Hi all,
We're taking a week vacation in Maine, and I had some questions about driving. Here's a rough idea of our itinery:

Overnight in Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth to Bar Harbor (4 days of biking and hiking)
Bar Harbor to Portland (stay weekend)
Portland to NYC

So my questions are:
Is is generally faster to drive on 95 or on the old route 1 (on the coast). How much faster? I imagine that the drive on the coast is prettier but is the time difference worth it?

Can anyone recommend any nice places to stop between Bar Harbor and Portland for dinner that night on our drive down? According to Mapquest, it's about a 4 hour drive - is this correct?

Thank you!

You can easily average 70MPH on I-95. On US1, about 50MPH off-season, less than that in summer and busy weekends.

It's worth the difference for one-way. Take I-95 the other.

Right now? During the foliage season, 95 is an okay and quicker route, you'll see lots of nice color. I agree that if you have time, going up or down the coast one-way is a good choice. Camden is a good place to stop if you're taking the coastal route to Portland from Bar Harbor...sunset dinner on the deck at Village Restaurant or maybe francine bistro? If you're taking the freeway, maybe dine in Freeport at the Harrakeeset Inn or the Jameson Tavern.

Hello. It sounds like a great trip. Bar Harbor to Portland should take about 3 1/2 hours on 95 which we've found is much faster with a difference of 2+/- hours, depending on the time of year. Occasionally, we *will* take 95 to 3 (Augusta exit 113) to 1 (Belfast). Given the short amount of time that you have and the scenery when you get to the Bar Harbor area, I would want to be there (here). Route 1 is lovely in some areas but it is also a two lane road, going through small villages. It all depends on your travelling style - moseying up the coast can be very pleasant if you have the time.

Expect heavy traffic in the Wiscasset area during commuting times because of the bridge. Last summer we saw it backed up for several miles so we canceled plans to go back for dinner in Boothbay. Consider enjoying Rt 1 until you get to Brunswick, then get on Rt 95. Don't miss Camden although traffic is slow thru the downtown area during tourist season. If you want a casual meal, stop in Stockton at Just Barb's or the Seabasket in Wiscasset. (closed Sundays and Mondays)