Need a Fall New England Trip Suggestion

wilsonkop · #1 09-08-2006, 05:15 PM

I'm thinking of taking a trip up to NE in mid-October for my wife's birthday. We like to go hiking, shopping, and relaxing. Anyone have suggestions for a place to stay -- maybe a nice B&B and which areas are best. I don't mind spending some $$ fora nice place.

I was considering the Berkshires since they are closer to home (Philly). I don't have any clue about the area other than my skiing experiences in VT. Anyone have suggestions or personal experience with a similar weekend trip?

NT! · #2 09-08-2006, 05:23 PM

Berkshires are beautiful and awesome. If you really don't mind dropping some dough stay at the Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough... definitely the best dining you can get in the region and a nice place. I still know a few of the staff there, let me know if you are going to contact them. It's also close to various hiking and sightseeing attractions, and not far from some of the better nightlife in the area (Great Barrington).

If you stay in the Berkshires try to stay in SOUTH Berkshire county, preferably Great Barrington - Monterrey - New Marlborough - Sheffield - Stockbridge - Lee. There's an outlet center outside of Lee, best shopping other than that will be in Lee, Stockbridge, Barrington, Lenox.

There are a ton of great places to eat as well. If you're going for a week or so you might want to look into renting a house or cottage instead of a B&B, although there are lots of good B&Bs too.

My lady friend and I will be spending our anniversary at a B&B recently opened by our friend's parents in Monterey, MA in a few weeks... I'll let you know how it is, they are very good people.

NT

Tennenbaum · #3 09-08-2006, 05:36 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Berkshires are beautiful and awesome. If you really don't mind dropping some dough stay at the Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough... definitely the best dining you can get in the region and a nice place. I still know a few of the staff there, let me know if you are going to contact them. It's also close to various hiking and sightseeing attractions, and not far from some of the better nightlife in the area (Great Barrington).

If you stay in the Berkshires try to stay in SOUTH Berkshire county, preferably Great Barrington - Monterrey - New Marlborough - Sheffield - Stockbridge - Lee. There's an outlet center outside of Lee, best shopping other than that will be in Lee, Stockbridge, Barrington, Lenox.

There are a ton of great places to eat as well. If you're going for a week or so you might want to look into renting a house or cottage instead of a B&B, although there are lots of good B&Bs too.

My lady friend and I will be spending our anniversary at a B&B recently opened by our friend's parents in Monterey, MA in a few weeks... I'll let you know how it is, they are very good people.

NT

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly what I was gonna suggest. I went to school in the Berkshires. It's AMAZINGLY beautiful in the Fall.

NT! · #4 09-08-2006, 05:52 PM

Where'd you go to school T?

I went to Simon's Rock for my BA

NT

kidcolin · #5 09-08-2006, 05:57 PM

nyc999,

Is newport very fun in the Fall? I lived 20 mins from there and it was a summer staple, but I can't ever recall going besides in the summer.

nyc999 · #6 09-08-2006, 06:43 PM

[ QUOTE ]
nyc999,

Is newport very fun in the Fall? I lived 20 mins from there and it was a summer staple, but I can't ever recall going besides in the summer.

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends what you are looking for - I often go in the fall/winter for a relaxing time. Most of the businesses/restaurants are still open, and the boating is pretty much the same in the fall.

The summer is definitely better for the partying/beach aspect.

Tennenbaum · #7 09-08-2006, 06:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Where'd you go to school T?

I went to Simon's Rock for my BA

NT

[/ QUOTE ]

MCLA formally North Adams State.

Aloysius · #8 09-08-2006, 07:46 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Where'd you go to school T?

I went to Simon's Rock for my BA

NT

[/ QUOTE ]

NT - didn't realize you could stay on at Simon's Rock for BA. I had some friends who went there, and thought it was Associates degree (2-year thing) only. After that you go somewhere else to finish off and get BA, like that place Deep Springs. Maybe I'm just confused or misremembering.

-Al

NT! · #9 09-09-2006, 01:19 AM

Al-

Simon's Rock has offered a BA course of study almost since its inception. It is true that the majority (around 2/3) of students get an AA and transfer, but the school is focusing more and more on its BA program as well. FWIW I feel I got as good of an undergraduate education as one can in the US, although it wasn't cheap.

Tenn -
Good stuff. Did you just live in North Adams during your studies? I like it up there, not so swingin as south county but cheaper and there is a lot of space and cool old mills.

OP -

Good choice. Let me know where you are thinking of going and I can provide recommendations or put you in touch with some folks.

NT

nyc999 · #10 09-08-2006, 05:33 PM

This doesn't really lend well to hiking, but the Francis Malbone House in Newport, RI is amazing. It's right in the middle of town (walking distance to about everything), fireplaces/jacuzzis in most rooms, near the ocean/beaches, and if you want - a few hours from the mountains.

I stay for a long weekend every year, and have never had a bad experience.