I'm interested in vacationing in New England in August and was trying to get a sense of a reasonable driving intinerary from Phila. I'm thinking 7-10 days total. I have three children (1, 4 and 6 years). We're hoping to go to a beach for a couple of days, maybe a city, and perhaps check out the White Mountains if it's feasible. I'd apreciate any thoughts if this is too much for little kids. We normally vacation at the Jersey shore and I'm looking for a change this summer. Thanks!
Driving itinerary from Philly to New England
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googlemaps says it's just over 7 hours from Philadelphia to Franconia NH in the middle of the White Mountains. The best route is thru western MA up I91 along the VT border and then crossing over into NH. This would be the route we usually take (we live south of Lake Winnipesaukee). It's good highway thru mostly rural part of MA. I would choose a good lunch place and maybe a second to stretch legs. With those ages, a good school playground wound be enough.
I would suggest however a cottage on one of the lakes. If you choose something on the northern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, it's an easy drive to the mountains and you could let the kids play. Just make sure it has a beach and not a deep, dock type lakefront. A lot of cottages have a steep stairway to the water. You might check in the Wolfeboro area since that would be closer to Storyland, a very popular amusement park for young children. There are other lakes besides Winnipesaukee in that area.
Thanks so much- this was really helpful!