Scenic Route from NYC to Maine
 

Message: We will be driving up to the Camden, Maine area from New York City this weekend. Any suggestions for a scenic route at least part of the way? We don't mind taking the highways part of the time, but we'd like to see some of the country and views as well.

Thanks!
Cindy

NYC to Camden, ME is not a short drive, and there's no "must-see" scenic route along the way. But having said that, you may want to get off the interstate for a while in eastern Connecticut. It's quite rustic and hilly there, with some nice towns.

One possible route is to take I-384 East from Hartford, which becomes US44, and go through Storrs (UConn), then pick up I-395 N. Or take I-95 all the way to New London, then I-395 N, and then get off a t Exit 83A to take 169 N for part of the way.

Or you can visit the Rhode Island beaches on US1, but that'd add to significant travel time, as you'll have to pass through Providence and around Boston later.

Further north, after getting into Maine, you can take a detour off Maine Turnpike Exit 2, and take Highway 9 to Kennebunkport and then Old Orchard Beach, before getting to Portland.

For a really rambly detour, leave 95/128 and get out to Marblehead, Calem, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport -- this involves Rte. 1/1A and other little rtes. like 127 and 133 so you'd certainly need a map. You can see some very pretty seashore-y and small-town things but it will certainly take some time. Eat seafood at M'head (the Barnacle) or Rockport or Essex.

Yeah, that would be "Salem" not Calem. You could even just stay on 1A through Ipswich.

You said rambling? Head to Hartford CT and then take Rt 91 north thru western MA to VT. Take the exit for Rt 9/Keene. Keene is a lovely college town. Head to Concord NH. This is a windy road but I think you can go 55 most of the way. Concord would be a good stopping place for lunch and a little shopping but if you want to fly thru, from Rt 89 get on Rt 93 N and then Rt 393 which bypasses the heavy traffic/shopping area to Rt 4. Rt 4 goes thru Northwood which is called Antique Alley. If you need an early lobster roll or ice cream fix, stop at Johnson's Dairy Bar. You can connect with Rt 95N at the Portsmouth traffic circle but Portsmouth is worth a visit even if you just want to stretch your legs. You might find a parking spot near Prescott Park (follow the signs for Strawbery Banke). If you want to bypass the traffic circle, from Rt 4/16 take the left exit for Woodbury Ave (Fox Run Mall). Go past the mall, keep going straight and then bear left at the plant nursery onto Market St. You will see the entrance to Rt 95. If you keep going on Market St it brings you to the downtown Portsmouth area where the harbor cruise boats dock.
The other rambling route would be to go from Concord NH to Conway and then over to Portland/Rt 95. It is worth the extra miles to continue to North Conway to see the mountain. Great view from Main Street. I think my BIL insists this is the shortest way to Portland ME from Concord. Between the NH border and Portland it will be very rural.
Kudos for wanting to see some of the country side instead of just bee-lining to Camden. BTW be sure to visit the Cellar Door Winery in Lincolnville just north of Camden for a wine tasting.