drawback is that it is on the other side of the island where not a lot goes on, so you have to travel a good distance to get into town (maybe this is a good thing for a honeymoon:) )


http://www.nantucketinn.net/index.html
More of a hotel style, located by the airport. Don't worry about the planes, they stop flying at a certain time at night and was never an issue. Oh yeah and the pool is indoor with a hottub and bar.

http://www.thebeachside.com/main.html
This place is located close to town. When we had gone back to visit it was booked, so I never actually stayed here, but is more like a hotel style with a pool and stuff. It looks really nice.

I am not that familiar with the inn's there are tons located close to town, and are all pretty much the same. To me, I always liked to stay where they had a pool and other things like that.

Hope this helps narrow the search a little more.

[mb1197]

anydaynow61, I sent you a PM. I personally have stayed at the Nantucket Inn and it was reasonable. The other recommendations made by DH I listed for you in my other message. Someone mentioned Elephant and the name of that is White Elephant. DH's favorite place is The Dolphin Guest House. I'm not sure of the pricing though.

I wouldn't recommend bringing your car over simply because of the cost. DH and I flew to Providence last Thursday and rented a car. We parked in the lot directly across the street from where the boat comes in and it cost us $5 a day. Taking your car over costs ALOT of money. There is the "slow" boat (about 2 hours) which costs $28 per person round trip and the "high speed" (about 1 hour) for $55 round trip per person.

If you have any other questions please let me know. DH went to highschool there and spent much of his life on the island so he has some good insight on where to go etc.

Good luck!

[lightview]

Thank everyone for all all your suggestions. Based upon your suggestions and further research we decided to go to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (BTW, I love Newport but I have been there twice in the last five years so we wanted to try someplace different). We made hotel reservations for our honeymoon this week. We are staying at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard and at the Union Street Inn in Nantucket.

The next step: as it is the first time either of us have been there, we could use suggestions about things to do and places to go on each island. We are not big "beachy" people but like to stroll or bike around. In addition, we definitely love to go out to eat (and drink :)...). Any suggestions?