Northeast USA - Maine & Massachusetts advice
Discussion
Just looking for a little advice on a planned trip. We have flights in and out of Boston MA in May, for a 2 week trip. The weekend in the middle is taken up with 3/4 days in NYC meeting up with family, but either side we want to explore.
At the moment, thinking of hiring a car on arrival in Boston and drive up the NE coast to Bar Harbor ME to spend 4 nights exploring Acadia and surrounds, then drive down to spend a few nights in Portland ME area, then drop the car off and get the train down to NYC. Then, after NYC, get the train up and spend the last 3/4 nights in Boston, no car.
Are we best using our time, is there any towns/places on route that are a must-see, are we staying anywhere too long? We like to eat, drink, walk until we drop, and spend time outdoors.
TIA
At the moment, thinking of hiring a car on arrival in Boston and drive up the NE coast to Bar Harbor ME to spend 4 nights exploring Acadia and surrounds, then drive down to spend a few nights in Portland ME area, then drop the car off and get the train down to NYC. Then, after NYC, get the train up and spend the last 3/4 nights in Boston, no car.
Are we best using our time, is there any towns/places on route that are a must-see, are we staying anywhere too long? We like to eat, drink, walk until we drop, and spend time outdoors.
TIA
smifffymoto said:
I really enjoyed the airshow at Old Rhinebeck aerodrome,it’s a bit of trek from where you say you are going but I would say it was worth it.
Thanks.Nothing set in stone yet other than the flights to and from Boston, and the 3/4 days in NYC in the middle, hence the post - willing to completely amend our itinerary for worthy stops and sights!
We thought the train between NYC and Boston through Connecticut was interesting and the two cities definitely the highlight. We also enjoyed Newport RI and Cape Cod generally, though we thought Martha’s Vineyard a bit of a dump in comparison.
When we returned home we decided that we should not have bothered driving North. The great outdoors is just that, so it depends if you are townies, or country folk.
When we returned home we decided that we should not have bothered driving North. The great outdoors is just that, so it depends if you are townies, or country folk.
Did a trip up that way in late October.
Flew in to Boston. Then drove to Bar Harbour next day stopping in Portland for a look around on the way. Spent 3 nights in Bar Harbour, then over to New Hampshire for a night before 2 nights in Woodstock in Vermont, then back to Boston. I thought 3 nights in Bar Harbour was enough. There are a lot of nice little towns on that route we could happily have stayed in.
Flew in to Boston. Then drove to Bar Harbour next day stopping in Portland for a look around on the way. Spent 3 nights in Bar Harbour, then over to New Hampshire for a night before 2 nights in Woodstock in Vermont, then back to Boston. I thought 3 nights in Bar Harbour was enough. There are a lot of nice little towns on that route we could happily have stayed in.
We've been in that area a couple of times, many happy memories, the two that stand the test of time are a guided bike tour round Boston (takes in all the sites and goes up the riverside to the Unis) and whale watching which we did from Provincetown on Cape Cod but must be possible without the 2 hour drive from Boston! In NYC, if you like seafood, you should eat at the Aquagrill.
Been in the Mass. and Maine areas several times.
If driving from Boston to Bangor area then can recommend Kennybunkport as a really nice small town for a stop over. If you need accommodation there, can recommend the Nonatum Resort Hotel. Whilst in the area, lobster burgers are a must have!
In Maine we spent a day visiting Baxter Park. Really nice driving and a great place to drive around. Also, spent a day going to Rangeley Lake area: some fab view points if you spot them!
Also, the whole coast area south and west of Belfast is very nice indeed.
Freeport is a great shopping area for factory outlets.
R.
If driving from Boston to Bangor area then can recommend Kennybunkport as a really nice small town for a stop over. If you need accommodation there, can recommend the Nonatum Resort Hotel. Whilst in the area, lobster burgers are a must have!
In Maine we spent a day visiting Baxter Park. Really nice driving and a great place to drive around. Also, spent a day going to Rangeley Lake area: some fab view points if you spot them!
Also, the whole coast area south and west of Belfast is very nice indeed.
Freeport is a great shopping area for factory outlets.
R.
Try a night at Martha’s Vineyard if you can or Newport area close by.
Personally I find Boston a bit boring coming from NYC, but it does have some history to it.
Burllington lake is good to visit, and if your in the area in Vermont you can pop to the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shop.
Mystic in Connecticut is also a nice stop by if it works out ( from old. 80’s movie mystic pizza)
Enjoy lots of lobster either way!
Personally I find Boston a bit boring coming from NYC, but it does have some history to it.
Burllington lake is good to visit, and if your in the area in Vermont you can pop to the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shop.
Mystic in Connecticut is also a nice stop by if it works out ( from old. 80’s movie mystic pizza)
Enjoy lots of lobster either way!
Having seen it on Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins, I intend to go here http://mainediner.com/ particularly as it is bang on our US-1 route north from Boston.
Personally, I didn't like Kennebunkport - I thought it was trying too hard. Having said that, Salem is worth a visit - they make a big thing of the witchcraft trials and some of it is quite interesting.
Possibly a bit out of your way, but the Kankamagus Highway is worth a drive - it takes you into New Hampshire.
Possibly a bit out of your way, but the Kankamagus Highway is worth a drive - it takes you into New Hampshire.
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