A New England Mini-Vacation

Sometimes it's really important to get away, even if it's just for a few days. It's been quite a while since our last vacation and we have all been going stir-crazy, dying to get away. Here's a great plan for a New England mini family vacation which includes something for everyone, and some things, just in case (as it was for us) that the weather isn't what you hoped it would be.

Where to stay:


Sleepytown, in Wells, Maine is really a great place to stay with the family (or on a little couple getaway). Rooms start as low as $39/night and the also have cottages if you have a big family or are traveling with another family. They have an outdoor pool, a playground and the grounds are really gorgeous, peaceful and the people running the hotel are great. When we stayed there, our drive in took longer than expected and so we arrived after the office was already closed. A special note was left for us with instructions on how to get our keys and a phone number was left in case there was any problem or anything we needed. Well located, all places to go in this post are a short drive away.

Cottage at Sleepytown

Pond 

Pool

Playground

Beautiful grounds at Sleepytown in Wells, Maine

The Homewood Suites in Manchester, New Hampshire, offers a different style of accommodations than Sleepytown, but still great nonetheless. Offering suite style rooms, we discovered the definite advantage of staying in this type of room, in that after the small ones go to bed, you can still have a life. You don't have to go to bed when they do, as you would in a one-room scenario. They also have a 2 room suite (rates are as low as $120/night) which is great if you have a big family, or if you travel with another family, each family can have their bedroom and you can share the expenses for the accommodations. Buffet breakfast is included every day and so is dinner Monday through Thursday, which makes the rates even more affordable. There is a full kitchen in each room which allows you to fill your fridge and save $$ by dining in on the weekends. Wireless internet is also included and they have a great pool, hot-tub and workout room. The location in Manchester also is pretty good and most places to go in this post are also only a short drive away. The Pine Island Park is also right nearby.

2 bedroom suite

Bedroom 1 of 2 bedroom suite with 2 Queen Beds (The other has 1 King Bed)
and there is a pull-out in the living room area

lobby

Buffet Breakfast

Pool & Hot-tub

Workout room

What to do:

• Shopping. Okay... so I normally would never put this as the first option, but the outlets in Kittery, Maine (20 minutes from Wells, and about 1 hr from Manchester) are like shopping mecca. Seriously, prepare to spend the day, maybe even 2. There are loads of shops where you will be able to stock your kids closets full for the next year without spending crazy amounts of money, which means, that maybe, you'll be able to afford to get yourself to some new pieces to update the wardrobe.
• Discover a state park. Bear Brook State Park (1hr 20 from Wells, 27 minutes from Manchester) looks like a fabulous place to spend the day outdoors. Unfortunately, on our recent trip the weather was not exactly on our side, but it's definitely on the list for next time.

Beach at Bear Brook State Park

Playground at Bear Brook State Park

A view through the trees of Bear Brook State Park Pavillion

Fishing in Archery Pond in Bear Brook State Park

• Day at the beach. Ogunquit Beach (10 min from Wells, 1hr from Manchester) is really gorgeous and very family friendly. In summer it's the beach to go to on the Maine coast and in cooler weather, there are great walking paths which will bring you all along the coast. Marginal Way, the 1 1/4 mile walk brings you all the way to Perkins Cove, a really cute place to spend an afternoon on the Pier. If you do go to Perkins Cove, maybe try a deep sea fishing expedition on the Bunny Clark, but if you do, please take gravol before you go on the boat. Don't be a hero and learn form our mistakes, you don't want to end up spending the boatride puking like we did... Because, you will want to eat the freshest lobster roll you have ever had at Barnacle Billy's. Sitting on their deck on a gorgeous day, you may never want to leave! 
• Another great beach is Hampton Beach (45 min from Manchester 44 min from Wells). A cute vacation town with a great beach on the New Hampshire coastline they really cater to the summer crowd with all kinds of events, including fireworks, concerts and even a Children's Festival.
• Inside Activities if the Weather isn't so nice. Don't get discouraged, there's plenty to do. The See Science Centre in Manchester (1hr15 from Wells) offers a great way to spend a good half a day with the kids indoors. E loved their moonwalk simulation and watching her hair stand on her head during the static electricity demonstration. They also have the Lego Millyard project on display, containing 3 million Lego pieces in addition to some temporary exhibits. Although at 3, E was a little young to fully appreciate the whole place (6 - 8 would be the perfect age), she still really had a great morning. The Currier Museum, also in Manchester (1hr 12 from Wells) also has great exhibits and family programs for a rainy day and if you have children over the age of 7, go visit the Zimmerman House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright House open to the public.
• Visit Boston. (1hr 26 from Wells, 56 mins from Manchester) Rain or shine, this city offers lots of things to do with the family. Go visit the New England Aquarium if it's not so nice, where the kids can touch stingrays and shark in a touch tank or go on a whale watch. If it's nice out, spend the day in Boston Commons, take in Boston's Public Art, ride the Swan Boats or spend the day walking around in Faneuil Hall's Market Place. And if you didn't get all of your shopping done in Kittery, the folks at BabyBlackbird have put together an awesome list of childrens' shops in Boston.

Where to Eat:

• In Manchester: Famous Dave's BBQ really is legendary for a reason. They also have a great kids menu sure to satisfy the pickiest kids. For a more vegetarian friendly option, Republic Café offers fantastic organic & regional produce and farm fresh meats (they actually tell you what farm they are from). Not so child friendly (no kids menu, and not so accommodating to making a child's portion) there many menu options good for kids (E had fresh lamb Kefta, which she just assumed were regular meatballs).
• In Wells: MapleLeaves Gardens does not use MSG in their food and second to none, has some of the best Chinese food I've ever had. I can't wait to go back! Anello's Pastries unfortunately has closed, but look out to see if they will re-open. They make everything from scratch and are known for their gluten-free products.

Enjoy your travels!