Boston, Maine, Rhode Island - Tips, coupons

[rbunnymom]

I will be flying into Boston, driving to Maine and Rhode Island. Wanting to stay on the ocean coast in Maine. Any tips on where to stay - cottages, B & B. No kids on the trip. Any coupons? Going in August.

[FantasyIsland]

There's a place in southern Maine - called Black Point Inn - it's on Black Point - lol. It's a quaint old Inn with incredible views. If you play tennis, they have a court, but my ex-DH and I found it comfortable. It isn't too far from LLBean either. And of course, Maine is famous for shoe outlets along Route 1.

In Rhode Island, you'll be in the high season so Newport will be jammed at all times, as well as most of the RI coast, both on the bay and ocean. There are a couple of places you really should visit, even if you can't afford water accommodations. Probably my most favorite place is Pt Judith, specifically Galilee. Do NOT get clam chowder at George's (on the beach), but across the street right at the docks are several places to watch the water traffic and get your seafood right off the docks.

Having lived in the area for many years (been gone for a while, though), it's difficult to recommend a place to stay. There used to be an Inn in the village of Wakefield, on Rte 108 - very homey and friends used to stay there but it's not at the beach.

Of course Narragansett (where Galilee is located) is a summer tourist haven - so you could try any of the inns, hotels, motels - many cater to the $$$ crowd. There's also Misquamicut if you're an ocean lover - with boardwalk and rides and stuff.

If you're into history, try Jamestown - several inns - and a trip to Newport is a must! You don't have to pay the high prices to tour the mansions, you can just take the cliff walk and see the front sides. Wear sneakers or walking shoes. I personally would not stay overnight in Newport - it's definitely the JFK yacht crowd - with that kind of pricing.

I don't know when the Richmond County Fair is, but that's a hoot for anyone who's not been to a country fair - like in the movie Grease. And down the street (on Rte 108) is Kenyon's Grist Mill where they still stone grind corn meal (and sell it). Definitely try a jonnycake (not Johnny) - it's a derivitive of journey cake. There also used to be a glass blower along Rte 108 not far from Kenyon's - interesting to watch.

Yeah, you can tell I miss New England.