New England Family Road Trip

The first stop on the New England family adventure is Newport, Rhode Island. An adorable port town, Newport boasts beautiful waterways, loads of small business-owned shops and fabulous food. Enough cannot be said about this quaint, boating town. The Cliff Walk is a must-see three- to four-mile hike along the ragged coastline, dotted with picturesque waves and gilded mansions. The Breakers, The Elms and Rosecliff are among the many beautiful historic mansions that are available for exploration and provide insight into some of the wealthiest American families of the time. Your jaw will drop with the sheer amount of gold that was used in many of them! Trolly tours are a fun way to see what all these homes have to offer. Of course, the beaches are fabulous, depending on the time of year. And, as mentioned, shopping is a must. This town is definitely worth exploring and I would recommend staying for at least two nights to make it worth the trip.

One of the prettiest on the coast of Maine, the colonial homes, jagged shoreline and beautiful sandy beaches make Ogunquit a perfect place to stop to grab a bite to eat for lunch, before heading off to your next destination.

Three hours north of Newport is Kennebunkport Maine. This adorable New England town is close to a fabulous dog-friendly, family beach which makes it a very desirable place to visit. Here the outdoor enthusiast can enjoy time well spent with family. You can kayak, boat and bike, exploring all this scenic town has to offer. Eco Adventures can take you on a wonderful cruise or you can visit a local fishing village, Cape Porpoise, and observe the fishermen bringing their hauls off the boats. Dock Square is in the center of it all, bustling in the summer months with people excited to explore the stores, galleries and outdoor cafes. Here you can grab a clam or lobster roll, a blueberry soda — if you've never had, I highly recommend it — and enjoy the people-watching. Two or three nights at this destination would suffice and allow you to see a good part of it.

Between Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor lies the tiny town of Wiscasset, which has become a destination spot for the best Lobster Rolls in New England. Red's Eats is what lobster legends are made of. People from all over the world come here for the experience. The workers ask where you are from when you place your order and welcome you over a loudspeaker. Customers begin to feel that maybe their commute was not so long, when they hear their fellow line-mates are from Ireland, France, and the like! You will be making friends, as the lines are usually an hour long. Here you will be served two pounds of fresh Maine lobster on a hot buttery roll.... very worth the wait — and the $36 price tag.

Moving on, we head to Bar Harbor, the largest of the coastal destinations. With gorgeous vistas, amazing hiking in Acadia National Park, and awe-inspiring sunrises at Cadillac Mountain this location is perfect for a family trip on its own. If you are brave and in shape, the Beehive is the most famous — and treacherous — hike in the park. Adorable shops line the streets, great restaurants line the water and ab overall relaxing vibe fills the air. Check out Lulu's Lobster Boat ride. Small group boats take you around the harbor and teach you the ways of the lobsterman. Along the way you will see and learn not only about lobsters but about seals and other marine life as well. Wildwood Stables provides a variety of daily horse-drawn carriage rides and tours from the end of May through mid-October each year. Tours follow the famous and scenic carriage roads that were originally constructed by John D. Rockefeller between 1913 and 1940. The horses are beautiful and the ride is fun for all members of the family!

On the way back down the coast — about five hours south — take a stop in Boston to get a taste of the city for a change. A Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolly is a great way to get an overview of the city. Whale-watching tours are a great way to spend time in the area.

Tour around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on a high-speed catamaran. See humpback and fin whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins with the help of a naturalist guide. Stop by the Boston Aquarium. We found it to be a great way to spend the day as well.

Check out Harvard University or see a game at Fenway Park. Take a deep dive into the history of the American Revolution on a walking tour of the Freedom Trail. There is so much to do, I would give yourself a minimum of three whole days in the Boston area.

Newport

When in Newport try Perro Salado for brunch or lunch. This modern Mexican pub has delicious drinks and classic favorites, like carne asada as well as lobster quesadillas for a New England twist. The brunch menu is fabulous and includes El Perro Doningo, a delicious corn cake dish, and the classic, huevos rancheros. Another great place to grab a bite for dinner is Scales and Shells. With fish and seafood-leaning dishes such as the swordfish lettuce wrap, and cod in an iron pot, this long-standing Newport establishment is sure to please. They also have a fabulous, fresh raw bar.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is filled with delicious food options, but one we very much enjoyed is 50 Local. With delicious starters and homemade pasta dishes such as lobster gnocchi, this French-American-style bistro has a beautiful take on some traditional dishes. The service is outstanding, and the food is locally sourced and extremely fresh.

Serving both breakfast and lunch, Salt and Honey has been named one of Maine's Best New Restaurants by Down East Magazine. It is filled with approachable farm-fresh dishes like Spring Salad, Frogmore Stew and the Blue Mango Veggie Burger. This quaint spot is right in the middle of the action and a great place to grab a bite while shopping around town.

Hidden Pond is an amazing luxury resort in Kennebunkport that can be a bit pricey. If it is not within your budget to stay, I highly recommend a visit to their outstanding restaurant, Earth. Food is sourced from both their local organic gardens and caught fresh off the shores that day. The atmosphere is modern, calming and romantic, with wines from Argentina, Lebanon and Chili. There is both indoor seating, as well as tables that flank the outdoor community pool, which is quite lovely lit up at night. Earth is consistently ranked as one of the top restaurants in the area and with good reason.

Bar Harbor

After a good morning hike, there are several great places you can grab something for brunch or lunch in the area. Two Cats is a great local place for pancakes, tofu scramble or eggs benedict. Side Street Cafe is a great casual space with outdoor dining, and a great lunch menu featuring impressive lobster rolls, creative burgers and great service.

Dinner recommendations include Parilla at Havana's, a great outdoor tapas bar with fresh grilled specialties, and long lines... so get there early. Overlooking Frenchman Bay, in The Bar Harbor Inn and Spa is The Reading Room. Local Maine cuisine and stellar service are second only to the amazing panoramic views. This fine dining restaurant requires smart casual attire and boasts traditional dishes, such as shrimp cocktail and New England clam chowder. Dating back five generations, Thurston is a very casual spot on the docks of the bay where you can watch your dinner arrive by boat. This is the place to go for Lobster, with hard and soft-shelled varieties being offered in a host of sizes.

Boston

Sarma is a hot spot in Boston, with brightly hued décor, warm hospitality, and a made-to-be-shared menu of Mediterranean- and Middle Eastern-inspired small plates. Masterpieces like the apricot dolma with walnuts and kofte sliders round out this delicious menu and make it the place to go for great food.

The Boston Public Market may be crowded at times, but it is worth the visit — just maybe go after 1 pm. From crepes to smoked fish tacos, korean-style banh mi and shakshuka, there is something for everyone here.

Saltie Girl is a little oyster bar with a focus on beautiful, high-quality fish in tins, jars, smoked and, of course, amazing local and fresh seafood. From the torched salmon belly to the fried lobster and waffles, you’ll love just about everything on the menu.