Since at this point you seem to be open to anywhere up here, yes, I know several good places.

Acadia N.P. in Maine, Adirondack Park in New York, the Hudson River Valley in New York, the Green Mts. in VT, the White Mts. in NH (goodbye, Old Man of the Mountain), Gloucester, Salem, Plymouth, MA. Quabbin Reservoir in MA (see that huge body of water in the center of the state? that's all man-made). VT route 100.

For more people-intensive visits, Northampton, MA (college town), Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, VT, Portland, Kennebunkport, ME, Hartford, CT, Narragansett, RI.

Washington, DC is easiest to get around on the Metro (public transportation). I couldn't believe how efficient that system is; it's easy to navigate, easy to purchase passes, and fairly clean. You can access lines into the city, such as Virginia's VRE, much easier than even attempting to drive into the city, unless it's 2am.

I've driven in NYC, DC, and Boston (as well as most other major Northeast cities)...I really don't recommend it as it can be quite stressful, especially during the week.