Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime to picturesque New England. Join Travel Crazy for an 11-day vacation exploring historical Boston, the Villages along the rocky coasts of Maine, the breathtaking scenery of Acadia National Park, the White mountains of Vermont, and the Green Mountains of New Hampshire. From the coastline to the majestic mountains, this tour is one to be enjoyed by all.
Our adventure begins with an overnight stay in Pennsylvania. The following day we arrive in the Boston area for a two night stay. We’ll begin the day with a tour of Boston also known fondly as “Beantown”. This city renowned for its cultural, educational, and medical institutes is unrivaled. Along the freedom Trail we’ll see the old North Church, the old Statehouse, Boston Common, the USS Constitution and many more famous sites. We’ll enjoy free time and lunch on our own at Quincy market. In the afternoon, follow the revolutionary path through Lexington and Concorde where the “shot heard round the world” was fired.
The next day, we will continue northward, passing briefly through New Hampshire and over the Piscataqua River into Maine. Maine’s coastline glistens with its jagged rocks, lobster boats and lighthouses.
We begin our visit to Maine with a short drive up the Maine coast to the popular summer resort of Kennebunkport. It’s quaint setting appeals to artists, writers and Presidents. Famous authors, Kenneth Roberts and Booth Tarkington were both residents of the area and a scenic drive along the ocean to Walker’s point passes the well-known summer home of past President George Bush. Dock Square in the center of town offers a variety of galleries and craft shops.
Continuing north, our next stop is the largest city in Maine - Portland, describe as ‘the beautiful town that is seated by the sea’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Nearby, will visit the Portland Head Light which guards the entrance to the bay. Commissioned by George Washington, it is one of the oldest continuously operating lights in the country. Located on the scenic rocky coast, it overlooks many scenic islands and is a favorite with photographers.
We’ll motor on to Boothbay Harbor and settle in for a two-night’s stay. The next day, we’ll pass see several lighthouses that guard the entrance to Boothbay Harbor and perhaps see seals, osprey, whales and other wildlife on our cruise through the harbor and out to our lobster and clam bake on Cabbage Island. Relax in a lawn chair and watch the fisherman haul their traps or enjoy a game of horse shoes or badminton while waiting for the lobster and clams to cook, wrapped in seaweed, and buried in the sand. Later that afternoon, we’ll return to Boothbay Harbor, where your evening will be free to explore the village.
The next day, we journey on to the resort town of Bar Harbor, made famous by the wealthy from out of state who built large homes in the area and called them “ summer cottages”. The drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain with our step-on guide, will give us a informative panoramic view of Bar Harbor, the islands and surrounding area. We’ll enjoy a special lunch at the Jordan Pond house. The dining traditions of the Jordan Pond House date back to the late 1800s. During that era, teahouses were established to cater to the growing number of sophisticated summer visitors. Our unique dining experience will be highlighted with the views of Jordan Pond and “The Bubbles”. No visit to Bar Harbor would be complete without spending some time in the town’s shops, parks and along the waterfront. Tonight we’ll check in to our hotel in Bar Harbor.
The next morning , we’ll journey through the Maine woods with views of evergreens and white pines surrounding sparkling lakes in route to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. While traveling the Kancamagus highway, we’ll see some spectacular mountain views before arriving at Franconia State Park and Cannon Mountain where we’ll ride the Cannon Mountain Tram to the top for a view of four states and Canada. No visit to Cannon Mountain would be complete without a walk through Franconia Notch. With waterfalls and thunderous cascades, the Notch is a shutterbugs delight.
Vermont is next on our itinerary. We’ll arrive at The Inn of the Six Mountains in Killington for a three night stay. The Inn is nestled in a valley surrounded by several ski resorts with spectacular views of the mountains. On our first day of touring, we’re off to visit the Stowe area and stop at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for a sip or two. Then, we’re off to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory, and of course we’ll have to try a sample or two...or three...or four? After all we have to keep up the Travel Crazy ice cream tradition! We’ll head on to Burlington for shopping and lunch at the Church Street Market.
On our second day of touring we’ll visit Woodstock to see a couple of the most photographed covered bridges in America. No visit to Vermont would be complete without a stop at the Maple Museum. (Do you think we might be able to get some maple ice cream?)
We’ve planned a very special lunch stop for you at the Waybury Inn. You might remember it under another name on the Bob Newhart Show……Keep an eye out for Larry and his brothers, Daryl and Daryl!
We’re not done yet! On the way back to the Inn, we’ll stop at the Simon Pearce Mill and visit Quechee Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of Vermont”, the gorge will provide great views and plenty of snapshots. Of course we have to stop at the Quechee Gorge Village for some final shopping. The village has a general store, a Cabot Cheese Shop, and other outlets for your shopping pleasure.
Now that we have 100’s of pictures, an extra pound or two, and many fond memories, we’ll bid New England ado, and head back to Bluegrass country. We will again overnight in Pennsylvania before continuing home.
$1399 per person
(based on double occupancy)
Trip includes: motorcoach transportation, 3 nights hotel accommodations, baggage handling, ticket to Auburn and Tennessee games, 2 hot breakfast buffets in Pigeon Forge, admission the to Lumberjack Feud dinner/show, and shuttle to Harrah's Cherokee Casino.
