| Author | Content |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
March 4, 2006 4:38 AM Post #2085305
| We are planning a trip to Massachusettes, Connecticut and Rhode Island this June. I need some suggestions on what to do and see there.
Our first stop is Foxwoods resort/casino. Then have a museum visit planned, am getting together with 2 DG subscribers for dinner one night. But need some side trips for the days. Any suggestions?
You may feel free to d-mail me with something if you like. |
sedum37
Westford, MA (Zone 5b)
March 6, 2006 3:04 PM Post #2090710
| How long you going to be here? Are you flying in or driving? Are you interested in gardens and/or houses to visit? Commericial greenhouses and garden centers to purchase plants?
Here are some quick ideas, this list is by no means complete!
Rhode Island:
-Newport: visit the mansions for the splendor of the estates and the gardens, restaurants, historical sites -- one of the largest collection of colonial houses, Secret Garden Tour in June, Tennis Hall of Fame, harbor cruise
-Green Animals Topiary Garden, Portsmouth, RI
-Blithewold Mansion and Gardens, Briston, RI
Massachusetts:
-Boston: Duck tour of Boston sites, walk the Freedom Trail, Prudential Tower view Boston. Museums: Museum of science, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Dinner North End (Italian section), Dim Sum meal weekends in Chinatown, Take a walking tour by 'Boston by Foot'
-Suburbs: New England Wildflower Society Garden Framingham, MA, Sturbridge Village
-Cape Cod: Ferry day trip to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard
Connecticut:
-Mystic Seaport Historical Site
-Logees Greenhouses Danielson, CT
You may wish to check out TripAdvisor (here is the Mass forum):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28942-i47-Massachusett...
Boston By Foot Walking Tours (excellent!):
http://www.bostonbyfoot.com/
Newport Secret Garden Tour:
http://www.secretgardentour.com/
|
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
March 6, 2006 3:46 PM Post #2090785
| Sedum, we will be there for a week. It looks like you have provided me with some excellent ideas. I haven't fully explored the links you provided. Thanks so much for your help.
Bonnie |
sedum37
Westford, MA (Zone 5b)
March 6, 2006 4:00 PM Post #2090819
| Bonnie - Happy to provide any help you need! I love to travel myself and have been lucky to have gone around and seen my home state and New England over the years. So will you have a car for your stay? Have you lined up places to stay? TripAdvisor is great to check a hotel/motel/B&B out. Search for your hotel on Trip Advisor to get the customer reviews. People write opinions (like at Amazon) about a place which is nice for the traveler to get an idea.
Sue
|
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
March 7, 2006 1:00 AM Post #2091931
| Sedum, as all of our plans, are just in the planning stage, and no reservations made but we plan to fly into Hartford, rent a car, and probably go to Foxwoods first, then want to line up several days in the area. Maybe make sort of a circle, and plan to end up back at Hartford for the return trip home.
I have talked to McCool, and Maria, both from MA, and they have given me some ideas also. Do you recognize those names from some forums? How far are you from Foxwoods? We have thought about maybe getting together one night for dinner. I have not met either of them, but have spoken to them. If possible, would you like to join this "virtual" group?
I have been a subscriber for a little over a year, and have met some of the most wonderful people. I have traded tomato seeds and flower seeds, and even some plants. I have helped and been helped with my collection of "state quarters", gotten tons of good advice about growing things, and have shared pictures of my garden produce and my pets. For the subscription fee, I consider this the best investment that I have made. So maybe I have made a new "vacation" friend. I hope so.
If you think of anything else of interest, let me know.
Thank you very much.
Bonnie |
bseddon
Pittsfield,, MA (Zone 5b)
April 18, 2006 4:31 PM Post #2200056
| I spotted this and thought I can help with some ideas...instead I GOT some. As a gardener, Logees Greenhouses , Danielson, CT (www.logees.com) is a absolute MUST even if you don't buy a thing. Some of the mother plants in the greenhouses are ancient! However, if you're flying, getting the plants back could cause a problem altho they do ship.
Also try my neck of the woods, Berkshire County, MA. We have Tanglewood http://www.tanglewood.org/ which isn't opened yet in June but the grounds are and they are beautiful.
Mount Greylock http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/mgry.htm
Stockbridge Mass which is where Norman Rockwell did a lot of his work http://www.nrm.org/
Berkshire Botanical Gardens http://www.berkshirebotanical.org/
Kripalu and Canyon Ranch in Lenox
Did you say you want to extend your stay... cause then of course there's Vermont and New York
|
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
April 18, 2006 8:45 PM Post #2200697
| bseddon, thanks for these links. I will spend tonight looking at them. If we do all the things that has been recommended by several people, we will need to stay at least a month!!. We are really looking forward to this.
I thank you greatly for your help. |
brantley75
Vancouver, WA (Zone 8a)
May 2, 2006 3:02 AM Post #2240694
| Hi! I second the Boston Duck tours- our family with teenagers enjoyed this quick overview of the city with a little history thrown in. We also went to a great meal in Little Italy, great pastries afterword and Foxwoods, too. We went to Cape cod (Woods Hole) and had a memorable lobster dinner, then a daytrip to Marthas Vineyard. If you have any diehard basketball fans, there is the basketball hall of fame in Springfield-not my cup of tea but the rest of the family thought it was great...just my 2 cents. Enjoy! (ps- I found this thread because I was looking for your address for the seed trade:)LOL |
mtnmama
Denver Metro Area, CO (Zone 5a)
May 2, 2006 3:38 AM Post #2240809
| Defoecat,
Don't miss the Thimble Islands in Connecticut (Jane Pauley and Gary Trudeau's house is there). You can take the 45 minute (boat) tour with history and interesting info on the houses you pass. My kids and I really enjoyed it!
Diane |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 2, 2006 5:08 AM Post #2240961
| Thanks, I have gotten some good tips about things to see. Still working on the itiniery, the trip is in June, So still putting things together. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 5, 2006 1:03 PM Post #2250758
| Here is a link to things going on in Berkshire County, MA.
http://www.berkshires.org/index.php
My former stomping ground, born and raised there...it is a beautiful place. Pownal, VT is only 45 minutes north of Pittsfield and is worth a ride there as well.
If you go, you'll have to let me know :)
Kathy
Have fun !!! |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 5, 2006 2:38 PM Post #2251024
| Thanks Kathy. We are definately going. Vacation is scheduled for the week of June 19. I'll let you know how it went when we get back.
Bonnie |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 5, 2006 3:21 PM Post #2251182
| Wish I could stowaway with you :( go visit my Mom. :) |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 5, 2006 5:54 PM Post #2251626
| I think that Delta would take exception to a stow away!!
If we were driving you would be welcome. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 5, 2006 6:21 PM Post #2251706
| I always found the cheapest airport (I always fly in Bradley (hartford)) to be Northwest going to that area.
You're right, I am a little too big to fit in your luggage. You need to be sure to have a grinder (sub) and pizza while in New England. I'm sorry but I haven't found a place yet in Kentucky that makes a decent one of either!
If you get to Pittsfield, be sure to check out Teo's hot dogs!! It is on East Street and anyone can tell you how to get there. Very easy to get to. They are little hot dogs with sauce, mustard, onions and are a tradition. I can't go home without eating them and actually bring them back with me! Also, try an Angelina's grinder. There are several Angelina's in Pittsfield now. It's pretty good when we associate our favorite foods with areas of the country.
BTW, Pittsfield is about 1.5 hrs from Bradley airport. |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 6, 2006 12:59 AM Post #2252648
| If we get to Pittsfield, we will certainly follow your recommendations for food. We are quite the seafood lovers, can you tell me a good place to get crab cakes and a good New England Clam chowder. Also do lobster, white fish, shrimp and oysters.
Meet me in Louisville at the airport on June 24th, and I will bring you back some of your favorites!! |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 6, 2006 1:55 AM Post #2252813
| what time does your plane come in? :)
Seafood, wrong person to ask...I'm allergic to it. You need to go towards Boston way for good seafood. I'll ask Ralph because he loves New England Clam Chowder. I know he wishes I would make it for him, but I'm a bad wife ha, ha. There used to be a place in Pittsfield called The Chowder House, but that's gone now.
I'll let you know if I hear of any.
:)K |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 6, 2006 2:33 AM Post #2252953
| My plane arrives so late that I don't even want to be there!! About 11 p.m. I think.
Before the summer is over, I am going to make it to your farmers market, whether or not I buy anything, I want to meet you and DH.
Bonnie |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 6, 2006 3:45 AM Post #2253192
| Bonnie, You'll have to come to Brandenburg to see me after June 3rd :) Ralph does the Louisville market, but would enjoy your visit as well.
Would love for you to come to the farm sometime.
Have a great night.
Kathy :)
P.S. Are you going to make it to the OH RU tomorrow? I have to work, as I suspected. :( |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 7, 2006 8:25 AM Post #2255809
| Kathy, went to the RU, it is 4:22 am, haven't been to bed, mishap with DM, at the emergency room for 5 hours, I will tell you all about it after a few hours sleep.
Send me a d-mail with your Phone # and I will call you, I have unlimited long distance.
Bonnie |
bseddon
Pittsfield,, MA (Zone 5b)
May 15, 2006 7:09 PM Post #2282641
| Legal Seafood in Boston for seafood is great. Of course you're in New England almost anyplace along the coast has great seafood. MistyMeadows is right about the Pittsfield area... and it's getting better all the time. By the way, you should plan another trip in the Fall...the colors are spectacular!!! |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 15, 2006 9:06 PM Post #2283000
| Thanks for the information. Kentucky mountains in the fall are spectacular also. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 15, 2006 11:04 PM Post #2283339
| Yes, but a different spectacular from New England. Both beautiful...believe it or not, different colors :) |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 16, 2006 2:11 AM Post #2283956
| I didn't know that. This vacation may ultimately get cancelled, or postponed, DM, and DMIL are both in the hospital, or just home from the hospital, so depends on how that plays out. But if I don't use the information now, I will later on. Thanks. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 16, 2006 2:25 AM Post #2284011
| Yes. I hope all is well with Mom and MIL. Geez, what a year this has been for DGers families. New England can wait for you :) Maybe I'll take you home with me, ha, ha...
:) Kathy |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
May 16, 2006 2:30 AM Post #2284028
| When are you going? Our trip is planned for June 19, but will have to wait and see how things turn out. DMIL is having tests tomorrow, and will know more then. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 16, 2006 12:34 PM Post #2284940
| Oh, I've already been this year; last year I went 4 times because my mother was sick. I've no plans to return this year, but you just never know what will happen.
Too busy with the markets and CSA to go during growing season.
I hope you make it and have a wonderful time.
:) Kathy |
PamE
Paullina, IA
May 23, 2006 6:02 AM Post #2308192
| I was interested in reading the recommendations. We also are going to the area in June. Could someone tell me 1)how much time to allow for the Newport garden show 2) which is better trolley or duck tours in Boston 3) Has anyone taken the tours New England Seacoast or Total Experience tours out of Boston. Lastly what whale watching tours would be good. I am lost with this trip. Am going to a wedding and spending extra time, have had NO time to plan. Thanks for any help you may provide. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 23, 2006 11:45 AM Post #2308448
| PamE, Where did you find information about these things? Perhaps if I could look at the description of them, I could tell you which would be the better.
I can tell you that if you go to Boston, the New England Aquarium is awesome. I can tell you that Fanuel Hall and Quincy Market and Beacon Hill are all beautiful places to see and much, much history.
Cape Cod is beautiful and just a short drive away. There is so much to do in Boston and, as I said, the history is beyond belief. Check out some of the museums while you are there. Remember there is over 300 years of history in Boston.
Kathy :) |
sedum37
Westford, MA (Zone 5b)
May 23, 2006 3:35 PM Post #2309170
| PamE -
1) I have been on the Secret Garden Tour in Newport, RI a couple of times. It is lovely to see all the gardens and beautiful Colonial architecture in the Point Section (which by the way has one of the largest concentration of colonial homes in the US). I think you can easily do it in a 4 or 5 hours. I guess it depends on how many pictures you take and how in detail you look at each garden. There are usually 10 gardens on the tour some are located next door to each other so you can do some quickly. But you'll want to spend a whole day in Newport if you can since there are the spectacular mansions which also have beautiful gardens, plus restaurants, shopping other things to do there. Recommend you park at the Newport Visitors center then you can buy your ticket to the tour there and it is a short walk to 33 Washington St where the tour starts. Usually Hunter House, one of the smaller mansions is on the tour. Here is the link for the Secret Garden tour:
http://www.secretgardentours.org/
For Newport the only down thing is the traffic is a little hectic. Leave your car in the parking and walk everywhere near the harbor and the garden tour. Then when ready to see the mansions, you can take your car there as most have parking (although some it is limited). I think there is also a public bus that you can take to the mansions so this is an option also.
2) I would go for the Boston Duck Tour. These are a neat way to see Boston. The duck boat goes down the Charles River so you get to see this also. You can pick up a Duck tour at the Museum of Science or the Prudential Center Tower.
3) Sorry can't help you here.
4) The Whale watch boats out of Gloucester area are nice if you can get there since they are closer to the area where the major whale feeding and breeding grounds are. I believe there are also whale boats out of Boston but these have to go further to get to where the whales are. I guess it depends if you have a car or not. Rockport and Gloucester are nice to visit if you have time. This whale watch has a good rating on TripAdvisor:
http://www.7seas-whalewatch.com |
PamE
Paullina, IA
May 24, 2006 4:56 AM Post #2311767
| Thank you for all of your suggestions. It is such a hard decision. So much to see in so short of time. Misty, This is the web site that had the tours I was talking about. Any more advice is greatly appreciated. The more I read, the more excited I am and wish I had more time. Since I don't I want to not waste a moment. thanks again. Pam e
http://www.gobostoncard.com/attractions/Grayline-Tour-NE-Sea... |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 24, 2006 1:18 PM Post #2312277
| PamE, That New England Seacoast tour sounds awesome. I would definitely call though, because York, ME has been ravaged with flooding in the past few weeks. My cousin lives in York, ME and I could get a lowdown from her on how their cleanup has gone and if it is okay for visitors to really enjoy.
Hampton Beach is beautiful and York and Kennebunkport are great places to go. You would love all the shops, for sure.
Are you looking to do the coast tour? or did you want something more condensed though, say in the city?
Also, I will tell you this I've heard from my family in MA, it has been very, very cold there lately...when did you say your were going? 2 days ago, the high was 39!
And don't forget to buy some saltwater taffy :) if you go. |
PamE
Paullina, IA
May 24, 2006 3:23 PM Post #2312648
| Misty, Great to hear your response so fast. Thanks for the heads up on the flooding and weather, which I did not know. Guess I should be watching the news for that area. The wedding is June 24. Will be there the 23rd though 28th. I or my husband have never been to that area. He is a history buff and wants to see historical places, I want to see the coast and would love to sneak in a garden tour. I saw an article on the Newport Flower Show, which is the 23 - 25. I just don't think we can get it in since Friday and Sat. are out. Sunday we have a brunch with the wedding party in Boston. So I was wondering if we went on Monday to that mansion if remnants would still be there, plus see the mansions. Of course I wish I could see it all, but have to condense due to time. I just have not had time to plan, actually took the day off from work today and Friday to get caught up at home and to set Boston plans and reservations. Your insight is great. Thanks. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 24, 2006 6:58 PM Post #2313309
| I'll write to my cousin and see what's happening in York these days :) |
sedum37
Westford, MA (Zone 5b)
May 24, 2006 8:27 PM Post #2313503
| PamE - going to Newport during the week is a great time to go. The crowds are much less then. I had misread your post and thought you were talking about the Newport Secret Garden Tour. The Newport Flower show that is held at RoseCliff, you can find info here:
http://www.newportmansions.org/page4702.cfm
I've been to this many years ago. They had garden vendors and talks at the show. So if you go on Monday I am sure if there were any flower arrangements made up and displayed in the mansion there is a good chance they would be on display still. But you will miss the vendors and talks. In any case, not to despair - many of the mansions have beautiful gardens and are truly spectacular! The Breakers is very large and interesting. The kitchen is open for viewing which most of the mansions don't have open. Rosecliff is one of the few I could see living in. Marble House is very over the top (it cost something like $10 Million to build in the early 1900's). Take a look at the Newport Mansions web site -- they all have a different personality. The Green Animals Gardens (located outside Newport in Portsmouth, RI) contains extensive collection of outdoor topiary figures (animals, whimsical figures, etc) in addition to other garden plants and is very interesting. You can buy a combo ticket with the other mansions in Newport and see them. I'd highly recommend visiting it if you'd like to see a garden while in Rhode Island.
Another garden to visit in Rhode Island is Blithewold Mansions and Gardens in Bristol RI. NOTE: It is not associated with the Newport Mansions. See info here:
http://www.blithewold.org/
Sue |
PamE
Paullina, IA
May 25, 2006 2:45 AM Post #2314710
| You guys have been very helpful. After reading your response Sue I have decided that is what we will do, go Monday. I was bummed that I would miss out on the flower show, but sounds as if worth it on Monday too. Appreciate what you find out Misty on that area. I feel better about setting plans with information received. Thanks again, and another other suggestions for the area will be appreciated. Pam E |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 25, 2006 3:01 AM Post #2314783
| I've written to my cousin and have not heard back. I'm wondering if their internet may not be working properly as I wrote to her last week as well and it is unlike her to write back to me.
Funny, we communicate by email and I don't know her phone number :(
(Just saw her about a month ago when she visited KY. I hadn't seen her in over 20 years.) |
bseddon
Pittsfield,, MA (Zone 5b)
May 25, 2006 6:57 PM Post #2316739
| Weather up here is better (Misty Meadows is from my home town)... Close to normal today and forward. Thank God!!! |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
May 25, 2006 8:26 PM Post #2316959
| I spoke with family in MA yesterday and they said you had had a lot of rain and that it was about to get nice and warm. :) Good for you.
My cousin lives in York, ME...and I've not heard back from her. Wondering if the flooding may have taken out some internet service.
Kathy |
Chicory31
Mint Hill, NC (Zone 7a)
June 3, 2006 9:06 PM Post #2348568
| Well I don't know if anyone mentioned Tower Hill Botanical Garden in Boylston Mass. Or Mystic Seaport in Mystic , Ct, and the Aquarium. In the same area is Connecticut College Arboretum. The beaches are fun.
Of course Woodstock has some nice shops and Putnam has a lot of Antique shops, I hope you have a great time we are transplants here and have tried to make the most of living here.
We live about 35-40 minutes from both casinos. |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
June 3, 2006 10:07 PM Post #2348749
| We are looking forward to being there. Have never been to that part of our great country. This trip originally started by my sister wanting to go to Foxwoods, and I have built an entire itiniary including historic, museums, Mystic, and Plymouth, Old Sturbridge village, etc. So we are really getting excited, as it will only be 2 more weeks before we leave.
Thanks for you suggestions. |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
June 4, 2006 1:21 AM Post #2349396
| I heard from my cousin and she said that they are trying to get back to normal. Many homes still have a lot of damage, they had 18 inches of water in their basement. Of course, it is raining like crazy up there again, as we speak.
I went to Foxwoods when I went home one time last year. It is a beautiful place, but they have stopped a lot of their programs or shows that they used to have.
I went with $20 (that's all I'll take in one of those places). Won okay, but then lost my winnings. My MIL and BIL like to go down there...they win thousands, but I don't know what they spend to do that! I think they are ridiculous when it comes to that, but that's just my opinion!
BTW, Mystic CT is a wonderfully beautiful place.
Have fun,
Kathy
:) Kathy |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
June 4, 2006 2:36 AM Post #2349721
| Kathy, I take my alloted amount of money, and play until it is gone. My twin sister is lucky, and usually wins. As you said, I don't know what she spends in order to win, but she usually comes out ahead. I just have a problem throwing money away. I worked hard for mine, and in retirement, won't have much to throw around.
Where does your sister live? |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
June 5, 2006 12:56 AM Post #2352398
| My family all lives in Hinsdale, Pittsfield, Becket, MA
My "little" sister lives in Hinsdale...town where Israel Bissell was born; he was really the one that made the midnight ride, not Paul Revere...Paul Revere only went as far as Lexington, MA...(The british are coming?) |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
June 5, 2006 1:11 AM Post #2352444
| Well, live and learn. That is something the history books left out. I am looking forward to the historical aspect of this trip. I will come away with information, the others who do the casino will come away with empty pockets!! |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
June 5, 2006 1:44 AM Post #2352580
| Yes, Hinsdale used to be called Bissellville and Israel Bissell is actually buried in an unmarked grave. We know by the record books approximately where he is buried, but not stone, if I recall and they don't allow building anywhere near this piece of land.
There is unbelievable history in those parts. Arlo Guthrie lives in Washington, MA (between Hinsdale and Becket) and my DH and I used to "hang out" with him when we were teenagers and such. He wrote the song City of New Orleans and his father was Woody Guthrie.
Also, there is a great museum in Stockbridge, MA for Norman Rockwell. He did a lot of his paintings from subjects from Berkshire County and Arlington, VT. You would love Stockbridge/Gt. Barrington, MA area. Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA is a great place. You can also go to Salem, MA and see the witch history. I don't think there is any town in MA that doesn't have something to it.
:) Kathy |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
June 5, 2006 3:25 AM Post #2353373
| Thanks, in order to do this right, I would have to stay way longer than the week we have planned. It may call for a return trip, of longer duration. |
audreyannewert
Athol, MA
June 21, 2006 3:46 AM Post #2414885
| I have two suggestions. The first is a very special restaurant--The Nordic Lodge in Charlestown, R.I. It's a 45 min drive from Foxwoods. They have an all you can eat buffet with whole Maine lobsters and everything else imaginable. Check http://www.nordiclodge.com The other suggestion is to check out Mohegan Sun Casino which is only a few minutes drive from Foxwoods. It's smaller but I think much nicer. |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
June 25, 2006 4:21 AM Post #2430463
| Thanks all for the suggestions. Just back home tonight, and it was an awesome vacation. We did visit |Mohegan Sun, and liked it. Of course I got lost, give me a building with 4 corners instead of a round building!! I didn't get the message about the restaurant, but had some very good FRESH SEAFOOD. It was great.
Thanks again. |
defoecat
Pleasureville, KY (Zone 6a)
July 23, 2006 2:51 AM Post #2536462
| To those of you who provided information for my vacation,thanks, it was great. I got to meet 2 DGer, Maria, and McCool. That was a very special part of the trip. I learned after I got home that there was another DG member in Mystic, CT, could have met them too, if I had known in time.
If every anyone plans to visit Kentucky, let me know, and I will see that you are entertained by a fellow DG member. |
