New York City To Maine Road Trip

[smitty5]

My wife and I are planning a road trip from New York City up to Maine. We want to end up in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Any suggestions on where we must stop at on the way to Bar Harbor? I do not need to stop in Boston for any length in time as we are going there in February. Thanks!

[Quebec Gen]

Welcome to the RTA Forums Smitty5!

Any suggestions on where we must stop at on the way to Bar Harbor?

You don't give us a lot to start from. Tell us about your interests, hobbies, sports, food preferences, ...

You can start by looking at a couple of these posts to see if you find anything interesting : 1 2 3 4.

Just keep in mind that a lot of places won't be open during the winter.

Gen

[smitty5]

we are traveling in April from New York to Maine. My wife has never been to New England before so I would like to show her different sights including colonial buildings, light houses, the cape, etc. We are pretty much open to anything and everything. We would like to stay in some nice (not too expensive) bed and breakfast stops. Thanks.

we both love seafood and enjoy hiking and being outdoors. My wife loves old homes and gardens. We just love exploring both the popular sights and the ones off the beaten path

[Mass Tim]

Although it can be a bit more difficult to find bed & breakfasts open pre-season, when you do, the rates are generally quite reasonable. We have stayed at Dunscroft By The Sea a couple of times off-season, and we have found it to be nice and relaxing - not only because of the atmosphere of the place, but because many tourists won't venture out until after Memorial Day.

That time of year can be iffy vegetation wise - generally the green is just starting to show around the Patriot's Day holiday - April 16th this year.

About how much time do you have for this trip?

[smitty5]

We have one week to travel. I have a voucher for flights into New York so that i why we are starting our travels from there. Plus my wife has never been to this area.

[Mass Tim]

Smitty - I was wondering where it is that you are flying in from?

The Northern New England states all have excellent hiking opportunities, as does Massachusetts, from the fairly easy hikes all the way to Mt. Washington in New Hampshire - which is not for the unprepared!

Some of the favorite rides and attractions in the area include -

-The tree-lined, architecturally significant Merritt Parkway in CT

-MA-9 from Pittsfield to Ware or Belchertown (just outside of town on MA-181 are several restored Victorian homes), with a stop at the Quabbin.

-Driving MA-127/MA-127A around Cape Ann (Gloucester, Rockport area).

-The Kancamagus Highway in NH

-VT-100

-Hildene in Manchester, VT
Driving through the stone village in Chester, VT

-Stopping at the Delorme Map store in Maine - a haven for road geeks!

[smitty5]

we are flying into JFK.

Thanks for all the information!

[AZBuck]

I'm a bit surprised that with your stated objectives, no one has suggested the following, but...

I think you'd do well to follow the coast up to Maine and then cut cross country back to New York at the end. You can get back to New York from Acadia in one full day of driving. So, as you're heading north, some of the places to consider:

Mystic, CT: particularly Mystic Seaport. There is also a great museum north of town devoted to the Pequot Indians and the initial encounter with Europeans.

Newport, RI: particularly the "cottages", many of which have exquisite formal gardens as well as great views of the Bay and Ocean. For a nice lunch try the restaurant that shares the building with the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Their outdoor seating is courtside.

Offshore Islands: Take a ferry ride out to Block Island, RI or Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, MA (1 2 3 4 5 6). Leave the car on the mainland and just enjoy the 'cruise' and a walk.

Cape Cod: Be sure to visit the Cape Cod National Seashore and Provincetown.

Portsmouth, NH: has restored its old original seaport district, Strawbery Banke, and just up the road in York, ME, the Nubble is one of the most historic and picturesque lighthouses on the New England Shore.

Portland, ME: has a great downtown and the Cape Elizabeth/Portland Head Light, and not too much farther down the coast is Colonial Pemaquid.

All on your way to Acadia National Park.

AZBuck

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'm a bit surprised that with your stated objectives, no one has suggested the following, but...

That must have been too obvious -- we must have been waiting for your post...

[smitty5]

Any suggestions on where to stop after heading back to New York from Acadia. I don't want to travel back down the coast, but more inland. Thanks