Plan My East Coast Vacation, Please
December 4, 2014 12:42 PM Subscribe
I know next to nothing about the Northeastern US coast, other than it's pretty and I'd like to see it. Please help me plan a relaxing vacation to a place I know nothing about!
Husband has recently expressed an interest in a vacation to the Northeastern US coast, since it's one of the few places we haven't been, together or separately. I'm typically the vacation planner in the household, but I'm coming up blank here. He would like a place where we could, and I quote, "sit quietly in Adirondack chairs on a beach or waterfront of some sort and drink some sort of alcoholic beverage and read books." Yep, we're gonna have an old people vacation and we're going to love every minute of it.
We're not looking for nightlife, shopping, child-friendly locations (kiddo will be with grandparents), or overly touristy sightseeing. We are looking for a comfortable hotel (preferably on the water), excellent food options, and places to wander around in (quaint downtown areas, pretty waterfront areas, historic districts, etc).
Where in the Northeastern US am I looking to go? I know the summer months are big tourist months, but are April and May better?
Any and all suggestions welcome!
Husband has recently expressed an interest in a vacation to the Northeastern US coast, since it's one of the few places we haven't been, together or separately. I'm typically the vacation planner in the household, but I'm coming up blank here. He would like a place where we could, and I quote, "sit quietly in Adirondack chairs on a beach or waterfront of some sort and drink some sort of alcoholic beverage and read books." Yep, we're gonna have an old people vacation and we're going to love every minute of it.
We're not looking for nightlife, shopping, child-friendly locations (kiddo will be with grandparents), or overly touristy sightseeing. We are looking for a comfortable hotel (preferably on the water), excellent food options, and places to wander around in (quaint downtown areas, pretty waterfront areas, historic districts, etc).
Where in the Northeastern US am I looking to go? I know the summer months are big tourist months, but are April and May better?
Any and all suggestions welcome!
Best answer: Cape May NJ fits your criteria very well. Old Victorian hotels with giant porches, historic districts, etc. Better make your plans now, whether for April/May or the summer months.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 12:54 PM on December 4, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 12:54 PM on December 4, 2014 [4 favorites]
He would like a place where we could, and I quote, "sit quietly in Adirondack chairs on a beach or waterfront of some sort and drink some sort of alcoholic beverage and read books."
Do you definitely want beach or would a lake or river be okay? That will affect things.
And if you still want the northeast, then April and May are still gonna be a little on the chilly side. Especially if you get up towards New England.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:55 PM on December 4, 2014
Do you definitely want beach or would a lake or river be okay? That will affect things.
And if you still want the northeast, then April and May are still gonna be a little on the chilly side. Especially if you get up towards New England.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:55 PM on December 4, 2014
Cape Cod (Massachusetts) probably fits the bill. you can pick your level of touristy...
posted by acm at 12:56 PM on December 4, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by acm at 12:56 PM on December 4, 2014 [3 favorites]
New England! There are many quaint downtowns, waterfront areas (especially in Maine, gorgeous rocky coasts), and historic districts. There are at least a half dozen places that meet that criteria and look just like a postcard. Is there any other criteria you're looking for? Do you want a hotel or something more like a bed and breakfast? How big of a town or city do you want?
It will still be pretty cold in April and May, which means the water is not really warm enough that time of the year for outdoor swimming, and there may not be many leaves. It isn't really summer the way you'd imagine it until late June in most of New England.
posted by epanalepsis at 1:00 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
It will still be pretty cold in April and May, which means the water is not really warm enough that time of the year for outdoor swimming, and there may not be many leaves. It isn't really summer the way you'd imagine it until late June in most of New England.
posted by epanalepsis at 1:00 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If sitting on a porch watching the sun set and smelling the ocean is what you want, you will bliss right out on Star Island. (It mostly hosts conferences but I linked to the "personal retreat" page, which in this case means "basically a hotel".) Downside: no town, although if that's a one-day kind of goal, the daily boat to Portsmouth does give you access to a perfectly adorable walkable New England town.
Cape Cod is considerably less touristy on the bay side, and comfortable for beachcombing in sweaters after May-ish. Tourists don't really show up until 4th of July. Since you mention Adirondack chairs, the actual Adirondacks can also produce this kind of place though on lakes instead of ocean. (We just had a family Adirondacks trip to a cabin in mid-late September. Foliage starting, crisp air, absolute perfection.)
posted by tchemgrrl at 1:01 PM on December 4, 2014
Cape Cod is considerably less touristy on the bay side, and comfortable for beachcombing in sweaters after May-ish. Tourists don't really show up until 4th of July. Since you mention Adirondack chairs, the actual Adirondacks can also produce this kind of place though on lakes instead of ocean. (We just had a family Adirondacks trip to a cabin in mid-late September. Foliage starting, crisp air, absolute perfection.)
posted by tchemgrrl at 1:01 PM on December 4, 2014
Best answer: Rent a house on the beach in Provincetown. You can get a house that is literally on the beach and sit on the back place (porch/patio are not the right word...I mean the little piece of beach between the back door and the bulkhead) and watch the ocean. If there's a storm then at night you can feel the waves hitting the house foundation/stilts. If you're lucky, the house even comes with books!
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 1:04 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 1:04 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: These are all really excellent suggestions so far! Just to note, we're not looking to go swimming, and not expecting beachy summer weather. Cool-to-cold weather is fine, as long as it's not snowing or literally freezing. Beach can be sandy or rocky, as long as we can take strolls and sit somewhere.
We'd prefer a hotel, condo, or house rental to a bed-and-breakfast, as long as it's waterfront (ocean/bay, no lakes or rivers).
posted by erst at 1:08 PM on December 4, 2014
We'd prefer a hotel, condo, or house rental to a bed-and-breakfast, as long as it's waterfront (ocean/bay, no lakes or rivers).
posted by erst at 1:08 PM on December 4, 2014
Best answer: "Northeastern US" covers A LOT of ground. What's the furthest south state you'd consider part of the Northeastern US? I'd say that's New Jersey to Maine.
If you're specifically looking for coastal "old people sitting around" type stuff, I would suggest:
* Westerly (Rhode Island)
* Portsmouth (Rhode Island)
* Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard (Massachusetts)
* Southeastern Maine (NH line to Portland -- this includes Kennebunkport, Orchard Beach, and York Beach -- including my very favorite lighthouse, Nubble Light)
* Coastal New Hampshire (BUT ZOMG STAY NORTH OF HAMPTON BEACH, it's too crowded and a kind of younger crowd)
* The Hamptons (Long Island, New York)
* Cape May (New Jersey -- though I have never been to Cape May)
If you're a bit more adventurous, I'd recommend Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor (Maine).
posted by tckma at 1:09 PM on December 4, 2014 [4 favorites]
If you're specifically looking for coastal "old people sitting around" type stuff, I would suggest:
* Westerly (Rhode Island)
* Portsmouth (Rhode Island)
* Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard (Massachusetts)
* Southeastern Maine (NH line to Portland -- this includes Kennebunkport, Orchard Beach, and York Beach -- including my very favorite lighthouse, Nubble Light)
* Coastal New Hampshire (BUT ZOMG STAY NORTH OF HAMPTON BEACH, it's too crowded and a kind of younger crowd)
* The Hamptons (Long Island, New York)
* Cape May (New Jersey -- though I have never been to Cape May)
If you're a bit more adventurous, I'd recommend Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor (Maine).
posted by tckma at 1:09 PM on December 4, 2014 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Looking at previous comments to add an addendum to mine just above: Provincetown (the town at the very tippy end of Cape Cod) is fun to walk around, and is one of the most LGBT-friendly places I've ever been to (if that appeals to you).
posted by tckma at 1:10 PM on December 4, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by tckma at 1:10 PM on December 4, 2014 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If we're talking ocean/bay, and "not snowing", then April/May is just fine. I have some general pointers:
* Anything directly facing the open Atlantic Ocean is gonna be on the windy side - the Jersey Shore, the south coast of Long Island, the outer part of the "arm" of Cape Cod. If you want to cut down on the wind and the waves a bit, go for the northern shore of Long Island or the inside of the "arm" of Cape Cod; you'll still get the pretty scenery, but you'll be facing a bay and it will be a bit more of a protected spot.
* Seconding Cape Cod being less touristy on that inner bay side (the "inside part of the arm" I was talking about). My parents live there, and it's easy to find little cute out-of-the-way places along the water - there are a couple of towns that are sort of tourist "hubs" on the Cape (Hyannis, Provincetown) that you can get to easily and kind of quickly for lunch and walking around, but there are also plenty of places strung along the rest of the Cape that are very quiet (where my parents live, for one). That's also not to say that you can't also find quiet and peace in P-Town or Hyannis either.
* Connecticut's coast is also kind of "protected" like this, but may be a little trickier to find unspoiled pretty beaches. But the further east you go in Connecticut, the more likely it is you'll find something.
Generally, Cape Cod does indeed sound like your best bet.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:16 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
* Anything directly facing the open Atlantic Ocean is gonna be on the windy side - the Jersey Shore, the south coast of Long Island, the outer part of the "arm" of Cape Cod. If you want to cut down on the wind and the waves a bit, go for the northern shore of Long Island or the inside of the "arm" of Cape Cod; you'll still get the pretty scenery, but you'll be facing a bay and it will be a bit more of a protected spot.
* Seconding Cape Cod being less touristy on that inner bay side (the "inside part of the arm" I was talking about). My parents live there, and it's easy to find little cute out-of-the-way places along the water - there are a couple of towns that are sort of tourist "hubs" on the Cape (Hyannis, Provincetown) that you can get to easily and kind of quickly for lunch and walking around, but there are also plenty of places strung along the rest of the Cape that are very quiet (where my parents live, for one). That's also not to say that you can't also find quiet and peace in P-Town or Hyannis either.
* Connecticut's coast is also kind of "protected" like this, but may be a little trickier to find unspoiled pretty beaches. But the further east you go in Connecticut, the more likely it is you'll find something.
Generally, Cape Cod does indeed sound like your best bet.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:16 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
I adore this travel guide from the NYT. We have enjoyed all the spots we've tried from it. Although the format of the trip they're describing is different from yours (based around a short 36-hour trip to different cities), it can be awesome for research.
posted by rainbowbrite at 1:21 PM on December 4, 2014
posted by rainbowbrite at 1:21 PM on December 4, 2014
Best answer: They are spendy, but for nice hotels in the not-too-touristy bits of Cape Cod, I recommend Chatham Bars Inn and Ocean Edge. Chatham is more touristy than Brewster, but there is much more to do within easy walking distance in Chatham than in Brewster.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:34 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Rock Steady at 1:34 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
For atmosphere and relaxation I'd second either southern Rhode Island or the islands (Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, or Block Island) over the Cape. Maine is wonderful but in late spring it is still quite cold - if you decide to brave it, you might like Ogunquit.
posted by oinopaponton at 1:35 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by oinopaponton at 1:35 PM on December 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
The coast of Rhode Island also fits the bill, and with the exception of Newport is lest touristy than the Cape (although Newport has its charms as well, particularly off-season). For a real getaway you could try Block Island.
The ocean is slow to warm up in the spring and to cool down in the fall, and New England is prone to its own peculiar storm, the Nor'Easter, which seems most common in the late winter and early spring. My favorite time for a trip like the one you're contemplating would be late September into early October, which especially on the Cape and in RI can be almost balmy. (Late October is foliage season, and as crazy in parts of New England as is summer.) If you still prefer the spring, schools in the Northeast tend to start later and end later than in the rest of the country, so you won't encounter many families vacationing until at least the middle of June.
posted by mr vino at 1:37 PM on December 4, 2014
The ocean is slow to warm up in the spring and to cool down in the fall, and New England is prone to its own peculiar storm, the Nor'Easter, which seems most common in the late winter and early spring. My favorite time for a trip like the one you're contemplating would be late September into early October, which especially on the Cape and in RI can be almost balmy. (Late October is foliage season, and as crazy in parts of New England as is summer.) If you still prefer the spring, schools in the Northeast tend to start later and end later than in the rest of the country, so you won't encounter many families vacationing until at least the middle of June.
posted by mr vino at 1:37 PM on December 4, 2014
In Mass, I prefer Cape Ann to Cape Cod: Rockport is adorable and there are plenty of hotels right on the water. In Connecticut, Stonington is lovely and then you can also go inland to the Book Barn for all your reading delights.
posted by dame at 1:43 PM on December 4, 2014
posted by dame at 1:43 PM on December 4, 2014
Best answer: I always tend to recommend Cape May and I will again. Even in the shoulder seasons there is so much to see and almost everything is walkable or bike-able. There are incredible restaurants - lovely old historic streets to wander through, tons of beach front properties, and shopping if you feel inclined. Everything is across the street from the beach but most of the "beach front" hotels/B&B's/Inns face the ocean. You could spend days here and do nothing or do a lot and really enjoy yourself. If you want accommodation or restaurant recommendations just let me know.
Mary
posted by MrsMGH at 1:46 PM on December 4, 2014
Mary
posted by MrsMGH at 1:46 PM on December 4, 2014
Best answer: Note: Lots and lots of places are still closed for the season in Cape Cod in April. (Not sure about May.) Just do some research before you book, or you might end up wandering a downtown with only one or two storefronts open.
posted by chowflap at 1:53 PM on December 4, 2014
posted by chowflap at 1:53 PM on December 4, 2014
Response by poster: A beach house Provincetown sounds fantastic! And there's even a ferry to Boston for a quick day trip!
If you're familiar with Provincetown, recommendations would be awesome.
posted by erst at 2:07 PM on December 4, 2014
If you're familiar with Provincetown, recommendations would be awesome.
posted by erst at 2:07 PM on December 4, 2014
Star island is incredibly cool but dry. Now row out to one of the seedier (ahem:) looking sailboats, strike up a conversation and you may be invited aboard for a 'beverage'.
I sailed up there this summer, very nice islands but northish so midsummer before shorts weather, do row across into Maine (Star is in NH) and explore Smuttynose.
posted by sammyo at 2:35 PM on December 4, 2014
I sailed up there this summer, very nice islands but northish so midsummer before shorts weather, do row across into Maine (Star is in NH) and explore Smuttynose.
posted by sammyo at 2:35 PM on December 4, 2014
Acadia National Park in Maine is beautiful, and not crowded in the off season. Although in winter its mostly closed :( too late for this year i think. Spring or fall would be better.
The town of Bar Harbor where you stay is great too, nice restaurants, bars, etc. Hope you like lobster! A very walkable downtown.
Only one "beach" in the park, its mostly a picturesque rocky coast otherwise, but the water is too cold for swimming. A few of the hotels are right on the water in town.
posted by TheAdamist at 3:49 PM on December 4, 2014
The town of Bar Harbor where you stay is great too, nice restaurants, bars, etc. Hope you like lobster! A very walkable downtown.
Only one "beach" in the park, its mostly a picturesque rocky coast otherwise, but the water is too cold for swimming. A few of the hotels are right on the water in town.
posted by TheAdamist at 3:49 PM on December 4, 2014
I'll second Chantham Bars. Join the club so they upgrade you to the ocean side. P-town is also great, lots of B&B's. If my memory was better I would remember where we stayed.
posted by ibakecake at 4:34 PM on December 4, 2014
posted by ibakecake at 4:34 PM on December 4, 2014
If you can swing the $$ - I stayed at this rental in Provincetown:
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p120705
It's on the main drag which will be busy, busy, busy - but the back looks out on the ocean (quiet) and we never noticed any street noise. Also walking along Commercial Street is a real treat. This site has other options too.
Though I know several people have suggested that April/May would be ok for Cape Cod, I *really* don't recommend it. We were there in June and it rained everyday and was 50 degrees. That's probably not what you want to risk. I recommend July or August for the "relax on Adirondack chairs" life. The ferry to P-town is great - definitely take it and don't bother with a car.
Also Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard and both fun - rent a bike on either island to get around. Just an FYI - as islands, groceries are $$. So be prepared for the $7 peanut butter.
posted by Toddles at 11:37 PM on December 4, 2014
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p120705
It's on the main drag which will be busy, busy, busy - but the back looks out on the ocean (quiet) and we never noticed any street noise. Also walking along Commercial Street is a real treat. This site has other options too.
Though I know several people have suggested that April/May would be ok for Cape Cod, I *really* don't recommend it. We were there in June and it rained everyday and was 50 degrees. That's probably not what you want to risk. I recommend July or August for the "relax on Adirondack chairs" life. The ferry to P-town is great - definitely take it and don't bother with a car.
Also Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard and both fun - rent a bike on either island to get around. Just an FYI - as islands, groceries are $$. So be prepared for the $7 peanut butter.
posted by Toddles at 11:37 PM on December 4, 2014
Star Island has been mentioned a few times but note that it doesn't open until mid-June.
Unless you want to volunteer or work there during open-up, when it's freezing cold and everyone else leaves for the weekend and you literally get your own entire island and it's wonderful until you realize there IS NO COFFEE LEFT ON THE ENTIRE GODFORSAKEN ROCK.
posted by bcwinters at 5:11 AM on December 5, 2014 [1 favorite]
Unless you want to volunteer or work there during open-up, when it's freezing cold and everyone else leaves for the weekend and you literally get your own entire island and it's wonderful until you realize there IS NO COFFEE LEFT ON THE ENTIRE GODFORSAKEN ROCK.
posted by bcwinters at 5:11 AM on December 5, 2014 [1 favorite]
We've stayed in the small beach cottage here in Provincetown, and loved it. It's on the main Commercial St a few blocks down from most of the shops, is very private with a gorgeous beach, and is run by the nicest guys (who also have a traditional B&B a few blocks away where you can stop in for a great breakfast). We've gone in the mid-season (late September) and the low season (late February) and have been really lucky with weather. All of the shops, restaurants, and galleries were open in September, and probably about 1/4 of the places were open in February.
posted by twoporedomain at 10:16 AM on December 5, 2014
posted by twoporedomain at 10:16 AM on December 5, 2014
Book early for a summer rental: a lot of the Cape is booked up over the winter, and what remains can be far from the water, expensive, and/or really grody.
My wife and I went up to Boothbay Harbor in Maine some years ago during June, and the Topside Inn was perfect. We took a harbor cruise, ate some lobster, drank beer, and ate fresh cookies while sitting in adirondak chairs. AAA+++ WOULD LOUNGE AGAIN.
posted by wenestvedt at 11:07 AM on December 6, 2014
My wife and I went up to Boothbay Harbor in Maine some years ago during June, and the Topside Inn was perfect. We took a harbor cruise, ate some lobster, drank beer, and ate fresh cookies while sitting in adirondak chairs. AAA+++ WOULD LOUNGE AGAIN.
posted by wenestvedt at 11:07 AM on December 6, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by erst at 12:47 PM on December 4, 2014