New YorK & Maine? Off Topic?

[Udkas]

Hi Guys,
this is totally off topic, but seeing as there seems to be a lot of American's on this site I thought I would get some help, feedback.

My husband and I have always wanted to go to New York, mainly because I live in a very small country town, that is very sleepy, so the hustle and bustle of a big city sounds kinda exciting for us country folk, but then I thought it might be a bit too much for me so I wanted to retreat somewhere a bit slower in pace and I thought about busing to Maine?

Or maybe doing Massuchesetts. (opps can't spell it), does anyone know how long it would take to bus to Maine from New York?  Then the decision is should we go now for the New Year in our summer but then it might be too cold, or go when you have fall, as that kinda looks spectacular as well. So when is the best time to go?

Open to suggestions from anyone in the know of places to visit near New York, I kinda wanted to go to San Francisco but that is kinda the wrong direction...

Thanks Guys,
Cheers,
Udkas.

[Udkas]

Hi Thanks for the travel info,

I think you have convinced me to do Maine as part of my tour, still haven't decided when to go yet.  Heat and me don't do that well, I fatigue extra easily, so I guess when it's not so hot, so fall would be good but sounds like I have missed the boat...so to speak, maybe your spring would be good,  I have been looking up what to do etc. and I am fairly certain this is where we will go, but we might do a stop in at LA on the way.

I love the USA, I have been two times before and always explore a different region.   One of my sons went to school in the USA for a bit in Napa Valley and he said San Francisco is cool.

I will let you know when the itinerary is out and perhaps you can give me more travel suggestions.

Cheers,
Udkas.

[doublevision1]

I LOVE Maine in the summer and Vermont in the Fall.    Must be my Nova Scotia roots that makes the northeast so appealing to me.  On that note, NS would be a lovely holiday and leisurely paced, though by the time you book you may miss the best of Fall there as well.
San Francisco and area also wonderful, but a totally different vacation experience.
I too am planning my first trip to NYC ... somehow have never managed to see it in my many trips to the US, and am very excited.
If you decide to go to NYC but are a little leery of navigating the place, make the concierge your best friend and they will look after you for directions, transportation, reservations, etc. I try to always do this, esp in countries where English is not the first language.  At least you won't have translation to deal with, except for some of those cute and uniquely Aussie VS cute and uniquely Yankee terms.

[goofysmom1]

Lulu is right - the Pacific NW is beautiful - anytime of year!  I too have always wanted to see the NE in the Fall - I hear it is quite spectacular!

Have fun planning & have fun wherever you decide to go!

Chrisy

[Lulu54]

Maine is beautiful but you will probably miss the peak fall foliage - it is already here now , I believe.

For a true American experience, I would shoot for New York city.  I don't think you would regret it a bit.  If you are still coming this year, anytime after our Thanksgiving (late November) is a great time, because the city is decked out for Christmas, including the most amazing department store window displays you will see anywhere in the world.

Our west coast - has some of the most amazing natural  and man made wonders to see.  San Francisco is not far from Yosemite or Sequoia National Parks.  The west coast beaches on the Pacific are rugged and beautiful, a lot like the Maine beaches. The Pacific northwest (Oregon and Washington) offer urban centers surrounded by the tallest Mountains on the lower 48 states - St. Hood, Ranier,  St. Helens, Baker are all part of the Cascade mountains.  Breath takingly beautiful.

How much time will you have to see the sights?  I would love to be your tour guide - this is a truly amazing country - the diversity is a lot like Australia in that we have a little bit of everything here.

good luck in making some tough choices,
Lulu

[Charley123]

I live about 2 hours north of Porland and the fall foliage is quite amazing this year.  I adore summers in Maine.  The last few years we've had a lot of rain during the summer, but part of August was good and the fall is good too.  I love the fall because the days are cooler, in the 60's/low 70's.. occasionally cooler.  I think the Maine coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in out country any time of year.  Think I'm partial to Maine?  We moved here several years ago from NH and haven't regretted it a bit.  Hugs, Charley.

[mary_kay]

I live in Maine, and have used the bus to go from Bangor to Atlantic City, NJ.  Part of that trip is NY to Portland.  If I remember correctly, it takes about 6 hours because of the stops in Boston, etc.  Not a bad trip really. Portland, ME is a wonderful city.  Try it!  :-)
Mary Kay