pius

We have had some good advice about this trip already and now we are getting down to specifics. This is our first visit to the area and we are interested in taking a leisurely scenic drive through parts of VT, NH and ME. We plan only to stop for meals and photos and we plan avoid large cities and towns. How does this sound: north on VT #7 to Rultland, the into NH, over-nighting in Lincoln, then along the Kanc to North Conway, maybe a little shopping and overnight, then on to ME via the #2 highway. Will this give us a flavor of the three states or is there another route we should consider that is doable in the time we have?

A couple of questions about this route: one of our passengers is rather height-phobic - how much of a white-knuckler is the Kanc (what about the Franconia Notch?); do we dare just wing it as far as accomodations are concerned or should we book ahead?

I'd appreciate all the advice I can get.

cindyj

I don't think anyone would consider the Kanc a white-knuckle ride compared with mountain routes in the west; your friend should be fine. You should drive a few miles north of North Conway to get nice views of Mt Washington. There is an auto road that goes up it, but that would probably frighten your friend.

Your plan sounds doable. Is your final destination somewhere in Maine? That might help with suggestions on routes and stops for the last day. Route 2 takes you through Bethel, Maine and pretty far north. Route 302 heads toward Portland and the southern coast.

bm

If I were you I'd take Route 7 north to Manchester, then take Route 30 east to Route 100 north. Take Route 4 over to I-91 north and then take 112 over to Lincoln.

pius

Thanks for the suggestions. We are actually planning to spend our last night in Bangor then head north into New Brunswick and on home to Nova Scotia. We are travelling to Stockbridge via 1-90 South so we thought we'd take a different route back.

As far as my other question about whether or not to book lodgings in advance, what do you think? We are leaving Stockbridge on June 27 so we'll be travelling on Saturday, Sunday and Monday if that makes a difference.

cindyj

Route 2 would be the choice to Bangor - then the Airline to Eastport, which is a route you probably already know. Route 2 will give you a flavor of inland Maine. Bethel is probably the prettiest town you'll go through. Its the closest town to the Sunday River ski area and home to Gould Academy. Then you'll head through the mill towns of Rumford, Norridgewalk and Skowhegan that are interesting in their own way. Farmington is a small college town, home of the UMaine at Farmington. There's a nice brew pub there, the Grainery, if you're in time for lunch and interested in that sort of thing.

I wouldn't worry about accommodations. Things really don't get rolling until the July 4th weekend and you won't be in the busiest areas. Although I'm not sure about N. Conway, you won't be there on a weekend night.

virginia

if you are going to overnight near north conway i'd like to suggest a small b&b nearby in lovell maine. nice accomadations & wonderful restaurant with gorgeous view of the white mts. http://www.centerlovellinn.com/
this is close to kezar lake which is lovely: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetmeow/109637317/
lovell is on rte 5 which goes from north conway to bethel. i would reserve if you choose to stay at this inn.
i live near bangor and am hard pressed to suggest anything besides standard motels in the area. there are 2 new ones that i've not seen.
1, the hotel at the new casino- pretty much in downtown but on the river: http://www.hollywoodslotsatbangor.com/
2, or near the mall on the I95 is the: http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en...tyhocn=BGRBAGI

as regards reservations: i doubt you'd be shut out but personally i prefer not to waste my vaca time searching around for a motel when i could be seeing sights. also if you happened to find stuff to see on your way somewhere you won't feel compelled to move on before you're ready in order to find accommodations "before it gets too dark".