Advice needed form the East Coast Americans | ExpatWoman.com
 

Advice needed form the East Coast Americans

263
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 13:42

We are going to America for a holiday in 8 weeks (our first time in USA!). We will be there for three weeks and have organised and booked most things. There are only 5 days which we still need to decide where to go. Originally the idea was to go from NY to Niagra falls (staying on the US side) then Boston for a couple of days. However the friends we are traveling with have now said it seems to be a really long drive to Niagra and they have been told the US side of Niagra is not really worth it and the Canadian side is the better side to see. Is this true? Our friends have suggested to go to Maine and Boston instead. Although they are pushing for Boston as friends of theirs live there and now Maine again because another friend lives there. So I don't mind seeing their friends I just don't want to spend my holiday traveling from place to place to see their friends if the places are not worth it. I am happy to go to Boston as I know there is a lot of history there but would you ladies recommend going to Maine or Niagra falls?

Also any suggestions on the hidden treasures of NY not to miss? And the best places to shop in NY? I have heard the factory outlets are amazing.

263
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 08:35
Thanks so much everyone. Your advice is greatly appreciated. We all really can't wait to go!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 00:56
I second what Norge says. Skip Niagra Falls. Niagra on the Lake is fabuous and it's only 45 minutes from Toronto. But I would stick to Boston/Cape Cod/Maine. It's so beautiful up in that part of the US. You can just drive up the coast and stop at near restaurants/ antique stores/ outlets etc and have a great time. I wouldn't waste one of my 5 days going to Niagra. Have a great time. You'll love it there!!
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 22:31
If I'm not mistaken, there is an outlet town somewhere close to Kennebunkport Maine also. It's been a while since I was there, so it may not be as close as I remember, but somewhere in day-trip distance. Lots of beautiful beaches along the North Shore and South Shore from Boston.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 21:54
Just came home form a wonderful holiday in the North East US myself...Give Niagara falls a miss..its not what you think it will be.... and it really is too long to drive there and back in 5 days :) If you really want to go, go to Niagara-on-the-lake! Toronto is OK but Boston is FAB. If I we're you I'd do Boston, go see Plymouth Rock/Mayflower, travel out to Cape Cod, Or along the coast towards Newport or Mystic. And if you feel like going up north head towards Kennebunport in Maine BEAUTIFUL...Maine is so beautiful looks a lot like Denmark/Sweden/Norway all in one!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 16:48
It has been so long since I've been to Niagra Falls, I could not give you reliable advice on this question. It is REALLY far, though. If you do go to Boston, you can follow the Freedom Trail marked by red bricks or a red painted line which goes to the North End of Boston (Little Italy) Eat great Italian and get the stuff that Grandma used to make (well, my grandma did) So much history. Don't forget the clam chowda and then on to Maine for the lobsta. The Old North Church was where Paul Revere rode to light the lanterns to warn of the Redcoats .http://www.oldnorth.com/ Stop in spooky Salem, Mass on the way up to Maine from Boston where they had the Salem witch trials. I hope you have a great time! I have great memories of those areas having grown up in New England! Safe travels!
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 15:31
I have been to both sides of Niagra Falls - the US and from Canada. Definately not worth the trip from the US side. Don't waste your time, there is so much else to see. If you are driving yourselves, watch your speed as there are often State Police waiting with radar guns on many of the highways. Pack light as the other responder mentioned--you'll find so many great bargains. Have fun.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 14:25
Thanks Crystil have noted down all the links from the other thread. The not traveling together is not really an option. The whole point is to do it together. As I say I don't mind doing going to these places as long as it is worth it. I have been researching Maine a bit and it looks beautiful. Just wanted to get some feedback if Niagra Falls is worth the 8 hours drive there and 8 hours back. We do want to do as much as we can during the holiday I just want to make sure we see what is really worth seeing. <em>edited by chants39 on 13/05/2011</em>
379
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 14:03
Will you be staying in New York City? If so, do a search "New York" and you will get several threads with recommendations. Here is one that has quite a few: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=140746 There was also a mention about the outlet malls - which are in New Jersey and you can get a bus at Port Authority to take you there. Take an empty suitcase because you will definitely fill it up!!! When I go home I take the storage bags that decompress so that I can carry twice as much!! You can ask the hotel to send housekeeping up with a vacuum to decompress the storage bag. Cheaper to pay the weight overage than having to pay for another piece of luggage. I get what you are saying about traveling around with your friends so they can see their friends, but you don't have to tag along. Let them go their way and you go yours. I'm sure they won't mind. Boston is a great city!!!! Have a great time!!!!
 
 

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