New England beckons travelers with its captivating blend of history and vibrant fall foliage. No filter can replicate the breathtaking beauty that unfolds before your eyes. Inspired by Robert Frost’s iconic poem, “The Road Not Taken,” I journeyed through the picturesque landscapes of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. The poem’s timeless message of embracing life’s choices resonated deeply, urging me to seize the opportunity and embark on this long-awaited trip. Along the way, my family and I reveled in the kaleidoscope of colors that painted the region. While leaf-peeping and hiking were highlights, New England offers so much more. From meticulously planning your itinerary to make the most of the fleeting fall season to discovering hidden gems and savoring the region’s diverse topography, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in this traveler’s paradise.

Fall in Vermont

A winding road curves through autumn trees in New England

Best Time To Visit

While every year is different, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine typically see its best fall color, moving from north to south, starting in mid-to-late September and extending through mid-October.

Helpful Tips

In case you don’t know, New England consists of six states; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Choose a well-known drive. Classic New England foliage routes include Maine’s Golden Road, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, Vermont’s Route 7, and Massachusetts’ Route 2 along the Mohawk Trail.

Trip Itinerary

New England Foliage Trip Itinerary

Drive from Belleville to Adams, MA

We live in New Jersey, so it made the most sense for us to do a loop road trip in order to hit every spot we wanted to hit during peak season. While being spontaneous has its own element of adventure, we do highly recommend plotting your road trip to understand timing and logistics. We started our journey in the beloved Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Nestled in the Appalachian mountain range is Berkshire County, comprised of 30 towns and two cities, North Adams and Pittsfield. After a 3 hour car journey (178 miles from Belleville, NJ), we arrived at Adams, MA, and checked in to our hotel. 

A winding road curves through autumn trees in New England

 

Overnight stay in Adams, MA

Mount Royal Inn, Adams, MA

Mount Royal Inn is located in Adams, MA, only about 4 miles from Mount Greylock State Reservation. This hotel was ideal for us to stay overnight since we planned to visit Mount Greylock the next morning. Another attraction close by is Equinox Mountain in Vermont is about 47 miles. Lenox, MA is 24 miles from Mount Royal Inn, while Lee is 28 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Albany International Airport about 48 miles out.

Mount Royal Inn, adams, MA
Mount Royal Inn, Adams, MA

On the 2nd day of our 11 day road trip, we ended up driving from Adams, MA, to Stowe, VT. We decided to stay in an Airbnb this time and made several exciting stops along the way.

First Stop Mount Greylock State Reservation, MA

First thing on our agenda was Mount Greylock Reservation. Standing at 3,489 feet, Mount Greylock offers several hiking trails and a scenic road leading straight to the top. We took Rockwell Road, which quite effortlessly brings you to the summit. As you make your way to the top, the brightly colored trees canopy over you as if nature itself is wrapping you in its warm embrace. When you do reach the top, you have a sprawling, panoramic view of the Berkshires, but be wary when looking over the edge if you’re not comfortable with heights! At the top, you can stop by the Veterans War Memorial Tower, which, as you guessed it pays respect to the veterans who have served our country. 

Autumn view from the top of Mount Greylock (the highest peak in Massachusetts)

 

As we made our way down, we came across a delightful mountain pond that reflected the above scene quite nicely.

mount greylock
A quick stop on our way down from Mt. Greylock

 

Road to Equinox Mountain, VT

From Mount Greylock to Equinox Mountain is 51 miles, which took us about 90 minutes by car. We took route 7, one of the more famous routes, to enjoy the beautiful foliage and view that the likes of Lake Champlain had to offer. After about an hour’s drive, we came across a burger joint that offered us the colorful Vermont mountain peaks as a backdrop while we ate our sandwiches and sipped our hard ciders.

Lunch at a burger place along with hard cider


Quick stop before Mount Equinox

Along the way, we stopped at a small farm selling wares that screamed Autumn and Halloween. Items that ranged from pumpkins to Vermont’s signature maple syrup. The pitstops you come across on a road trip are the sometimes the best part of the journey!

Mount Equinox
A quick stop before Mount Equinox

 

Next Stop Equinox Mountain, Manchester, VT

Not too long after, we ended up on the next leg of our beautiful New England Fall Foliage trip. Taking the Skyline Drive was definitely worth it as we drove up about 5 miles to the 3,848 ft peak. When at the top, you truly have a 360 view of the different colored trees painting the town below. Something Bob Ross would likely paint on a fall-themed episode of “The Joy of Painting.” Something to note about this drive is that as you are coming down because the incline is so steep, you are warned not to ride your brakes. Instead, you put your vehicle into 1st gear and try to give your wheels a break. I will say even in doing so, we were burning some rubber on the way down but only added to the overall experience.

equinox mountain, vermont
A view from Equinox Mountain in Vermont

 

On The Road to Stowe, VT

Sometimes the sights you behold on the way to your destination is just as beautiful as the destination itself. As we were making our way through Vermont’s countryside and the sun was beginning to set, we had to stop and snap some pictures of this gorgeous sunset. When the sun peeks through the clouds like this, it almost has an air of ethereality to it.

sunset in vermont
Vermont’s countryside and the sun was beginning to set

 

Pass-Through Middlebury, Vermont

While driving along the scenic route 7, we passed this little historic town known for its stone and brick buildings. An excellent place for an overnight stay for outdoor enthusiasts, where you will find many activities such as hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, fly fishing, bird watching, and cross-country skiing.

Sleepy Hollow Farm on a sunny autumn day in Vermont, USA

 

Pass-Through Vergennes, Vermont

Vergennes is another beautiful, small town we passed through, which I would’ve probably never visited if not taking the scenic route to Burlington. The main street has a certain historic, almost Victorian feel to it. Stevens House and Vergennes Opera House are among the many sites that attracted us to make a quick stop here to explore.

Burlington, Vermont, USA autumn town skyline.

 

Arrival To Our Destination

We finally made it to our Airbnb which happened to be in Smuggler’s Notch Resort. The trip up the mountain at night was unlike anything I have experienced. As the road began to serpentine, we had to put on our high beams in order to see anything at all. All the while hoping no wildlife would jump out onto the street. However, when we arrived at the resort we had an easier time navigating and made it to our room with no problem.

Dinner at Doc Ponds in Stowe

That night we had dinner in Stowe at a hip restaurant called Doc Ponds. They had a seasonal menu which was quite unique and after a long journey like ours, we ate everything we could off it.

The food we tried during New England Foliage Trip

Where We Stayed Close to Stowe, VT

Smugglers Notch Resort, Cambridge, Vermont

Smugglers Notch Resort offers a king-size bed and a new sleeper sofa with a comfortable memory foam mattress. It is located only a few miles away from the historic Smugglers notch bypass, walking distance to a creek, bike path, hiking area, ski lift, restaurants, swimming pool, Fun Zone, playground, and more. A great place to stay if you are visiting Stowe with family.

Smugglers Notch Resort, Cambridge, Vermont
Smugglers Notch Resort, Cambridge, Vermont

Gondola to Mount Mansfield Summit

You can’t get the full mountain experience if you don’t do at least one gondola ride, right? First thing in the morning, we took the Mount Mansfield Gondola (elevation of 3,625 ft.) to its viewing point by the Cliff House Restaurant. The relaxing ride up there was beautiful with an unbelievable scenic view. The mountains covered with lush, colorful forest was especially breathtaking. The opening in the trees also gives amazing scenes of Stowe’s ski tracks and Spruce Peak.

While going up from the gondola, we saw many hiking enthusiasts taking the more difficult route of hiking rather than riding the gondola. Apart from taking the gondola or hiking, driving on the historic 4.5 miles long zig-zag toll road up is an adventurous option as well.

Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield gondola to the summit

 

Next Visiting Burlington, VT

Nestled on the shore of Lake Champlain sits the city of Burlington, VT. Because the University of Vermont is located here, there is so much to do for avid travelers. From shops to restaurants, Burlington is a great place to experience the culture and life Vermont has to offer. While we could not spend too much time here, given how much we had scheduled, we were able to walk along the Lake Champlain Waterfront, where we watched the boats dock and listened to street performers play some classics. Burlington waterfront is a great place to watch colorful sunsets, also great for photographers.

 Lake Champlain Waterfront
Lake Champlain Waterfront in Burlington

 

Church St Marketplace

A visit to Burlington is not complete without visiting the famous Church Street. The cobblestone pedestrian mall sits in the heart of downtown Burlington, and has something for nearly anyone. It is popular for its specialty shops, restaurants, historical architecture, and street vendors.

Burlington, Vermont, Church Street Marketplace.

Lake Champlain

There are a few popular beaches around the lake worth exploring around the Lake Champlain waterfront. Visiting the Burton Island State Park by ferry is also a great way to enjoy a day in Lake Champlain.

Burlington Breakwater North Lighthouse, Burlington, Vermont

 

Burlington Farmer’s Market

If you are here during the summer, the Burlington Farmer’s Market is a fun place to visit. Located in the city hall park, the farmer’s market features vendors selling fresh-baked bread and pastries, cheese, vegetables, flowers, jewelry, and art. Often, there is live music playing in the center of the park. Where else can you go and run into a Bernie Sanders casually buying vegetables?

Dinner at Stowe

I cannot relay to you how great the restaurants are in Burlington. If a restaurant does not have great food and a unique concept, it won’t survive here. There are many amazing restaurants here difficult to select only a handful mentioned here.

Pizza: American Flatbread (VERY popular, the pizza is excellent but expect to wait) & Pizzeria Verita (Neapolitan pizza)
Outdoor seating: Farmhouse Grill (lovely beer garden, serves local beer and food) & Spot on the Dock (waterfront)
Brunch: Leunig’s Bistro & Cafe, & Penny Close

When it comes to great food in Burlington, can’t miss Winooski’s main street, only a few minutes away features excellent restaurants and bars.

Overnight Night in Stowe, VT

Smugglers Notch Resort, Cambridge, Vermont

1st Stop at Lajoie Stables, Vermont

One of the best experiences of our trip was horseback riding at Lajoie Stables. Because this is a popular activity to do in Vermont, we made sure to make a reservation bright and early in order to get the best experience possible. Once we arrived, we walked from the parking lot to the main entrance, which had a lovely fire pit to warm our numb hands. We checked in, signed some paperwork, and got to meet our new friends. This was a private tour for my daughters, and we had a wonderful guide who made sure to give them a once in a lifetime experience. The horses were well trained and actually happened to all be rescues. We climbed up and down hills, crossed streams, and finally ended up in an open field where our instructor snapped some pictures of us with the mountains behind.

horseback riding at Lajoie Stables
Horseback riding at Lajoie Stables in Vermont

 

2nd Stop – Franconia Notch State Park

Our next stop was Franconia Notch State Park, which is located in the heart of White Mountain National Park. With sights starting at Flume Gorge, this is a renowned area to stop in when in New Hampshire. It is one of the most visited parks in New Hampshire during spectacular foliage season. We enjoyed the colorful mountainsides when the trees undergo the seasonal transformation.

Early fall view from Bald Mountain, at Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire.

 

We visited Echo Lake in Franconia Notch.

During the warm season, Echo Lake Beach is one of the most attractive places among the visitors. From where the scenic view of surrounding mountains is breathtaking, particularly during the foliage. At Echo Lake, you can see people fishing and taking rides in pedal boats. We saw activities like fishing, camping, kayak, and pedal boating in and around the lake. 

echo lake, New Hampshire
Beautiful Echo Lake Beach in Franconia Notch in fall


Our Next stop Loon Mountain Gondola

After exploring Franconia Notch State Park, we headed to our next stops at Loon Mountain gondola Skyride for another popular gondola ride. But before that, we checked in to the Village of Loon Mountain Resort, where we will be staying for the next two days. Upon arrival at Loon Mountain Gondola, you can witness seas of people taking advantage of the rugged terrain to go mountain biking or hiking. This is a popular resort during the snowy season for skiing and snowboarding as well. The scenic gondola ride took us to the summit of Loon Peak and allowed us to enjoy the breathtaking views from a higher altitude. At the top, you can enjoy a nice refreshing beer and lunch at the Summit Café, which is, you guessed it, at the summit.

Loon Mountain Gondola
Taking the gondola to the top of Loon Mountain

 

Local drink at the summit cafe

Perched 2,733 feet above sea level at the top of the Gondola, the Summit Café serves up year-round dining alongside unbeatable views. Indoor and outdoor seating make it the perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch in any season, with views stretching over the town of Lincoln and beyond to Mt. Moosilauke and White Mountain peaks.

summit cafe, loon mountain
Summit cafe on the top of loon mountain


A View From the Observation Deck

A view from the top of loon mountain

View from Mount Washington in New Hampshire in the afternoon light

 

Hotel in New Hamshire

Village of Loon Mountain, a VRI resort, Lincoln, NH

Village of Loon Mountain is located in Lincoln, New Hampshire is about one mile from skiing on Loon Mountain. The accommodation is fully furnished with a kitchen. Free shuttle service to the ski area is available from the village resort. The rooms were spacious with modern, clean restrooms. We enjoyed our stay here.

Village-of-Loon-Mountain--a-VRI-resort
Village of Loon Mountain, a VRI resort, Lincoln, NH

We ended up staying in Lincoln for one more day. There are just so many exciting things to do so we needed to narrow down to a few and set out for the day.

Taking Cog Railway to Mount Washington Summit

Of the multitude of options to climb Mount Washington, we decided to take the Cog Railway up to the peak. Other modes of transport up the mountain include car or hike. The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world and the only one currently operating in North America. Because of the intense maintenance required to upkeep the biodiesel locomotives, you can frequently witness workers along the initial incline of the trip. Along the way, you have a well-informed guide who will walk you through the rich history and current facts of the long-standing tradition. The seats are designed to keep you in place even at its steepest. 

Cog Railway, Mt. Washington
Cog Railway to the peak of Mt. Washington


Once you get to the top, you get the opportunity to buy some snacks and hot chocolate as you make your way to the summit. The summit boasts amazing 360 panoramic views. There is a reason people get the bumper sticker on their way up because this view is unreal. We went towards the ends of Autumn, and there was some rime ice forming on the towers and railings.

Mt. Washington
Amazing 360 panoramic views from the top of Mt. Washington

 

Driving on The Scenic Kancamagus Highway

After Mt. Washington, we make our way to Loon Mountain Resort for our overnight stay. On the way, we catch glimpses of vibrant colors on the famous Kancamagus Highway. On this road, we stumbled upon covered bridges and a wonderful spot called the Lower Falls, where the Swift River drops many feet over smooth granite rocks into a large pool. Come here if you want to experience fall in New England. 

The Scenic Kancamagus Highway
The Scenic Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire


This Highway is a portion of NH Route 112 spanning east to west from Lincoln to Conway. The 34.5-mile drive is a known National Scenic Byway, which is considered one of the best fall foliage viewing areas globally.

Kancamagus Highway
Lower Falls along the Kancamagus Highway between Lincoln to Conway

Back to Hotel

Village of Loon Mountain, a VRI resort

On this day, we drove from the Conway Scenic Train to Bar Harbor Motel, which was a 210 mile drive taking us about about 4 hours total. The Acadia National park is only 5 miles from Bar Harbor Motel.

Breakfast in Littleton, New Hampshire

Our Uber driver suggested we stop at a “little” place called The Main Street Station, and let me tell you; it did not disappoint. The pancakes alone were out of this world, especially with authentic Vermont maple syrup drizzled on top. Rainy days call for warm butter filled breakfasts!

authentic Vermont maple syrup
Pancake with authentic Vermont maple syrup

 

Take The Conway Scenic Railroad

From the North Conway train station, we took the Conway Valley Train which is one of three and the most popular and shortest ones to view the colorful foliage. We made a reservation for the 11:15 o’clock train, a 55-minute roundtrip journey since we will be driving 210+ miles to Bar Harbor after the train trip. I definitely recommend this journey if you love nature and want to spend a day out with lots of fun. Click here for booking

Road to Bar Harbor, Maine

Finally, we get to one of the last stops on our journey. After close to 5 hours, we reach Bar Harbor, Maine. We check into our motel and make our way to the restaurant down the road called The Chart Room. When in Maine, you need to get lobster, and so we did, which was as good as they say it is. Fresh as can be, the lobster is a staple in this area and truly did not disappoint.

Road to Maine
Road to Maine

 

Explore Bar Harbor 

Mount Desert Island’s picturesque downtowns, vibrant art scene, and great outdoors offer various activities to satisfy everyone’s interests. There are so many things to do in Bar Harbor that it’s no wonder so many visitors from all over the world return every year.

bar harbor
Exploring Bar Harbor

 

Where to Eat in Bar Harbor

We wanted to enjoy the local cuisine during our stay in Bar Harbor. The first thing that came to our mind is lobster, lobster rolls, clam chowder, crab cakes, blueberry pie, and more. Here is a list of restaurants we have dined in Bar Harbor. Here is a list of restaurants worth trying, The Chart Room, Stewman’s Lobster Pound, Geddy’s Bar and Grill, and Side Street Cafe.

The Chart Room, Bar Harbor

Maine lobster
Maine lobster on the menu

 

Hotel Close To Arcadia NP, Maine

Bar Harbor Motel, Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor motel is just 1 mile from the main entrance to Acadia National Park. Facilities include an outdoor pool. Guests can directly access Acadia National Park through the property’s hiking and biking trails. Bicycle and kayak storage are available on site. The Motel Bar Harbor has laundry facilities and a gift shop.

Bar Harbor Motel, Maine
Bar Harbor Motel, Maine

Visit Cadillac Summit to View Sunrise

Cadillac Summit is the place for you if you want an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Its also the place for you if you don’t mind waking up early for a world-renowned sunrise. Even driving up the 3.5 miles on a narrow road at an elevation of 1,530 feet you’re in for e a real adventure. It is the United States’ first point to greet the rising sun’s lights from early October to early March, and at any cost, you should not miss this amazing opportunity.

This might be my favorite part of the trip. The trail at the top of Cadillac Mountain is so beautifully maintained; it actually does not feel real. It almost feels like you have landed on another planet when you look beyond and see the sun shimmering on the water.

Cadillac Mountain sunrise
Sunrise over Frenchman Bay from Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor

 

Visit Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Its landscape is known for its rocky beaches, woodland, and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as the most visited Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast. Among the wildlife are moose, bear, whales, and seabirds.

Acadia National Park
Autumn color at Eagle Lake, in Acadia National Park, Maine.

 

Driving Experience on Park Loop Road

Park Loop Road is a popular drive within Acadia National Park. Riding along the 27-mile Park Loop Road was, in my opinion, the best way to do a quick tour of Acadia. There are many sights to experience along this road, such as Sand Beach and the renowned Jordan Pond. As I said, everything in Acadia just seems alien. The sky shimmers onto the ocean as if someone is holding a giant mirror to it. Perhaps this is because Acadia is so well maintained and has not been as touched by humans as most of the world has. Needless to say, this is a true gem on the East Coast.

Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road within Acadia National Park.

 

Visit Jordan Pond

Our next exciting stop was at Jordan Pond. Regardless of whether you are there for hiking, photography, or even just taking in the sights of the pond’s crystal-clear water, this place is a must-visit. Jordan Pond House Restaurant is a great place to have your lunch or just try their famous popovers with a cup of tea after a 3.4-mile hike on Jordan Pond Loop Trail.

Jordon Pond in Acadia National Park
Jordon Pond in Acadia National Park

 

Explore Echo Lake

Echo Lake is a beautiful spot on Mount Desert Island. It is located west of Park Loop Road, so it doesn’t get the same volume of visitors as Jordan Pond. You can enjoy views of the lake from the small beach or hike the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail. The views of Echo Lake are amazing from the cliffs.

Relax At Sand Beach

After a full day of exploring and adventurous hiking, this is the perfect place to relax. Huddled between mountains and rocky coasts on the east side of Mount Desert Island lies this rocky beach that is definitely a can’t-miss spot where along with swimming, you will also find various hiking trails.

Sand Beach Acadia National Park
Sand Beach in Acadia National Park

 

An Evening in Bar Harbor Old Port

In the late afternoon, we again made our way to Bar Harbor Old Port, where we enjoyed some Allagash Whites, which is actually brewed in Portland, Maine and you guessed it, lobster! The food was delicious so was the view from Stewman’s Lobster Pound Restaurant was great.

Stewman's Lobster Pound Restaurant, Bar Harbor
Stewman’s Lobster Pound Restaurant, Bar Harbor


You can do a little local shopping with tons of restaurants at your disposal in this part of town. It’s a great area to experience what a small shore town is like. The bayside town of Bar Harbor, with restaurants and shops, is a popular gateway.

Exploring Bar Harbor Port, Maine
Exploring Bar Harbor Port, Maine

 

Overnight in Bar Harbor Hotel

Bar Harbor Motel, 100 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME

We head into the 8th day of our trip. Our plan was to drive from Bar Harbor Motel to Portland making a few sightseeing stops along the way.

Sunrise in Bass Harbor Lighthouse

On our last day in Bar Harbor, we managed to get up early to catch the sunrise on the other side of town. The Bass Harbor Lighthouse on the southern tip of the island is a famous spot which was proven by the sea of people waiting to catch a glimpse of it. The pictures speak for themselves.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Sunrise from Bass Harbor Lighthouse

 

Next Stop Portland, Maine

We drove about 3 hours to cover 175 miles from Bar Harbor to our Portland hotel. Since we are staying only one day in Portland, we needed to plan accordingly to do capitalize on our time. Since Portland is well known for its craft brews and local cuisine one of our prime interests was to spend some time around the Old Port area. But the first thing we did right after checking into the Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel, is to stretch our legs by visiting Portland Head Lighthouse.  

1st Stop Portland Head Light

This historic lighthouse is one of Portland’s most photographed sites and is undoubtedly the most beautiful place to visit while in town. Located in Cape Elizabeth, about 15 minutes drive from the city center. 

Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine, USA at sunrise
The Portland Head Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

 

Visit Historic Old Port

The historic Old Port district is in the heart of Portland city. The area is filled with boutiques, art galleries, great restaurants, and easily walkable to most of the attractions. It’s a great place to spend an evening while in Portland.  

It is absolutely fantastic for an evening stroll in Old Port waterfront along Wharf Street, Fore Street. The area features fishing docks, Victorian homes, converted warehouses with shops and restaurants, and a beautiful view of the fore river. 

portland old port
Portland Old Port waterfront along Wharf Street

 

Visit Portland Observatory

The historic Portland Observatory is a maritime signal tower located in Congress Street in Munjoy Hill. Back then, this 26-meters tall structure was used as a marine signal tower for the passing ships. Climbing 103 steps to the top will reward the visitors with a panoramic 360 view of the city, barrier islands, ocean of course, and the surrounding bay. 

Historic observatory in portland
Historic observatory in Portland

 

Walk Around Back Cove

Not far away from the Portland Observatory, the 3.6 miles tracks around Back Cove is a great morning or evening walk that offers beautiful city views.

Back Cove, portland
A view of Portland’s downtown skyline from Back Cove.

 

Portland Brewery Tour 

Portland trip is not complete without visiting some of the city’s popular local breweries such as Allagash, Rising Tide, Sebago, Bunker Brewing, and more. Hop on to one of those free Maine Brew bus and experience Portland’s booming alcohol scene. The self-guided tour is also easy as most of them are situated close to one another. Allagash, is one of the most admired Belgian beer producers, offers free tasting.

 

Brewery Tour
Portland Brewery Tour

 

Hotel in Portland, ME

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine, Portland, ME

This hotel is located adjacent to the Portland International Jetport, 2.2 mi from the Maine Mall and 5 mi from the Old Port District, this all-suite hotel in Portland, Maine offers accommodations and easy access to historic sites and outdoor recreations. The two-room suites at Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine feature a separate living room with a sofa bed and a private bedroom. Start the day with a free made-to-order breakfast including omelets and pancakes or grab a bagel and coffee on the go.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland, Maine
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland, Maine

Driving to Portsmouth From Bar Harbor

Portsmouth, one of the oldest cities in America, is located on the Piscataqua River, a New Hampshire port city. Driving from Portland, Maine to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was easy, less than an hour of driving distance. Portsmouth is a vibrant culinary destination with a rich history. There are close to 100 top-quality walkable restaurants in the downtown area alone. It is too bad that we are staying here only for a day, so it is a lot to do within a short window.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA town cityscape.

 

Sightseeing in Portsmouth

First Stop at Downtown Harbour Trail

The downtown Portsmouth neighborhood is very scenic and has many historical landmarks. A great area to spend an evening here.

The waterfront, Portsmouth at sunset
The waterfront, Portsmouth at sunset

 

Cross the Memorial Bridge

A great way to enjoy the Piscataqua River view is by taking a stroll along the World War I Memorial bridge that connects Portsmouth, New Hampshire with Kittery, Maine. A roundtrip or 1,201 feet bridge only takes about fifteen minutes; one of the best experiences that should not be missed.

Memorial Bridge, Portsmouth
Memorial Bridge, Portsmouth

 

Visit Prescott Park

Prescott Park is located at the edge of the Piscataqua River just across the Strawbery Banke Museum. It is one of the most popular among the locals for outdoor summer events. 

Prescott Park
the historical Sheafe Warehouse in Prescott Park

 

Explore Strawberry Banke Museum

If you are visiting Prescott Park, then you should not miss this outdoor history museum located just across. The museum has exhibits of 40 historical buildings dated back to centuries that are open to the public. 

Heading to Newburyport

At the end of our sightseeing in Portsmouth, we decided to head down 25 miles to Newburyport for an overnight stay. We wanted to stay close to Boston as our next major sightseeing destination.

Arrival in Newburyport

The historical Newburyport flourished as a shipping port at the Merrimack River’s mouth and silversmith center during the late 18th century. Nothing much has changed since then. You will still find graceful old churches and historic Newburyport’s brick buildings that represent the ancient past. After hotel checking, we went out to explore and have dinner.

1st Sightseeing Stop at Waterfront Park in the evening

Newburyport Waterfront Park is located in the center of downtown Newburyport that runs along the Merrimack River. A perfect place for a great boardwalk with a beautiful waterfront view.

Dinner at Michael’s Harborside

Michael’s Harborside is Newburyport’s premier waterfront steak and seafood restaurant. Overlooking the Merrimack River, Michael’s is known for the freshest seafood on the North Shore.

Hotel In Newburyport MA

Essex Street Inn & Suites, 7 Essex Street, Newburyport, MA

This historic, Essex Street Inn, is located on Highway 1 in Newburyport, Massachusetts city center. The inn offers a daily continental breakfast with homemade muffins and pastries and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have a private bath and individual temperature control and certain rooms feature a microwave and a refrigerator. The Custom House Maritime Museum is a 4-minute walk from the Inn Essex Street, while Plum Island is 1.9 miles away. Black Swan Country Club is a 22-minute drive from the inn. Free Parking.

Essex Street Inn, Newburyport, ma
Essex Street Inn, Newburyport, MA

On the last day of our New England foliage trip, we planned to visit Boston for a day trip.

Sightseeing in Boston, MA

Quick Stop at Palm Island Beach in Newburyport

Plam Island is a great place to spend some time relaxing at the beach while in Newburyport. For us, it was an opportunity to head over there to watch a gorgeous sunrise. Next, we are heading to Boston for a day trip. Driving distance is about 42 miles, takes a little over 30 minutes by car.

Sightseeing in Boston, MA

Boston is surely one of the most exciting places I’ve ever visited in the United States. I’m not a huge fan of cities, but Boston’s rich history, neighborhoods, and architecture influenced me to change my opinion. I have visited Boston many times and managed to experience new places that make Boston so enticing to visit again and again.

Here are a few things you should not miss during your next trip to Boston.

Must-Visit Downtown Waterfront

While downtown, check-out Old Northern Ave Bridge as well as Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

Boston skyline
Boston skyline at dusk as viewed from Fan Pier Park

 

Visit Skywalk Observatory

Visit Skyway Observatory on the 50th floor of Prudential Tower for an incredible 360-degree view of the entire city and surrounding scenery. 

skywalk observatory boston
A view of Boston’s financial district from the observation deck of the skywalk

 



Sightseeing Tours in Boston

 


 

Stroll Through Beacon Hill

The lovely Beacon Hill is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Boston. Historic buildings surround the cobble-stoned streets with impressive door knockers, doorways, and window decorations are something to admire.

Beacon Hill
Acorn Street, in Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts.

 

Hike The Freedom Trail

A self-guided walk through the Freedom Trail is the best way to see some historical landmarks of Boston. The 2.5 miles long trail starts from Boston Common and goes all the way to Charlestown.

Freedom Trail
Fountain in Park Street with the Steeple of Park Street Church

 

Relax in Boston Common

Visit Boston Common, a central Public park located right in the center of the city. An excellent place to spend time peacefully relaxing and enjoy the scenic beauty away from the city crowds.

Boston Common
George Washington statue is the famous landmark in Boston Common Park

 

Visit The Tea Party Museum

I heard a lot about the historic Tea Party Ship and Museum, one of the few attractions I wanted to visit during my Boston trip. I wanted to experience and know the history of what set out the events that started up the conflict and eventually led to the revolutionary war.

Boston Tea Party Museum
Boston Tea Party Museum

Where to stay in Boston

Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront, Waterfront

Located in the north end by Boston Harbor, Battery Wharf Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the New England Aquarium and offers a private water taxi to Logan International Airport. The hotel is right on the Boston Harbor Walk and only 1.7 miles away from the Boston Opera House. Also, the Tea Party Ships and Museum is less than a mile from the hotel. I found it an excellent place to stay in Boston.

The Liberty, 215 Charles Street, West End, Boston

Overlooking the Charles River in Boston city center, this historic landmark hotel offers award-winning dining and lounge options and easy access to top attractions. The hotel also offers free seasonal bicycle rentals along with free seasonal yoga classes.
Located at the foot of Beacon Hill, the Liberty is set in the heart of the city, only steps from the Museum of Science and Kendall Square. The shops at Faneuil Hall, along with the historic harbor area.

Returning back to New Jersey

Drive back to New Jersey


A few pictures from the trip

Where to stay in New England for Foliage Trip

Mount Royal Inn, Adams, MA

Mount Royal Inn is located in Adams, only about 5 miles away from Mount Greylock State Reservation. So it was perfect for us to spend the night over there as we planned to visit Mt. Greylock the next morning. The hotel is 24 miles from Lenox, while Lee is 28 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Albany International Airport, 48 miles from the accommodation.

Smugglers Notch Resort, Cambridge, Vermont

Smugglers Notch Resort offers a king-size bed and a new sleeper sofa with a comfortable memory foam mattress. Sleeps 4 comfortably. It is located in a great location, only a few miles away from the historic Smugglers notch bypass, walking distance to a creek, bike path, hiking area, ski lift, restaurants, swimming pool, Fun Zone, playground, and more. Great place to stay if you are visiting Stowe, Vermont

Village of Loon Mountain, a VRI resort, Lincoln, NH

Village of Loon Mountain is located in Lincoln, New Hampshire is about one mile from skiing on Loon Mountain. The accommodation is fully furnished with a kitchen. Free shuttle service to the ski area is available from the village resort. The rooms were spacious with modern, clean restrooms. We enjoyed our stay here.

Bar Harbor Motel, Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor motel is just 1 mile from the main entrance to Acadia National Park. Facilities include an outdoor pool. Guests can directly access Acadia National Park through the property’s hiking and biking trails. Bicycle and kayak storage are available on site. The Motel Bar Harbor has laundry facilities and a gift shop.

Embassy Suites by Hilton, Portland, ME

This hotel is located adjacent to the Portland International Jetport, 2.2 mi from the Maine Mall and 5 mi from the Old Port District, this all-suite hotel in Portland, Maine offers accommodations and easy access to historic sites and outdoor recreations. The two-room suites at Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine feature a separate living room with a sofa bed and a private bedroom. Start the day with a free made-to-order breakfast including omelets & pancakes or grab a bagel & coffee on the go.

Essex Street Inn & Suites, Newburyport, MA

This historic, Essex Street Inn, is located on Highway 1 in Newburyport, Massachusetts city center. The inn offers a daily continental breakfast with homemade muffins and pastries and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have a private bath and individual temperature control and certain rooms feature a microwave and a refrigerator. The Custom House Maritime Museum is a 4-minute walk from the Inn Essex Street, while Plum Island is 1.9 miles away. Black Swan Country Club is a 22-minute drive from the inn. Free Parking.

My Opinion and Last Word

Have you been to New England? Any cool tips to share?

I loved enjoying the colorful fall in New England area and want to go back again. Hope my story has motivated you to plan a fall trip. 

Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge. 

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