We went to New England in the Summer and stayed at the Howard Johnson in Boston I think (it was 9 years ago now!). We really enjoyed going out to Harvard - good bars and great people watching! Maine and Vermont are beautiful - very American and great people. We've got some friends who live near Portland (house next to the ocean!)- really lovely place. If you're bringing children then a day at the Ben & Jerry's factory will keep them happy. Enjoy x