New England from Martha’s Vineyard to Maine coastal

Hello,

Where are you from and where will your trip start? You also posted in trip reports instead of Beyond Europe.

If you like hiking you can easily spend a week at Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island. Brave the crowds and eat popovers at Jordan Pond. You don't mention when you are traveling, but I'd recommend spring or fall.

In 2002 we did a coast of Maine trip. Started in Ogunquit, then Kennebunk, Portland, Freeport, Camden, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park. Very much enjoyed Ogunquit (I remember it was April and businesses were just starting to re-open for the season), They have the long beach there that was great to walk. Freeport of course was kind of a wall to wall retail scene with all the stores, but I wanted to go to LL Bean flagship store. Loved Camden (my husband was ready to move there), and Bar Harbor (which reminded us a lot of the San Juan Islands back home). Our day in Acadia was great--I remember hardly seeing any other people (maybe because again it was April). We didn't do any hikes there, but I think followed the Park Loop Road and got out at different points. I vividly recall Otter Cliffs and being all alone on Cadillac Mountain in the fog. Lobster eating I think we did in Camden at one of those places where you choose which lobster you want and they boil it up for you. I learned a little lobster goes a long way--very filling! Different than eating crab.

We are from CA and plan on doing some sightseeing hiking, relaxing, lobster eating, etc. We want to spend a night or two in Martha's Vineyard and also a night or more in Providence. We plan on sticking pretty much to the coast and ending up around Portland Maine.
Any ideas on lodging, restaurants, must see trail, views would be most appreciated. Thanks, MaryAnne

From Martha's Vineyard, rent a car in Falmouth. Drive to Providence. Spend at least 2 days in Boston. Take Route One to Portland. Plenty to see and do along the way.

My wife and I (also from California) spent 2 weeks doing this last summer. Here are some blog posts with pictures and links to lodging and restaurants.

• Rhode Island and Cape Code
• Cape Code, Provincetown and Plymouth
• Boston
• Boston and Cambridge
• Lexington, Concord and Portland (Gilbert's Chowder House)
• Portland, Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor (Thurston's Lobster Pond)
• Acadia National Park on Bikes
• Bar Harbor to Franconia

We've traveled quite a bit in Europe, but during Covid we started taking road trips closer to home (Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana). This was our first East-coast trip and we both really enjoyed it.

Regarding your request for ‘good lobster eating,’ check out Brown’s Lobster Pound on Rte 286, Seabrook, New Hampshire (not far off route 1, cash only) best lobstah evah! It’s where I go (former New Englander) anytime I’m up that way. Also is byob.