In this example itinerary suggestions are requested for a road trip to Maine.

 

 

I am considering a road-trip vacation to Maine this summer. I’ll be departing from my home in Sun City Hilton Head and will probably have 10-14 days for the round trip. I would like to drive no more than 8 hours per day with frequent (every 1-2 hrs) stops. I prefer to avoid congested areas as much as possible. Suggest a couple of possible itineraries.

 

Here are two itinerary options for your road trip to Maine, considering your preferences for driving limits, frequent stops, and avoiding congestion.

Itinerary 1: Coastal and Scenic Route (Leisurely)

This route follows a more scenic and relaxed coastal path, allowing you to enjoy charming small towns, natural beauty, and coastal attractions.

Day 1: Sun City Hilton Head, SC → Wilmington, NC (4.5 hrs)

  • Take US-17 north to avoid I-95 traffic.
  • Stop in Charleston, SC, for a walk along the Battery or a quick meal.
  • Continue to Wilmington, NC, and visit the Riverwalk or Airlie Gardens.
  • Overnight in Wilmington.

Day 2: Wilmington, NC → Chincoteague, VA (6.5 hrs)

  • Follow US-17 through the Outer Banks region.
  • Stop in Norfolk, VA, or take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for a scenic break.
  • Arrive in Chincoteague, VA—explore the wildlife refuge and enjoy fresh seafood.
  • Overnight in Chincoteague.

Day 3: Chincoteague, VA → Mystic, CT (8 hrs)

  • Travel via the Delmarva Peninsula and take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (optional).
  • Stop in Rehoboth Beach, DE, or a historic site in Delaware.
  • Continue up US-1 and I-95 (avoiding NYC by taking I-287 around it).
  • Arrive in Mystic, CT, and visit the historic seaport.
  • Overnight in Mystic.

Day 4: Mystic, CT → Bar Harbor, ME (7 hrs)

  • Stop in Portsmouth, NH, for a stroll through its historic downtown.
  • Take US-1 up the coast past Portland, ME, with stops at lighthouses.
  • Arrive in Bar Harbor, ME, your Maine destination.
  • Spend 2-3 nights exploring Acadia National Park, whale-watching, or enjoying local seafood.

Return Route: Inland Scenic Drive

For variety, take a more inland path through the mountains.

Day 5-6: Bar Harbor → White Mountains, NH (3.5 hrs)

  • Explore the Kancamagus Highway and scenic areas.
  • Optional overnight in North Conway, NH.

Day 7: White Mountains → Cooperstown, NY (7 hrs)

  • Drive west into Vermont, stopping in Woodstock or Bennington.
  • Arrive in Cooperstown, NY, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  • Overnight in Cooperstown.

Day 8: Cooperstown → Gettysburg, PA (6.5 hrs)

  • Explore the Civil War battlefield.
  • Overnight in Gettysburg.

Day 9: Gettysburg → Asheville, NC (7.5 hrs)

  • Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic stops.
  • Overnight in Asheville.

Day 10: Asheville → Sun City Hilton Head, SC (6 hrs)

  • Enjoy a relaxed final drive home.

Itinerary 2: Appalachian & Rural New England Route

This route follows a more inland, nature-focused path, avoiding major urban areas.

Day 1: Sun City Hilton Head, SC → Roanoke, VA (6.5 hrs)

  • Follow I-77 and the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic stops.
  • Overnight in Roanoke.

Day 2: Roanoke, VA → Williamsport, PA (7.5 hrs)

  • Pass through Shenandoah National Park or visit Harpers Ferry.
  • Overnight in Williamsport.

Day 3: Williamsport, PA → North Conway, NH (7.5 hrs)

  • Stop in the Berkshires for a break.
  • Arrive in North Conway, a gateway to the White Mountains.
  • Overnight in North Conway.

Day 4: North Conway → Bar Harbor, ME (4.5 hrs)

  • Enjoy scenic New Hampshire and Maine backroads.
  • Spend 2-3 nights exploring Acadia.

Return Route: Through the Adirondacks

  • Day 5-6: Bar Harbor → Montpelier, VT (6 hrs) – explore small-town Vermont.
  • Day 7: Montpelier → Adirondack Park, NY (4.5 hrs) – stop in Lake Placid.
  • Day 8: Adirondacks → Erie, PA (7 hrs) – follow scenic NY routes.
  • Day 9: Erie → Asheville, NC (8 hrs) – with a break in West Virginia.
  • Day 10: Asheville → Sun City Hilton Head (6 hrs).

Key Differences:

  • Itinerary 1 follows a coastal route with beach towns and history.
  • Itinerary 2 emphasizes mountain and rural landscapes.

Would you like adjustments, or do you have specific places you want to visit?

 

Where’s the best place to experience lobster rolls.

 

If you’re looking for the best place to experience lobster rolls in Maine, you’ll have plenty of options, but here are a few standout spots depending on the type of experience you want:

Classic & Famous Lobster Shacks

  1. Red’s Eats (Wiscasset, ME) – Probably the most famous lobster roll in Maine. They pile a full lobster’s worth of meat onto a toasted, buttery roll. Expect a long wait, but many say it’s worth it.

  2. The Clam Shack (Kennebunkport, ME) – Known for its fresh, lightly dressed lobster rolls served on a round bun instead of the traditional split-top.

  3. Five Islands Lobster Co. (Georgetown, ME) – A fantastic waterfront location with a simple but delicious lobster roll experience.

  4. McLoons Lobster Shack (South Thomaston, ME) – A bit off the beaten path, but offers a laid-back experience with picnic tables by the water.

Portland, ME: Gourmet & Upscale Lobster Rolls

  1. Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland, ME) – Their brown butter lobster roll on a soft, Asian-style steamed bun is a modern twist that many people love.

  2. Bite into Maine (Cape Elizabeth & Portland Food Truck) – Offers different styles of lobster rolls, including Maine-style (with mayo), Connecticut-style (with warm butter), and picnic-style (with coleslaw and celery salt).

Midcoast & Bar Harbor Area

  1. Thurston’s Lobster Pound (Bernard, ME, near Bar Harbor) – A great spot to enjoy a lobster roll with a stunning view.

  2. Beal’s Lobster Pier (Southwest Harbor, ME) – A working lobster dock where you can watch the boats come in as you enjoy your meal.

  3. The Travelin’ Lobster (Bar Harbor, ME) – Highly rated, fresh, and often considered the best lobster roll in Bar Harbor.

Would you like recommendations based on your itinerary or preferences (warm vs. cold, butter vs. mayo, etc.)?