Determined to go on new adventures and show our kids different parts of the country, we planned a New England road trip this summer. Our journey took us to a total of 4 states – 3 planned and 1 as a last minute “why not?” moment because sometimes you just have to go when adventure beckons.
Trip Overview
We planned our road trip starting and ending in Boston, Massachusetts with stops in New Hampshire and Maine.
Our itinerary:
Saturday – fly to Boston Logan International Airport
Sunday & Monday – sightseeing in Boston
Tuesday – return to airport to pick up rental cars. Drive to Franconia, NH.
Wednesday – Mt Washington and (surprise!) Vermont
Thursday – drive to Kennebunk, ME
Friday – explore Kennebunk and Kennebunkport
Saturday – return to Boston Logan International Airport and fly home.
Boston
Our adventure began in Boston, Massachusetts. We flew into Logan International Airport and took a taxi to our hotel located near Boston Common. We selected this area intentionally as it would allow us to walk to several sights and easily access public transportation.
We covered a LOT of ground in just a short time in Boston seeing many historic sights and having fun:
- Boston Common – the Tadpole Playground was a hit with our kids.
- Public Garden – so many beautiful paths to explore and sculptures to see. The Swan Boats looked fun but we didn’t end up with time to try them out.
- Cheers – we took a quick peek at the memorabilia inside.
- Elliot Norton Park – great small playground convenient to our hotel.
- Charlestown Navy Yard where we toured the USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young.
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
- Old State House
- Duck Boat Tour – this is a fun way to see several sights from the roads and the Charles River.
- Museum of Science – great space to cool off indoors and play. (Tip: if you have a museum membership at home, check the reciprocity. We were able to visit for free with our Durham Life and Science membership.)
White Mountain National Forest
After a few days in Boston, we left behind the city and headed north to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Here we stayed in a small motel and ventured out to enjoy nature.
Originally we hoped to get in a short hike on our full day in the area, but the weather didn’t agree. Instead we took advantage of the Mt Washington Auto Road and drove up the mountain. The “drive yourself” option included a CD audio guide and we were able to borrow a CD player to listen to it (super helpful since so many vehicles no longer have players included). Once we reached the parking lot near the top, we continued upward by foot. Climbing stairs to reach the Visitors Center and Summit.
We spent a bit of time in the Visitors Center and briefly took in the view. Pretty soon the clouds came rolling in. As rain began to fall, we got back into our vehicles to start the slow descent. It was truly mesmerizing seeing how fast the weather changed at this altitude.
Vermont
As we began looking for a restaurant for dinner, I realized our accommodations in New Hampshire weren’t far from the Vermont state line. I suggested we head that direction and have dinner in the first town along the highway.
It worked out well. Given it was still raining and all dinner options were a drive one way or another, this made for a fun impromptu adventure. The rain had stopped by the time we reached St Johnsbury for dinner. We had an enjoyable meal and checked another state off of our “to visit” list.
Travel Day
Our motel in New Hampshire offered free breakfast, but, quite honestly, it was terrible. On our final morning I knew we needed something with more substance before our day of travel. I found a nearby option in our Moon New England Road Trip book – Polly’s Pancake Parlor. We were very lucky to arrive early and get seated immediately. It wasn’t long before the restaurant was full and a line waiting outside. It was no surprise why once we received our food – it was very good.
With the sun now out, we wanted to get in at least a short hike/stroll before leaving White Mountain National Forest. Right off the interstate was a pull off for Basin Cascade Trailhead. The main path was paved making it easy for everyone in our group to follow. A few of us continued downward to see the Basin from a lower viewpoint.
This was the perfect opportunity to stretch our legs and get some fresh air before starting our drive eastward into Maine.
Maine Coastline
Our final road trip destination in New England was along the coast in Maine where we had fun exploring and relaxing in York County. We did a little shopping, ate lobster, saw the Bush Family residence from afar, and put our toes in the cold Atlantic waters (a true temperature shock for us North Carolinians!).
Return Home
Following 7 days of adventures, we woke that final morning in Maine and left early to drive back into Boston.
Being a weekend, traffic was pretty light. We arrived at Logan International Airport with plenty of time to return our rental car, get through security, and eat lunch before boarding our flight back to Raleigh.
Our New England road trip was a huge success. We had fun exploring new places, checking off 4 states, and spending time with extended family. I would absolutely do this all again and hope it inspires you to take a road trip this summer!
