What a lovely trip, Sharon! Here's some recommendations. NEWPORT: You can't get as far as Providence & NOT go to Newport. I'm certain there's some law against such a crime! :) lol Anyway, after your feet are hurting from touring the "cottages" I recommend lunch at The Red Parrot, right on the waterfront (Website: http://www.redparrotrestaurant.com/). Order dessert "to go". Drive to Brenton Point State Park on Ocean Boulevard to enjoy your dessert. It's right on the water at the entrance to Newport Harbor. If you're there on a weekend you can also enjoy the beautiful huge kites that clubs fly. It's one of my favorite parks. And for some unknown reason parking is not a problem. (website: http://www.riparks.com/brentonhistory.htm). PORTSMOUTH, NH I highly recommend The Dolphin Striker for dinner (Website: http://www.dolphinstriker.com/). The Striker is right on Portsmouth Harbor in a 1761 building. You can enjoy the downtown shops before dinner. If you want to spend a night near Portsmouth...then I recommend Wentworth By-The-Sea overlooking the Atlantic in New Castle. Wentworth is not a budget inn but it sure is a wonderful place to stay. We've spent a couple anniversary weekends at Wentworth (Website: http://www.wentworth.com/). It's hard for me to imagine being in NH & not also going to Exeter. If you have time, it's sure worth the time. This is NH's colonial capital & home of Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the premier prep-schools in the US. The campus is awesome as is the colonial town square. For eats in Exeter it MUST be Loaf & Laddle at 9 Water Street, Exeter, NH. Mustangs (Cathy) & I will, probably, differ on what to order but rest assured that anything you choose will be delicious. This is a lunch place. Right across the street from Loaf & Laddle is the Gilman Garrison House (Website: http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/gilman-garrison-house/gilman-garrison-house). Definitely worth a tour. It's also an ancestral home from my mother's line. The wonderful steepled church on Exeter town square is where my DS & DDIL were married. My ancesters worshipped there in the 1600s. Next, I highly recommend you take Route 1 from Portsmouth, NH up the Maine coast. If you take I-95 you're going to miss so much of what makes New England...New England. WELLS, MAINE Billy's Chowder House has wonderful seafood stew. They are also known for their lobster stew. Billy's is located on a salt marsh in Wells, Maine. From northbound Route 1 in Wells...look on the right side of the road for a small sign (about 12"x12") that says, "Billy's Chowder House" with an arrow pointing right (east). That's the only sign. Turn right at the next light then be careful because almost immediately on your right side you'll see Billy's but it's the wrong place! It's Billy's Clam Shack. Keep driving & you'll come to Billy's Chowder House on the left right on the marsh (Website: http://www.billyschowderhouse.com/). I could go on all day about fun places in northern NE but guess I'd better stop with this. :) /tricia

I DON'T THINK ANTBODY HAS MY NEW CELL, BUT i am checking my e-mail nowto see if BIZZO HAS MAILED ME. by the way, we actually ran the heater in this truck camper last night for awhile. THE WEATHER IS CERTAINLY BRISK! Sherry, whose frozen fingers keep hitting the caps lock.

For years I traveled with a big ice box and a little microwave. Now, most motels have microwaves and fridges in the rooms (verify this before making a reservation) and traveling with my own food is easier than ever. I like to take stuffed peppers and get a loaf of great, crusty bread along the way. Almost any casserole travels well. If you drink, take along a bottle of wine. Most motels offer a continental breakfast and that is all I ever need. Dedicated cereal eaters can bring cereal and milk. I like to get coffee that I particularly like--for me that is Dunkin' Donut coffee or McDonald'-- from a chain along the route. Even better if I can find a place offering Green Mountain. I like to stop at a very large supermarket around 10 AM and make a fabulous salad for lunch later. The 10 AM stop means finding a good salad bar a good likelihood. I have also traveled with my favorite deli ham--Krakus-- and Swiss cheese and make my own sandwiches. I have never had a large travel budget but I love to travel and also take my dog. I am a great fan of Motel 6 for a cheap, clean and dog accepting room. Sometimes, I choose a motel with a pool because that is a great way to relax stiff muscles. Good luck and good eating!

I have done this trip(s) and agree with all of the above. However if I had to pick 2 or 3. Near Portland, I would visit Iseli's display garden, (make sure you have an extra memory card for the camera) . If you have time I would drive out to Mt Hood, (it is not a garden but it is impressive to see such an impressive mountain ). Portland Japanese Garden is also very impressive ( and a great view of the city) . If any one in your family like water falls - Some of the best waterfalls near Portland, Oregon, exist in the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area east of the city. The scenic area protects at least 77 waterfalls that include horsetail, tiered and plunge formations. Five of the falls are within a 45-minute drive of Portland. The Oregon garden is very nice, but it is south of Portland and a long drive. ( save it for next time) Then in Seattle - you should visit the Market and the surrounding area, try to fit in a ride on any of the ferries. Gardens in Washington Kubota Garden, Coenosium (Nursery) , Coenosium Rock Garden at South Seattle Community College. You probably will not have time but a drive to the Olympic National Park is definitely worth it. I have the American Conifer Society to thank for introducing me to the PNW many years ago and have returned a few more times. I have seen all the many nurseries and gardens mentioned above and many I did not include. Have a great trip = Mike