Checking out Boston - How much time do I need? Where to stay? (Newton: rental car)

[NH2008]

I just got the opportunity to visit Boston next week to look around and see which suburb, if any, would be right for my family. (We're considering Andover, Newton, Needham, Dover, Sherborn, Concord, Winchester, Lexington and possibly Wellesley, so obviously we need to narrow the list!)

I want to spend as little time away from my kids as possible, but I also want to go for long enough to really see everything and make a fair judgment. Any idea how long I should budget for getting an overview of all these towns? (I wouldn't mind also taking a peek at Westborough, Wayland, and Sudbury...)

Also, any suggestions on an affordable, yet safe, quiet and decent place to stay that would be convenient to the western suburbs? I'll have a rental car, so I'm assuming staying in the city would be more trouble than it's worth.

Thanks!

[jayrandom]

With that list, I'd give yourself two days. That's a big list of towns (and one city, I think) and to get a good feel for them all (and actually be able to drive to them all) will probably take two days and they would both probably be full days.
If you want to do it in one day, you should probably narrow down your list some. Those towns are all excellent in different ways, so depending on what you're looking for you should be able to eliminate some.
I can't recommend any hotels, but would agree that staying in the city is a bad idea. You're much better served staying to the west as it will be cheaper, easier, and will also give you an idea of what it's like.

[scarletfire]

That's a lot of ground to cover but I think you could do it in 2-3 days. For places to stay, here are a few suggestions to get a flavor of the towns you're investigating:

Colonial Inn, Concord
Concord, Lexington MA lodging, dining, Concord Colonial Inn
You can stroll around town from there

Sherborn Inn, Rt 16, Sherborn
www.sherborninn.com

[NH2008]

Thanks. I'm so excited! Those hotels looks beautiful.

[smarty]

I would say... give each town at least half a day... Of course, if you can get a feeling only drive through a section of town, that may take 2-3 days... I hope you pick the right section of town.