We left Poquoson. nice and early, 8.00am and took the I64 south to the Hampton Bridge Tunnel, then headed north over the 21 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel, an engineering marvel that takes you to Virginia's eastern shores. The eastern shore is a thin peninsula that has a string of small villages up to the Maryland border, farmland and lots of artisans. Our aim was to get to Liberty State Park in New Jersey via the New Jersey Turnpike, a 12 lane monster highway to view the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the new Manhattan skyline.
It was a bit blowy so we packed back into the Ford Expedition and on to our overnight stop at the Hampton Inn Nanuet NY.
Next day we drove to York Harbor Maine and the Sunrise Hotel. On the beachfront this place is a treasure. A walk around town and across the wriggly bridge. Pre dinner drinks at the Chapman Cottage followed by the worst meal of the trip.
Friday we drove along the beach front to Perkins Cove a gorgeous little harbour with amazing little shops and stunning views.
Then on to Kennebunkport, holiday place of the Bush family and to Portland for lunch at the famous Portland Lobster cafe where we enjoyed a lobster roll. After lunch we went to Big Moose Harley Davidson for Matt then back to Kitterey and York. We went to Lobster Cove for dinner, Matt and I ordered the twin lobster plate, two one and one quarter pound lobsters plus potato and coleslaw. Beautiful. All for $25. Maine has so many picture perfect homes and vistas with old lighthouses dotted along the coast.
Then on to Kennebunkport, holiday place of the Bush family and to Portland for lunch at the famous Portland Lobster cafe where we enjoyed a lobster roll. After lunch we went to Big Moose Harley Davidson for Matt then back to Kitterey and York. We went to Lobster Cove for dinner, Matt and I ordered the twin lobster plate, two one and one quarter pound lobsters plus potato and coleslaw. Beautiful. All for $25. Maine has so many picture perfect homes and vistas with old lighthouses dotted along the coast.
Saturday was check out of the Sunrise Hotel , big breakfast at the Lobster Cove before heading off for the great American pastime, Outlet Malls. We drove an hour north to Freeport Maine where the huge LL Bean mega store is situated along with a squillion other factory outlet shops. Once the credit card was blistered, a little, we headed west to North Conway New Hampshire. Heartland of the New England fall colours. New Hampshire's is funny place, the state motto on the vehicle license plates reads "Live free or Die" , really, that's a bit harsh, Virginia's is ' Virginia is for lovers', Montana is ' Big Sky Country' but New Hampshire, live free or the states gonna kill ya! As we went west the fall colours started to appear in earnest, we arrived at our accommodation the Eastman Inn, a B&B built in 1777. A beautiful old building with two steep flights of steps up to our room, beautiful appointments and engaging hosts, Arthur and Marta.
Sunday was a trip to the base of Mount Washington through the White Mountains that were alive with all the colours of fall foliage; reds, yellows, oranges and green in many tones. Absolutely stunning. We caught the Mount Washington Cog Railway up the mountain. The oldest cog railway in the world built in 1880's. It rises from around 2500 feet to 6288 feet, up into the clouds. We got on top of the mountain, but there was no view due to low cloud. The trip up gave us vistas of surrounding mountains for about 2/3 of the trip.
After we decended we drove back to North Conway and stopped of at an Irish Pub for a drink. We walked in and sat at a small table listening to music played by about 8 local musicians. The played for about 1 and 1/2 hours, other musicians joined in for some songs, the oldest member was in his 80 's youngest about 18. It was fantastic. We decided to stay for dinner.
After we decended we drove back to North Conway and stopped of at an Irish Pub for a drink. We walked in and sat at a small table listening to music played by about 8 local musicians. The played for about 1 and 1/2 hours, other musicians joined in for some songs, the oldest member was in his 80 's youngest about 18. It was fantastic. We decided to stay for dinner.
Next day, Monday, we drove the Kancamagus highway from Conway to Lincoln NH, 34 miles of the most beautiful scenic vistas you could possibly wish for. Rated as one of the best drives in the USA,this is the goto place to see fall colours. We dropped into the Saco River Ranger station and got our map and POI sheets, we started with Covered bridges over rivers flanked by trees of red, yellow, orange and everything color in between. As the road climbed the mountain wayside stops at strategic points provided the perfect viewing point. Fall colours as far as the eye could see. At one point we met a woman who come up to see the leaves every year. She said this is good as it gets and she has been coming for 30 years. We timed it to perfection.
The day was topped off with a bit more outlet shopping.
The day was topped off with a bit more outlet shopping.
Tuesday was back on the road south to prepare for our trip home next Saturday. overnight stop back in Nanuet NY then onto the New Jersey turnpike for Virgina's eastern shore and home to ready for our trip home.
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