This summer I decided to get a taste of east coast life and headed off on an amazing adventure road tripping through New England for a week. Mostly I stayed on the coast but also traveled inland to see the beautiful rolling hills and green fields. Check out this travel guide for my top favorite stops as well as trip accommodations and food!
First Stop: South Kingstown Rhode Island
This is my favorite New England beach to just relax and experience the coast. While it's not as well known as Nantucket or Newport, I love this beach because it is quiet and free from too many tourists. The quiet town is lovely and there is even the most delicious little ice cream shoppe on your way down to the sand. It feels like time stopped in this coastal town and when I was there the weather was perfect and not too overcast.
Second Stop: Providence Rhode Island
Providence is a beautiful New England city and very clean as well. I loved exploring the neighborhood around Brown University where there are several fancy historic homes. After that I went down to Prospect Park which overlooks the city and has amazing views if you go around sunset. You can really see the art deco architecture from here as well as get some great views of the capital building. Then I headed down into the city to see the oldest Baptist Church in America which is a quintessential New England church with a little white steeple and all. Afterwards I would recommend heading down to the little boutiques on Westminster avenue, the trendiest little shopping street in the city. The old jewelry store Tilden Thurber's has been revitalized as a Greek food restaurant and shop but they have preserved a lot of the architecture. Apparently when the Queen of England used to come to Providence she had her jewels stored in the shop's safe which you can still see in the wall today.
Third Stop: Foster Center Rhode Island
After getting a taste of the city life I headed out to the country. If you are looking for a cute New England country town this is the place. This town looks like it hasn't changed very much at all since it was founded. The cutest little white church sits in the center and across from it is the town library housed in a barn! The beautiful flowers growing along the side of the road only add to the picturesque and nostalgic atmosphere.
Fourth Stop: Brattleboro Vermont
Brattleboro is the perfect place to get a taste of Vermont life. The town itself is full of fun shops and history like the Latches movie theater which is preserved in its original art deco style. They even have the coolest little boutique hotel attached to it also done in the same theme. Sam's store is a must see because they sell authentic Vermont wool as well as other local items. They also have free popcorn in the store so you can munch while you shop! I picked up some locally made maple syrup in Sam's to bring home because there is truly nothing like authentic Vermont maple syrup on your pancakes. I stopped into the Vermont Store to look for some souvenirs and picked up some Lake Champlain chocolates which are made at the Lake Champlain chocolate factory in upstate Vermont and very delicious! I also had fun checking out the second hand store in Brattleboro called Twice Upon A Time. There is something about discovering a little treasure in a secondhand store especially in such a historical town like Brattleboro that feels like an adventure! I ended up finding a charm for my charm bracelet in here! Finally after exploring the main boulevard and downtown we headed out of town towards the Creamery Covered Bridge. This historic site is beautiful and quite rare to see. There are only a few covered bridges left in New England as most were torn down. The bridge is only open to pedestrians but it looks like something out of a painting with the barn red sides nestled in the trees sitting over the glassy river. I did a mini-photo shoot here because the lighting is just perfect and it is such a unique spot!
Fifth Stop: Keene, New Hampshire
Driving through New Hampshire is such a scenic trip especially in the summertime. I loved seeing the rolling hills of the White Mountains covered in greenery and passing by the tranquil lakes nestled all along the road. Keene is a mid-size town in New Hampshire close to Vermont and is a perfect place to stop and grab a bite to eat as well as stretch your legs. There is so much natural beauty in this state it is really hard to pick just one place to recommend! After passing through New Hampshire we briefly drove through Massachusetts's before heading into Maine and stopped at the cutest little candy store right at the border. The Chocolate store was owned by a grandmother, mother, and daughter trio and sold amazing candy! It was definitely a necessary stop for road trip snacks!
Sixth Stop: Nubble Light, York Maine
As you first cross the border from Massachusetts into Maine the first thing you notice is the huge amount of antique stores that line the streets near the coast. I think Maine might be the antique capital of the world! Driving up route one is a fun way to see the state as it is lined with charming inns and restaurants plus occasionally you'll wind by the ocean getting a nice view. Our first stop is one of the southernmost lighthouses in Maine called Nubble light located in York a darling little beach town on the coast. The lighthouse is only visible from the mainland since it's out on a small rocky island but there is a gift shop and ice cream store right next door so you can grab some ice cream while taking in the views.
Seventh Stop: Kennebunkeport, Maine
Kennebunkeport is the most fashionable little coastal town in Southern Maine. It is truly charming and has some amazing sunsets as well as fun shops to discover! It is also the home to the Bush family summer vacation home which can actually be seen from a place called "selfie point" by the locals. I can definitely see why the Bush family chose this charming spot. The town is set right on the water and you actually have to walk and drive over a bridge on the main street right in the middle of town. There are so many adorable places to stop in from jewelry stores to souvenir shops. I loved Gibran gifts where I picked up some fresh made blueberry spread which is the shop owner's own recipe! I also loved this amazing candle store called Copper Candle partly because of their variety of candles and partly because of the historic building they are located in! They even sell Yankee candles which is a New England favorite since the factory is located nearby in Massachusetts. Kennebunkeport also has some great dining options which I listed below in my restaurant section! The town is also near some great beaches and we had perfect weather while I was visiting so I got the chance to soak up some sun too! This is a must see place in Southern Maine with every detail in place from the flowers on the lampposts to the giant eagle sculpture in the town center it almost feels like a scene out of Gilmore girls!
Eighth Stop: Bowdoinham, Maine
Bowdoinham is a small town of only 2600 people inland from the mid-coast of Maine. It is the perfect place to get away from it all and just enjoy the beautiful New England nature. I stopped here because I wanted to go berry picking and my friend recommended this spot for finding wild blueberries. There is also a nearby berry picking farm where you can go for guaranteed berries but I was lucky enough to find a field of Maine wild blueberriees. All the locals agreed that the low bush or wild berries tasted much better than the high bush berries available at the farm. It was hard work to find the small little berries nestled among all the greenery but SO worth it once I got them back to the kitchen where I put them on some ice cream pie for a delicious and fresh summer dessert. There is nothing like fresh blueberries. It was really an experience out of a storybook!
Ninth Stop: Port Clyde, Maine and Monhegan Island
Port Clyde is a quiet harbor town on the mid-coast of Maine and the perfect stop to visit and experience the Maine coast life. It has everything from an old fashioned general store to the Village Ice Cream shop which has lines out the door every night! It is also a popular destination because you can take the ferry out from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island for a daytrip or an overnight trip which I did. Monhegan is a magical place and the whole island is walking only and covered with these little foot paths that wind through the trees and then out along the cliffs. The stunning views and unique setting make it an artists haven and many can be seen with their easels set up painting one of the picturesque scenes from the cliffs and beaches.
Tenth Stop: Camden Maine
Camden is another historic coastal city in Maine that is very popular for sailing and visitors. It has a lovely main street with all kinds of fun shops and cafes. Wandering through the town where there is often music playing during the summer will make you feel like you're living at the turn of the century. Maine is full of antique stores scattered all up and down the coast but this town was one of my favorites for antiquing. I stopped in a mid-sized antique shop right off main street which was full of fascinating finds. I found this unique antique key which I loved because it reminds me of colonial times and has an Americana style to it with the star cutout. I made a necklace out of it using an old chain I had at home!
Eleventh Stop: Portland Maine
Portland was my last stop on my road trip because I was flying out of the Portland airport. I loved discovering the food scene in this city and found the cutest little candy store called Old Port Candy Co. with all Maine made treats! Check out my guide for one day in Portland here to read more!
Favorite Places I stayed
The Admiral Dewey Inn, South Kingstown, Rhode Island
I loved this charming Inn that is just steps from the beach in Rhode Island and is actually a restored Admiral's house from the 1800s! It is the perfect place to spend a few summer days and the beach is not crowded at all. The Inn has several rooms all decorated to the tee in New England style and the owner makes homemade breakfast every morning! No detail is out of place and the best part is the Bed and Breakfast vibe makes everyone very friendly! Many guests were enjoying just sitting on the porch and talking in the evenings and during breakfast everyone gathers around the dining table for conversation and exchanges travel tips for the day ahead!
The Weaskegg Inn, Port Clyde, Maine
Staying at this Inn was like going back in time. The family owned and operated Bed and Breakfast has two stories and each room is named after a family member. I got the Gray room on the top floor with beautiful views of the water and a cozy bed. I loved the frilly and antique decorations and breakfast was served every morning in the dining room but some guests ate outside on the back patio as well since the weather was so nice. This place is like something out of a storybook and embodies classic Maine life. If you are looking for an escape a few days at this historic home is just what you need. The guests were all very friendly and everyone enjoyed getting to know each other over breakfast. It has a great location as well and there are even several activities you can do within walking distance.
Where I ate
Trattoria Romana South
George's
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Chelsea's Diner
Pedro's
The Clam Shack
Mornings in Paris
The Dip Net Restaurant
Village Ice Cream
BullFeeny's
The Corner Kitchen
There is so much to discover in New England so I hope this gave you a taste of where to start when planning a trip to this region! I loved some of these cute little towns because they are off the beaten path and not packed to the brim with tourists. I loved getting the chance to see the quintessential New England life. There is such a nostalgic feeling you get when you come across a beautiful white church steeple nestled in the hills or an old wooden dock on a glassy lake.
No comments:
Post a Comment