Maine, But Make It a Road Trip
Welcome back, travel family! I know I left you all hanging with my clues, but EVERYONE guessed correctly. HAHA!! Well… there goes my career as a travel detective. They let me go on my first day. WOW!!
The temperatures are finally cooling off, the leaves are changing colors, and of course, I’ve already bought my pumpkin spice creamer. Okay… let me gather myself, and let’s talk about MAINE!
You know how sometimes the destination is the goal… but getting there becomes part of the adventure? Well, this was one of those trips! Instead of flying straight to Maine, we hit the road from Rhode Island, making stops along the way. And let me tell you, there was a little something for everybody!
So, come ride with me! I think we may have some room in the backseat for you. Let me just ask Mom to move her leg out of the way first. LOL!
📍Providence, Rhode Island
Before we could explore Maine, we had to get to Rhode Island first. Apparently, Maine wasn't going to come to us. So… let’s rewind for a minute!
During our trip to Providence last year, we met a woman with a warm, inviting smile who loved road trips and knew how to make us laugh. Let’s call her Sweetheart.
She invited us back for a visit and a road trip together. I was initially skeptical because, let's be honest, people don't always live up to their words. But Sweetheart proved me wrong by staying in touch throughout the year.
So, I decided to give it a shot and, of course, dragged Mom along with me. We took a direct flight on Breeze Airways, spent the night in Rhode Island, and got ready to hit the road the next morning.
Our first stop? A local Portuguese bakery in Pawtucket! Central Ave Bakery is serving up fresh, mouthwatering pastries, breads, and hot foods. Codfish croquettes, pastel de nata, shrimp turnovers… I’m getting hungry just thinking about them!
And here’s a little history for you: Pawtucket is known as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Who knew we’d get history with our pastries?
From there, we continued through Massachusetts. If you want to experience more of the local scenery along the way, I’d recommend taking US 1 instead of I-95. You’ll get a closer look at local towns and discover places you might otherwise miss while rushing along the interstate. Trust me, sometimes the journey is just as good as the destination!
📍Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire was showing off its New England charm and unhurried vibes. We didn’t do much in Portsmouth, but the local shops and people enjoying meals outside caught my attention. It definitely made me want to come back and explore it for real!
📍York, Maine
As we pulled into the parking lot near Nubble Lighthouse, I remember thinking, This looks like a postcard! The wind was blowing and acting up as people snapped pictures of the lighthouse in the distance.
Perched on a rocky islet off Cape Neddick, Nubble Lighthouse is one of York’s iconic coastal landmarks. While the lighthouse itself is closed to visitors, Sohier Park offers beautiful views of the lighthouse and surrounding coastline.
Now, you know we couldn’t keep this trip all about the scenery. We had to make room for something sweet!
No trip to Maine is complete without ice cream. Hey, I’m not throwing shade at 🫣New Englanders, but I didn’t realize ice cream was such a BIG thing up here! However, Sweetheart told us this, so it must be true. LOL!
Just a short walk from Nubble Lighthouse is Dunne’s Ice Cream, a Maine staple since 1967, offering ice cream, sherbets, smoothies, and seasonal favorites.
📍Cape Neddick, Maine
Apparently, ice cream wasn’t enough! HAHA! We made another stop at a Maine favorite: Flo’s Hot Dogs, a no-frills hot dog stand that’s been serving customers since 1959. They’re known for their steamed hot dogs, traditional New England-style buns, and house-made relish.
The real star? That sweet and tangy relish!
Before you ask… no, I didn’t try the hot dog. I’m trying to hold on to my girlish figure! HAHA! Mom and Sweetheart decided to share one, though. And yes, I’m throwing them under the bus. LOL!
📍Ogunquit & Kennebunkport, Maine
We continued north through Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, taking in the coastal scenery and laid-back atmosphere.
And roosters??? Yes, giant metal roosters! We spotted them displayed outside businesses and on lawns in Ogunquit. They became a symbol of community support for a young girl with autism. Wow… talk about a village coming together and showing love!
As evening approached, cars lined up near the beach, with eager surfers in wetsuits ready to catch some waves. Apparently, the day wasn’t over for them just yet!
📍Portland, Maine
As we drove through Portland, Sweetheart kept the trip entertaining with her road-trip commentary. With that thick Rhode Island accent, she could’ve easily narrated the entire adventure. HAHA!
Before settling in for the night, we stopped for dinner at Becky’s Diner, a local favorite in Portland’s working waterfront district that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Now, let’s talk about what I ordered: a Fried Haddock Reuben. Yes, you read that right! OH MY! I wasn’t in the mood for an ordinary sandwich. I didn’t know what to expect, but when in Maine… just do the things!!!
This is not a picture of the sandwich I had..LOL
📍Bath, Maine
From our hotel window, we could see the Kennebec River and nearby marina. Bath, known as the “City of Ships,” is home to Bath Iron Works, a major shipbuilder for the U.S. Navy.
And speaking of the Navy… GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY! Did I say that out loud? Yikes!! HAHA!
Sweetheart runs a tight ship, and trust me, we weren’t trying to get left at the hotel! LOL!
📍Boothbay, Maine
There’s something peaceful about being by the ocean in the morning. At Ocean Point Beach, people strolled with coffee in hand, enjoying the coastal scenery and listening to the waves crash against the rocks.
Nearby, the Janet M. Wilson Memorial Chapel is a historic stone church overlooking the Atlantic Ocean that has stood for over 100 years. What a beautiful spot to pause and take in the view!
But you know what? Nothing works up an appetite quite like that ocean breeze! Let’s head to lunch before my stomach starts touching my back. Auntie is getting HANGRY! LOL!
📍South Thomaston, Maine
You CAN.NOT come to Maine and not try lobster! With Sweetheart at the helm… I mean, behind the wheel, we weren’t eating just anywhere. We landed at McLoon’s Lobster Shack, a working lobster wharf with stunning Midcoast views.
The lobster was sweet, cooked just right, and delicious dipped in melted butter. Of course, I took selfies with my lobster before devouring it because… just because. HA!
Travel tip: McLoon’s operates seasonally, so check ahead before visiting.
With full bellies and smiles, we called it a night. The next morning, we hit the road for a few more stops on our way back to Rhode Island.
📍Freeport, Maine
DUCK BOOTS! That was my first thought as we pulled into the L.L.Bean Flagship Store. Of course, we had to take pictures with the giant boot before heading inside to browse.
But wait… less than a mile away, we stopped at L.L.Bean’s corporate headquarters to see the famous Bootmobiles. Because apparently, one giant boot just wasn’t enough! LOL!
Our Maine adventure was winding down, but you know we couldn’t head back without squeezing in one more stop along the way. Next up… Boston, Massachusetts!
📍Boston, Massachusetts
Sweetheart suggested a stop at the iconic Boston pub that inspired the setting of the ’80s sitcom Cheers. Her suggestions never disappoint! Originally known as the Bull & Finch, the pub is located in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood and helped bring the show’s fictional hangout to life.
For real, y’all! This stop brought back memories because I remember watching Cheers as a kid. Yes, I’m THAT old… don’t judge me!
Slowly but surely, we made our way back to Providence, Rhode Island, with full camera rolls and memories to last a lifetime. From coastal views and lobster selfies to unexpected stops and plenty of laughs, this trip reminded me that the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.
A BIG shout-out to Sweetheart for being our tour guide and showing us more of New England!🫶🏾
Travel family, if you enjoy my travel stories and guides, consider supporting Biz3b with a few “coffee coins” to help keep the adventures and stories coming. Every little bit is appreciated!
Now, tell me: Are you team get there fast or take the scenic route? Let me know in the comments! And if you have questions about my Maine trip, drop those below, too!👇🏾
Until the next adventure… keep exploring and making memories!
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