From Boston to Washington DC

[reservoir]

Hi all!

I need some advice for our trip. First, my plan, then I need your advice how to adjust the dates and what to do on the road.

We rent the car betwwen the big cities, not for the whole time (much cheaper ~900 vs. 500$).

So we arrive to Boston on 8th of September.
Then on 11th morning rent a car and drive around Connecticut and Massachusetts. Spend the night somewhere and arrive to NY on the 12th evening.

On 16th we leave NY in the evening, spend the nigth in Edison. Next day drive around to Philadelphia and arrive in the evening. Spend there 3 nights.

On 20th leave to DC, and fly home on 23rd.

My questions:

1. I have the vision, that there is a lot to see in Connecticut and MA (Cape Cod, New Heaven, Martha's Vinyard, Hartford etc.). Can you give me some ideas for this two day trip?

2. What is there to see between NY and Philly? Is one day enough?

3. I've read that there is not much to see between Philly and DC. Am I right? Baltimore worth a few hours?

4. Any more suggestions/ideas?

Thank you so much, this is a great forum and great community!

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Between Boston and New York, I'd recommend roughly following the coast. Yes, head out to Cape Cod if you like - You have the time - just be sure to get around to the 'forearm' and visit the Cape Cod National Seashore and Privincetown. Then double back and head for Newport, RI and a tour of some of the 'cottages'. Next would be Mystic and the Seaport along with Abbott's in Noank, and finally a visit to the USS Nautilus at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT.

There really isn't a lotthat I'd recommend between New York and Philadelphia. As that corridor has become more and more built up, even its historic sites have become difficult to reach and appreciate. I think you could make better use of your time by seeing some of the sights in Philadelphia, such as Independence Mall, the Italian Market on 9th Street, the Zoo, Boathouse Row, Elfreth's Alley, the Franklin Institute, etc.

On the other hand, I think there is a lot to enjoy between Philadelphia and Washington, but not by coming down I-95 through Baltimore. Instead look at heading south from Wilmington through beautiful old towns like Chestertown and Easton, a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, and a 'cruise to nowhere' by taking the sunset ferry ride from Bellevue over to Oxford and back.

AZBuck

[scosm]

A couple of other options, none of which are better than the ones already suggested but are different options to consider:

Between NYC and Philadelphia, you can visit a New Jersey beach town (the Jersey Shore, as it's called). Spring Lake, Long Beach Island, Ocean City, Avalon, Cape May are a few of the nice ones. This would be a bit of a detour though. You could also get off the New Jersey Turnpike (the main route you'd take between NYC and Philadelphia) at Trenton and take a detour on NJ route 29 to Lambertville, New Jersey and New Hope, Pennsylvania, which are beautiful towns right along the Delaware River.

After you leave Philly,you could also drive west to Lancaster County, which is known for its Amish population. It's a beautiful area. Baltimore is worth visiting too if you have the time. Particularly areas like the Inner Harbor and Fells Point.

As AZBuck mentions, staying on the main road (I-95) from Boston-NYC-Philly-Baltimore-DC is not particularly scenic and quite hectic. If you find that your trip is just going to be about driving from one city to the next and not really taking much time to see anything en route, then you might want to consider turning in the rental car and taking Amtrak rail from town to town. Amtrak stops in Edison, by the way (Metropark station).

[reservoir]

Thank you for the ideas, I will Google them :)

Our goal is to see as much about the country as we can, that's why we chose to rent a car, and not taking the train or plane between the major cities.

[reservoir]

I have a question, which do you recommend: Cape Cod or Martha's Vinyard?

The problem with Cape Cod is it's hours of driving, problem with Martha's is we loose much time with the ferry.

We will arrive to the decision point at about 10 AM. :-)

[AZBuck]

If things are so tight time-wise that you can't include Cape Cod, then don't. And Martha's Vinyard will be even more problematic since it is an island and you will be at the mercy of the ferry schedule. So just enjoy the coast where you can, Newport and Mystic, and don't kill your vacation by trying to squeeze too much in.

AZBuck