My family and I would like to go on a road trip to visit one or multiple New England states sometime between June and August. We are a group of 6 - the youngest is 14. We definitely want to visit Mount Washington...but we%26#39;re not sure if we want to ride the train because of it%26#39;s reviews. Also, we%26#39;re big on food! if any of you have ever had an all-inclusive package with food and lodging I%26#39;d love to hear more! What states and what activities would you recommend as must-sees?
NE road trip!
I%26#39;m partial to New Hampshire and Maine for scenery and the diversity between the mountains and the coast, but Massachusetts has alot to see too especially around the Cape and the historical sites near Boston are of great interest to me. Coastal Rhode Island is also cool. You could spend a couple of months if you have the time.
At Mount Washington you need to pick your days and activities based on the weather conditions. I love the Cog Railway. It is an amazing tribute to a love of the mountain, and the history behind it is worth learning without even taking the ride. Those who pan it fail to realize this. If you expect a Disney ride (no offense to your handle) then skip it. If you want to understand and appreciate the significance of Mt Washington, then this is a way to learn.
If you just want to get some views from the summit, use the auto road, but be aware of weather conditions no matter how you approach Mt Washington. It is an extreme environment.
NE road trip!
The cog is great, do not hesitate!
How long is the trip going to be? That can really make a difference. How many different places do you think you will stay? These trips are so individual based on what you- not I like. For instance, my family typically goes to 1 central place and takes various day trips from there. Do you want to be on the move or are you looking for a more relaxing trip? How about hiking? How strenous or easy?
We have spent a number of weeks in Jackson without ever getting bored. Heck, just watching the changing weather on MW can keep you busy!!! There are 4 ways to get to the top of MW-- Cog, Stagecoach, self drive or hike. Check out the websites for the 1st 2 options. Just remember that your time is very limited at the summit if someone else does the driving.
No all inclusives that I am aware of, but great food in many locations.
There is summer stock, crafts fairs, etc that you can use to plan your trip. The NH guild is a huge show at Sunapee and well worth visiting. I also enjoy the crafts show at Hildene in Manchester, VT.
Attitash in NH and Bromley in VT have great summer activities like climbing walls and alpine slides.
One of the most fun events that we ever went to was the Bondville Fair in Vt near Stratton Mountain. Just old fashioned fun including a tractor pull. There are so many slices of Americana that you cannot experience them all. (have you ever seen the bicycle parade or flag lowering ceremony on the 4th of July in Cape May Point?)
So, to be absolutely no help at all, all of the states have something that is a must see, just choose and come back another time to see some more.
You will be a NE junkie by the end of your visit.
A word about the Cog - The primary Cog is coal fired. Most folks elect to ride the traditional coal fired version, a diesel fired cog was built to replace the coal one by Berlin, NH complany called Alpine Machine a couple +/- years ago.
Once they put her into service, they started asking folks - ';which one would you prefer?'; Traditionalist%26#39;s or history buffs, not sure opted for the coal fired cog. I may have done this as well, given the choice - But, I am a history buff of sorts anyway!
Here%26#39;s the word - The coal fired engine will get soot on you, so be prepared. Ladies, do not wear your Sunday best, nor worry about the make-up!
However, this is a White Mountian attraction that should be sought out and not missed - Bring the camera for sure! Plan a single day for the adventure of it!
Travel well!
Ok, here is what you do, drive to the Cog Railway Base to see the train leave, then drive up the mountain to see it arrive at the top.
Call me cheap, but it will cost a family of 6 $354 plus tax to ride the train to the top and back. Definitely not worth it to me!
Of course it will take about 2 hours to drive around to the other side of the mountain to get to the auto road, plus the time to drive up. You won%26#39;t see the same train. And the price of the train is worth every nickel!
Cog Pricing - Yes, it is on the pricey side for sure - It is a tourist destination. Our dog sledding and white water rafting trips are not cheap either and you would be on the Cog longer.
However, they do offer a variety of rates (Seniors, Children and family packages) I am looking at one right now that says - 2 adults %26amp; 2 children $159 on either side of the summer.
They run in the winter as well and that offers a major savings.
Not many familes have 6 in them these days and I am sure they based the ';family package'; of the average nuclear family - Been a while since you heard that term I am sure.
Nothing is cheap anymore, fuel has effected enverything regardless of the fact that it has gone down ot the ';gas pump,'; just look at what diesel still costs folks ($2.20+/-)! It was almost $5 a gallon at the high point, which will return with economic recovery.
So, if you have the $ and want to spend it on the Cog, be sure to go for the adventure - Your one vacation!
Travel Well -
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