Wilbur

In August I am helping my daughter move to a new job in Tenants Harbor, Maine. We live in East Central Wisconsin--- about an hour north of Milwaukee.

The internet guides all have us driving south through Chicago to Cleveland, across New York State, though Vermont and New Hampshire, about a 20 hour drive. We are planning to take 4 days to do this trip, taking time to stop and visit the sights as we go.

When I look at maps, it seems shorter ( and perhaps more scenic) to drive north to Sault Ste. Marie across to Sudbury and then to Montreal, down through the upper Vermont and New Hampshire to Maine.

I do not like to drive through Chicago and this summer is particularly bad with all the road construction. Does anyone think the Canada route would be a better way to get to Maine?

Thanks.

dfrostnh

The summer my husband and son drove across the country they avoid Chicago by taking a ferry and traveling Rt 2. Coming from Montreal would take you by Burlington VT, a great college town. Driving thru the White Mtns would be nice but from Conway NH to Portland or Lewiston ME isn't very scenic.

john127

It's definitely going to be more scenic. I've driven between Chicago and NYC a few times and it is the most boring, uninteresting route. The only decent stop is Ohio if you're into either the RnR Hall of Fame or the Football HOF.

Have you ever been to Niagara Falls? You could plan a stop there if you choose a northern route.

Where in Maine are you going, if I may ask? We were just there last summer.

John

john127

Oops, I just saw it in your original post, sorry.

rkkwan

The Canadian route is going to be slower, as it's mostly non-freeway until you get close to Ottawa.

While Chicago traffic is legendary, if you hit Montreal at a bad time, it can be pretty awful too.

coldkelly

I just drove my daughter from Maine back home to Wiscosnin last summer. We drove throught Vermont and NH. I wished I had spent more time in Vermont. We stopped at Niagara Falls on the way back. Canadian side and it was much nicer than I expected. We go through Chicago quite a bit and I don't usually have a problem with it. Just avoid anything near rush hour and any time Friday afternoon.

Wilbur

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Before my daughter got the job we actually took a family vacation in June to Niagara Falls. We then drove across NY to Massachusetts. We just stuck to the highway except explored Howe Caverns which was fun.

We came back to Wisconsin through Chicago on a Saturday starting at 1:00PM. It must have been a
bad day as it took 4 hours to get from Gary to O'Hare. Most of those 4 hours we were going about 5 mph or sitting still. Bad way to end a vacation.

Any suggestions as to favorite places to visit in Maine? I like the Shakers so want to visit Sabbathday Lake but I think the rest of the time we will be on the Coast.

dfrostnh

I have not been to Sabbath Day Lake but there's a wonderful Shaker Village in Canterbury NH just north of Concord. To get there from northern VT you could either go Rt 89 to Rt 93 then head north to exit 18 or go over to northern NH, pick up Rt 93 for a beautiful drive thru NH's White Mountains. Canterbury Shaker Village has a variety of beautiful buildings and frequent special events during the summer. Check their website. After visiting, get directions to Rt 106 back to Concord. Then take a left onto Rt 4 heading to Portsmouth. Rt 4 takes you thru Antique Alley in Northwood and then thru lovely country around Durham. You'll take the bridges over Great Bay, a beautiful introduction to the Seacoast. Portsmouth is a wonderful seacoast city with historic Strawbery Banke. Good place to spend the night esp if you would like to shop the outlet malls in Kittery ME which is right over the bridge. Also a good place to take a harbor or inland rivers cruise. There's a terrific view from the top of Mt Battie overlooking Camden harbor. Take the auto road. There's also a short easy hike to Owls Head Lighthouse for a really nice view. We usually go to Maine hunting for the best lobster, driving down those points that jut out into the ocean. Brunswick has a terrific farmers market on Friday mornings. Get a brochure on all the Maine Farmers Markets at the visitors center on Rt 95. How nice your daughter has picked a great place for you to visit!

Wilbur

Thanks so much for the travel info. I have never been to New England and am anxiously anticipating wonderful scenery and delicious seafood. I hope my daughter likes it there and will stay for many years- just so I can visit.

I have read about Canterbury and it's on my list of places to visit someday. My husband has a "rule" that "one Shaker Village a vacation is enough" but he won't be with us this trip so I might be able to do both Sabbathday Lake and Canterbury!
We went to Hancock Shaker Village ( Pittsfield, MA) last June. The round barn is a wonder. Also, If you ever get to Kentucky stop at Pleasant Hill Shaker Village. They have converted several of the buildings into guest rooms. The rooms are very "Shaker Like" and their restaurant is fantastic.