Favourite East Coast destination

Question

Hello! I’m in the early stages of planning an itinerary for my family of four (coming from Australia), including two kids (ages 6 and 9), for late November/early December. We’ll be spending 4 nights in Boston and 5 nights in New York City, but we’d love to add a couple of nights somewhere in between. We’re open to destinations that are easily accessible by Amtrak or even by car. For those familiar with the East Coast, what are your go-to spots (in weinter) between Boston and NYC? Thank you in advance!

Answer

It sounds like you’ve already got an exciting trip planned with your family! For the few nights between Boston and New York City, there are plenty of great options that are easily accessible by Amtrak or car. Considering your timeline in late November and early December, here are a few suggestions that offer winter charm, family-friendly activities, and easy access to public transport:

1. Providence, Rhode Island (Amtrak - 1 hour from Boston)
Providence is a compact, vibrant city with a charming New England feel. It’s known for its walkable downtown, beautiful parks, and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (a hit with art lovers). In winter, you can enjoy ice skating at the Alex and Ani City Center, and the holiday lights and decorations around the city can be magical. The Amtrak ride is quick, and there are plenty of good dining and shopping options, making it perfect for a short family stopover.

Visit WaterFire (if you time it right) – an outdoor art installation with fire and music.
Check out the Providence Children's Museum for fun, interactive exhibits.
Take a winter stroll around Brown University and the historic College Hill district.

2. New Haven, Connecticut (Amtrak - 2.5 hours from Boston)
New Haven is a great stop between Boston and New York City. Known as the home of Yale University, it offers a mix of culture, history, and outdoor activities. You can explore the Yale University Art Gallery or the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. The city also has a range of cozy cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. While it’s a bit quieter in winter, it still has a lot to offer without being too far off your route.

Visit the Yale Peabody Museum for kid-friendly exhibits, including dinosaurs and Egyptian artifacts.
Take a walk around the Yale University campus and its beautiful Gothic architecture.
Explore the New Haven Green and enjoy some local pizza (Frank Pepe’s is a must!).

3. Mystic, Connecticut (Amtrak - 2.5 hours from Boston)
Mystic is a small, picturesque town on the coast of Connecticut, famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium. It’s perfect for a more relaxed stop with plenty of family-friendly activities, including winter exhibits and cozy waterfront dining. Mystic also has an adorable downtown area with shops and restaurants, making it a great place to stretch your legs and unwind.

Visit Mystic Seaport Museum to explore the maritime history and warm up in its historic buildings.
Check out Mystic Aquarium and enjoy the winter exhibits (perfect for kids!).
Stroll along the charming Mystic River and visit the local shops and restaurants.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Amtrak - 4 hours from Boston)
If you're willing to drive or take a longer train ride, Philadelphia is a fantastic stop between Boston and New York City. Rich in American history, the city is full of iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (with the famous Rocky steps). In winter, you can enjoy the holiday lights and Christmas Village at Love Park. This city also has some great kid-friendly attractions and delicious food (don't miss the Philly cheesesteaks!).

Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall for a taste of American history.
Check out the Franklin Institute for interactive science exhibits.
Walk around the Reading Terminal Market and enjoy local food like soft pretzels or Philly cheesesteaks.

5. Princeton, New Jersey (Amtrak - 4 hours from Boston, 1.5 hours from NYC)
Princeton is a lovely, small town that offers a mix of history, academia, and natural beauty. Home to Princeton University, it’s a walkable town with charming streets, beautiful gardens, and a welcoming atmosphere. In winter, it has a cozy, festive feel, with plenty of opportunities to explore its shops and cafes. It’s also an easy train ride from both Boston and New York City.

Visit Princeton University and take a walk around the historic campus.
Explore the Princeton University Art Museum (free entry) or the Morven Museum & Garden.
Take a winter stroll around the town center and grab a hot drink at one of the cozy cafes.

6. The Hamptons (Long Island, NY - Amtrak from Penn Station NYC)
If you’re looking for a more scenic coastal destination, you could consider a visit to the Hamptons, which is about 2.5 hours from New York City by train. While it's more of a summer destination, the Hamptons in winter is quiet and charming, with beautiful winter beaches, cozy shops, and nice winter walks. It might be a peaceful, relaxing stopover before heading into the hustle and bustle of NYC.

Take a winter walk along the beach or around the quaint towns of Southampton or East Hampton.
Visit local art galleries and winter boutiques.
Enjoy cozy meals at local cafes or seafood restaurants.

Conclusion:
Any of these destinations would make a fantastic stopover between Boston and New York City, depending on what kind of experience you're looking for. Providence and New Haven are close and easily accessible by train, while Mystic offers a charming, small-town feel. Philadelphia and Princeton are further south, offering more historic and cultural experiences. If you prefer something quieter, the Hamptons might be a great winter getaway.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip!

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