Favorite places to stop on the way to Bar Harbor
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Anonymous
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Will have two kids (9/13) AND a dog, and we want to extend our drive a day or even two. What are your favorite spots to stop? We have never been to any of the cities or towns in this part of the country! We will not have time to stop on the way back so want to make the most of the drive up.
One of my kiddos loves history (especially Revolutionary War history) and wildlife, the other likes being surly and video games.  Adults are game for anything. Places to stay must be big dog friendly. Everyone likes to eat fun and interesting foods.
Going early summer! |
Anonymous
| FYI It’s pronounced Baah Haabah |
Anonymous
| Newport is a great place to visit- the beaches nearby are comparatively warm water and the mansion tours are great. Boston has lots of history, sights, and an aquarium and is good for a day or two. Portsmouth (NH) is a cute town but I don't think it needs a full day. Maybe a lunch or dinner stop with some walking arounf the harbor/old town area. Portland is a fun town and you could spend a day there. Good food. |
Anonymous
| Boston is the obvious choice given the history interest. It’s about an 8 hour drive so a good stopping point (I think it’s another 5 or so to BH from Boston). |
Anonymous
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Newport is out of the way. Boston is a good suggestion but may be hard with a dog.
If you don’t want to go into Boston you could check out Old Sturbridge Village (a colonial “living history” place) or see what Lexington and Concord has to see these days (obviously there are the NPS sites but maybe for the 250th they have a bit more?) |
Anonymous
| LL Bean outlet, something for everyone |
Anonymous
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Boston is also out of the way.
Great food in Portsmouth NH and Portland ME. If you don't want to drive as much on day 1, I'd stay in NY or CT. I don't know much about historic sites close to the route, but they do exist. New Paltz has Huguenot Street, some good food, and is a small, easy town. It's out of the way but along a route that is more pleasant anyway. Driving in CT can be awful. |
Anonymous
| We stopped to visit friends in Boston. We also thought the LL Bean flagship store was worth the stop. |
Anonymous
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Old Sturbridge Village and Lexington/Concord are good suggestions.
Hudson Valley has some historically significant sites from the Revolutionary War era, and the scenery is beautiful in that area. |
Anonymous
| Bar Harbour is filled with homeless. Have fun. |
Anonymous
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On our trip to Bar Harbor, we visited the LL Bean flagship store in Freeport and visited Bath to see this museum. Your history-loving kid might like it.
https://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/ |
Anonymous
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There’s a General Knox museum just outside of Rockland which has good restaurants.
Not revolutionary, but Brunswick has a General Chamberlain house, Harriet Beecher Stowe house and an arctic explorers museum. |
Anonymous
We plan to, thanks! |
Anonymous
Oh this all sounds fun! Thanks! |
Anonymous
We recently visited the Maritime Museum in Annapolis…thanks for the rec! Lots of folks have recommended the LLBean store…I might get in trouble. 😂 |