need help too pls

[TheGirlSuz]

Hi all,

Sorry to intrude here, but I could also do with some advice please? I plan to visit the US (from England) for the first time in my life this autumn! My bf lived there for about a year and now wants to revisit the family he stayed with in Cape Cod all those years ago. He would like to see them for Thanksgiving, but I would not be joining him for the days he spends with them.

Our original thinking was that I would come out on a later flight (after Thanksgiving), but then I thought that would be nonsense - after all, I've never been to the US before and what is stopping me exploring some of the places he has already seen (and more), by myself, right?? :)

So...road trip!! I have driven right across Europe before and loved spending days behind the wheel on all sorts of adventures, so why not? I think it's the best way to explore countries / continents you're not familiar with (or even if you know it - see a new aspect!)...take as much time as you like, go where you want, freedom, etc. :)

Lots of details are yet to be confirmed re this trip, such as number of days I have to myself (I would guess approx. 4 but need to confirm with the bf), as well as what airport we come into (what is sensible?), start and end date (as long as Thanksgiving is in the middle) etc. but my first questions are:

- any advice on how much I can fit into, say, 4 days? Assuming I need to do a big circle, any advice you can give on what to hit there and back from-to Cape Cod?
- what's the deal with Thanksgiving? (being that it doesn't exist here); will everything shut down? will I have anywhere to go / anyplace to see? will shops / motels be open? if open, will they cost loads?
- can I confidently go there that time of year and not book accommodation in advance? I have no qualms about sleeping in the car, but IF I want a proper sleep, will there be motels available...what kinda price? and safety?
- not that I would want my holiday dictated by the time of year, but what is good to see / do around then? Remember I am assuming approx. 4 days to myself. How far can I drive (I'm not a bad driver), where can I reasonably get to? Any advice on driving in the US (yes, I know other side of the road, lol, but apart from that? customs, things to be wary of, things to enjoy?)
- and most of all, what radio station do I tune in? ;-) ...just joking...maybe?

Thanks all x (v, excited!)