Trip Overview.

  We settled on Cape Cod, MA in our first of two different 7-day condos (travel club) for the beginning of two weeks on October 4, 2008. Having a car and GPS we could go in any direction to see anything to our liking; and we did. The destinations for us were found in AAA travel books for surrounding states.

  We went in the following directions: S - Martha's Vinyard & Nantucket Islands, MA; SW - New London/Groton, CT; W - Newport, RI; NW - Sturbridge, MA; N - Plymouth, Quincy, & Boston, MA, Portsmouth, NH, & Kennebunkport, ME; and NE - Provincetown (Cape Cod end), MA.

Why the following special destinations?

  Groton, CT - My eldest son was trained at this submarine base 23 years ago. Outside of the gates is a large submarine museum which includes going aboard the USS Nautilus. While going through her you have a radio wand that gives narration in each compartment as you enter it. Both sides of the passageways have plexiglass to protect her but still give great viewing and photography opportunities.

  New London, CT - My youngest nephew (now retired) graduated from the Coast Guard Academy and we wanted to get a feeling for the place.

  Newport, RI - Multiple mansions to visit (i.e. Vanderbilts, Astors) and from a harbor cruise you can see one of JFK's summer white houses and the hugh lawn where 2,000 guests attended the wedding reception for he and Jackie.

 Sturbridge, MA - This may have been the highlight of our entire vacation. It is a living history 1840's village/woods/pond complete with extra's like working water powered sawmill & cotton gin. While there we participated in the 1840 Presidential Election between Harrison (Tippecanoe & Tyler too) vs. Van Buren (second term). We were in a campaign rally for Harrison and the words of the songs we sang covered issues just like today; nothing seems to change. This was the very first campaign (Whigs) that began the use of modern methods; songs, rallys, slogans, etc. Van Buren wasn't prepared for it.

  Plymouth, MA - Plimoth Plantation (1620 settler & Indian village) and Mayflower II. Each of these were living history costumed but only speaking about things of 1620 or earlier.

  Boston, MA - JFK Presidential Library - Starts with a video and then you walk through actual events beginning with the 1960 Los Angeles Convention until his death. There were many items to see such as his oval office, Robert's Attorney General office, Jackie's clothes, gift's given by other countries, a small theater on the Cuban missile crisis, and a space exhibit.

  Finally we took harbor/bay cruises in Hyannisport, MA; Newport, RI; Boston, MA; and Porstmouth, NH. I was suprised to see that they had their own personality and each gave fantastic photo opportunities.

  W. Yarmouth (Hyannis), MA - This was our Cape Cod residence for two weeks. Many local activities happened during this time and we tried to take in as many as possible. If you are interested in shopping this is a great time of year. We bought many children and grandchildren gifts; most at 70% off already fairly reasonable prices.

Most people talk about the changing leaves with such beautiful colors and we saw much of this while we were on the road. But I hope this article has shown that there is so much more to see and do in Southern New England at this time of year.

Thanks for listening,

Steve from Idaho