Hello all! My husband and I are going to be flying in to Manchester, NH on Aug. 9th and will be driving to Sugar Hill (where we're staying for 4 days) we're then driving to Rockland, Maine where we will stay for three days. We're looking for the best "local" places to eat & drink in the area, most photographic spots, etc. We want as little "touristy" areas as possible. We've planned one true "touristy" day, driving from Sugarhill to Montreal to see a baseball game, but other than that our itenerary is wide open. He's a photographer so give us all your "scenic must sees" as well! We'll be celebrating our first anniversary in Maine, so the whole trip, any off the beaten path romantic places would be much appreciated!

We definitely wanted to drive to vermont one day to see the sights, and visit a few brewpubs and wineries.

Thanks in advance!

I don't know Sugar Hill or Rockland specificly, but a few suggestions:
The White Mountains are a hikers paradise - even if you don't consider yourself a hiker, there are hundreds of short hikes and walks that lead to spectacular views. Get the Delorimer's map of White Mountain hikes, which will set you back about $5, and is the best way to explore the back roads and hiking trails of the Whites. An interesting town near Sugar River is Bethlehem, which is an eccletic mix of outdoorsy hikers, and Jewish Orthodox
fresh air seekers from New York. Lots of interesting shops and places to eat there. Woodstock NH and Woodstock Vt are both fun towns, but very different. As for wineries, you are pretty far north for that, but there may be a few small places. There is a nice pub type place in Woodstock NH called Teachers thats pretty good. As for photo ops, you will be overwelmed by them. Don't be afrain to explore the back roads, even the gravel ones, that's where you'll come across an old barn or abandoned farmhouse that makes for some interesting shots. If it's a clear day, do the Mt. Washington auto road for some unforgettable views.
As for 'local' places to eat, there are a few mom and pop diners and eateries in the north country, but the fare will most likely be grilled cheese and french fries.

thanks for the input!

If you are staying in Sugar Hill you should pop into Littleton and check out Main Street. There are some adorable shops All that Jazz, Art to Go, Chutters, etc. Great places to eat include the Beal House (upscale casual), Clam Shell (good seafood, value, casual), Italian Oasis,. There is also a great sort of cafe behind Main Street on the river I think it is called Millers Fare. The book store is also very nice. From Sugar Hill just jump on rt. 93 and get off at exit 41 or 42 and you are just about there. Have fun! I live and work right in the are send me an e-mail at [email protected] if you have any questions I can try to help you out.

There's a great homemade ice cream spot in Littleton..ask the locals where it is. Near Rockland, the dining room at the Samoset Resort is very nice for dinner & the coffee shop is decent for lunch. Great setting, great resort.

On Route 1 near Rockland, you might pass the old-fashioned Thomaston Grocery Store. The Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie that they carry is outta this world.

You guys are great! I'm starting to wish we had a lot more time to be up there. Neither of us have been before and the scenery looks breathtaking. Makes our palm trees pale in comparison.

The ice cream place is called Bishops. Get on route 93 and off at exit 41 going towards the center of town and you will see it.

When I stayed in Rockland last year I found a great book store/coffee house that I loved. I liked Rockland a lot much more than Camden.

you might want to read the 'Maine'thread....lots of info on the Camden area

Lucky you, Sugar Hill is so beautiful!
Polly's Pancake Parlor is a must, and is very famous for their breakfast fare. I think it is Rte 114 that drives through Sugar Hill towards Franconia Notch, that provides some of the best scenery in the White Mts. When in Franconia Notch, hike around the Basin, rent a canoe on Echo Lake. Drive along the Kancamagus and get a map of the waterfalls in the local visitor guides. The Woodstock Inn is a great place to have dinner, and the pub attached to the inn is great for appetizers and drinks (In Woodstock, NH).

Enjoy!

Definitely go to Polly's Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill. We were just there last week. Fabulous pancakes and a glorious mountain view. There was even a moose with her calf grazing in the field across the street. It can get pretty crowded so it may be best to go at an off peak time. I think they're open from 7am-3pm.

The Franconia Notch area has dramatic scenery even though the Old Man is no more. Take a drive over 302 past Mt. Washington and the Pinkham Notch. If it's a clear day, consider taking the Cog Railway up Mt. Washington. Bring a jacket. It's cold at the top. Have fun.