From Maine to Pennsylvania, we spent a week traveling the East Coast. Lots of info to pack in one place. I narrowed over 1000 pictures down to about 40. I’m hitting the highlights but wishing I could include the fun of the in-betweens.

Day 1 was a travel day that landed us in Portland, Maine. After getting settled at our hotel, we set out for dinner. That night was The Highroller Lobster Co. Along with its unique atmosphere and decor, it was by far my favorite lobster roll.

The next morning we picked up our rental van and spent the day walking downtown Portland and taking a ferry to Peaks Island. It was a foggy day so we didn’t get some of the views we were hoping for. However, fog does make for some moody pictures so I’m not mad about it.

After leaving Peaks Island, we headed toward Cape Elizabeth for lunch and to see the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Lunch was, you guessed it, more lob-stah! Lewis wanted to try a full lobster for the first time and what better place than Maine. Again, had it not been foggy, we would have been able to see more lighthouses from The Lobster Shack.

The Portland Head Light. Not only is it the most photographed lighthouse in the world, it is also the oldest lighthouse in Maine. The Portland Head Light was completed in 1791. Interesting fact: there is a webcam if you want to check out some of the views yourself.

Day 3. We loaded up the van to head to Bar Harbor, ME. The main goal for Bar Harbor was to sight see at Acadia National Park. There are 2 ways to gain entrance to the Park, make reservations ahead of time and drive your own vehicle OR take a trolley tour. There were no reservations available while we were there so we hopped on a trolley.

Again…..we encountered fog. Not a complete bust, it was still beautiful.

Cadillac Mountain was high on our list to see. From October to early March, the sunrise strikes Cadillac Mountain first in the USA. It’s also the highest point along the North Atlantic seacoast. Even with the fog, it’s completely worth your time to see.

Also located in Acadia is Thunder Hole. It’s a natural rock formation that creates the sound of thunder when waves crash into it. Watch where you stand, you may get wet!

After touring Acadia National Park, we spent the rest of the day exploring downtown Bar Harbor, pronounced Bah Hahba, by the locals. It is a charming coastal town with so much good food.

That evening we made a quick stop in Bangor, ME to see the 31 foot tall statue of Paul Bunyun. Bangor claims to be the birthplace of the lumber industry and Paul Bunyun.

Bangor also had one more interesting place, the home of Stephen King. (insert scream) We had to stop. The house and gate had interesting details, but the carved wood in his yard was the most impressive. If you know what all the carvings mean, let me know. My best guess is Pet Sematary??

Day 4. We spent the morning celebrity hunting in Kennebunkport, ME. Hello Patrick Dempsey? The closest we got was George W. Bush’s home there. We were told if the Texas flag was up, that means he is home. The Texas flag was up, but we never saw George.

Now on to a quick stop in Salem, MA. I have wanted to visit this place for a long time. We ate lunch and toured the Salem Witch Museum. (If you have more time to stay in Salem, the house and cemetery from Hocus Pocus are there.)

Day 5 on to Boston, MA. Out of all the places we saw, Boston was my favorite. So much history! We did a trolley tour with Hop On Hop Off. One of the places we didn’t have time to see was the location of the Boston Tea Party.

Day 6 landed us in Plymouth, MA. Although this is just a replica of The Mayflower, you can see how small of a ship it was. Can you imagine making that journey on this ship?? Go Pilgrims!

After leaving Plymouth, we made a stop at The Breakers in Newport, RI. The Vanderbilt’s built The Breakers for a summer home. I mean, for a summer home it’ll do. (turns my nose up)

Day 7. The city that never sleeps. New York, NY. If you’ve never driven through New York, you should try it sometime. I feel like that was an adventure by itself. Seriously though, don’t try that.

After a whirlwind visit through New York, we made it to Philadelphia by that evening. What’s the first thing you do in Philadelphia? Sing the opening song to Fresh Prince and make your way to the “Rocky Steps.’

The next morning we headed home. Luckily, we were traveling with a Junior Airline Pilot in case we ran in to trouble. ;)

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