Boston and Maine
Jul 30- Aug 5 2019
Jul 30: Arrive in Boston
Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts, a quintessential blend of colonial history and cutting-edge innovation. From the charming cobblestones of Beacon Hill, to the civic landmarks along the Black Heritage Trail and Freedom Trail, to the iconic grounds of Harvard University and Fenway Park, Boston is a treasure trove of Americana.
Fun if by land and fun if by sea, Boston is an ideal destination for your next vacation. Explore diverse neighborhoods, enjoy an eclectic array of performing arts and special events, shop in chic boutiques and high-end malls, fall into a foodies' paradise and discover the true essence of BostonUSA, a cosmopolitan hub where tradition and innovation interact everyday.
Lodging in Boston
Between downtown Boston and Back Bay is the 50-acre Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States, and the gateway to Boston’s Freedom Trail historic walk. In winter, ice skaters flock to the Frog Pond, while in the spring, the Public Gardens burst into bloom. In downtown Boston, east of the Common, sample clam chowder, lobster rolls and Boston cream pie in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. To the north lies the gold-domed State House, and leafy and affluent Beacon Hill. To the south are the lively Chinatown and Theater districts.
Staying in or near this area will maximize the time you have in Boston, putting most of the major sites just outside your front door!
We suggest Hotel 140 or the Revolution Hotel
Jul 31: Explore Boston
What to do? Let us count the ways...
Uncover Boston's past while enjoying its distinctively modern edge, enjoy the old masters and the brew masters, pedal-powered swan boat rides or high-speed catamaran whale watches. Shop artisanal markets or chic boutiques. While the afternoon away at a sidewalk café or dine from the popular food trucks found throughout the city. Enjoy star-studded concerts and concerts under the stars. Take a walking tour or blaze a trail of your own. Stroll the lively waterfront or cruise the historic harbor.
Shopping-Shopping in Boston and Cambridge is an event in itself, and there's plenty to...
Nightlife-If you enjoy a lively night-on-the-town or simply sitting cozy at a piano bar -...
Trip Ideas-Check out these sample itineraries to help guide your visit to Boston and beyond.
Museums & Attractions-Our museums are renowned! Our attractions are fun and dynamic! View great...
Sightseeing, Tours & Trails-City trolley tours, fall foliage tours, brew pub tours, sports tours, harbor tours,...
Craft Beer & Breweries-Boston has emerged as a bodacious beer haven: beer gardens, taproom and brewery...
Performing Arts & Entertainment-Boston's cultural calendar is seemingly infinite. Mellow jazz clubs, rock...
Cross Cultural Boston-Explore cross cultural events, festivals, exhibitions, sightseeing trails and...
Save on Attractions-While visiting Boston, consider one of the attraction passes that offer discounts...
Free Things to Do-Boston offers an abundance of free activities for everyone.
Calendar of Events-The full calendar of events in Boston includes sporting events, festivals, holiday...
Sports & Recreation-Boston offers a wide array of recreational opportunities for everyone
Professional Sports-Boston IS Titletown. Each of our storied franchises has won a championship in...
Shopping-Shopping in Boston and Cambridge is an event in itself, and there's plenty to...
Nightlife-If you enjoy a lively night-on-the-town or simply sitting cozy at a piano bar -...
Trip Ideas-Check out these sample itineraries to help guide your visit to Boston and beyond.
Museums & Attractions-Our museums are renowned! Our attractions are fun and dynamic! View great...
Sightseeing, Tours & Trails-City trolley tours, fall foliage tours, brew pub tours, sports tours, harbor tours,...
Craft Beer & Breweries-Boston has emerged as a bodacious beer haven: beer gardens, taproom and brewery...
Aug 1: Road trip to Portland, ME
On your drive up the coast to Portland, ME, stop by the charming towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport for food and a leisurely walk in the towns or on the beaches.
Visitors come from all over the world to see the beautiful Maine coast, these classic seaside villages provide the classic walks on the beaches, watch the boats and to stay and play where Presidents, artists and fishermen all call home.
Lodging in Maine
Perfectly situated between Portand and Rockport, is Bath, ME. Travel and Leisure Magazine recently named Bath, ME to have one of America's Greatest Main Streets!
Dry docks and cranes rising from the shipyard along the banks of the Kennebec River just south of downtown speak to the town’s nickname, the City of Ships.
Bath itself is compact, brick-solid, and walkable. Explore leafy Front Street, with its brick buildings and an outpost of Reny’s, a small discount department store chain that’s a throwback to an earlier era. Detour down side lanes for bakeries, restaurants, and variety shops.
We suggest the Hampton Inn and Suites
or the Best Western Plus Brunswick Bath
Aug 2: Explore Portland, ME
The cosmopolitan city of Portland Maine and its historic Old Port district is brimming with galleries, boutiques and Maine best restaurants. Just outside of town, discover the unique Cape Elizabeth Light. Originally twin lighthouses, the second has been inactive since 1924. The active light, subject of two Edward Hopper paintings, is the most powerful on the New England coast.
Keep your camera ready for the oldest, and possibly the most famous of all Maine lighthouses, Portland Headlight. America's first lighthouse, built in 1787, it was commissioned by America's first President, George Washington, to guard the state of Maine's busiest harbor.
Aug 3: Maine Lobster Festival
Rockport, ME- Although smaller than sister town Camden, the town of Rockport has become one of the hidden gems of the mid-coast Maine region. It was even named one of America's Prettiest Towns by Forbes Magazine. The laid-back town atmosphere makes it perfect for visitors looking to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful weekend in a beautifully scenic setting. Rockport's location is also ideal, as it marks the halfway spot between Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor.
Aug 4: Explore Portland, ME
Aug 5: Depart for home
faq:
FOOD, FUN AND MUSIC
Portland
Food
Harbor Fish Market-best place for seafood especially oysters
Shipyard Brewing Company
Rising Tide Brewing Company
Live Music
Portland House of Music and Events
One Longfellow Square
Bath
Food
Winnegance Restaurant and Bakery
Live Music
Green Park Brasserie
Saint James Wine Vaults
The Thunderbolt