Looking to be surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Green Mountains and small-town charm of Vermont? Wanting to immerse yourself in the independent “Live Free or Die” (their state motto) spirit of New Hampshire and soak up some sun at Hampton Beach? Or maybe you’re looking to bite into a lobster roll while embarking on a maritime adventure along the coast of Maine as you journey to Acadia National Park. This steal-worthy itinerary accomplishes all that and more!
We had the privilege of sharing this adventure with some of our closest, life-long friends, the Geiger fam!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Burlington, Vermont
Start your day with a leisurely stroll down the cobblestone streets of Church Street Marketplace, admiring the Victorian-era inspired architecture and exploring the variety of shops and dining options. Park in 1 of 3 downtown garages which are free on Sundays and holidays or pay to park all other days. Pro-tip: Download the ParkMobile App for an easy way to pay or extend your time if needed.
Afterwards, use your shadow to tell the time with the Burlington Earth Clock sundial. This is the first installation constructed by the Vermont grassroots non-profit, Circles for Peace, whose mission is dedicated to peace on earth through the healing powers of nature. The 43 1/2 foot circle is comprised of 14 granite stones, each weighing between 3.5 and 20 tons. To get to the Burlington Earth Clock, park at Oakledge Park and walk the waterfront down Island Line Trail.
Spend some time in Oakledge Park, marveling at the shores of Lake Champlain with the Adirondack Mountains in the distance. The park offers plenty of recreational amenities, including public beaches, volleyball courts, bocce ball, an accessible treehouse, playgrounds and bike paths.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at Spot on the Dock which is open seasonally from mid-May to late September. Like most Vermont restaurants, Spot on the Dock is incredibly inclusive, offering plenty of options to choose from for those with dietary restrictions. The vegetarians on our trip, myself included, LOVED the falafel rice bowl. With options of grilled cheese, hot dogs and chicken fingers on the kid’s menu, our kiddos also give Spot on the Dock their stamp of approval.
Day 2 – Waterbury & Stowe, Vermont
Roughly 40 minutes from Burlington, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill Café in Waterbury, right outside of Stowe, Vermont. Choose between a legendary cider donut or one of their many delicious breakfast sandwiches served with Vermont cheddar on a homemade cheddar biscuit.
After breakfast, head to the main entrance where your senses will delight in the smell of fresh cider donuts and other baked goods as you watch them be made. Explore the gift shop full jams, maple syrups and watch the honeybees work their magic! Pro-tip: Snag some of their yummy, local grocery items for some quick meals and snacks to have throughout the trip. Be sure to stop by the viewing room for a fresh sample of Cold Hollow’s crisp apple cider and if you’re there on Monday or Thursday morning, watch the cider-press in action. Make your way back to the café and relax in the tasting room where adults can partake in some refreshing hard cider.
Next, catch a ride to the top of Vermont’s highest mountain, Mount Mansfield, on the Stowe Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort. This mountain is appropriately named as it resembles a man’s face. From the top, admire the impressive views of the Green Mountains and enjoy lunch at The Cliff House Restaurant or The Waffle. Stowe Mountain Resort is a popular destination for skiers in the winter and continues to offer plenty of activities in the summer. There are several hiking trails to choose from including some that lead across the “face” of Mount Mansfield. Be warned, these trails are difficult and are best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with climbing on rungs, across rock gaps and steep elevation. With our littles, we did some walking around, but ultimately opted to admire the views from the designated lookouts. If time allows after you ride the gondola back down the mountain, catch the lateral gondola ride to the resort area and explore the shops, markets and activities in The Village at Spruce Peak. As you leave Stowe and head back to the Waterbury area for your next activity, stop by Cabot Creamery to try and buy some authentic Vermont cheddar.
Up next on the itinerary is the Ben & Jerry’s factory tour. Driven by progressive philosophies, Ben & Jerry’s inclusive, earth conscious company culture and values are beyond admirable. You do not want to miss this truly unique experience that’s so much more than chunky ice cream! Tour tickets are released 2 weeks in advance and time slots fill up quick, so make sure to set yourself a reminder to book as early as possible. With this itinerary, I recommend a time slot between 6:00PM – 6:30PM. Note, closing time is 8:00PM and you’ll want to ensure you have time to grab a factory-exclusive flavored cone at the ice cream shop, play on the playground and mourn the loss of flavors past in the Flavor Graveyard. Full disclosure, I dropped the ball on snagging tickets for the time slot we wanted so we had to make some slight adjustments to our itinerary. Learn from my mistakes and BOOK EARLY!
After this busy day, opt for a low-key dinner at your Burlington Airbnb and an early bedtime.
Day 3 – Bow & Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Check out of your Burlington Airbnb early and head to Bow, New Hampshire to make one of a kind memories at Hands On With Magical Miniature Horses. Reservations are from 10:30AM – 12:00PM and you’ll want to reserve in advance via Airbnb experiences. Bow is a two and a half hour drive from Burlington so make sure to allow ample time for travel. This Airbnb experience is led by host, Cindy, who welcomes guests to her property and trains them to approach, groom, and lead her many “mini” horses. With 20+ years of experience, it is apparent that Cindy loves what she does and it is reflected in the way she cares for her horses and instructs her guests. This is both a kid and adult favorite!
For lunch, head 15 minutes down I-93 to fill your gas tank and your belly at the Common Man Roadside. You may be familiar with the Texas-based gas station mecca, Buc-ee’s and while the Common Man Roadside isn’t exactly Buc-ee’s, it similarly offers a ton of gas pumps, restrooms, convenience items and a seemingly endless amount of food options. I cannot get over the deliciousness of their Apple, Fig & Brie Sandwich.
Hop back in the car for another hour and check-in at your oceanfront hotel, Ashworth by the Sea. You can book directly through their website or search deals on the various booking sites. We found the best deal on Expedia. Depending on your time of arrival, you may want to arrange for an early check-in. After a quick change, head down to the beach for an afternoon of sun and sand. With only 18 miles of coastline in New Hampshire, Hampton Beach is the state’s largest and most popular beach. Despite the crowd, it was easy to find a spot to toss our towels down and enjoy the warm summer day. The ocean water is COLD, but if you’re determined to swim, Ashworth by the Sea has an indoor pool with more comfortable temperatures. Later, enjoy a stroll and choose a spot for dinner along the bustling 1.35-mile boardwalk, lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and arcades. If you’re in the mood for some live music after dinner, head to the Sea Shell Stage across from the boardwalk.
Day 4 – Ogonquit & Portland, Maine
Time for Maine! Check out of Ashworth by the Sea early and make your way 45 minutes up the coast to the charming seaside village and rocky coastlines of Ogonquit, Maine. Parking lots and metered street parking are available in Perkins Cove. Enjoy the easy, 1.25 mile, ocean-side cliff walk, Marginal Way, complete with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of benches along the path to sit and appreciate your surroundings. Once you reach the little lighthouse, head back, re-experiencing the views or take a detour through the adjacent neighborhood to Main Street and explore the whimsical shops on the way back to your car.
Another hour up the coast, stop at Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. Grab a lobster roll or a sandwich at the Bite into Maine food truck. If you’ve got picky eaters, there aren’t a ton of options here so plan accordingly. After lunch, explore the 90 acres of recreational activities, walking paths, rocky beaches and children’s garden. For some added fun for the kiddos, you can print out a scavenger hunt from their website or pick one up at Greeter’s Shed. Check out the Goddard Mansion to see the deteriorated remains of the mansion built in 1861 by New York architect Charles A. Alexander for the local businessman John Goddard which was later used by the army as quarters for non-commissioned officers and sergeants. Also explore the Battery Keyes & Battery Blair which were once intended to defend against small attack boats and the sides of battleships. The main attraction on the property is one of the most iconic and picturesque lighthouses in the United States, the Portland Head Light. This beloved symbol of Maine’s maritime heritage is a must-visit. To see and do everything at the park, allow for 2.5 – 3 hours.
Next, unwind for a bit at your Portland Airbnb and then make your way to Commercial Street, hopping aboard the Sunset Run Cruise with Casco Bay Lines. You can park at the Casco Bay Lines Parking Lot, one of the many nearby parking garages or street park on Commercial Street (be sure to check meters for times and rates). From mid-June to the first week of September, the cruise departs at 6:00PM and you cannot purchase advance tickets online so you’ll need to stop at their ticket office 30-45 minutes in advance to purchase. On the boat there are vending machines for soda and water, but food is not sold on the boat. This is a 2.5 – 3 hour cruise so you should strongly consider swinging by the Hannaford Supermarket, Trader Joe’s or grabbing some take-out to bring with you. We opted for some charcuterie style boat snacks and brought our own drinks. There were some seasoned cruise professionals wheeling on Red Ryder wagons full of delicious smelling pizza’s from Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. which is conveniently right across the street from the Casco Bay Lines terminal. This cruise is unique in that it offers beautiful sunset views of Casco Bay for leisure passengers while at the same time providing commuter services and freight/cargo transport to the six prominent islands off the coast of Portland. Fascinated by the quiet, slower pace of living on these islands, we watched as cranes dropped off and picked up cargo from the islands and the adventurous island kids carried out their tradition of jumping off the dock into the wake as our boat departed.
After the cruise, if you didn’t eat dinner while aboard, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from on Commercial Street. Although, downtown at night with children, I wouldn’t recommend venturing too far from where you’re parked. Portland is generally considered safe and we felt completely safe, but with any city at after dark, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions. We followed our noses to Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. for pizza that’s as creative as it is yummy! The Sweet Potato, Honey & Goat Cheese pizza was so, so good!
Day 5 – Old Orchard Beach
Located 20 miles south of Portland, Old Orchard Beach is a classic seaside town, known for its long sandy beach, timeless charm, and vibrant summer atmosphere. There are plenty of public, private and metered parking options available within convenient walking distance to the beach. Spend the day kicking back on the beach, catching some rays and building sand castles. Even in the warmer months, water temperatures average between 65-70 degrees so taking a swim is likely too cold for most. Our kiddos splashed around in the water and made a game of running from the waves, but none could tolerate going deeper than their knees. For lunch, grab some concession style food on the pier or stroll the boardwalk for a variety of casual dining options.
Next, choose from one of the many family-fun activities in the area. The historic beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland, is equipped with 28 rides and a huge arcade. The nostalgia runs deep as this park has been entertaining visitors since 1902. If mini golf is your thing, get your putt-putt on at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf which can be found just a few blocks away from the beach.
After a day full of beach activities, plan for an easy to-go dinner and a chill night-in at your Airbnb.
Day 6 – Gray, Freeport, Rockland, Bar Harbor
Start your day with a farewell to Portland at The Holy Donut where the vibes are inspiring and the donuts are potato. That’s right, potato. And they are fantastic! This local treasure makes their donuts from scratch daily with healthy ingredients and top tier flavors. The Holy Donut has 4 locations, all of which are in Maine and 2 of which are in Portland: one on Commercial Street and the OG is at 194 Park Avenue Portland, ME 04102. After partaking in these delicious donuts, begin your coastal quest to the final city of the trip, Bar Harbor – with several stops along the way of course! Note, much of the ocean views along Coastal Highway U.S. 1 aren’t visible from the road, but you will still see coast and plenty of quintessential Maine towns throughout the route.
Stop #1 – Gray (30 mins from Portland)
After passing numerous moose crossing signs along your routes and moose themed souvenirs at every gift shop, you start feeling like the itinerary needs a moose encounter. An estimated 75,000 moose inhabit Maine, but you’re not super likely to catch a glimpse of one during a coastal drive so guarantee yourself a sighting at Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. Stopping here adds about 30 minutes of drive time, but it’s well worth it. Home to over 30 species, the park provides sanctuary to animals that have been orphaned or injured and cannot be returned to the wild. In addition to an epic moose sighting, we saw deer, bears, foxes, cougars, coyotes, beavers, eagles, a fish hatchery and more! You’ll want to allot 2 – 2.5 hours in order to see and learn about all the animals. Note, the park is cash only, but don’t fret if you forget because there’s an ATM onsite. After your visit, grab a quick bite for lunch in route to your next activity.
Stop #2 Freeport (30 mins from Gray)
Searching for “best things to do in Maine”, the LL Bean flagship store is on almost every suggested agenda. At first I thought this was just excellent marketing, but after being reassured by several Maine go-ers that it lives up to the hype, we decided to stop. And you should too! There’s so much more to do than just the obligatory giant boot picture. There’s also a giant backpack! Fun photo ops aside, LL Bean is essentially the North Pole equivalent for outdoor lovers. Opening in it’s doors in 1917 and transitioning to a 24/7 schedule in 1951, you can have an adventure in the camping section and peruse the enormous selection of quality gear at any time of day or night. While on their campus, check out the Home Store, Bike/Boast/Ski Store and the Outlet Shop too.
Stop #3 Rockland (1.5 hours from Freefort)
Stretch your legs walking along a portion of the 5.5 mile Rockland Harbor Trail admiring the waterfront and experiencing a little of the city’s culture. Between Snow Marine Park and Rockland Breakwater Light parking, choose a section of the trail to traverse. Then have dinner on Main Street or alongside the harbor. For award-winning “lobstah” rolls with a heavenly side of blueberry cornbread and views overlooking the harbor, check out the roadside seafood shack, Claws.
Stop #4 Bar Harbor (2 hours from Rockland)
After completing the 4+ hour trek from Portland to Bar Harbor, check in at your final destination (not to be confused with the Devon Sawa movie), unpack the car and settle in at your Bar Harbor cottage. Lay low at the cottage or head to downtown Bar Harbor for a short while to get your bearings on the area and maybe an ice cream cone too. Downtown Bar Harbor is always bustling, but there is ample parking. Pay to park at a meter between the designated hours or park at the lot between Agamont Park and Frenchman Bay. Pro-tip: If you’ve downloaded the ParkMobile app it will come in handy in Bar Harbor. If you’re downtown on a Wednesday, enjoy a movie under the stars at Agamont Park right off Main Street. With an extremely early morning ahead, you’ll want to get to bed early so don’t stay out too late.
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