boston to bar harbor road trip
EXPLORING THE CITY OF BOSTON ALONG WITH A SCENIC DRIVE TO BAR HARBOR MAINEThis trip combines the fun of being in the great city of Boston with a scenic road trip up the Maine coast as far north as Bar Harbor. Spend some time exploring all that the wonderful city of Boston has to offer before heading to Maine. In the summer, the streets come alive. On weekends, there are many street performers, especially in the area around Faneuil Hall. There is so much history in Boston, and kids love following the red brick Freedom Trail as you walk to various sites, including the Old North Church and the Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. 
 
Before planning any road trips check the attraction or national park social media accounts and websites for the most current information. Vehicle reservations may be required for access in certain parts of the park like the Cadillac Summit Road. Some of the activities listed when this post was originally written may be unavailable.   | 
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 We love visiting Boston, and were fortunate to have family that lived in the historic North End for many years. One of the special things that my late Uncle Arthur shared with us was his love for feasts, but in particular the Saint Anthony’s Feast. Every summer at the end of August, the streets are filled with table after table of Italian favorites, including cannoli, zeppole and arancini for an entire weekend. My uncle would spend weeks preparing his favorite Italian dishes, and as the Grand Procession walked by his house, he would feed hundreds of parade participants. You can read Enjoy a Taste of Italy in Boston’s North End to see how we tried to recapture his Italian spirit on a recent visit. Don’t miss a chance for an authentic Italian meal in the North End at a place like the Daily Catch (tiny place and cash only). For dessert, stop by Bova’s Bakery on Salem Street, or Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street, where there is always a line but it is worth the wait!   
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The next day, break up the 3 hour drive to Bar Harbor by stopping at historic Fort Knox in Prospect, Maine. For a small fee, the kids can explore this historic fort, located on the banks of the Penobscot River. While the grounds are open all year, access to the fort is only available between May and October.
You could easily spend several days in nearby Acadia National Park. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the east coast and offers spectacular sunrise views (reservations required). The park has miles of carriage roads that are closed to car traffic, making it ideal for bike-riding. Sand Beach is a great place to visit, just remember that the ocean temperature is pretty chilly all summer. Be sure to stop at Jordan Pond House Restaurant to enjoy some of their famous popovers while sitting outside on the lawn and enjoying the view. Get the kids involved through the Junior Ranger Program and find other family-friendly activities. Be sure to read Cool Things to Do Around Bar Harbor Maine.
On either leg of the trip between Boston and Bar Harbor, stop at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine for one of their highly acclaimed lobster rolls. Expect a line at Red’s, open seasonally starting in mid-April. If that doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other popular places to find some of Maine’s best lobster rolls. If you still are craving lobster when you return to Boston, grab something from James Hook and Co. and eat by the water, or try Pauli’s in the North End.
Check out these related posts below for more information about Boston and Maine.
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