Need help planning "leaf peepin" trip

[itchyfeet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close itchyfeet]

We'll be in Newport, RI from 10/3-10/10. After that we want to take a road trip (5 or 6 days) through New Hampshire and Maine primarily to see Fall color.
Any suggestions where to stay? Lincoln? North Conway? Also, should we avoid Columbus Day weekend on the road? We could stay in Boston for four days before beginning the road trip since that is on the itinerary also. TIA

[GeoPatSK Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeoPatSK]

Both Lincoln and North Conway are nice. If you like walking around town, you can not beet North Conway, especially if you can trade into Eastern Slope Inn. But the real beauty of the area is traveling between them (Lincoln and North Conway) along the Kancamangus Highway.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

If you want to shopNorth Conway is where you want to go but if you want to see some nice place go to Maine near Bethal Maine, From there you are about 45 min drive from all the hot spots including the highest peak on the east coast.

[mdurette Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mdurette]

We'll be in Newport, RI from 10/3-10/10. After that we want to take a road trip (5 or 6 days) through New Hampshire and Maine primarily to see Fall color.
Any suggestions where to stay? Lincoln? North Conway? Also, should we avoid Columbus Day weekend on the road? We could stay in Boston for four days before beginning the road trip since that is on the itinerary also. TIA

I would suggest the White Mountain region - Lincoln and North Conway. Best TS resort in Lincoln is Pollard Brook and they have a sister resort next door called South Mountain. Both trade with II.

Lincoln will be about a 30 minute drive down the Kangamangus to Conway for shopping -but in the heart of the mountains.

[itchyfeet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close itchyfeet]

How does this itinerary (in this order) sound: Newport RI - 7 days, Lincoln area 3 days, Acadia area 3 days, Maine coast 2 days, Boston 3 days. Thanks for any comments and suggestions.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

How does this itinerary (in this order) sound: Newport RI - 7 days, Lincoln area 3 days, Acadia area 3 days, Maine coast 2 days, Boston 3 days. Thanks for any comments and suggestions.

I think you got a good plan , Not sure if you know this RI is not far from Boston so you may want to do them back to back unless you are doing it in this order to catch a flight back. BTW make reservations to eat here Castle Hill Inn & Resort | A Relais & Chateaux Property | Newport, Rhode Island while in Newport

[itchyfeet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close itchyfeet]

Thanks for the suggestions. Boston is last to catch flight home.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Take the back roads (I think it's route 2) from North Conway to pick up the Maine pike. While in Lincoln, catch the bear show at Clark's Trading Post- if it's still going on (seasonal). Take a ride up the Kancagamus highway and stop at the vistas. If you see a moose, don't stop-as it will be mating season and the males tend to get aggressive. Nice quiet time for Acadia National Park- do the loop road and see the sights- including a trip up to Cadillac Mountain. If in the area of Northeast harbor at lunch or dinner time, try the Tan Turtle. Another must do is the Jordan Pond house (if it's still open-seasonal) on the loop road- soup/tea and popovers are great. You might also want to visit Bar Harbor when a cruise ship comes in.