Is there something holding your interest specifically to that itinerary, Hartford, Burlington, Portland ? Reason is, I'm sure you could rent something in the Boston area, which is a great place for the history, (unless you still hold a grudge) :B Sorry I couldn't help myself.
But from there you can head up the coast to Acadia National Park which is an awesome place, then over to New Hampshire in the White Mountain Area, also great, this year we hit Boston on the 15th of Sept. & after making the loop through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont & Plattsburgh, NY and back to Va. by the 9th of Oct.
It's a great area, I know you'll love it.