What to do in Massachusetts?

My mom is from New Bedford and hasn't been back in 30 years. My sister, my son(22) and I are taking her back on a vacation the first week in August. We are attending a Portuguese festival but have no other plans.

What are some activities that we all might enjoy while we are there?

We will take a trip to the Cape for a few days, but what about Boston?
New Hampshire? Maine? We have 10 days.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

There are many existing threads for things to do in Boston. Run a search and you'll have more things to do than days on vacation.

What does your mother want to do? She probably has lots of memories and might want to revisit places from her youth.

Agreed, there are already lots of threads with ideas on what to do in the area. If you're going to be in New Bedford, you may want to take an short excursion to Newport, RI to see the "cottages" of the very, very wealthy.

Massachusetts

We stay in Newport which isnt very far from New Bedford and Boston. I spent a lot of time in New Bedford in 1972-73. I love the Portugese food and traditions. Been a long time though. I now your mother will love going back. Newport has several manisons that are nice to see. Have a great trip. Jim and Mary

Oh Boy....10 days in New Bedford. That is a hard one, but you mention you are ok traveling a bit. Here are some thoughts.

1. New Bedford has ferry service to Martha's Vineyard:
http://www.portofnewbedford.org/fer...ferry-services-to-marthas-vineyard-cuttyhunk/

2. IMO, Providence and Newport are both MUCH better than a Boston visit. Closer, Cleaner and without the traffic.

Providence
If you want a tour, this company is great. http://www.riexperience.com/ Also, check out Waterfire in Providence. Awesome time. http://waterfire.org/ Great theatre in providence. http://www.ppacri.org/

Newport
Same tour company above offers Newport Tours. You can also check out their mansions and take a stroll throw Brick Alley market place.

3. New Bedford has a great theater. Small, every seat is a great seat. Sometimes some decent shows. http://www.zeiterion.org/

4. Westport two towns over has a great state beach: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/horseneck-beach-state-reservation.html and a vineyard to tour (Friday nights there are great): http://www.westportrivers.com/


That is all I have time to write for now....need to head to work. Please feel free to PM me any questions about the area as I am very familiar with it. I hope she is not too disappointed in her return, especially if the trip is for nostalgic reasons. New Bedford has tried hard over the years to rejuvenate the city....the waterfront is getting there...but a lot of the rest still has a lot of work to do.

Also, if you want to add what your/son/her interest are, I can make suggestions based on that. There is plenty to do in the area!

For those without the family ties to New Bedford and vicinity, and a desire to day-trip into Boston, I can sure recommend the Freedom Trail, and Old Ironsides, The Old North Church and all the 'stuff' of the American Revolution.

10 days in the area would allow time for a day-trip there without sacrificing too much reminiscing.

Jim

Take the Megabus(from Boston) to NYC for the day.