Places to visit in New England

[Teleku]

So, I'm flying out to Boston for the whole week around Thanksgiving.  I'm going to go stay with two of my international friends (from Brazil and France respectively) who just moved to Boston to attend Harvard.  They really want to go check some stuff out around the area, so I'm looking for any suggestions on a good 2 day'ish trip from Boston to where ever.  It will be November, so I'm sure the weather will be shit.  But if you know of any cool out-doorsy places that would still be nice to visit at this time, that would be good to know.  Any cool historical points to visit also welcome, as they want to see that.  I've been to Boston, and already know a number of places I can take them in the city or near by, so that's already handled.

[Nebu]

You may want to think about heading south.  My favorite places in New England are in Maine (Acadia National Park) and Vermont, but snow will be a contender.  Maybe you could head down to DC and check out the Smithsonian?

[taolurker]

Maine and Vermont are North of Massachusetts. DC is about a 7-9 hour drive, depending on traffic, from Boston.

From Boston it's really close to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and historic Salem, and when we went there those were places we went to which were close (less than an hour ride). There's also tons of historic stuff in and around Boston, and a great deal of those are really close to Harvard.

New York City is also only about a 4 hour trip by car (again depending on traffic) or only ~2 hours by rail (Amtrak).

[rattran]

Cape Cod is pretty, and mostly desolate in November, and has some nifty historical graveyards and sights. And there's Plymouth, the museum there has/had odd hours in winter, so check beforehand. New Bedford has a bunch of whaling stuff and old ships, and I think Lizzie Borden's house is open as a museum again in Fall River. Hell, just drive through Fall River and tell them it's Innsmouth. The people look like it, open batrachian mouths and staring eyes.

[Sky]

My favorite places in New England are in Maine and Vermont

Ditto, but both are quite the haul from Boston. My favorite spots in those states would be 3 to 3-1/2 hours.

Haven't been to Acadia, but it's high on the list.

[Count Nerfedalot]

Assuming you have any interest in nature/outdoors then Acadia for sure, if weather permits, but I kinda doubt the wisdom or pleasure of hiking ice covered beaches/rocks/forests in a nor-easter!
Boston itself has some fantastic museums, and I personally love visiting the USS Constitution (wooden warship of 1812? era).

Again weather permitting, but I've found one of the better ways to see most cities where it's available is from the water.  A good narrated/historical guided tour is great but the quality of those can be very hit-or-miss (I don't think I've done that in Boston, and if I did it was so unremarkable that I can't remember it!  ).  But bang-for-your-buck you can't beat a simple ferry ride.

[TheWalrus]

Quahog is supposed to be awesome this time of year.

[Teleku]

Well, again, I actually have a nice long list of places in Boston to visit, as well as areas nearby (Salem, P-Town, ect.).  I've been to Boston a number of times.  However, they want to do some sort of trip away from the area, staying over the night (or maybe 2) along the way, so those are the locations I’m mainly asking about.  So a several hour car/train/bus trip is just fine if you think there is anything worthwhile in neighboring states.  Again, places to visit that wont totally suck in November weather being the main limiter (I imagine there has to be some places that are cool to visit in winter weather, right?).

Anyways, thanks for the suggestions so far, I shall investigate some of these places.  Keep them coming!  A road trip up or down the coast through creepy New England towns might actually be fun.  Check out haunted hotels/mansions/light houses.  Perhaps rent a green van.

Is Concord/Lexington worth checking out?  If its not under 5 feet of snow?

[Count Nerfedalot]

Mt. Washington is awesome for experiencing extreme weather.  Like hurricane force winds half the days of the year or something like that. 

Or if they get another snow this month might even be some skiing in NH.

[Fraeg]

Boston is cool but your buddies will get plenty of that.  Portland maine is a great place ~2 hour drive from boston.  

Bar harbor/Arcadia is a 5 hour drive, Baxter state park would be slightly longer.

I lived in maine for 6 years so really that is what I know best about new england.  Bar harbor in June/July is a madhouse.  Off season is the best IMO.  Arcadia is amazing, investigate a little bit, might still be worth your time if you guys are prepared for the cold.

http://www.barharborinfo.com/

[Sky]

Do you like Irish Whiskey? Hit the Inn at Long Trail on rt4 in Killington VT on a weekend, usually some good Irish band playing there. Grab a fireplace suite and hike the trail behind it to the overlook; or stay in one of the swanker ski places, which should just be waking up around then, so you might get in before the price jumps.

Bar harbor in June/July is a madhouse.  Off season is the best IMO.  Arcadia is amazing, investigate a little bit, might still be worth your time if you guys are prepared for the cold.

BAH HAHBAH! My family is from Tenant's Harbor, though none of us can afford to move back :( You can even go to Wiley's Corner, our family homeland granted to us by General Knox after the revolution.

[Murgos]

I've done this: http://www.qcc.mass.edu/brink/trav-rec/mt_monad/mmsummit.html

It's worth it.  On a good day you can see 120 miles.  I did it in winter and had one of those super clear days, so I felt like I could see Canada.

You could also go hike part of the Appalachian trail http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

Afterwards, when you get back to Boston go to Abe & Louies and have the bone in double cut of prime rib.  Perfect way to end a day in utter gluttony.  This also takes care of the next day because no one will be able to move due to food coma and muscle soreness.

If it were later in the year and the slopes were open I would say drive up to Mad River and go skiing and have dinner at the Hen in the Woods but I doubt if the slopes are any good yet.

[Stormwaltz]

If they're Lovecraft aficionados, take them down to see his haunts in Providence.

EDIT: I used to enjoy going to Salem, partly for the history and partly for the goth girls.

[Sky]

If they're Lovecraft aficionados, take them down to see his haunts in Providence.

Oh, that's a good idea! New England + a literary twist will be the perfect pitch for the fiancee.