maine-New hampshire
 

Driving from Bar Harbor to Andover NH over a 3 day period.Should I take Rte 2--where should I stop, thinking of Bethel and Jackson NH.Wed like to see something historic, thinking of driving to Old Sturbridge if nothing on the way from Maine--is it too far.

You haven't mentioned when you're going. The most direct route would be via Portland, ME, Portsmouth, NH (very historic) and Concord, NH.

For scenery, driving via Route 2 would be fabulous. You might want to spend one night in Jackson, and another in the Lakes Region (Meredith, Wolfeboro, etc.) That route would be about 300 miles and around six hours driving.

From Bar Harbor to Andover, NH via Old Sturbridge Village would be about 475 miles and about eight hours driving.

T

If you are looking for historic, Shaker Village at Canterbury NH is very close to Andover. Shaker Village is a very beautiful spot, encompassing hundreds of acres, with many interesting buildings to go thru. Don't miss one of the guided tours, which are fascinating. Old Sturbridge is also great, but it's a long drive from Andover. Jackson NH is one of the nicer villages in the White Mountains. Andover is also a charming little town, not too far from the New London/Sunapee area which is also very scenic.

Thanks much.We'll be leaving 9/10 and returning to Atl 9/21.Shaker vilage sounds good and itll keep the driving down.Is it a live village or some king of restored village?

Shaker Village is a combination of both. There used to be a few remaining Shakers living there, but I'm not sure if they're still alive.

Check out Castle in the Clouds in the Lakes Region. The home, grounds (atop a mountain), gardens, and story of the builder/owner are all worth the trip.

http://www.castlesprings.com/adv_ovr.html

You might also want to wander past Andover to Hanover, NH.

For historic, you might also include a visit to Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth NH. It's also a beautiful seacoast city with wonderful restaurants. If you head to Concord via Rt 4 you will pass thru Northwood where there's a lot of antique shops. This route would miss the White Mountains, however. Canterbury Shaker Village is not very far off your route between Concord and Andover NH but you will see mountains in the distance. There last Shaker sister died a few years ago. The tour is very interesting and unique because of their inventions and way of life.

Thanks--I checked out their website and it looks perfect.Any suggestions for overnight and restaurants

There's not a lot of choice in the Andover area. Head to New London for either Peter Christians (mostly sandwiches) or the Gray House. I think you would enjoy an overnight in Concord better. If you stay at the Holiday Inn you can cross the street and enjoy downtown Main Street. The Museum of NH History is within walking distance. Excellent gift shop. Most stores close at 5:30 during the week but there are some great gift shops including the League of NH Craftsmen and two bookstores. Great pastry at Bread and Chocolate on S Main St. On the opposite corner from the Holiday Inn is Siam Orchid for Thai food (there's a Chinese restaurant in the other direction). I like both the Barley House (but can be smokey) and Cheers (on Storrs St which runs on the backside of the Holiday Inn). There are two Mexican restaurants, both popular. There are several other choices as well. There is a new Mariott Courtyard in a quieter area, also a couple of hotels near exit 13. Only the Holiday Inn is in the downtown walking area. If you don't care for Holiday Inn breakfasts there are several bagel places which open early along Main St.

Don't know of any lodging choices in Andover, I'm sure there are some b&b's for the visiting parents of Proctor students. A quick drive to New London gives you lots of dining options - for casual: Flying Goose Brew Pub, Peter Christians Pub. More upscale: The Hideaway, Millstone, La Meridiana (great Italian!). Concord does have a lot of options but is much more urban.
For a beautiful place to stay in the Andover area, check out the Inn at Sunapee.

If you're near Portsmouth during lunchtime - grab a picninc lunch - head to Strwberry Banke and picnic in the adjacent park and meander around the museum a bit - it's small but nice.