It is hard to believe, but Our Up Coming Road Trip to the USA and Canada will be our first time in these countries. We made a very conscious decision that we would be doing ourselves a disservice by not widening our travel scope from Europe, Asia, and the Oceania.
So yes, USA and Canada, Contented Traveller are hitting your shores for 2 months in November and December this year to bring you our experiences. Quite frankly, I have wanted a cold, and preferably white Christmas for a long time…and I want to see what all of the fuss about bacon is.
We were not sure where we wanted to actually go in the US, but as serendipity would have it, we found the Distinctive Inns of New England. These are 12 inns throughout the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Each of the inns is rich in history and brings us that personal experience that you get when you stay with local people. They all happen to be stunningly beautiful and in unique locations, as you will see later in this article.
This is what Gordon and I have planned to do so far. However, we do value those experiences that just ‘happen’, and knowing us, this will be the case.
Are you ready to see what two virgin Aussies are going to be doing in both the US and Canada?If you have any suggestions, want to invite us for dinner, meet us for coffee, show us how to eat bacon – then we would love to hear these.
Road Trip to the USA and Canada
San Francisco and the 49ers
This gave me the idea to write to the 49ers to ask if we could come and see the game live when we came to the States. We wanted to be representatives for Australia’s new found love of this sport. It was with great shock, and total delight when the 49ers invited us to see the game when we get to San Francisco, and to go to the Red Zone Rally, 49ers Museum, the 49ers Team Store, the Super Bowl 50 Experience Tour and Michael Mina’s Bourbon Pub.
Suffice to say our friends hate us, particularly since I don’t know anything about football in Australia, let alone America. Suffice to say we are rapt.
We can’t wait to go to the tailgate party, even though we don’t really know what this is. We are excited to see the crowds and to experience the game 1st hand. We want our Aussie boy to have a blinder of a game.
September 14, 2014: The San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears. The San Francisco 49ers 2014 season opening day at Levi’s Stadium. Selected view and Images from around the Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers Lost 28-20 to the Bears at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (49ers Photo)
San Francisco to New York City.
After helping the 49ers to win against the Atlanta Falcons and spending the next day with them, we will fly to NYC. This is a one-night stopover but as this is the city that never sleeps, we will be hitting the town that night.
NYC to Niagara Falls, Ontario
Don’t worry, we are coming back to NYC – how could I not have my Sex and the City moment there. We will be taking the train from Penn Station to Niagara Falls, Ontario. We/I considered flying but Gordon would like to see more of the countryside, and that seems fair enough.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
We will have a couple of nights staying at the DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton and working with Niagara Tourism, which will be fun. We are looking to experience not just the falls but also some of the eateries, like Doc Magilligan’s on Lundy’s Lane, and the Old Stone Inn.
Montreal
We will travel to Montreal, and are working on a very interesting series, The Arts is Montreal. We are staying for 3 nights with Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal, who epitomize art in the city. They have a permanent exhibition, Body and Soul, by Jean-Claude Poitras and held an innovative program where they bought together 14 Canadian and international writers in the creation of a book, in 2014.
Quebec
From Montreal, we head to the city of Quebec for 3 days, and to HLDQ Hôtel Le Germain Québec. This will be a foodie-driven tour, as well as discovering the history, arts and culture of the city.
We think that as we are so sporty, that we will try and catch an ice hockey game here, or perhaps even one in Boston.
New York, New York
5 glorious days and nights at the city that I have been wanting to visit forever. Serendipity again kicked in when we read about The Paul Hotel, New York City. This is going to be a match made in heaven.
This is what drew us to the hotel,
Are you named Paul, or Paula, or Paulo, or Paulie, or Jean-Paul, or Paulogrino, or some other amazing variation of the great name Paul? Well, today is your day, my friend. The Paul Hotel would like to invite you to stay at our fine establishment in New York City at a discounted rate with a personalized care package. Centrally located off Broadway just North of Madison Square Park, The Paul is in the middle of everything great and exciting about Manhattan. Come celebrate having the greatest name in the greatest city in the world. See you soon!
(p.s.— we’ll totally throw in an extra bottle of water if you were in The Beatles….)
We are fortunate to be staying there the entire time, and with its enviable location on 32 West 29th Street, we know we will have fun. We will be sure to “Join Paul and other nomads at La Mesa de Paul, our new restaurant.”
We are also going to see a Broadway show or two, like Book of Mormon, and will use The Broadway Collection for this as they are the site to go to for all shows in New York.
As this is our first time here, we will definitely want to see everything iconic in New York City. Then we are going to walk, walk, walk and watch, watch, watch. I am looking forward to seeing everything frankly.
Distinctive Inns of New England
We will then hire a car to start our exciting journey with Distinctive Inns of New England.
These are a collection of Luxury New England Bed & Breakfast and Country Inns, many with fascinating histories. There are 12 Inns in the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) covering the 5 states of New England. We will be visiting each for 2 nights. Have a look at each of them; they are so special, and we will get to learn so much more about the New England area by staying at such intimate and beautiful places.
I have included a map so that you can see that this is an excellent way to see a lot of this beautiful area of the United States.
[mappress mapid=”2″]
In Maine: Captain Jefferds Inn in Kennebunkport & Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden
In New Hampshire: Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Gateways Inn & Restaurant in Lenox, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod.
In Vermont: Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton
In Rhode Island: Cliffside Inn in Newport
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic.
Mt. Washington Valley, NH
We will then go onto Mt Washington Valley, NH for 5 days, and weather permitting, we will be Skiing, or just chilling in the 780,000 acre White Mountain National Forest.
“Mount Washington Valley is made up of North Conway, NH, Centre Conway and its surrounding villages of Jackson, Bartlett, Intervale, Gorham, Shelburne, Fryeburg, Chocorua, Tamworth, Glen, Snowville and Eaton. Here you will find a plentiful supply of New England’s trademark white clapboard buildings, tall steepled churches, romantic covered bridges and good old general stores.”
There are 12 ski resorts and XC Center here, so this will be a unique experience for us, and one we will be sharing with all of our snow buddies. This looks just the place where we may well do some dog sledding, and some snow and outdoor activities, and we will need to after all of the amazing food we will be eating at the Distinctive Inns.
Stowe, Vermont
I have always wanted to go to Stowe, Vermont since seeing some show where it showed this magical winter wonderland. Since we are in the area, we will stay for 3 days at the gorgeous Green Mountain Inn. and get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the pre-Christmas festivities. We will stay there until Christmas Eve, and then head to Boston.
Boston
Boston is where we will spend 4 days including Christmas Day, and we are still deciding what we are doing, and where we are staying. We probably should figure out something for Christmas Day itself, so any suggestions are welcome. Again, we want to see lots of things that are Bostonian and may drop into Cheers for a drink.
Los Angeles
We have 1 night and most of the next day in LA, before we head back to Sydney. We won’t waste this time, but will choose one place to have a very quick look. Santa Monica or Venice Beach sound convenient to the airport.
It should be interesting to see what we discover and feel about the United States and Canada. While we might see lots of different things on TV, and in the movies, and while we might read about a lot of different things in the newspaper and online; meeting people who live and work and play here will be the defining moments for us.
Join a couple of Australian travel writers on Our Up Coming Road Trip to the USA and Canada. Subscribe to our newsletter and find out where we are, what we are doing and what we are experiencing, I think we will have a fantastic time.
Images:
Niagara Falls Lois Elling, Montreal John Skodak Quebec David Ohmer NYC LWYang Stowe Peter Rintels Mt. Washington Valley, NH MWV Chamber of Commerce Boston WBUR Boston’s NPR News Station Venice Beach Chris Goldberg Penn Station Maciek Lulko
What an itinerary! Hope you enjoy your stay! If you need company while in LA, send me a message! If you go to Venice, make sure to visit the Canals!
Thanks and we will have a great time.
Very extensive itinerary! You’re going to love New England — I was born and raised there, and lived in RI and NH until three years ago. Have a wonderful time!
Thanks Patti, you will know the places we are going. Will look forward to sharing this with you.
If you do it again- I suggest following Route 66 with a side trip to Santa Fe. Love US road trips!
Wouldn’t we love that. Next time.
Hey welcome! As you know we are on the #motherofallroadtrips doing a year in Canada and the US and you are hitting some amazing spots. I love the sound of Vermont, that’s not on my to do list at all. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks Erin, hope you are all enjoying yourselves as you seem to be. We are looking fwd to our trip and think that Vermont will be magical.
We’ve long wanted to plan a New England trip so we’ll be watching and living vicariously through you! Looks like you’ve got a marvelous journey planned. Enjoy every moment.
Thanks Sue, I will report fully on everything.
That is an amazing itinerary! You are going to see some wonderful places!! I would love to visit Montreal and more of the eastern coast. Can’t wait to see more of your posts! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Nancie, it is an exciting itinerary. Will keep everyone posted.
How fabulous! I’m particularly jealous of your journey around New England. Looking forward to reading your posts and seeing your photos. Hope you get some snow (but not too much). Have a really fabulous time. I’m sure you will.
Thanks Kat, it will be exciting exploring the New England area. I don’t want snow on the roads, but snow in the towns and villages. Will be writing lots of posts.
Camden and Kennebunkport – great choices. Now can I give some recommendations (or look at my blog) – Wild Thai I think it is called Camden – an absolute must, you need to book. Kennebunk – the Old Vine bar… Have fun!
Have them both on my list now, Thanks Anna.
I am super impressed with how well planned your trip is, and like yourselves I am a virgin when it comes to the USA & Canada. I very much look forward to the posts you will write along the way, and will be curious to follow your trip. Love the cartoon 🙂
Thanks Jackie, I am so looking forward to seeing the similarities and differences between our lifestyle and those in the US and Canada. Food will be interesting for a start, and we are doing a lot of amazing food tours in Quebec, as well as going to some amazing restaurants and farmers markets. It will be hard coming back to summer when I suspect we may gain a lot of weight.
Wow that’s quite a road trip with lots of diverse activities to enjoy en-route. We’ve just returned from a South West US road trip where we spent 3 days in San Francisco. We didn’t have time to see a game but fitted a lot into our time there. Fabulous city, enjoy your trip.
Thanks Suzanne, it is a very diverse trip, and who knows what serendipity will throw up.
If we were in the United States during your visit, I’d a)invite you for Thanksgiving Dinner with apple pie for dessert, b)never be able to stop offering more suggestions for your itinerary. Have fun!
You are so lovely, apple pie you say. It would have been fun. We will be at an Inn in New England so think we will get a very authentic experience also.
I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic trip. So many great places in your list. Happy travels!
Thanks Julia, I think this will give us a good insight into parts of the US and Canada that we haven’t been to before. Looking fwd to it.
It sounds like a fascinating itinerary – I hope you’ll have a chance to meet up in between Niagara Falls and Montreal. I’m in Toronto and would love to meet up!
I know we are pushed for time, but you have given me something to think about. I would love to meet up and if it can work out, will msg you.
Suggest researching New Haven, CT. Great place to spend a 1/2 or full day, amazing restaurants, great cultural events. Major rail connection from NYC. (Website is my 10 year old son’s)
Thanks for suggestion, we are actually staying at Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic, so will have to see if we go near there.
I am so excited by your trip and cannot wait to hear all about it. I hope that you find us Americans welcoming and that your 49ers win. There’s a chain of restaurants here called Outback Steakhouse. I hear that Australians laugh at what is considered to be Australian cuisine, although the Bloomin Onion is rather delicious even though it’s not authentic.
Thank you Michele, that is lovely. I think we will have a wonderful time. We always find people to be really pleasant wherever we go.
Canada and the US Eastern seaboard…November…cool, but there shouldn’t be too much snow. As you get into December expect anything weather wise. I’ve often experienced a foot or two of the white stuff on Christmas day. Everything comes to a grinding halt. I’m saddened that you have neglected my beautiful corner of Canada, Nova Scotia. I often tell people that Canada does not end at Quebec 🙂 Be sure to have a corned beef on rye at Schwartz’s in Montreal (with a cherry coke). It’s been a long time since I have had that pleasure. Canadian bacon..hmmmm….:)
We are so close aren’t we. Next time for sure. I could do one of those corned beef on rye definitely. Canadian bacon? Looking fwd to see what the fuss is about.
Sounds like a nice itinerary. I’ve been to Niagara Falls many times in my life since it is about a day’s drive from the places where I’ve lived – as a kid with family, as an adult, as a couple, and as a couple with kids. Our most recent trip was a few months ago in June. Having said that, I wouldn’t spend more than 1 or 2 days in the actual town of Niagara Falls. Some tips: 1) stay on the Canadian side (I think you are), it is way better than the American side IMHO (and I’m American), 2) do the Hornblower boat tour that leaves from the Canadian side, 3) visit the Daredevil museum for artifacts and stories about people who attempted to “conquer” the Falls. There are some other attractions in the city but much of it is tourist kitsch like Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Madame Tussauds, etc. We usually spend more time west of the Falls visiting the many (100+?) wineries in the Niagara peninsula and wandering around the cute little town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. One of our favorite wineries is called Thirty Bench in Beamsville, Ontario, who make a great chardonnay. In general, I would say the white wines in the area tend to be better than the red ones. You are definitely traveling during the off-peak season, so I would recommend checking web sites of places that interest you before visiting to confirm they will be open. On the outskirts of Niagara-on-the-Lake, there is a restaurant called “Benchmark” at Niagara College that is run by their culinary school students. You can get an outstanding fine dining meal at a reasonable price. About 90 minutes to the north is Canada’s biggest city, Toronto. Definitely worth a few days, it’s kind of like New York City, but friendlier. One final point: western New York state gets lake-effect snow and it is not uncommon for them to have a few storms each year that dump a meter or more of the white stuff. Snow season usually starts in November and sometimes the first snowfall can arrive as early as late October. I mention this fact because during normal operations, American trains are generally not as reliable as their European counterparts and it gets worse when the weather goes bad. A big storm could grind ground transportation to a halt for a few days. Airports are generally more capable of handling bad weather and usually recover service faster than the railroad (not only because there are miles of track to clear but also because freight trains usually have priority over passenger trains). So you might consider flying to Buffalo from NYC instead of the train. Last year, western New York state was walloped pretty good with a heavy snowstorm in mid-November.
Erik, you are amazing. The train information is very handy particularly. We will look into your all of suggestions. Keep reading to see what happens.
Wow, looks like a fantastic trip! Have a great time and safe travels.
Thanks, should be fun.
You’re going to be traveling to many of my favorite places in the U.S. and Canada! And did you ever score with the 49’ers! Had you asked the Seattle Seahawks, I might have been able to meet you during your visit. Sadly, it doesn’t look like your itinerary includes Seattle. Next time!
Thanks Nancy, i think it is a nice itinerary though I just means we are coming back for sure. The 49ers were a coup. We are watching the games here at home trying to figure it out. It was close yesterday but not close enough.
while you are driving between NYC and Niagara falls, or around NYS, stop in Ithaca/Corning. they are doing interesting wines in this Finger Lakes region (all the wineries line the lakes), especially rieslings. Ithaca has a great locavore dining scene. and Corning has the Museum of Glass, which I think is pretty unique. and of course, i would love to buy you a beer when you hit NYC — preferably at some of NYC pub with character. you can see my link above for more about it all.
Eileen, we would love a beer in NYC. So may beautiful places to see and so many great suggestions coming in.
That’s quite the trip and a packing challenge with the cities and the sportier areas! You will have a wonderful time. I lived in Boston for 17 years and have a post with a ton of tips about the city if you go to my website and look in the categories or just search on Boston. I love that city! Beware that you will be bombarded with Christmas commercialism at that time of year – we’re a bit prone to consumer excess if you hadn’t heard that rumor! I’ve stayed at all but one of those inns and they’re charming. I know you’ll have a great time. If you were coming south to Florida I would be happy to have you visit me but you can only do so much on one trip.
Thanks Kay, maybe you can suggest what you consider to be the best place for Christmas day in Boston. I think I will love the OTT christmas commercialism as it will be different.
What a great itinerary. You will be busy! I especially like San Francisco, Quebec City, and New England. I haven’t visited New York City yet, but would like to. It’s been years since I’ve been to Boston, but I remember it as a fascinating city as well. I look forward to reading about your travels. And as a Canadian, I hope you’ll come back another time and visit some of the other great areas of our diverse country. Happy travels.
We are packing a lot in, and will need to be aware to take some space days. Luckily I think the Distinctive Inns of New England will be nice and relaxing, and we have 5 days in NYC and in Mt Washington, 4 days in Boston so these are always great spaces of time to regroup and just wander.
Hope you guys are catching up on your sleep because that is a very ambitious travel agenda!
Sounds great!!
I think that this is something we do need to be aware of. As i said in a previous comment, some times we are at places for 3-5 days, so that makes it a little easier to walk and rest.
How can you skip my home town—Philadelphia which boasts the most historic square mile in the USA? I realize it’s a big country and you can’t go everywhere, but we’re only 100 miles, a short train ride, south of New York City. If you change your mind, let me know.
We did think about your hometown. It may have to be on the next trip but thanks for the recommendation
What a wonderful trip you have planned. New England is one part of the country I’m yet to visit and would dearly love to do so. We find it very hard leaving New York when we go preferring to stay there for a couple of weeks instead of moving on. New York is one amazing city that will blow you away! Have a fabulous trip!
I am so looking fwd to my Sex and the City moments in NYC. I think I will fall for this city. I think New England will be just beautiful.
Sounds like a wonderful trip! A couple of tips: in San Francisco, climb Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower! Wonderful views and some fascinating Depression-era murals on the inside of the tower. And, of course, walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge! And I see that you’re passing through Connecticut. Plan a stop on Wooster Street in New Haven for the best pizza in the world at Sally’s, Pepe’s or The Spot, all of which are on that street. I know, everyone says they know where the best pizza is, but this pizza really is amazing! And check out Mystic Seaport too!
I have written the pizza places down, because I love pizza. Thanks for the tips Rachel.
OK! I’ve just turned a brilliant shade of green!
Can’t wait to read all about your trip as it unfolds and pick up your inevitable tips and tricks for how to get the most out of a USA/Canadian road trip for when I finally get there 🙂
Thanks Linda, I think it is going to be amazing and we have got some wonderful things lined up. Will be posting on everything we do and see, so keep an eye on our site.
Looks like an awesome itinerary you’ve got planned! I think you’re really going to like bacon 🙂 Definitely recommend Venice Beach when you’re in LA. Always makes for an interesting time…
I must admit, bacon intrigues me. Venice Beach looks like fun ..I think.
Ohhh I stayed at the Doubletree in Niagara Falls too. It was about 8 years ago but I still clearly remember it, it was such a great experience. Usually we go camping, this was such a great getaway from my regular kind of trips…
Excellent, Doubletree and Niagara should be a great experience.
That is one EPIC road trip you’ve got planned! I’m so jealous! I’ve done Boston to San Diego before, but I was moving to SD for work, and so our road trip time was limited. I can’t wait to read about all you’re going to experience!
Thanks Emily, it will be epic and a lot of work to go with it. But it will be fun to explore an area we know little about.
Oh that sounds so exciting!
I’m mostly interested about the distinctive inns in New England, I have heard that New England is a charming area and staying in historical inns would just make the experience much better I bet.
We are very excited about the Distinctive Inns of New England. They all look amazingly beautiful but with that benefit of staying with people who know the area so well. I think we are very lucky.
What a great itinerary, Paula! I’m sure you are going to have a lot of fun and a lot to write about.
Thanks Anda, we are excited. For our 1st trip here, we are going to be seeing and doing some amazing things.
Paula, I have to say I am totally envious. To travel US and Canada is also a dream of ours. But at least we will also be having our first white Christmas at the same time, but ours will be in Europe. Like us, you have made so many plans and left the important day, Christmas unplanned. We will be in Vienna and still have no idea what to do. Sex and the City moments in NYC, Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Niagara Falls, LA and Boston all feature in my plans too… oh and bacon! Hopefully 2017 for us. I will be reading your posts with interest, tainted with just a little bit of jealousy.
I will also be reading your posts on Europe and we will probably do that in 2017. Isn’t it funny that neither of us have planned Christmas Day. This will be the serendipity moment, where I know something will just come up. I will look fwd to following your adventures.
This sounds like a hell of a trip. I am sure it will be absolutely amazing. Can´t wait to see your pictures after!
I is going to be a hell of a trip. Can’t wait. I will be bombarding everyone with our perceptions and experiences. Sign up to our newsletter and see how we are finding our US and Canadian odyssey.
What an amazing itinerary; we are so happy to be a part of it! Safe travels and enjoy every bit of it.
Thanks Paul Hotel NYC, we are so looking fwd to spending time with you. We Pauls’, or derivatives thereof, need to stick together. And we will look fwd to eating at your new restaurant La Mesa de Paul.
Great itinerary! you’ll definitely get your wish of a cold and white Christmas. Hopefully not to the extent of Snowmageddon levels. It’s hard to know what to expect of the East Coast these years during winter. We’ll be in NY/Pa ourselves for the last 2 weeks of December and are hoping for some snow but not enough that it slows down/stops travel.
I think we are expecting cold, just how cold is yet to be determined. Even though we are used to the cold in January in Japan, someone has scared me with the words “it is a different cold”. More thermals and more down I think.
I’m actually from Maine and spent many snowy winters there. It’s really lovely. Your travel plans look really fantastic – enjoy!
Thanks Jen, we love snowy winters. Coming from Australia and having always had a hot Christmas, this will be so special for us to have a cold Christmas and hopefully a snowy one.
Wow – you guys have got a great itinerary! Will be interesting to get your take on the 49ers game. Enjoy!
I am super excited about seeing the 49ers games, because really I don’t know anything, but I think it will be such an excellent start to getting us into the swing of things. Will keep you updated on everything.
Lovely photos…
Thank you, the animals are amazing.
Sounds like a great trip, be careful driving on winter roads. When you are in Canada keep in mind we refer to “Ice Hockey” as just “hockey” no need to say ice. As well don’t wait until you get to Quebec City to watch an NHL game, Quebec City no longer has an NHL team. You will want to get tickets in Montreal and take in a Canadians game.
Thanks for the heads up on hockey, these are the things we do need to know. I am a little worried about the roads, but Gordon is ok with it.
Sounds like you’ve got the itinerary locked down really well for a great trip. Now I don’t mind a bit of bacon myself but hope you can shed some light on eating it for every meal and slathering it in maple syrup.
I will go out of my way to try and figure the bacon angle, and the bacon and maple syrup. I am curious as to how different the bacon is to what we eat in Australia. I so hope that the coffee will be good too.
Wow, sounds like you’ll be seeing a lot! I am so glad you’ll be going to New England and I love the idea of touring via interesting Inns. You guys will have a blast and be sure to look me up for any New England tips. I’m not there anymore but I remember it well having grown up in CT.
Thanks Mary, we are excited to be visiting the Distinctive Inns of New England. I think it is a way to experience New England that is unique and that many travellers will also want to do.
You’re hitting great spots in the USA and Canada! I do hope you will catch the Fall colors of New England. Kennebunkport in Maine and Cape Cod in Massachusetts are two of my favorites there, plus Martha’s Vineyard (take the ferry). Don’t miss Hope Cemetery in Stowe, Vermont and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory with 72 flavors is just close by; so is the von Trapp Lodge! If you have time, get to a national park, like the Acadia in Maine!
Thanks so much Carol. I think we are obviously in a beautiful part of the world. I have heard of Ben and Jerry’s so will try and and have a sample or two. I don;t know anything about the Hope Cemetery in Stowe, but will certainly look into it.
Sounds like a blast Paula. We’ve only been to NYC so far in that part of the world but we will be going to see more of the country in the next few years. I’m totally jealous. Forget I said that 🙂
We are going to have an amazing trip, and as our first trip to the US and Canada, we know we are going to have an amazing experience. I am looking fwd to the sheer diversity of experiences that we will have.
Wow! You’ve done a great job planning your itinerary, particularly in New England. You are going to LOVE Camden – one of my favorite towns in Maine, and all the rest of the Inns are in great locations. In Stowe, you can be Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen just like in “White Christmas”!! Boston will be a very romantic Christmas Day indeed. I can just imagine the golden glow of a snowy walk through the historic North End or Beacon Hill for Christmas lights. So much fun – can’t wait for your updates.
Thanks Betsy, we are excited. I have already started singing White Christmas to Gordon and will continue throughout our visits to the Distinctive Inns of New England. Considering I sing Lara’s Theme from Dr Zhivago every time we emerge from a tunnel into snow in Japan, I can guarantee he will be exasperated. Thanks for the tips for Boston.