Hidden gems to visit along northeast coast?

[Jason Harris 31]

I just booked our tickets for a fairly long (12 full days), late July trip between Baltimore and New Hampshire. Even though I grew up in the area, I'd love to hear suggestions of places to see for the young ladies, particularly of sites that a lot of people aren't familiar with. For instance, I tell everyone to see the Maparium and the glass flowers in Harvard when visiting Boston; or Higgins Armory in Worcester; or Ellis Island when in NYC. I'm kind of looking for suggestions like that, since it's somewhat easy to know what the highlights of each city are.

The tentative plan is to spend about 3 days in NYC, 4-5 in Mass and NH, around 2 in Balt, before finishing at the Smithsonian's American History museum, since it was closed when we visited DC and Philly last summer. The only scheduled events are the Sox at Fenway and at Camden. Other than that, my preference is to give the girls a taste of history or exotic, versus just going to an amusement park.

Chadd said the Baltimore Aquarium is outstanding, so we'll probably add that to the itinerary, but any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[interpathway 9]

If you're close while in NH, check out the Old Man of the Mountain. He is on the reverse side of the NH state quarter. Pretty awesome sight!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Man_of_the_Mountain

edit: Well thanks Wiki. I didn't realize it collapsed. Apologies!

[Jason Harris 31]

I was thinking of the Log Flume while in NH. I remember enjoying it as a kid, but I'm not sure how far north into NH it is.

[chippa13 1844]

Attitash is always fun in NH. You've got your choice of minor league ball in Lowell, Nashua, Manchester, Portland, and Pawtucket (unless they're baseballed out). You've got Lexington, MA if you want to add some history. Possibly a mill or canal tour of Lowell, MA. I think they still do those.

[Warriorsdman 1]

I just booked our tickets for a fairly long (12 full days), late July trip between Baltimore and New Hampshire. Even though I grew up in the area, I'd love to hear suggestions of places to see for the young ladies, particularly of sites that a lot of people aren't familiar with. For instance, I tell everyone to see the Maparium and the glass flowers in Harvard when visiting Boston; or Higgins Armory in Worcester; or Ellis Island when in NYC. I'm kind of looking for suggestions like that, since it's somewhat easy to know what the highlights of each city are.

The tentative plan is to spend about 3 days in NYC, 4-5 in Mass and NH, around 2 in Balt, before finishing at the Smithsonian's American History museum, since it was closed when we visited DC and Philly last summer. The only scheduled events are the Sox at Fenway and at Camden. Other than that, my preference is to give the girls a taste of history or exotic, versus just going to an amusement park.

Chadd said the Baltimore Aquarium is outstanding, so we'll probably add that to the itinerary, but any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Has to be the highlight of the trip. B)

[interpathway 9]

One thing I remember from my childhood is Old Sturbridge Village in Mass. A real throwback to the old(e) days.

http://www.osv.org/

[greech 4]

Oh, OSV. Countless school trips to there and Plymouth Plantation give me a less-than-favorable opinion, but nonetheless a good trip for the fam.

[Jason Harris 31]

I think I went to Plymouth and Sturbridge once each as a child, but I don't remember Sturbridge much. I liked Plymouth, but I'm curious whether people have a preference for Sturbridge...and why.

[zfyfe 0]

as said above i would go to Mccoy stadium home of the pawtucket red sox nice family fun place and make sure you bring a blanket and sit in the out field grass or water fires at the providence place mall is something fun to see and best of all its free

[Patrick67 1]

Baltimore Aquarium is indeed outstanding.

While your in DC you have to visit the Air and Space musuem, though I'm guessing you already did that last time in the city, while the Smithsonian was closed.

Also I'd have lunch or something similar in Annandale on the way from Baltimore to DC.

And I'd stop in Princeton on my way down the turnpike from NY to Philly, very scenic campus and town, and not much of a de-tour.

[Chadd 916]

Baltimore Aquarium is indeed outstanding.

While your in DC you have to visit the Air and Space musuem, though I'm guessing you already did that last time in the city, while the Smithsonian was closed.

I still haven't been to the Udvar-Hazy center over at Dulles, that's still high on my list of places to see.

http://www.nasm.si.edu/UdvarHazy/

[chippa13 1844]

I think I went to Plymouth and Sturbridge once each as a child, but I don't remember Sturbridge much. I liked Plymouth, but I'm curious whether people have a preference for Sturbridge...and why.

Whatever you do, skip Plymouth Rock, perhaps the biggest disappointment of historical landmarks that there ever was.

[greech 4]

I think I went to Plymouth and Sturbridge once each as a child, but I don't remember Sturbridge much. I liked Plymouth, but I'm curious whether people have a preference for Sturbridge...and why.

Whatever you do, skip Plymouth Rock, perhaps the biggest disappointment of historical landmarks that there ever was.

seriously, just take the kiddies to a rock alongside the road, it's just as exciting.

[dcdot377 0]

they have tours of the Lowell MA mills. that may have been my only fun field trip as a kid

[Jason Harris 31]

Whatever you do, skip Plymouth Rock, perhaps the biggest disappointment of historical landmarks that there ever was.

Oh, that part I remember.

What?!?!?! That's the rock you been having us study?!?!??!

Reminds me of the Monty Python's Holy Grail:

Tim: There he is!

King Arthur: Where?

Tim: There!

King Arthur: What? Behind the rabbit?

Tim: It *is* the rabbit!

King Arthur: You silly sod!

Tim: What?

King Arthur: You got us all worked up!

Tim: Well, that's no ordinary rabbit.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

I know you don't have CT listed, but it's en route to NY from MA and vice versa... but Mystic Seaport is always pretty in the summer time.

[sickwilly 37]

The Aquarium in Boston is pretty cool, right on the water, walking distance to Fanueil (sp?) hall. Always enjoyed that. Not sure how it stacks up against the Baltimore aquarium, but the kids should like it. Also, the science museum in Boston (near the Charles River) would be a good stop for the kids. Have a nice trip!

[Chadd 916]

The Aquarium in Boston is pretty cool, right on the water, walking distance to Fanueil (sp?) hall. Always enjoyed that. Not sure how it stacks up against the Baltimore aquarium, but the kids should like it. Also, the science museum in Boston (near the Charles River) would be a good stop for the kids. Have a nice trip!

The few people I know that hit the Boston Aquarium all had negative reviews. I was a bit surprised to hear that but I can't confirm or deny those reports personally. Quincy Market and Faneuil hall has always been a favorite of mine. Even more so for the black rose, just a couple blocks from there as well, but that's not a place for the kids. Then again I remember being about eight or nine and hearing about "the troubles" from those who were involved. Truly an educational experience.

[greech 4]

+ 1 for Mystic, CT. And Fanueil Hall is great, especially if you wander toward my territory (North End) for a nice sit down, Italian supper.

[Hockeyman11385 1]

I would say that both the Boston Aquarium and Boston Science museum could use a serious cash infusion to bring them back up to snuff. They clearly used to be great but they are showing their age. The Baltimore Aquarium is much more impressive in my opinion. I would definitely suggest Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. They are both interesting stops and right next to each other.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

+1 for the Baltimore aquarium. The whole downtown area is just amazing. If you have the time, take a day to a Long Island beach. The south shore is just oh so nice.

[Jason Harris 31]

We may still do the Boston Aquarium, since it's part of the CityPass. I like the idea of a mill tour in Lowell. And maybe we'll stop in Mystic Seaport as we return south.

By the way, the last time I visited the Boston Aquarium, I saw something fascinating. They have a large display of penguins (Emperors, I believe) on the bottom floor. One larger penguin must have been trying to attract a mate, because maybe every three minutes he would bend at his waist, then visibly begin to shake as he slowly raised his head to the sky. All the while, he made this incredibly loud sound, "AWWK! AWWK! AWWK! AWWK! AWWK!"

He must have shrieked 8-10 times each time he did this, and you could hear throughout the atrium. I watched him do this at least five times.

[Chadd 916]

While in Baltimore take the water taxi out to fort McHenry, great history lesson there.