New England Fall 2007

From Great Barrington: 15 minutes.

Leave Great Barrington early so that you'll have time to drive through Stockbridge for a look at Norman Rockwell's hometown, which was captured in many of his works of art. The Red Lion Inn is a great starting point for things to see. This is a great photo-op town, very picturesque and quaint.

From Sturbridge: 2.5 hours

Again, another drive-thru area and photo-op. Dock Square is a neat little fishing town, definitely captures the atmosphere of coastal Maine.

As you come into Kennebunkport, you'll go over a small drawbridge. Look to the right of that drawbridge for a roadside stand that serves the BEST lobster rolls that we've found. Great for a snack to keep you going until you get to Portland.

Leave Kennebunkport via Ocean Avenue and keep an eye out to the right for Walker's Point peninsula, the compound of the Bush family. I've seen Bush Sr. out driving his speedboat before. Be forewarned however... there are security cameras EVERYWHERE, even on Ocean Avenue, hidden in the trees.

Getting late? Tired yet? Only a little bit further to go today...

From Kennebunkport: 45 minutes

Portland is Maine's biggest city and a great place to stay a day or two while exploring the surrounding areas. I recommend having dinner at DiMillo's Floating Restaurant, however, there are a TON of restaurants in this area, and they've all been very good in my experience. Get out and explore... between the shops, restaurants, and the bay there's a ton to see.

One more note: On Commercial Street just next to Long Wharf (DiMillos) there is a small roadside building that serves up GREAT seafood. It's fresh, hot, and INEXPENSIVE! Be sure to stop by there for more Maine seafood at some point while you're in the area.

DiMillo's is a Portland tradition, and it's within walking distance to our hotel. It is a large, beautifully decorated floating boat docked at Long Wharf, just off of Commercial Street. Great views of the bay and excellent seafood. It is a tad pricey though. Also, call ahead for the best seating, there has easily been an hour wait the past couple of times that I've been there.

From Portland: 3.5 hours.

First Things First: Once you arrive in town, it's not Bar Har-ber. It's Bah Hah-bah. :)

Second: Yahoo didn't have the best thing about this town listed, so here it is. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. They ROCK. There is a Whale Watch that leaves out daily at noon, and it lasts 3-4 hours. You're guaranteed to see some whales with these folks, they know their stuff and have given many of the whales names because they've seen them so many times.

My words of warning: First, no matter what time of year that you go or what kind of weather... BUNDLE UP. Between the high speed of the catamaran, the frigid ocean water, and the often rainy weather, it gets bone-numbingly cold out there. Yes, there is a warm indoor area, but in my experience the only people inside are the ones barfing into little brown bags. Which brings me to my second warning: If you think you will get seasick during the cruise, take some dramamine before you go. The boat is going very fast and the waves out there are huge, and seasickness is not uncommon. However, if you can get your "sea legs", you'll absolutely love this cruise. $49 Admission. http://www.barharborwhales.com/

From North Conway: 3.5 hours.

I love this town. No really, I do. It's the home of the University of Vermont and it's the largest town in Vermont... however it's still not huge. It sits on the banks of Lake Champlain and has a very homey, artsy, warm feel to it.

Big recommendation: You MUST go to the Church Street Marketplace. It's a sweet little pedestrian area with shopping, food, and sidewalk artists, all in front of a big beautiful church. http://www.churchstmarketplace.com/

Other ideas: On your way to Burlington, you'll most likely pass through Montpelier, Vermont's capital. Take a few moments to check out their capital building, as well as Main Street Grill, a restaurant by the New England Culinary Institute. You'll get an excellent lunch prepared by the next generation of top-notch chefs.

Interesting fact about Montpelier... Although it IS the capital of Vermont, the reason it is so tiny is because it lies in a flood plain. It is not uncommon for buildings to wash out during heavy precipitation seasons.

Haven't stayed here, but it's 3 blocks from Church Street and close to the Lake. Good enough for me. :)