Looking for Good Base

Hello,

My husband and I will be traveling to New Hampshire and are looking for a good base to do just about anything...we fly into Manchester and are not sure of the best location to stay and, other than Gloucester, are not sure of %26#39;the%26#39; things to do or travel to in the region. We will have two full days as we arrive late on a Thursday afternoon and leave that Sundy afternoon.

We like to experience an area like the locals. We don%26#39;t mind traveling/driving anywhere within an hour or hour and a half and does not have to be New Hampshire.

I look forward to a reply.

Thank you very much.

Looking for Good Base

WallyinChicago, (not so sure this is Wally though)

Can you give a bit of an idea what you typically or like to engage in for activities - A%26amp;E, scenic vistas, wildlife, water sports, shopping, beaches anything to go on?

Sometimes a similar or like event/activity is available and we can build from there. You should get several suggestions based on the open travel plans.

Travel Well!

Tazman

Looking for Good Base

The southwest corner, Monadnock Region is perfect as a base. It has beautiful scenery, covered bridges, nice hiking trails, artisan shopping, plenty of restaurants, lovely B and Bs. It is convenient to Maas, Vermont and other areas of New Hampshire. It is also a lot less ';touristy'; than other areas.

Why do you say ';other than Gloucester';? Does that mean it is a must visit for you? If so, then I would suggest staying along the coast up thru NH and ME to minimize driving and maximize vacationing. Plenty to do for 2 days. These are not areas that I have any particular knowledge about but you could get great info on the Portsmouth%26lt; NH and Portland, ME forums.

If you are going to Gloucester, I hope you are including Rockport. If you want to get away from the tourists, head up to Ipswich.

We do have a friendly competition between SW NH- Monadnock region and the White Mtns. As you can see my prejudice lies in favor of the WMountains as any visit, especially if it might be an only visit should include Mount Washington.

Thank you very much for your reply.

It would actually be nice to include both the coastal towns and the mountains (Mount Washington). Is it possible to do both if the stay is in an area between the two? Is there such an area or do you have to visit one or the other and save the other for another visit?

It is possible to do both. It is about 3 hours from Portsmouth, NH to Mt. Washington. About half way is the Lake Winnipausakee area which is very popular. Lots of lodging, restaurants, hiking, etc.

You could spend Thursday afternoon/Friday in Gloucester/Rockport and ride up the coast to Portsmouth, NH or maybe Portland, ME.

Leave very early Saturday morning to hit a few specific places in the Mountains. Spend the nite in the NC/Jackson area and leave early Sunday for Manchester. It is alot but doable

With only two days, I%26#39;d say you you need to choose between the mountains or the shore. Pick one and go there. That way you can relax and be there when you wake up in the morning each day. Finding a place in between means driving for hours each day to get to where you want to be. That%26#39;s not a vacation IMO.

My choice would be the mountains.

WallyinChicago -

I have to agree, way to much distance between the regions to have an enjoyable expreience from both, within two days that is! If you have 5-7 days it would afford the travel times, and getting out of the car to actually take some of it in, with boots on the ground.

I would suggest that you pick on region and explore the abutting region(s) from there. You will end up seeing far more than a windsheild!

Travel Well!

Tazman

Wally

I absolutely agree with my friends Red and Taz but wanted to answer the question you asked. It is possible but it is not the way I like to travel either.

At least Dick Rhutan had a reason to go around the world without stopping anyplace!!

thank you very much for all the help to pick a location where to stay....the coast has won this trip. But, the mountains will only force us back for another visit.

Thank you again for all your help.