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Road Trip from Boston to Boston

Manchester, United...
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Road Trip from Boston to Boston
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Hi all,

We're (me & hubby - 30 somethings) thinking of doing a road trip in October starting & ending in Boston and including Philadelphia, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls and back to Boston. I've not been to any of the places before (only been to NY in this area before hence why it's being skipped out). Driving times are not an issue, anything from none to 10 hours in a day is fine. Is this do-able in 2 weeks? We're more historical people that like a quick look at pretty views and scenery than spending all day walking through a forest!

Thanks for any help given

Lewes, United...
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1. Re: Road Trip from Boston to Boston
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Hi Emma

In essence, yes your trip is doable in 2 weeks. However, a few initial comments:

You don't need a car within Boston, Washington DC or Philly. Also, if you're not after the driving experience and seeing rural sights, those places just might be better joined up by using a train - but it would be a different kind of trip.

October can be expensive around Boston and between Niagara and Boston as it's the fall foliage time of year. It seems you may not be interested in this, in which case, you might want to reconsider the time of your visit to avoid congested destinations and higher prices.

However, I may have misunderstood your comment about your interest in scenery.

SWT

Manchester, United...
6 posts
2. Re: Road Trip from Boston to Boston
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Hi SWT,

Thanks for your advice. We like driving round so we'll just have to find somewhere to stash the car when we go to Philly and Washington DC!

We can only visit between Oct and Dec and from what I've read the earlier the better due to snow fall. Do you think we'd be better off to go later then (I really don't like the cold!)?

I'd love to see the fall foliage however I am uninterested in walking through mountains / forests. I've seen a lot of people discuss going north from Boston because of the scenery but we are looking at going south. I hope that makes sense!

You said it's doable "in essence" does that mean you'd advise cutting some bits out?!!

How long would you stay in Washington / Philly / Pittsburgh / Boston?

Thanks for all your help

Emma

We did

Boston...
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Keep your plans for October. It is a very nice time to visit. October 12- October 14th is Columbus Day Weekend that would be the only time that it will be difficult finding a place to stay (Many places will require a 3 night minimum for that weekend and room rates are at a premium.)  There is plenty to see and do in Washington DC and Boston so it really depends on your interests. (There are very few folks that visit New England for the fall folliage that actually walk thru the forest, they do exactly what you plan to do, drive thru local towns to observe and appreciate the beautiful foliage and scenery.)

Enjoy! 

Tucson, Arizona
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If you have 14 days, I would divvy it up as such: Boston (4), DC (3), Philadelphia (3), Pittsburgh (2), Niagara (1), with the extra night for somewhere in between. Niagara Falls has very little in the way of historical attractions and, if anything, is very tacky. The falls are amazing though. It's not tremendously out of your way, and I think everyone should see it given the chance, but it's just something to ponder over. I would suggest as, an alternative for part of the time, Buffalo. Buffalo is really overlooked, but it has a truly impressive collection of art deco buildings, especially in its Downtown area.

Pittsburgh is an odd choice for an overseas visitor. I really enjoy the city, particularly for its unique culture (the "yinzers"), but I don't know that it's necessarily worth going far out of the way to reach, especially if other cities of interest are in the way. For instance, you're completely skipping Baltimore, which is a great city with a lot of history. You're also missing Hartford, New Haven, New London, all of Rhode Island, etc. Obviously you could always do more, but you may be taking distance over substance. Just a thought.

Boston and Philadelphia are the places to go for America's short but proud history. I don't know if Brits have interest in the same sort of stuff that brings Americans in hordes, such as Independence Hall, Bunker Hill and the Liberty Bell, but those are the big attractions.

Hope that helps.

Cleveland
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Emma,

Welcome to TA and the road trips forum!

Why are you doing a round trip from Boston? Have you considered flying into Boston and out of another airport? You'll spend at least a day just traveling back to Boston given your proposed itinerary.

You've told us you don't like to walk through woods and aren't particularly interested in Leaf Turn, but you haven't told us what does interest you. E.g., history attractions, art museums, non-art museums, zoos, amusement parks, culinary adventures, night life, music, etc.

If you don't like art museums and history, you likely don't want as much time in Boston, Philadelphia, and perhaps even in Washington, DC.

If you do like art museums and history, consider spending your two weeks just in the Northeast corridor, taking the Amtrak train and/or flying between Boston and Washington, DC. Rent cars locally for road trip loops definitely from Washington, DC, and possibly from Boston. Save Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls for a later trip. If you do go to NF, you'll spend one day driving west and one day driving back east. Perhaps save NF and Pittsburgh for a later trip.

Read through this forum for many threads discussing the greater Washington, DC, area.

Alternatively, bag Philadelphia and Washington, DC, on this trip and do a westward trip from Boston, perhaps targeting Chicago as the westward terminus. Possibly, fly from Boston to Chicago, Cleveland or Canton/Akron (check Southwest Airlines), and do a road trip loop from those airports/cities. If interested, we can provide more detail, but here are some threads with lots of nested links that will provide you with the possibilities on this trip.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k6508765-Solo_Female_Traveler_Roadtrip-Road_Trips.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k4986836-Fall_trip_northeastern_US-Road_Trips.html#37309542

Major attractions in addition to NF could include Ohio Amish country, the largest Amish community in the world; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland; Cedar Point, the world's roller coaster capital; The Henry Ford; the cultural attractions of Cleveland and Chicago; the east coast of Lake Michigan (e.g., Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore): and Chicago's skyscrapers.

Chicago and Cleveland are two of the nation's premier cultural centers, and, if it is an issue, Cleveland is a budget travel destination compared to the Northeast corridor.

There's much to see between Boston and Washington, DC, such as possibly the Hudson River Valley, but you'll spend at least a day driving between Boston and Washington, DC, even if you stop to see nothing.

You'll want to come as absolutely early as possible in October as possible if you keep NF on your itinerary. By late October, attractions such as the famous Maid of the Mist will be closed at Niagara Falls. Check the season for the Whirlpool jet boats.

Even though you don't think you're interested in Leaf Turn, it's much more beautiful to drive in the northern U.S. during Leaf Turn than when all of the trees are barren and weather has turned more harsh, such as later in October and into November (although in recent years, with global warming, we've had some great weather in November).

Traveling west in the first two weeks in October, you'll be able to experience the beauty of Leaf Turn, even if you don't immerse yourself in it. American football season in the Midwest is spectacular fun if you're sports fans or just interested in American culture. You'll also experience harvest season and the month-long American Halloween season. E.g., check out the HalloWeekends at Cedar Point, if you like coasters, or the elaborate old-fashioned Halloween celebrations at The Henry Ford's Greenfield Village (advance reservations a necessity) in Dearborn, MI.

Good planning!

Manchester, United...
6 posts
6. Re: Road Trip from Boston to Boston
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Remay - thanks for the note about Columbus Day, it hadn't even crossed my mind! I'll try and avoid that weekend!

Colinaz - I was advised to visit Pittsburgh and Gettysburgh, is it not worth the visit?! I have to be honest, Baltimore was completely off my radar - I'll look into it now! In my original plan I had thought I'd left enough time to stop somewhere between NY & Boston, thank you for your suggestions. Thank you for the days in each advice.

Thinking perhaps skipping Niaraga Falls/Pittsburgh this time around due to your comments and going on our next visit to the states instead. Perhaps Washington DC to Boston leaving more time for Rhode Island / Baltimore and places in between and visiting Lancaster instead of Pittsburgh. So itinery would be something like this (what am I missing / What have I given too much time / not enough time to?!!!):

Washington DC (3)

Baltimore (1)

Lancaster (1)

Philly (3)

New London / New Haven (1)

Rhode Island (2)

Boston (3)

Thanks so much for everyones help - I'll get there eventually!!!

Emma

Boston...
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7. Re: Road Trip from Boston to Boston
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I like it but I would do Mystic / New London instead of New Haven.

Manchester, United...
6 posts
8. Re: Road Trip from Boston to Boston
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TranscendentalEye - Thank you so much for your post, lots to look into. Looking at flying in and out of Boston as it was a lot cheaper however looking again and into Washington & out of Boston isn't much more expensive so perhaps a much better idea. My apologies, we're very much into history, non-art museums, architecture and a bit of night life! I think we'll leave Chicago & area for another trip (we love travelling around America and will do lots more in our time!). We'd really like to visit an Amish town - is Lancaster a good choice for my route? I didn't mean I'm not interested in the foliage I just meant I don't want to go camping to view it, happy to see it from the car and occasional stops for views, sorry I wasn't very clear. Many thanks

Tucson, Arizona
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I just suggest Baltimore because it was once one of the largest and most important cities in the US. Lots of history there, and the city is just interesting to me.

Lancaster would be good because you could do the whole Amish/Pennsylvania Dutch tourist thing and see Gettysburg. Gettysburg is worth visiting, particularly since you're not stopping at any other Civil War sites, it seems.

Not sure about two nights in Rhode Island, but it depends on what you're doing. The tours of the ridiculous mansions in Newport are popular with some people, but I've never been that interested. I mean, maybe one, but it all starts to blend to me after that. The coastline is very pretty there, and there are things to do in Providence. But I would put another night in Boston over it. Boston's just such a great city. Just my opinion though. If you found something great in Rhode Island, then go for it.

But I like this plan more, just because it cuts down on your driving. I've always found driving in the Northeast to be more stressful than in other parts of the country, for various reasons, so it may be a good thing.

Cleveland
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Emma,

I haven't been to Lancaster County in a long time. Given everything else potentially on your plate, if you think you'll visit Ohio in a few years, perhaps wait until you can visit the larger and more rural Ohio Amish Country.

Here IMO are some of the top history attractions along your itinerary (assuming you're bagging Pittsburgh, NF and points further west). Note that the U.S. has excellent battlefield parks compared to many countries, with excellent visitors centers which generally feature a good film, artifacts, etc. Several of the parks have licensed guides, much as London, but relatively unusual in the U.S.

1) Boston Freedom Trail, especially IMO the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest active warship in the world.

2) Saratoga, where one of the most consequential battles in world history was fought. Saratoga Springs also is an enjoyable historical resort, especially if you enjoy horse racing. This would be a detour from Boston to Philadelphia, but it is one of the most important historical locations in the U.S. Some very interesting characters also were involved in the battle, including British General Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne, a playboy general; frontiersman Daniel Morgan, a relatively unknown historical figure who perhaps was a key catalyst in the American victory in its Revolutionary War; hero-to-turn-traitor Benedict Arnold; and a devoted wife of a German mercenary officer, whose life in America would be worthy of a movie.

If you go to the Saratoga National Historical Park, be certain to see the Benedict Arnold boot memorial. Arnold, whose name is synonymous with "traitor" in the U.S. for his actions at West Point and afterwards, was nonetheless one of the heroes of the early years of the American Revolution, and a key figure in the American victory at Saratoga. The Saratoga Battle Monument has an empty facade that surely would have honored Arnold were it not for his subsequent treachery.

http://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga

http://www.nps.gov/sara/historyculture/index.htm

Friederika Charlotte Riedesel, the wife of a general leading German mercenary forces, kept a journal of her adventures in North America, which includes the Saratoga campaign and its aftermath. As a result, she, along with Arnold and Daniel Morgan, are IMO the most interesting historic figures of the campaign.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederika_Charlotte_Riedesel

Here is her account of her travails in North America, although only pp. 167-190 directly cover the Battles of Saratoga.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederika_Charlotte_Riedesel

Morgan, who had earlier in his life survived a British whipping that could have killed him, developed revolutionary tactics at Saratoga employing frontiersmen sharpshooters armed with long rifles protected by conventional infantry. The American conventional infantry protected Morgan's riflemen from British infantry armed with conventional muskets which had a much higher rate of fire despite their much shorter range and lesser accuracy. Contrary to European custom, Morgan's riflemen targeted the British officers. This was perhaps the first instance in military history that rifles were employed as decisive military weapons. British officers understandably reported that they had never in their careers experienced such fierce fire.

Morgan later also engineered a decisive American victory in the southern theater at the Cowpens, introducing new tactics to employ militia, highlighted in the final battle sequence of Mel Gibson's "The Patriot."

http://www.his.jrshelby.com/kimocowp/morgan.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Morgan

2) Hudson River Valley, including Hyde Park and West Point.

3) Gettysburg, site of the greatest battle ever fought in North America, and the most visited of all American Civil War battlefields. Nearby is Antietam, site of the bloodiest day in American history (Gettysburg was a 3-day battle) and Harpers Ferry Historical Park, which features historic vistas such as Jefferson's Rock. Here's an excellent trip report (click on the poster's avatar to check the poster's associated trip reports/reviews for Philadelphia and Washington, DC, which you should find very helpful):

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60798-i335-k3863513-Trip_Report_3_days_in_Gettysburg_with_teenagers-Gettysburg_Pennsylvania.html#28099317

http://www.gettysburgtourguides.org/battlefieldtours.html

If interested in Gettysburg, you'll want at least one night there. The Eisenhower National Historic Site also is located in Gettysburg.

4) Historic sites outside of Washington, DC. These include the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, the greatest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world; Charlottesville/Monticello; Appomattox; Williamsburg; Yorktown; Mount Vernon; Norfolk (tour the world's largest naval base and the U.S.S. Wisconsin; Baltimore (the B&O Railroad Museum, National Aquarium, Fort McHenry), and much more.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k6510394-6_Days_from_Washington_DC_to_New_York_City-Road_Trips.html#49648937

You may want only two nights in Philadelphia, assuming one of those is a travel night from Boston. IMO, the historical attractions and non-art museums in Washington are much more numerous and superior.

Here are some websites that may be useful for your time in Washington, DC.

http://thedistrict.com/

Hopefully the following web page will be updated shortly for the 2013 season. Unfortunately, it may be greatly curtailed due to the U.S. budget sequester.

http://www.nps.gov/ncro/publicaffairs/summerinthecity.htm

If you fly into Boston and out of Washington, DC, consider taking Amtrak from Boston to Philadelphia, or even a bus (Megabus, Bolt or Greyhound) if you want to cut your budget. Then continue to Washington by train or bus and rent a car there for a road trip loop. You can include Gettysburg in this road trip. You'll save several days of car rentals and parking charges can be expensive in Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Car rentals often are cheaper from non-airport agencies, because you avoid airport taxes, but perhaps not if you use a foreign consolidator.

If interested in amusement parks, check out Philadelphia for the poster's favorite amusement park -- Six Flags Great Adventure -- along your route.

http://ridesandotherstuff.wordpress.com/

Boston and especially Washington especially have good nightlife. Check travel articles for both cities, use the search engine in the destination forums, or actually post to find what the entertainment options that most appeal to you.

You will find more than enough attractions to occupy two weeks in the northeast corridor.

Good planning!

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