New england adventure
Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Experiencing New England in the fall has always been a dream of mine. As a lifelong Floridian, the mere thought of witnessing the vibrant autumn leaves brings a smile to my face. We are always excited to explore our stunning national parks, so we were thrilled to visit Acadia and other parts of New England. We decided that the best way to embark on this adventure was to fly into Boston and drive to Acadia, as the scenery during October should be breathtaking. We chose mid-October based on recommendations from our friends in New England, who assured us it would be the ideal time to see the fall leaves. Although there is no guarantee to see the leaves we did luck out because the leaves were amazingly vibrant in Acadia the day we visited, but the following day was a storm that blew all the leaves off the trees.
Once we landed in Boston, we made our way to Bar Harbor, stopping in Salem, MA, since it was conveniently located along our route. I was eager to visit Salem in October, renowned for the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. The town embraces Halloween throughout the entire month, which added to our excitement. We only had a brief visit, enjoying lunch and checking out the Witch House while taking a little drive around. The town matched my expectations, offering an almost eerie ambiance as we arrived. The overcast weather enhanced the spooky vibe, with streets filled with people in Halloween costumes and shops showcasing festive decorations in their windows. Salem is truly a fascinating destination, especially during Halloween, and I highly recommend taking a drive through or spending a few nights to explore and join in on some tours.
Witch House-Salem, MA
After our brief visit to Salem, we set off for Bar Harbor, which was about a three-hour drive. I enjoyed every moment, captivated by the stunning views of the autumn foliage! We made a stop in Trenton, ME, just 20 minutes from Bar Harbor, to enjoy lobster rolls at Trenton Lobster Pound, a favorite recommended by our friends who grew up in the area. When we got there we found a line stretching around the building, which made us realize just how special this place is. While we waited, locals shared stories about the incredible menu options, including whole lobsters, lobster rolls, lobster salad sandwiches, and lobster mac and cheese. We decided on the hot lobster roll with butter, and it was absolutely the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted! To top it off, the roll came with a whoopie pie for dessert, which was utterly delicious! Be sure to add Trenton Lobster Pound to your list of must-visit restaurants.
Trenton Lobster Pound
Our journey continued as we made our way to Bar Harbor, arriving just as the sun began to set. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we took a walk around and, naturally, stopped by some souvenir shops—one of our favorite travel traditions. I always enjoy picking up a t-shirt or sweatshirt as a keepsake from our adventures. Soon after, we returned to our room, feeling exhausted and needing to rest up for our early ticketed entry to Cadillac Mountain. The next morning, we were welcomed by a breathtaking sunrise sky, and I couldn't resist spending a few moments on the balcony to soak it all in before we set out for the day.
Sunrise in Bar Harbor, ME
Immediately following the breathtaking sunrise, we made our way to Acadia National Park, with Cadillac Mountain as our first destination. Although we did our best, we couldn't secure the sunrise tickets, which are notoriously difficult to obtain! Upon reaching Cadillac Mountain, I was pleasantly surprised to catch a glimpse of the remaining sunrise, which was absolutely stunning as it illuminated the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, we could only stay for a short time due to the chilly temperatures up on the mountain. As the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States, Cadillac Mountain offers spectacular views of both the coastline and the surrounding mountains. It was an amazing experience, and I'm so grateful we had the chance to witness it!
cadillac mountain-acadia
After visiting Cadillac Mountain, we made our way to Thunder Hole, a carved inlet along the rocky eastern coastline that produces a sound reminiscent of thunder through its narrow channel. Once we enjoyed the "thunder" sound, we proceeded to Jordan Pond to stroll around the three-mile hike and take in the beautiful autumn leaves. There's parking available at the Jordan Pond House restaurant, but I cannot emphasize enough the importance of arriving early, or you may struggle to find a spot. The walk around the pond is truly breathtaking, especially with the vibrant fall foliage! After our hike, we headed to the restaurant to make reservations. Time flew by as we enjoyed the view of the pond and explored the souvenir shops. Jordan Pond House exceeded our expectations; we dined outside with a lovely view of the pond, and the food was delightful, particularly their famous popovers served with butter and jam!
Jordan Pond-Acadia
After finishing our lunch, we made our way to Bass Harbor Lighthouse. I've seen numerous photos of this iconic landmark and was so excited to experience it firsthand! The parking area near the lighthouse is quite small and tends to fill up quickly. I recommend arriving early; however, if you miss out on a spot, it's worth circling around and waiting for one to open up. Built in 1858, the lighthouse was significant from 1858 to 1948 due to its mid-19th century design and its importance to Maine's reliance on maritime transportation. The lighthouse was absolutely breathtaking, and I am thrilled that we had the opportunity to see it.
Our final stop was the carriage roads. Our friends from Maine, who joined us at Acadia, mentioned that this location was perfect for viewing the autumn foliage, and they certainly did not let us down. The carriage roads were a gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his family. Being an accomplished horseman, he envisioned a way to navigate motor-free paths by horse and carriage into the heart of Mount Desert Island. The construction spanned from 1913 to 1940, resulting in roads that offer sweeping vistas and intimate views of the landscape. Today, these roads are popular among pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carriages. As we wandered along some of the carriage roads, we were greeted by the most stunning and vibrant fall leaves. As a Florida girl, my dreams were fulfilled that day as I not only saw the autumn leaves but was completely surrounded by them. Acadia National Park had long been on our bucket list, and I am incredibly grateful that we had the opportunity to experience its beauty, particularly during the fall.
Carriage Roads-Acadia National Park
The following morning, we took a break to grab breakfast before our journey to Boston. We visited a charming little place called Café This Way, which I discovered while researching Bar Harbor. The food was amazing, and I was so excited to see a chai tea latte on the menu—definitely a win in my book! If you find yourself in Bar Harbor, be sure to stop by this cozy restaurant for breakfast.
Cafe' This Way-Bar Harbor
As we made our way back to Boston, a storm rolled in... We couldn't believe our luck; had it been the day before, the leaves would have all fallen! Upon arriving in Boston, we returned our rental car and took the subway to the North End, famously known as "Little Italy" and recognized as the oldest residential area in the city. We chose this neighborhood for its fantastic restaurants and proximity to the Freedom Trail. After researching dining options, we settled on Regina Pizzeria, The Original location since 1926 for dinner. Regina Pizzeria has been a beloved spot for both locals and tourists since the beginning.
Around 6 PM, we found ourselves waiting in a line that stretched for an hour outside (we almost gave up, but the locals in line insisted that we shouldn’t; they mentioned it’s always about an hour wait but completely worth it). We took their advice, and I'm so glad we did because my husband and I think it’s the best pizza we had ever tasted! The establishment is cozy, featuring original seating, an adorable little bar filled with locals, and walls adorned with photos of famous people. The pizza comes out quickly, and I can hardly describe how incredible it is—trust me, make it a point to dine there during your visit. We always choose to stay in the North End for its stunning old architecture and, of course, to enjoy Regina Pizzeria!
Regina Pizzeria-North End Boston
We had a full day ahead of us to explore as much of Boston as possible. We started our morning by walking the Freedom Trail, which was an extraordinary journey through our nation's history. The highlight for me was visiting Paul Revere's house! We concluded the trail at the USS Constitution, which felt like a trip back in time. It was unbelievable to step aboard this historic warship! Next, we made our way to the Beacon Hill area, as my research had revealed its charm, featuring streets adorned with boutique shops and fantastic restaurants. My main goal for visiting Beacon Hill was to capture a photo of the famous Acorn Street, known as one of the most photographed streets in America, transporting visitors back to the colonial era.
Acorn Street, Beacon Hill Boston
Our last destination was Fenway Park! We were thrilled to have booked a tour of this iconic venue. As the oldest baseball stadium in America, it’s often referred to as "America's Most Beloved Ballpark." The tour lasted about an hour, taking us around the entire baseball field and inside to explore the locker rooms and various museums. One fascinating feature is the rooftop garden on the third base side, which serves multiple purposes, including supporting local food kitchens. We had an amazing time on the tour and gained a wealth of historical knowledge. Be sure to include it on your itinerary when visiting Boston!
Fenway Park-Boston
We had an absolutely fantastic time in Boston, so much so that we've already returned because we adore it there. The city is a remarkable destination, rich in American history and culture. I'm confident that we'll visit many more times in the future.
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Happy Travels!
Mandy
