Where to stay on Cape Cod?

Hi,

I was wondering if any of you could give me some pointers of where it would be pleasant to stay when visiting Cape Cod late september? Any of the small towns you would recommend for me to search for accomodation in?

I don%26#39;t know if it is best to stay in Provincetown, or some of the other towns on the Cape, but we just want to experience the best of Cape Cod, but would like to avoid living in the most touristy places...

We are staying for two nights, before heading up to Boston on the way on our 3 week roadtrip around new England, and are mainlylooking for acommodation in the quaint cozy Inns in the area, so any suggestions would be very much appreciated :o)

Kind regards,

JOMANY

Where to stay on Cape Cod?

First, I%26#39;d suggest you repost this on the Massachusetts Forum....You accidentally ended up on the Rhode Island page....yes, we are a separate state...small, but still it%26#39;s own state.

That being said, I%26#39;d suggest the ...Chatham, Welfleet, or Provincetown if you%26#39;re looking for that cozy Cape Cod experience. Other towns on the Cape have nice areas too, but you%26#39;d find all that you%26#39;re looking for right in those towns.

Where to stay on Cape Cod?

Oops - sorry, I didn%26#39;t notice I was in the wrong place, so thank you for the information! And for the suggestions also :o)

Any biking trails?

hi there--Any safe biking trails in Newport? I haven%26#39;t been to Newport in years and wondered if there were any trails on Ocean Drive? Also, wonder about the White Horse Tavern..really enjoyed it many years ago, but just read some mixed reviews. If the biking doesn%26#39;t work out, any advice on the Cliff Walk by foot?

Any biking trails?

No there aren%26#39;t biking trails in Newport- plenty of nice roads to ride on including Ocean Drive. Cliff Walk is initially paved though there are several sections with stairs to about the middle. Then, starting at about Marine Ave. it has intermitant stretches of sections with large, human placed rocks. The final section is all walking on the cliffs.

Any biking trails?

Thanks for the info. I am concerned about the traffic w/ bike riding. Does the traffic decrease after Labor Day? I%26#39;m planning a special birthday dinner--thought the White Horse Tavern would be a good idea, but I have read some disappointing reviews. Have you been there recently? Is there another restaurant you would recommed for a special occasion? Thanks again for your help!

Travelmore:

I dont know if you are looking to bike in newport exclusively but if you are more interested in biking than in visiting things around newport, you might like to try the east bay bike path that starts/ends in Bristol (not too far from newport by car) and goes long the water of the bay up to Providence.

Just for your information since you mentioned biking....

http://www.eastbaybikepath.com/index.html

Yes the traffic does fall off after labor day. Ocean Drive is fairly quiet in the mornings especially; a nice quiet street to ride on in particular is Coggeshall Avenue, parallel to Bellevue Ave. Regarding the White Horse, I know they%26#39;ve just started outdoor dining.

origins

Road trip NY to Providence,

Does anyone have any great ideas of where to stop for a breather between NY and Providence - maybe for lunch and a bit of sightseeing??

Also driving from Providence to Boston and then Boston to Portland.

Any ideas??

Road trip NY to Providence,

From New york city to providence isnt a huge trip, well as long as you dont drive it on a friday during the summer - then it can be REALLY long due to beach traffic. Of course this depends on how fast you drive too but I can make the trip in 3.5 - 4 hours with no traffic.

One place you might like to stop is Mystic, CT, it is closer to providence than to new york but it is the most ';touristy';, meaning destination stop, area along 95 in connecticut.

I would recommend a look in the CT forum and maybe do a search on mystic, I%26#39;m sure you would find a lot of helpful information. Mystic is an old sea port that has a cute old town and an aquarium. It also has the famous ';mystic pizza';. I have only had the frozen version myself but hear from others that the restaurant is really good.

Providence to Boston can be done in under 2 hours and so I%26#39;m not sure there is anywhere really to stop inbetween for sightseeing - not that I can think of anyway.

While in Providence I would recommend caserta%26#39;s pizza on federal hill and a cup of del%26#39;s frozen lemonade from any stand or ice cream type truck around the town - its like a slushy but 100 times better.

Have a good trip!

Road trip NY to Providence,

How about Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun casinos?

Mystic would be your best place to stop. I grew up in the area and can tell you Mystic Pizza ain%26#39;t all it%26#39;s cracked up to be. I%26#39;m not saying it%26#39;s bad, but good pizza is a dime a dozen around here. I would recommend Go Fish or Steak Loft, both are owned by the same group and do an excellent job. They are also right off the highway at exit 90.

Skip Mystic Pizza, but don%26#39;t skip Mystic entirely. I can second the vote for Steak Loft.

Easy on and off the highway, good food and atmosphere.

I would get off in Groton right after the big bridge and eat at Paul%26#39;s Pasta on the water- where you would get a Texas sized portion of homemade pasta. From there you could take the local road to Mystic and then get back on the highway there.

Anyone Been to Taste of Newport ?

Being held at the Hyatt on Goat Island Nov 07 .

Has anyone been to these in the past few years ? Is it too crowded ? Are there many people under 21 ? What is dress code ? Is it more like a wedding ( music , bar , dancing ?) or an Atlantic City Buffet ( eat and wait for the auction and raffles ) ?

Any advice , feedback welcomed . Also anyone ever stay at the Victorian Ladies B%26amp;B ?

Anyone Been to Taste of Newport ?

I%26#39;ve been to the Chili Cook Off and the Chowder Fest which were both crowded, casual affairs with plenty of young people. If it%26#39;s in the afternoon this would probably be just as casual, if its at night people would dress up a little more but not really.

Anyone Been to Taste of Newport ?

this is $100. p.p. so i think it would be less children and maybe more dressy ?

It%26#39;s a fund-raiser for a local non-profit; tends to be a bit upscale, not casual, and offers a good food selection and intteresting auction items. Best enjoyed if you go with friends.

Victorian Ladies is a nice place, not over the top but not just average.

There is a fundraiser that is upscale and more expensive and I think this is what you are referring to. Not exactly a family affair or a ';young'; affair.

I think what you are talking about is

newportfestivals.com/Taste-of-Rhode-Island/

This is much more festive with all ages, bands, cocktails, etc., but does not match the dates you listed.

Victorian Ladies is a nice B%26amp;B. Not in downtown, but not so far out that you can%26#39;t walk to downtown.

www.GoNewport.com for all things Newport

www.TableHound.com for restaurants.

The affair I was reffering to is Nov 10th ( or 11th ?) at the Hyatt . I was to the one on the Wharf ( casual event ) last year . Thinking of going to the November one this year .

Newport RI

Hi,

We will be in Newport RI for one night getting in late the 19th and leaving around noon on the 20th for Cape Cod. I wanted to see some of the cliffs, etc. and a few mansions. If we get up early, can someone tell me the ';drive'; to take or what I can see in a few hours? Also, since we are getting in late and up early, we just need basic sleeping and shower. Can anyone tell me about the Pineapple Inn? Is it horrible or is it OK?

Thanks!

Newport RI

I%26#39;d pass on the Pineapple Inn....it%26#39;s a Motel style place with doors that open to the parking lot, not great area (not crime wise...just deserted and near a construction plant)

There is a Motel 6 right down the street next to the Walmart, or the Best Western Mainstay across from Newport Grand, that would be a better option, and usually has cheap rates mid-week after labor day.

You might get lucky and find something in town that%26#39;s not too pricey as well....

For the drive:

http://www.oceandrivenewport.com/

For the Cliff Walk:

http://www.cliffwalk.com/

Newport RI

Thanks so much....I will check out the sites and the motels you mention.

I agree, Best Western Mainstay or Motel 6 will be perfect for you. Only a mile from downtown, but not really walkable because of the location. check out these places in town for rates because you never know.

http://www.innsofnewport.com/

http://www.admiralfitzroy.com/

Must-Do%26#39;s for a short stay (and you will be very upset with yourself for not planning more time in Newport)

- 10 Mile Ocean Drive and stop at Castle Hill for the view. There is also a light house you can walk to at Castle Hill.

- Breakers mansion. after the tour walk down the side street to the Cliff Walk. Take a right onto the Walk and go at least as far as the Chinese Tea House.

Go downtown and have some New England Clam Chowder at the Black Pearl. Sit on the outdoor patio for some great people watching. This place is an institution and a Must-Do for anyone visiting Newport.

Then hit the road for the Cape and discuss how you wish you had more time to spend in Newport. Ha-ha!

www.GoNewport.com for all things Newport

www.TableHound.com for restaurants

My favorite Cape location is Chatham if you are going near or by there.

Since you%26#39;ll be here after Labor Day only some of the mansions will be open. The Breakers (on the Cliff walk) may be one to see. It is the largest mansion and it opens at 9AM. The other ones open at 10AM. So depending on when you%26#39;ll be up and about this one you can see the cliff walk and a mansion before you leave at noon. Most of the mansions take 1 hr at a minimum so seeing one mansion may be all that is possible in the time you have that morning. See the Newport Mansions web site for hours:

http://www.newportmansions.org/page3555.cfm

Thank you! I know I am going to kick myself for not staying longer. This is our first trip to New England and we only have 6 days. We are staying 3 in Cape Cod and going to Nantucket one day....then on up to Boston for 2 days. I couldn%26#39;t fit it all in! I know I will want to go back to Newport for a separate vacation next year. We felt if we did a ';whirlwind'; tour of these places we could settle on one of them for the next time. Your recommendations will help greatly as now I know exactly what I can do in the time I have there. I plan to fit in as much as possible.

I did check out the Motel 6 and will probably stay there as it is so reasonably priced and the reviews are OK.

We stayed at the Motel 6 for one night and it was OK . Clean and no problems .

Ok, great! Thanks for the confirmation.

The Atlantic Inn gave me the hives from the mold problem!

I would advise any one planning a wedding on Block Island to stay completely away from The Atlantic Inn. I stayed there one night and the mold smell was enough to make you break out in hives! The rooms are very small and the employees are not hospitable in the least! I ate in the Dining room and the portions are very small and extremely pricey! When I went to check out there were extra charges on my bill that the owner could not justify so he removed them,imagine if I wasn%26#39;t paying attention! Do your self a favor and stay at the Spring House or the 1661! The Atlantic Inn is a Horror scene!

The Atlantic Inn gave me the hives from the mold problem!

I can%26#39;t imagine how you could have such an experience. I have stayed at the Atlantic in on several occations and have had a wonderful experience. The Bed and Breakfast concept is not for everyone and obviously this person didn%26#39;t know what to expect or had unrealistic expectations. The restuarant is world class. Tappas on the lawn are wonderful. The rooms are small as they should be. This is not the Hilton. My family has had nothing but an enjoyable experience with the facilities and the staff. They truely go out of their way to make your stay a pleasurable experience. If you are looking for a quiet, quaint and wonderfull stay you can%26#39;t miss. I can%26#39;t say enough about the positive experience we have had at the Inn. We will definatly be back.

P.S. Even the President of the United States and his family have enjoyed the dining experience at the Atlantic Inn. You%26#39;ll see pictures of President Clinton in the dining room with the owners.

Enough Said.

Considering Swanson House,Bristol, has anyone stayed there??

We need to stay very close to RWUniversity for a weekend in the spring. There are no reviews of this property that I can find and they do not have a website. Does anyone have any experience staying here? How long ago were you there? Thanks!

Considering Swanson House,Bristol, has anyone stayed there??

I haven%26#39;t stayed there but I can tell you this. It%26#39;s a great location and area.. It%26#39;s also very close to RWU and the water.. I%26#39;m sure it would be a great place to stay a few nights. Like I said I can%26#39;t offer you any inside info but if you%26#39;d like I can take some pics for you of the area. I live 2 minutes from this place and drive by it on a daily basis.

If you%26#39;d like me to do that the send me an e-mail at ewal386583@aol.com and we%26#39;ll discuss it thru e-mails.

Considering Swanson House,Bristol, has anyone stayed there??

Bristol is quaint yet I dont know about the B%26amp;B We never heard of it.

Thank you Guy from RI and Luckypier. I got to know and love the area since my son has been going to RWU for 3 years. Bristol Harbor Inn is booked the weekend I need and so is the Williams Grant Inn. I was happy with both these places and thought to try something new. But the Swanson House has no web site and when I call them and left a message they did not return my call.

Although they are closest to the school I think I%26#39;ll skip over them since no one seems to be able to recommend them - not even other B %26amp; B%26#39;s who often recommend each other. If anyone else asks for a B %26amp; B in the area I can vouch for the Williams Grant Inn.

We stayed there in the fall of 2005, it was clean, very comfortable, the owners were wonderful hosts, private bathrooms and a most delicious and memorable breakfast.

I, too, was curious and I did find a web site. It looks beautiful and sounds perfect for us. I also just spoke with the owner and am very likely going to choose this for a short stay in Sept. The rate is quite reasonable, however, you%26#39;ll be on your own for breakfast. This is fine with me--gives us an opportunity to look around Bristol.

http://www.theswansonhouse.com/

Thank you all for your responses to my question. We live in NY and my son went back to Bristol for their big 4th of July celebration and he did us a favor and stopped in the Swanson House to view it and meet the owners. He said it was a lovely home, clean and neat and less than a mile from his school, RWU. He met Mrs. Swanson who was delighted to show him the rooms and she was a lovely person.

I subsequently called her and booked the weekend I need for my son%26#39;s graduation next year. It is close enough that I can walk, just in case the traffic into the school is very bad that day. She sounds like a very lovely lady and had nice things to say to me about my son! She told me she just recently launched their web site. Her price is in line with other B %26amp; B%26#39;s in the area, but you are renting a 2 bedroom suite not just one room. If you have more than 2 people you must add $75 extra per person. For just 2 it is reasonable but for 4 it is a bit high. For graduation weekend, I will take it anyway and I may need it for 4 people.

Erinh - let me know how you enjoy your stay in Bristol. Send me a note if you want any imput from me about Bristol. September is a great month to visit RI. I have gotten to know the town over the past 3 years, and it is quaint and cute and has some good restaurants, good antique shopping, beautiful gardens and museums. People are friendly. If you like boating you can take cruises in the harbor. Bikes are available to rent and there are plenty of paths with plenty to see. Nearby, Newport is also fun to visit. Unfortunately, I don%26#39;t know Providence that well. Help for that is available on this forum from others.