Calling all Bostonian peeps

cmsitaly · 07-20-2009

My grandfather takes us on a week long family trip every year (like 28 of us) We just returned from Isle of Palm which was beautiful. Next year he is interested in the Boston area.
We usually rent 5 or so condos on the beach for a week (Virginia Beach, Desert Palm, Hilton Head and Aruba were our last 4 trips just to give an idea)

Was wondering if there is a resort area right outside of Boston (within a 45 minute drive) that someone could suggest possibly?

Thanks so much!!

Buggirl · 07-20-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmsitaly

My grandfather takes us on a week long family trip every year (like 28 of us) We just returned from Isle of Palm which was beautiful. Next year he is interested in the Boston area.
We usually rent 5 or so condos on the beach for a week (Virginia Beach, Desert Palm, Hilton Head and Aruba were our last 4 trips just to give an idea)

Was wondering if there is a resort area right outside of Boston (within a 45 minute drive) that someone could suggest possibly?

Thanks so much!!

I'd recommend Cape Cod, but it's more than 45 mins from Boston- a lot more the farther you go. I live on Martha's Vineyard, which I would also highly recommend (but I'm biased

)- but it's even more of a PITA to get to due to the ferry.

The north shore has some nice beaches (Ipswich and others that escape me) but to me the water is too chilly to be much fun to swim in. South of Boston, especially on the south side of the Cape you get southern ocean currents and a much warmer ocean.

Eileencc · 07-20-2009

Hi Chris! I would also recommend the Cape if you can hack the extra distance. I think it's about an hour from Boston, depending on where you stay. It's about 30 miles from the Sagamore Bridge at the beginning of the Cape all the way out to Provincetown at the tip...The national seashore beaches are beautiful, and there's lots to do. The surf on the ocean side of the Cape is much rougher, and the water is chillier. If there are kids, you may prefer the beaches on the bay side. There are lots of big cottages and condos for rent along the Cape. Some of the prettier towns are Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Provincetown.

The other thing you may want to consider is Newport, Rhode Island. I haven't been there in quite some time, but I remember it as an area with nice beaches, lots of activities, and still a semi-reasonable distance from Boston.

Good luck and let us know how the search for accommodations goes!

Buggirl · 07-20-2009

Good call, Eileen- Newport is beautiful and fun as well! It's about 1.5 hours from Boston- but close to TF Green Airport if that makes a difference.

And FYI- rentals are lagging this year so you may be able to negotiate the rate. A lot of rentals, while not officially marked down, are open to haggling (read: people are desperate)- but that all might change after the Obama's arrive

caramba · 07-20-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eileencc

Hi Chris! I would also recommend the Cape if you can hack the extra distance. I think it's about an hour from Boston, depending on where you stay. It's about 30 miles from the Sagamore Bridge at the beginning of the Cape all the way out to Provincetown at the tip...The national seashore beaches are beautiful, and there's lots to do. The surf on the ocean side of the Cape is much rougher, and the water is chillier. If there are kids, you may prefer the beaches on the bay side. There are lots of big cottages and condos for rent along the Cape. Some of the prettier towns are Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Provincetown.

The other thing you may want to consider is Newport, Rhode Island. I haven't been there in quite some time, but I remember it as an area with nice beaches, lots of activities, and still a semi-reasonable distance from Boston.

Good luck and let us know how the search for accommodations goes!

And don't forget Truro- also a nice town with beautiful beaches. I particuarly love the lower and outer cape (the towns that Eileen mentions)- the National Seashore beaches are really beautiful.
The most lively of these towns would be Provincetown, but hard to find a beachfront property. I did see this listing for a 19 bedroom sea captain's house though!
I'd start with cyberrentals and vrbo, but you can also contact realtors in any of those towns who could help you out.
We often stay in Wellfleet. I have pictures I've been meaning to post from our week there in June and if I do I'll give you a heads up here to see the thread. Of course we stayed in a tiny little cottage for two, and the beach was down a very, very steep dune, but we loved it. Like I said, the beaches there are wonderful!
You can't go wrong with Martha's Vineyard, either, where Sara (Buggirl) lives.
The Cape and Vineyard are well worth the drive. I think they are better options than the north shore, if you've never been here. And like others have said, the water's a lot warmer to the south!

maestranba · 07-20-2009

You could also head north a ways and go to Hampton Beach, NH. It's not too far from Boston and just over the border. COLD water, tho!

horizon200 · 07-20-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eileencc

Hi Chris! I would also recommend the Cape if you can hack the extra distance. I think it's about an hour from Boston, depending on where you stay. It's about 30 miles from the Sagamore Bridge at the beginning of the Cape all the way out to Provincetown at the tip...The national seashore beaches are beautiful, and there's lots to do. The surf on the ocean side of the Cape is much rougher, and the water is chillier. If there are kids, you may prefer the beaches on the bay side. There are lots of big cottages and condos for rent along the Cape. Some of the prettier towns are Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Provincetown.

The other thing you may want to consider is Newport, Rhode Island. I haven't been there in quite some time, but I remember it as an area with nice beaches, lots of activities, and still a semi-reasonable distance from Boston.

Good luck and let us know how the search for accommodations goes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buggirl

Good call, Eileen- Newport is beautiful and fun as well! It's about 1.5 hours from Boston- but close to TF Green Airport if that makes a difference.

And FYI- rentals are lagging this year so you may be able to negotiate the rate. A lot of rentals, while not officially marked down, are open to haggling (read: people are desperate)- but that all might change after the Obama's arrive

I concur! Newport was awesome in May. Though a little further out still(about 30 min from Newport) is Narragansett, RI.

cmsitaly · 07-20-2009

Wow! Thanks for all the awesome replies. I knew I could count on you peeps! I some research ahead of me!

One more question...if we wanted to be closer to Boston where would be the condo suggestion? We want to do a lot of activities in Boston and not sure we would want to drive an hour each time we go into the city.

Thanks again!

horizon200 · 07-20-2009

You may also want to check out Rockport. About a 40 minute train ride into central Boston. My Uncle used to have a place up there and worked in Boston. Very quaint port town. Train station is ceter of twon and an easy walk to almost everything.

Here's a nice house that sleeps 13!

Rockport vacation house rental - Unique Victorian Home w/beautiful views of Ocean & Thacher Island WINTER/SUMMER

Buggirl · 07-20-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmsitaly

Wow! Thanks for all the awesome replies. I knew I could count on you peeps! I some research ahead of me!

One more question...if we wanted to be closer to Boston where would be the condo suggestion? We want to do a lot of activities in Boston and not sure we would want to drive an hour each time we go into the city.

Thanks again!

Honestly- I think I would split your stay. We actually have a hotel reservation in Burlington (about 15 min outside of Boston) for this coming Friday for under $60/night (for a Candlewood Suites, so there's a mini kitchen). Then you could find a house or some condos on the beach and explore whatever beach destination you choose.

In terms of Rockport- it is a beautiful area, but the ocean is quite cold- brrrrrrr! If that doesn't matter to you, I think that's your beach!

Happy hunting! Feel free to ask any questions!

cmsitaly · 07-21-2009

Ok, been doing some initial searching and the areas you all mentioned are very nice, but I think maybe still too far away-maybe I am wrong, again just initial searching. Would love to split the time between the beach and Boston, but my Pop won't go for moving 28 people midweek. Heck he wants us all (28) to stay in the same condo building (that's why several houses won't work either) Great idea-but he won't go for it...and Pops pays for the whole vacation so

How is Hull? It is closer to Boston and they have a resort (The Clarion Nantasket) that has condos...

thank you all for your help! I know I am being nitpicky, and if it was just for Josh and I that would be different

Eileencc · 07-21-2009

I'm gonna be honest here and tell you that the beaches closest to Boston don't have the nicest (cleanest) water/facilities/restaurants, etc. I don't even know of vacation rentals in those areas. That's why the locals tend to travel away from the city a little bit for the beach. The further you go from Boston, the nicer the beaches will be. I checked out that Clarion, and it does look nice. (I just googled "beach resorts near Boston" and the Clarion was the first hit.) Nantasket Beach (where this hotel is located) was once a very popular local tourist area, with amusement parks, etc. but is not as popular now as Cape Cod, the Harbor Islands, and the northern beaches. Someone who lives closer to that area will most likely chime in. I want your Pop to take me on a nice family vacay too!

cmsitaly · 07-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eileencc

I'm gonna be honest here and tell you that the beaches closest to Boston don't have the nicest (cleanest) water/facilities/restaurants, etc. I don't even know of vacation rentals in those areas. That's why the locals tend to travel away from the city a little bit for the beach. The further you go from Boston, the nicer the beaches will be. I checked out that Clarion, and it does look nice. (I just googled "beach resorts near Boston" and the Clarion was the first hit.) Nantasket Beach (where this hotel is located) was once a very popular local tourist area, with amusement parks, etc. but is not as popular now as Cape Cod, the Harbor Islands, and the northern beaches. Someone who lives closer to that area will most likely chime in. I want your Pop to take me on a nice family vacay too!

yes we have had many "applications for adoption" over the years. We are very lucky he takes us on these trips

I appreciate your honesty! That is what I am looking for from my peeps

I will have to talk to Pop and see what he thinks about staying on the beach or possibly in Boston a little more. So what would be the closest beach town to Boston of those you suggested? What about suburbs?

Ranger · 07-21-2009

Maybe it’s just living here makes it not a destination for some of us, I can definitely tell you where NOT to go and Eileen is right the beaches close to Boston are not very good. From the point of Hull you can see the Boston skyline across the water and it’s not too far a drive, except traffic. What type of attractions might you be looking for? Historical? There is also Plymouth which is touristy, historical and about 45 min. to Boston. There is public trans to downtown Boston right from Plymouth and boats that go to Provincetown daily and there are hotels, motels and houses for rent. Here is a link….

Plymouth, MA - Welcome to Plymouth, Massachusetts

flyingpig11 · 07-21-2009

I agree that the beaches extremely close to Boston are not particularly nice. You can go to Ipswich or Newburyport to the north and each is nice. There are also communities between Boston and the Cape which are nice and have beachfront. However, each is really like a suburban community as opposed to a tourist area.

I think the focus really needs to be either (1) on the City of Boston with a day trip to the surrounding beaches to get to the ocean or (2) to the Cape and if you really want a daytrip you can go to Boston or Nantucket, Marthas Vineyard or Newport.

I have lived in Boston and on Nantucket Island and the Cape. If the focus is the ocean, go to the Cape. If you want the City and history, Boston it is. I have no idea where you would stay in Boston other than a hotel to accomodate your large group. There must be some sort of condo rental scenario, but I bet it would be costly. However, its all costly in that area.

If the Cape is the choice, I am sure that many of us could chime in further on details.

I say the further out the better for the more pristine beauty, beautiful beaches etc... The ocean side is cold water, but I have never seen it stop people from going on in. If out in Wellfleet, which is an artist colony, you have the benefit of the ocean side surf, the calm bayside ocean waters and beautiful fresh water kettle ponds in between. (not to mention killer fried clams at Moby Dick's) You also have Provincetown nearby for some good excitement.

07-20-2009	#1 (permalink)
cmsitaly añejo Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 4,729	Calling all Bostonian peeps My grandfather takes us on a week long family trip every year (like 28 of us) We just returned from Isle of Palm which was beautiful. Next year he is interested in the Boston area. We usually rent 5 or so condos on the beach for a week (Virginia Beach, Desert Palm, Hilton Head and Aruba were our last 4 trips just to give an idea) Was wondering if there is a resort area right outside of Boston (within a 45 minute drive) that someone could suggest possibly? Thanks so much!! Last edited by cmsitaly; 07-20-2009 at 11:05 AM..

07-20-2009	#3 (permalink)
Eileencc añejo Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: North of Boston, Mass Posts: 7,354	Hi Chris! I would also recommend the Cape if you can hack the extra distance. I think it's about an hour from Boston, depending on where you stay. It's about 30 miles from the Sagamore Bridge at the beginning of the Cape all the way out to Provincetown at the tip...The national seashore beaches are beautiful, and there's lots to do. The surf on the ocean side of the Cape is much rougher, and the water is chillier. If there are kids, you may prefer the beaches on the bay side. There are lots of big cottages and condos for rent along the Cape. Some of the prettier towns are Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Provincetown. The other thing you may want to consider is Newport, Rhode Island. I haven't been there in quite some time, but I remember it as an area with nice beaches, lots of activities, and still a semi-reasonable distance from Boston. Good luck and let us know how the search for accommodations goes! Last edited by Eileencc; 07-20-2009 at 12:01 PM..

07-20-2009	#4 (permalink)
Buggirl añejo Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: on an island in the sea..... Posts: 7,975	Good call, Eileen- Newport is beautiful and fun as well! It's about 1.5 hours from Boston- but close to TF Green Airport if that makes a difference. And FYI- rentals are lagging this year so you may be able to negotiate the rate. A lot of rentals, while not officially marked down, are open to haggling (read: people are desperate)- but that all might change after the Obama's arrive

07-20-2009	#6 (permalink)
maestranba añejo Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,102	You could also head north a ways and go to Hampton Beach, NH. It's not too far from Boston and just over the border. COLD water, tho!

07-20-2009	#8 (permalink)
cmsitaly añejo Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 4,729	Wow! Thanks for all the awesome replies. I knew I could count on you peeps! I some research ahead of me! One more question...if we wanted to be closer to Boston where would be the condo suggestion? We want to do a lot of activities in Boston and not sure we would want to drive an hour each time we go into the city. Thanks again!

07-20-2009	#9 (permalink)
horizon200 añejo Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Delaware Posts: 10,421	You may also want to check out Rockport. About a 40 minute train ride into central Boston. My Uncle used to have a place up there and worked in Boston. Very quaint port town. Train station is ceter of twon and an easy walk to almost everything. Here's a nice house that sleeps 13! Rockport vacation house rental - Unique Victorian Home w/beautiful views of Ocean & Thacher Island WINTER/SUMMER

07-21-2009	#11 (permalink)
cmsitaly añejo Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 4,729	Ok, been doing some initial searching and the areas you all mentioned are very nice, but I think maybe still too far away-maybe I am wrong, again just initial searching. Would love to split the time between the beach and Boston, but my Pop won't go for moving 28 people midweek. Heck he wants us all (28) to stay in the same condo building (that's why several houses won't work either) Great idea-but he won't go for it...and Pops pays for the whole vacation so How is Hull? It is closer to Boston and they have a resort (The Clarion Nantasket) that has condos... thank you all for your help! I know I am being nitpicky, and if it was just for Josh and I that would be different

07-21-2009	#12 (permalink)
Eileencc añejo Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: North of Boston, Mass Posts: 7,354	I'm gonna be honest here and tell you that the beaches closest to Boston don't have the nicest (cleanest) water/facilities/restaurants, etc. I don't even know of vacation rentals in those areas. That's why the locals tend to travel away from the city a little bit for the beach. The further you go from Boston, the nicer the beaches will be. I checked out that Clarion, and it does look nice. (I just googled "beach resorts near Boston" and the Clarion was the first hit.) Nantasket Beach (where this hotel is located) was once a very popular local tourist area, with amusement parks, etc. but is not as popular now as Cape Cod, the Harbor Islands, and the northern beaches. Someone who lives closer to that area will most likely chime in. I want your Pop to take me on a nice family vacay too!

07-21-2009	#14 (permalink)
Ranger añejo Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 5,530	Maybe it’s just living here makes it not a destination for some of us, I can definitely tell you where NOT to go and Eileen is right the beaches close to Boston are not very good. From the point of Hull you can see the Boston skyline across the water and it’s not too far a drive, except traffic. What type of attractions might you be looking for? Historical? There is also Plymouth which is touristy, historical and about 45 min. to Boston. There is public trans to downtown Boston right from Plymouth and boats that go to Provincetown daily and there are hotels, motels and houses for rent. Here is a link…. Plymouth, MA - Welcome to Plymouth, Massachusetts

07-21-2009	#15 (permalink)
flyingpig11 life=playa Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bflo, NY Posts: 596	I agree that the beaches extremely close to Boston are not particularly nice. You can go to Ipswich or Newburyport to the north and each is nice. There are also communities between Boston and the Cape which are nice and have beachfront. However, each is really like a suburban community as opposed to a tourist area. I think the focus really needs to be either (1) on the City of Boston with a day trip to the surrounding beaches to get to the ocean or (2) to the Cape and if you really want a daytrip you can go to Boston or Nantucket, Marthas Vineyard or Newport. I have lived in Boston and on Nantucket Island and the Cape. If the focus is the ocean, go to the Cape. If you want the City and history, Boston it is. I have no idea where you would stay in Boston other than a hotel to accomodate your large group. There must be some sort of condo rental scenario, but I bet it would be costly. However, its all costly in that area. If the Cape is the choice, I am sure that many of us could chime in further on details. I say the further out the better for the more pristine beauty, beautiful beaches etc... The ocean side is cold water, but I have never seen it stop people from going on in. If out in Wellfleet, which is an artist colony, you have the benefit of the ocean side surf, the calm bayside ocean waters and beautiful fresh water kettle ponds in between. (not to mention killer fried clams at Moby Dick's) You also have Provincetown nearby for some good excitement.

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