Vacation help...

[Chasey_Lane]

I LOVE Maine!!! It's a beautiful state.

I also love Salem, Mass. I'm not sure if it's on the way or not, but it's a cool town with a lot of history behind it. If you're into the witch trials, there are a ton of things to do and see in Salem.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[belvak]

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions!! I really love visiting lighthouses, so I will definitely look into that. I would love to take a picture like that one. So peaceful!! Though this will be our first visit to Maine, I'm sure it won't be our last!!!

 

[hvp05]

I really love visiting lighthouses, so I will definitely look into that.

The lighthouse is down a side road before you head into town - just google it. Port Clyde itself is a small fishing village, very genuine, and not overly touristy. Something about it though... made me feel like I was caught in a King novel. Perhaps because it was late afternoon and hardly anyone was about; felt like people were watching me roam around.

 

[DQ2B]

Just an FYI. Make sure you bring some warm clothes. Yes, even in July you can freeze your butt off in Maine. And if the weather by chance doesn't get you scrambling for long pants/sleeves, the mosquitoes will...

 

[itsbob]

I LOVE Maine!!! It's a beautiful state.

I also love Salem, Mass. I'm not sure if it's on the way or not, but it's a cool town with a lot of history behind it. If you're into the witch trials, there are a ton of things to do and see in Salem.

Enjoy your vacation!

Salem NH has "America's Stonehenge"

 

[hvp05]

Looks like 2 vacations being constructed here: Tenants Harbor and one to hit the attractions along the way. Belvak, I don't suppose you could manage to secure a few more days off, could you?

 

[aps45819]

I LOVE Maine!!!!

If you have oil heat, the tank has to be in your basement to prevent the oil from becoming to thick to flow during the winter

 

[jazz lady]

I also love Salem, Mass. I'm not sure if it's on the way or not, but it's a cool town with a lot of history behind it. If you're into the witch trials, there are a ton of things to do and see in Salem.

Salem NH has "America's Stonehenge"

Went on a trip to New Hampshire with my sister about 3 years ago and hit both of these. Salem, Massachusetts was a bit touristy but quite fun. Lots of history and grunches of stuff to do.

America's Stonehedge was very cool. The mystery of who made the stone formations is still unsolved but it was quite interesting going through it all. Plus they have branched into raising alpacas and they were very interesting to interact with. There are also a ton of chipmunks on the property and they are a trip to watch.

 

[itsbob]

Went on a trip to New Hampshire with my sister about 3 years ago and hit both of these. Salem, Massachusetts was a bit touristy but quite fun. Lots of history and grunches of stuff to do.

America's Stonehedge was very cool. The mystery of who made the stone formations is still unsolved but it was quite interesting going through it all. Plus they have branched into raising alpacas and they were very interesting to interact with. There are also a ton of chipmunks on the property and they are a trip to watch.

We lived just North of Salem in Derry, NH, and our yard was full of chipmunks.. What a hoot!

Robert Frost farm is on the way from Salem to Derry. Not much to look at, and not much to do.. but he was one of the "prestigous former faculty" at my high school.. West Running Brook is there.

 

[Larry Gude]

Salem NH has "America's Stonehenge"

Alliance, Nebraska has America's Carhenge.

 

[glhs837]

Just before Thomaston, after which you turn off of Rt 1 to Rt 131 down to Tenants Harbor, you will see the State Prison Industries outlet. Some pretty damn good wood working to be had in there. These guys have time to do it right. A lot of basic stuff the beginners are turning out, but also some amazing craftsmanship.

thomaston maine - Google Maps

Also, a stop to roam around historic Bath is worth it. Not just the downtown, but walk a few blocks out, there are some really cool houses there. I lived in a "regular" house there, only dated back to the late 1860s

 

[belvak]

Looks like 2 vacations being constructed here: Tenants Harbor and one to hit the attractions along the way. Belvak, I don't suppose you could manage to secure a few more days off, could you?

It sure is looking like we could use more days!!! This is really just an initial run up to visit and stay at a friend's place. He and Hubby used to work together, and when "J" and his wife decided to "retire," they bought the place in Maine. He still does landscaping and they have the garden shop, and the apartment to rent out. Nice little set up for them.

I'm sure we will be heading back up that way after this initial trip, so I'm taking notes on all of the great suggestions I've gotten... Lighthouse, Salem, Bath, US Stonehenge, Portsmouth, Mystic, alpacas, prison industries outlet!!! Hmmmm. Guess I better start planning next year's excursion!!! Thanks again everyone!! Keep the ideas coming!

 

[bcp]

Change directions a little, hit the white mountains and do the Mt Washingtion thing.
Ive never been up Mt Washington, but one day.....

we actually had a trip for this summer that started in Niagra Falls, then went east through the White Mountains to Mt Washington, then a drive back down through the New England states, a stop for a day or so in the Poconos then back home. However, so many unexpected things popped up that restricted how far I should head away from the area right now, all plans have been cancelled and as of this moment, I have nothing planned for the summer.

Maybe by August things will return enough to normal for me to do the trip.

 

[RareBreed]

IF I was going to Stop, I'd stop somewhere along Rte 1 or 1A in NH..

Portsmouth is a very nice town to do the Pedestrian thing, but South of Portsmouth are a lot of state parks and beaches.
Hampton probably wouldn't be your cup of tea.. LOT of bars and the like.

And if you want to go a little further, go up to the White Mountins, BEAUTIFUL country up there, and then cut East to go to Maine.

LOT's of choices, but personally I wouldn't stop in Mass, MAYBE Rhode Island.

My husband and I stay here when we go up to Newport, RI The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina - Newport, RI

You can walk to here Brick Alley Pub and Restaurant - Newport, RI - 401-849-6334 for great food and a neat atmosphere.

And visit the mansions The Mansions - Newport Mansions

 

[xobxdoc]

That's only about a 12 hour drive.

Make sure to get a lobster roll at Red's when you're in Wisscasset

I used to live in East Booth Bay Haa Baa. I worked in Wisscasset. It was in February of 92. It was slightly chilly then. Beautiful scenery.

 

[hvp05]

Also, a stop to roam around historic Bath is worth it. Not just the downtown, but walk a few blocks out, there are some really cool houses there.

I have been there a few times, with this last time giving me the chance to do my most extensive exploring. Nice town, indeed, although I don't know that I would recommend going out of one's way to see it. If you are in that area it can provide a good layover point; if you're hungry, there is Byrnes' Irish pub and J.R. Maxwell for seafood.

Change directions a little, hit the white mountains and do the Mt Washingtion thing.

I drove along the northern edge of the park - mostly Rt. 2 - for my trip. That was mid-March and most areas below ~1,200 feet were snow free, but the Whites had snowdrifts bigger than me!

 

[itsbob]

IF you have the time. When you get South of NH skip off to Rte 1A N. The views are SPECTACULAR!

Of course you have to meander through the beach traffic in spots, but the cliffs and rocky beaches are worth it.

You'll also go by a lot of ocean front, cliff top Mansions. Enjoy the ocean breezes, and the sights and smells that go along with it. This road was made for a convertible..

If you follow the signs to Rochester, NH, you'll soon see the Historical Markers "ITSBOB lived here." Feel free to stop on in, and please visit the gift shop.. maybe even buy one of the collectible Bob C action figures!

Not much to see in Rochester other than that, but you DO get to travel through GONIC.. It just sounds like one of those places you can brag on... "I've been to Gonic" of course it also sounds like something you need antibiotics for.