Planning New England Coast Tour for June, focus on scenery/nature
 

Hi - I'm just starting to think about this and your information will help to focus our planning. We're 50's/60's, active and relatively fit, travelling without kids, and particularly enjoy exceptional scenery and nature (e.g. are birdwatchers). Also moderate hikes, interesting small towns, good food, maybe a museum or 2 and a little bit of shopping for crafts and other unique items.

We wouldn't do all of New England. Are coming from Canada (cross border at Buffalo) and I'm thinking we might head to Cape Cod first then work our way up to Bar Harbor and Acadia before heading back through Montreal. Planning on 10 days, maybe up to 2 weeks if warranted.

I really like to avoid big crowds and congestion and am hoping that by visiting in June, these will be somewhat minimized?

Maine is one of our favorite vacation spots and since it's so close, it's not unusual for us to visit during the 4th of July week. Places like Boothbay are crowded. Other places are not. You should probably plan to be out on the water, maybe a boat trip to see puffins or visit Monhegan island so check to see if June is really a good time for that. Mid-June is when lupines are blooming and those are great for photos. Some boat trips might not be going in June or only operating on weekends. We have been on a great boat trip to see lighthouses which is operated by the Maritime Museum in Bath. I also recommend boat trips out of Portsmouth NH but since you are birders, you might check out the birding day trips planned by NH Audubon.

Our favorite area for quiet is the Harpswells which is east of Brunswick ME. There are several areas where the public can hike and enjoy the coast. We got a map and had fun doing a little exploring. It was 4th of July week yet we hardly saw another person on these walks. I think local trail systems in many locations are almost "secret". Not meant to be but you have to look for them. They might be on conservation or preservation property so don't get advertised much.

On your way to Bar Harbor, Camden is a great stop although expect a crowded downtown area. The auto road up Mt Battie is a favorite of ours and we like to have a picnic at the top overlooking Camden Harbor. Not many views that nice.

Your plan to start with Cape Cod and go north makes sense. There is an Aububon sanctuary on the Cape, I think it's in Wellfleet.

In addition to the places dhfrostnh mentioned, stop in Cape Ann north of Boston for Gloucester, Rockport,

Acadia is beautiful.

Check out Plum Island, Mass and the Parker River National Refuge. Its said to have some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the Northeast. And Newburyport offers many choices for dining and shopping.

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/

Just about an hour north is the Rachel Carson National Refuge in Wells, ME. Great kayaking opportunities there and Kennebunkport offers lots of choices for lodging and dining.

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson/

My last suggestion and another personal favorite is the Schoodic Pennisula portion of Acadia National Park. The scenery is beautiful. Climbing on the rocks is a blast and there is a nice bike loop as well. Winter Harbor is a tiny little village that has a few art galleries - worth poking around.

http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisi...d/schoodic.pdf

Forgot to include the link for Mass Audubon's facility in Newburyport.

http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Co...lats/index.php

Be sure to check beforehand that things you want to visit will be open in June. Not everything is, especially smaller museums/attractions.

Thanks, lots of data to get me started. I'll check re: things being opened as had assumed most will be. One of the reasons we prefer the June shoulder season to the September one is that our experience has shown generally seasonal attractions and facilities tend to get geared up for the summer in June, and often cut back their hours (or close) after Labour Day.

We visited Acadia once years ago. Had planned for a full day visit (were booked in further down the coast that night), but we got caught in a terrible traffic jam which cut our visit to the park short, and didn't make it into Bar Harbor at all, which we had hoped to check out a bit. Now that was a Saturday in mid July, so I'm hoping June won't be quite that congested(?).

June will be much quieter than July in Bar Harbor. I hope you make it up there - it really is worth the effort whether you visit the main park or the other quieter parts. I love the hike around Jordon Pond followed by popovers and lemonade on the lawn at the Jordon Pond House. But there isn't much about Maine that I don't love.

You are going to have a wonderful trip!

Some things do not open for the season until late June or even July 1. We found that to be the case in Plymouth, MA, in early June a few years ago, for example. The major attractions (Plimoth Plantation, the Mayflower II, and such) were open, but some of the smaller museums were not, much to our surprise.

We're Californians and took a trip to the coast of Maine and New Brunswick several years ago. Acadia was a real highlight. The 3 mile hike around Jordan Pond (and stop for popovers at the restaurant) was gorgeous, as was a walk along Long Pond. We stayed in Bar Harbor at the Manor House Inn and loved it. We wanted to rent bikes, but the bike bus wasn't running in early October when we were there. We spent the night on Monhegan Island and found it really interesting. It was the last night of their season, and COLD when we were there. We also stayed in Camden at the Belmont Inn..nice inn and very friendly innkeeper. We hiked up to Mt Battie and the view was astounding. We also were at an Audubon preserve but I forgot where it was. We also were along the coast in New Brunswick. Fundy Nat Park and Fundy Trail offered great hiking and birdwatching. We also drove the sea to Minister Island...great experience. Have fun.

Does the ten days include travel from the Buffalo area? Cause that will be at least a day in each direction. How many days do actually have on the coast?

I would suggest two or three days on Cape Cod with at least one of those nights on Nantucket. I love Cape Ann (north of Boston) but if time is limited I'd just get on the Interstate and go straight to Maine. I would take at least two or three days to get up to Acadia. Good places to stop include: York, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, Portland, Boothbay area, and Camden. Acadia area itself 'deserves' two or three days if you want to hike. The most recent time I was there I was only actually there about 24 hours and it was still worth it, but we didn't have time for hiking. So three days each for the Cape and Islands, lower Maine, and Acadia eats up all your time.

More thanks. We've got some flexibility for time - 10 to 15 days including travel days. I appreciate the recommendations on accommodation and would welcome more suggestions. Tend to like a place where we can spend an hour between exploring and dinner relaxing on a porch or patio with a glass of wine and a great view. Also appreciate suite/chalet/condo accommodation where we can unpack and spread out for 3 or 4 days, using it as a base for day trips.

Visit CapeCod National Seashore.

Acadia National Park was our favorite budget destination in June for many years. In June, there were fewer crowds, but more rain and fog. We did tons of hiking, just planned on not seeing beyond our fingers sometimes, and planned a day or two of indoor activities.