New England’s stunning hikes, local food, and temperate weather are easily accessible on your next road trip during the warm summer months. Explore from quaint Tamworth, New Hampshire, to Maine’s prized Acadia National Park, with much to see and do in between. Use this great New England Road Trip itinerary to experience the coastal charm and mountain ranges in one trip while dining on fresh seafood, trying delicious beer, and connecting to areas through local art.

Planning a trip can be tricky when searching the internet for ideas and itineraries. You might end up with suggestions for the most popular attractions, which are usually expensive and overrun by crowds. This guide will help you navigate two New England states like a local, with spots that are sure to deliver on experience and hold on to the crowds and high prices. This guide will make it easy to get the most out of your vacation.

Explore the descriptions of each stop below. Click on the links for more information on each destination so you can start packing for your New England Summer Journey.

Tamworth: New Hampshire’s Hidden Gem for All Things Art & Food

South of the Mount Washington Valley, Tamworth boasts all the beauty of the North Conway, NH, area on a smaller scale. Spend a day stretching your travel-tired legs by exploring Tamworth’s art galleries, featuring local artists’ wares, before stopping off for a pick-me-up at a quaint coffee shop. Saturdays in Tamworth allow visitors to the Tamworth Farmers’ Market to stock up on road trip snacks and drinks like freshly brewed kombucha, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Or shop handmade soaps, handspun yarn, and woven blankets. Tamworth is sure to spoil the food and art lovers.

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Three Quiet Hikes on The Outskirts of North Conway, New Hampshire

In the heart of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, North Conway is a popular destination for outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and kayaking. But with that popularity comes myriad trail options, some of which stay quiet even during the peak of the summer months. Just outside of Tamworth, on your way to North Conway, Mount Chocorua’s rocky peak overlooks Chocorua Lake and provides miles of scenic hiking. If you’re feeling adventurous, Kearsarge North has a fire tower on the summit where hikers can camp out on a first-come, first-served basis (the small parking lot limits the number of people on the trail at any given time). Ten minutes north of North Conway is the adorable town of Jackson, NH. Take a quick but efficient hike up Double Head Mountain.

Skip the Crowds in Sebago and Enjoy Peaceful Lake Arrowhead

On to Southwestern Maine! Lake Arrowhead (also known as Little Ossipee Lake) offers everything from swimming to boating to fishing, like Sebago Lake, minus the crowds and parking troubles. Stay in a quaint BnB and enjoy mornings paddling around Lake Arrowhead, watching wildlife like fish and birds. Then, take the afternoon to explore the town of Waterboro, stopping at their varied dining options before retiring at Walnut Grove Campsite or in any of Waterboro’s quaint BnBs.

Navigating South Portland, Maine’s Underrated Food Scene

Portland, Maine, voted the Restaurant City of the Year in 2018 by Bon Appetite, sometimes overshadows its neighbor across the Casco Bay Bridge in food recognition. But South Portland, full of bakeries, seafood restaurants, and an extremely underrated taco spot, flies under the radar. Luckily, these restaurants are often easier to get into and are still easy to navigate by foot if you feel like parking in downtown South Portland and moving on foot. Another plus to dining in South Portland? Willard Beach is minutes from downtown, providing a great spot for a takeout picnic.

This Nature Center is a Tired Roadtrippers’s Haven in Falmouth, Maine

Just north of Portland and under thirty minutes from South Portland, the Maine Audubon Nature Preserve finds a home in Falmouth. It has a network of scenic walking trails, an educational center, places to sit and enjoy the wildlife, and a community garden. An afternoon can easily be spent watching wildlife and learning about native Maine plants.

Camp Out in a Treehouse Airbnb in Seaside Georgetown, Maine

Live out your childhood dreams by staying in one of Georgetown’s modern treehouse dwellings (wood-fired cedar hot tub, anyone?) just minutes from Reid State Park. Quieter than nearby Popham Beach, Reid State Park offers wide sand beaches and seaside walking trails, with plenty of spots to stop and pitch a towel on the sand. Or enjoy your treehouse to the fullest and stay for a night or two up in the trees, enjoying the birds and sounds of nature.

Get the Most out of Belfast, Maine’s Giant Indoor Farmers Market

Every Saturday, from 9 to 1, dozens of vendors gather inside a community hall for a stunning market that features local produce growers, seafood, coffee, crafts, maple syrup, grab-and-go foods, and so much more. This farmers market has something for everyone. Plus, there’s a gorgeous seaside park where you can take pastries, quiche, tamales, and other goodies from the market to enjoy with a view.

Discover Ellsworth, Maine’s Craft Beer Scene on a Brewery Tour

Ellsworth, Maine, a quieter stopover before entering Acadia’s busy zones, is home to two great beer-tasting locations. Nestled in a classic English pub-style building, Airline Brewing’s Pub location will make you feel like you’ve stepped across the pond for a pint. Just outside of town is Fogtown Brewing’s Ellsworth location. A funky steampunk spot with great beer, food, and live music.

Exploring Acadia National Park Like a Local

Known for its majestic cliffs, Sand Beach, and various hikes, Acadia attracts many people during the busy season. But gems lay hidden off the beaten path. This guide will help you easily navigate Acadia National Park so you can explore all the park has to offer without the worries of parking or lines.

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In conclusion, your New England summer journey promises a mix of breathtaking hikes, delightful local cuisine, and the perfect weather to enjoy it all. From the quaint charm of Tamworth, New Hampshire, to the majestic beauty of Acadia National Park in Maine, this trip offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the coastal allure and the stunning mountain ranges, savor fresh seafood and discover unique local art and craft beer.

Conclusion:

We understand that planning a trip can be daunting, especially with the overwhelming number of options available online. However, this guide offers insider tips to experience New England like a local, avoiding the crowds and high prices typically associated with popular tourist spots. We’ve carefully curated each destination to ensure you have a memorable and enriching vacation.

Now that you’ve explored the highlights of each stop, it’s time to turn your travel dreams into reality. Click on the links provided for more detailed information on each destination. Start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable New England summer adventure. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories and discover hidden gems along the way.