Amy

My nieces and I are going to be spending a week in Prince Edward Island, and spending the previous week going from Boston area (we'll spend three days or so there, probably Saturday to Monday) and are due in PEI on Saturday. This will be in early July.

I realize we could do the drive in one day, but there are so many possibilities along the way that I'd love to hear your thoughts. This would be 16 to 22 year olds with one old auntie (me) who will do pretty much everything. The girls aren't huge history buffs, but are readers: we are visiting Orchard House (and possibly Fruitlands) and of course the Green Gables experience in Cavendish.

Among my thoughts were Portland, ME and Moncton, NB, but again, I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Ozarksbill

We live in Boston area and were in PEI and Nova Scotia area last year. You surely wouldn't drive so far in one day, that's for sure. A week in PEI seems a bit long.

You mentioned seeing Orchard House and of course there are the Minuteman Park sites. And also Freedom Trail...even if not "history buffs" kids need to soak in a little American history. Much to see in Boston area...incl. for kids.

Yes, many places to stop off going north and I suspect you already know of them. Acadia Nat'l Pk is popular and of course there is L. L. Bean store in Freeport with many little cafes. How about Campobello which was a Roosevelt vacation place...for Franklin as a lad and later for Eleanor.

Dukey1

Camden is another possible stop in Maine as well as Bar Harbor.

The distance between Boston and PEI is 630+ miles; yes, it could be done in a day but if you have plenty of time to spare why do so?

dfrostnh

Maybe Camden which has some nice downtown shops plus the view from the top of Mt Battie. My reason being since all of you are readers, you could stop further north at the Chicken Barn Antiques and Used Books. It's on Rt 1 before you get to Ellsworth. Or stop there on the way as you head further north from Boston. Portland ME has such a fun Old Port area that I would recommend stopping there for lunch. Chowhound will give you a lot of suggestions. It's considered one of the foodiest cities in the US. If you love French fries, head to Duckfat.

Rockland is 2 hours further north of Portland with a nice art museum The Farnsworth. I think they feature all Maine artists and have works by all three Wyeths.

Don't miss Fruitlands. The horrible little attic where the girls slept makes you wonder what kind of father would move his family to a place like that late in the year.

emalloy

While near Boston, take the girls to Salem for the House of Seven Gables.

rizzo0904

Why not spend some time in St. John Canada

Amy

Thanks, everyone!

We definitely want to do at least two overnight/two night stops (beyond Boston area) as well as, of course, stopping along the way.

We'll definitely do the Freedom Trail in Boston, Bill. They're pretty well inundated with colonial history from having one of their parental units being Philadelphian, but we wouldn't miss that part of Boston. The week in PEI, by the way, is in a house by the shore, so it's not just a sight-seeing excursion--there will be walks and horses and bikes and such involved with that.

I certainly appreciate all the rest of the suggestions, as well, and will look into Camden, St. John, and the rest.

Anyone else?

clarkgriswold

First thing I'll say is that for July in Maine, you need to book soon.

I'd suggest a long leisurely lunch and stroll in Old Port Portland, then onward to Camden for two nights. Climb Mt. Battie, maybe rent bikes and take them on a ferry boat to Islesboro. High Tide Inn is peaceful and secluded and might have a cabin that sleeps three, but you'd probably rather be right downtown. Then maybe a night near Acadia National Park and a night in St. John?

NorthwestMale

Does that mean (select TWO different spots for overnighting en route from Boston to PEI)???


I think I would go with two overnight stops, the first would be somewhere near to Calais, Maine... to facilitate an early border crossing before then passing through St. John and then taking a circuit through Fundy National Park.

A second night at/near Alma, NB would help to keep any leg of the trip from being too exhausting.

If any of the troops have never been to the Bay of Fundy, the most telling spot for gaining the full sense of the place is at Hopewell Cape, NB, which could be right on your way IF you opt for a scenic detour down through Fundy National Park.

china_cat

We stopped in Alma when we did the trip, so we could go see Hopewell Cape and the Bay of Fundy tides. Definitely worthwhile. we might have done a little hiking in the Fundy National Park as well, except it was pouring down rain.

Amy

Thanks, everyone, for your help so far!

It looks like the Camden area would be the best fit for what we're doing; we'll go to Salem in the morning and then drive to Camden or Rockport.

So, next question: any strong preference/reason for Camden over Rockport or vice versa? I realize they're quite close to each other. Should I include Lincolnville in my lodging search as well? I am looking for inexpensive accommodation, maybe $150 a night or so, which seems more readily available in Rockport than Camden, but we can go more if there is a major advantage to staying in Camden itself.

dfrostnh

Several years ago we stayed at Glenmoor by the Sea in Lincolnville. Check out their lodging in the Seagate building. Although right on Rt 1, plenty of green space and didn't seem noisy.

jubilada

We prefer Camden.

clarkgriswold

$150 may be tough in early July (does this include 4th of July weekend?), what are you seeing in Rockport that fits the bill? Camden has more within walking distance but Rockport is fine, some of Rockport is even walking distance to downtown Camden. ....I would try to stay away from anything that is right on route 1 unless you can book quiet rooms in the back away from traffic.

elberko

Can also recommend Glenmoor by the Sea in Lincolnville. They have a wide variety of rooms/buildings. Just a couple of miles from Camden.

~Liz

Amy

Clarkgriswold, this is mid-week (Tuesday and Wednesday night) before July 4th. One of the Rockport Places is the Claddagh, rather OTT in kitsch but with a good assortment of rooms for the price and pretty good reviews. The girls do enjoy the Celtic bit, so I thought an "Irish country" theme might work for them.

I've been in $5 a night guest houses in Ladakh, so I don't need to have luxe, exactly. One of the nieces that's going this time also went with me to Australia, which included camping under the stars in the (winter) Outback. (Although, to be honest, a hotel might have come cheaper in that instance.)

I really appreciate everyone's recommendations! This will be a bit of an unusual trip for me, but I am certainly looking forward to it. (Except, well, the driving part. But hey, that's what you do from Point A to Point B to Point C...)

clarkgriswold

The Claddagh is fine for two nights, nice and clean and full of kitsch. Nice owners. It's not really in Rockport but on the main drag between Rockland and Camden...you'd have to drive to either one. It is right smack on route 1 so ask for one of the quieter rooms.... Mt. Battie Motel is another nice place nearby, also the Glen Cove Motel and Ledges by the Bay.

Your itinerary puts you into 4th of July traffic which won't be pleasant, but the afternoon of the 3rd would be very busy as well I'm sure.

Amy

We aim to be in New Brunswick by July 3rd; we'll be leaving Camden area on Wednesday July 2nd. (Probably still be some traffic, I'm guessing...)

I've emailed the girls for their vote between Mt. Battie and Claddagh! Both look good and the right price; I'm thinking Mt. Battie is the better location (and name, let's face it) but they might wanna be in Leprechaun Land for a couple of nights.

Now to search for the best stopping point in New Brunswick--I especially want to see high and low tides at the Bay of Fundy.

Amy

*doh* (head slap) It is Thursday the 3rd that we'll be leaving. Ah, well, I don't have a daily commute to worry about, so it won't kill me. I think. We'll stock up on snacks just in case.

china_cat

Hey, FYI.... I just read there is a new ferry service between Portland ME and Nova Scotia. http://novastarcruises.com. Not sure if that would fit your plans, but it might be worth considering.