We are landing in Burlingron Vermont on June 27th. Staying 2 nights then on to Portsmouth Maine for 2 nights. Then on to Portland Maine for 3 nights. We will be taking the scenic route from Burlington to Portsmouth, and Portsmouth to Portland. Meaning we will not be taking interstates. We will drive the highways. So any cool interesting things, country stores, flea markets, or anything else that you may know, please give us some suggestions. Not into the hiking thing, but love to see local interests, and cool places, and of course Light Houses... .. Thanks for all your help...

Portsmouth is in NH

Which route are you planning on from Burlington to Portsmouth? There are so many options. It'll be almost 4 hours without stopping, on interstates. So switching to back roads should make the drive take the entire day with a few stops.

I assume in Barre you'll jump on 302 to 25 into NH. Barre has the countries largest granite quarry and they offer tours.

The lakes region of NH is beautiful. I know you said no hikes, but the Old Bridle Trail up West Rattlesnake is VERY easy and affords beautiful views.

Burlington VT to Portsmouth NH on back mountain roads will take a very long time. I don't know what roads you'll be on, but 90% of this trip will be rural, with plenty of small towns, farms, and mountains. Stowe, Ben and Jerrys, Billings Farm are famous attractiona in Vt. In NH, there is Canterbury Shaker Village, Castle in the Clouds, the Davisville flea market,and 'antique alley' which is the stretch of route 4 in the Northwood area.
There are lots of lighthouses from Portsmouth to Portland - Nubble Light in York, and Portland light come to mind. Route 1 is the 'slow way' for this drive, but is not particularly scenic. You have to explore the roads right along the ocean to see much. Driving thru the Prouts Neck area up to Portland is very picturesque.

While in Burlington, you may enjoy:

1. Ferry over to Ausable Chasm for a mild rafting ride
2. Shelburne Museum and/or farm
3. Food samples at Dakin Farm, Lake Champlain Chocolate, Ben and Jerrys, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Cabot Cheese
4. A side trip to visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge if you are a fan

On your drive you can stop in Montpelier to see the state house. Quechee has a nice gorge and glass blowing.

If you like lighthouses you could do a lighthouse tour in Portland.

http://www.portlanddiscovery.com/

"Get on board the "Discovery" trolley! Sit back, relax and enjoy a 105-minute, fully narrated tour as our engaging and informative guides treat you to Portland's diverse history and hidden gems. The childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Victoria Mansion, and the bustling Old Port are just a few of the landmarks you'll see as we travel from city streets to rocky coast. We'll even stop for photos at Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse. So don't forget your camera, and come see the best of Portland with us!"

We toured the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow home (nice tour) and took the short walk back to the port from there. Lots of stores to browse (restaurants too). Think you would enjoy this.

http://www.hwlongfellow.org/
http://www.mainehistory.org/house_overview.shtml

http://directory.portlandmaine.com/e...e-dining/2638/
http://www.pressherald.com/2012/05/0...-port-may2012/

Tough question due to your limited time. I have not been to the Burlington farmers market but heard it was very good - check to see if it's on Saturday. Last weekend we visited the Norwich VT farmers market and had a great time (Fodorite WFD GTG). I think the previous suggestions are good but for a one stop country store with lots of free food samples, I would head to Vermont Country Store.

East/west routes aren't very good. You could head down to Keene, then route 9 to Concord NH which is pretty rural with not much to see. I think going north on I91 to Norwich for King Arthur Flour if you like to bake (great store) and downtown Hanover (Dartmouth College). I did not visit Dan and Witt's store which was right next to our inn but I've been there before and you might enjoy a visit, more of a current general store (Norwich VT). Then take I89 which is you do this very early in the morning is a beautiful drive. If you want to visit a historic house, I enjoyed a visit to The Fells in Newbury NH (John Hay estate) with a very informative house tour. Look for Rt 103A and Rt 103 to take you east to Warner, then Contoocook, Hopkinton and Concord. If it's a Sunday, the Davisville Flea Market is open and this will take you right by it. Best before noon. You should also take a short detour (pretty drive) to see the view from the parking lot at Gould Hill Orchard. Then continue to downtown Concord. Turn left onto Main Street and continue north to get on I393 which will quickly take you to Rt 4 heading to Portsmouth and Northwood's Antique Alley.

This will also take you to Rt 16 and over the bridges across Great Bay. Navigate to your hotel. It is really not a good idea to drive rt 1 to Portland. First, once you go over the bridge to Kittery you are in outlet he11. But while you are in Portsmouth, take Rt 1B starting from Strawbery Banke thru New Castle. Beautiful drive past very old homes. The only thing about Rt 1 north of the outlets is visiting Stonewall Kitchen and When Pigs Fly bakery for food samples is fun. Weekdays might be ok but rt 1 is very congested and very commercial south of Portland.

The Discovery trolley sounds fun. I also enjoyed the mailboat cruise on Casco Bay. I've been told I should get off to wander Peak's Island but haven't done that yet.

I would consider a day trip to Rockland Maine to see Owl's Head Light (easy short hike and wonderful view), Waterman's Beach for lobster, the Farnsworth Art Museum or Owl's Head Transportation Museum. South of Portland it might be worth your time to visit Nubble Light in York.

There is a large flea market open in the summer on rt one on the Kennebunk/Arundel line. You will pass it on your Portsmouth to Portland drive.

If you like lighthouses, I suggest stopping just north of Portsmouth at Fort Constitution (in here: http://thefreelanceadventurer.blogsp...ighthouse.html)

Also, when you get to Portland, don't miss Portland Head Light (info here:http://thefreelanceadventurer.blogsp...ead-light.html)

Thanks for all your suggestions. So many things to do, makes it hard to decide.