cait's plate

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travel: vermont to maine

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As more snow piles up outside and I sit here dreaming of warmer temperatures, I figured it would be a good time to get my act together and blog about the amazing trip we took from Vermont to Maine (or as those of you that follow me on Instagram probably remember it: #VTtoME2014) this past summer.

 

From VT to NH to ME in 6 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

Chad and I both agreed this was one of our most favorite trips.  The key, I think, was the amount of planning that we did beforehand.  It made the trip go smoothly so we were just able to enjoy versus panicking to come up with a plan each day.

I (personally) love to research a place before I go to figure out what the best places to eat are and Chad loves to do the same for the different activities we can do.  So together, we make a perfect planning team

We started in Boston and made our way up to our first stop: SHARON, VT

Chad’s mom lives in Sharon and it’s one of the cutest, most quaint towns I’ve ever been to.  See here for previous time spent there.

WHERE WE STAYED: Chad’s mom’s house.  I’m not sure if she’s currently taking bookings   I would recommend The Woodstock Inn & Resort if you find yourself in the area.

WHAT WE DID:

1. Ledyard Canoe Club – Hanover, NH

From VT to NH to ME in 6 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 6 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 6 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 6 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 6 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

I actually discovered this place thanks to my Instagram friend Zach.  Chad and I instantly fell in love with it and were so incredibly grateful to Zach for helping us discover it.  It’s this little, unassuming place that you would absolutely miss if you weren’t looking for it.  It’s set back on the quiet Connecticut River and you’re able to rent canoes and kayaks to take out or even just peacefully sit on the dock and dip your feet in the water.  We got super lucky with the world’s most perfect weather day and we both agreed we could have easily spent hours upon hours at this spot!  (PS – canoe rentals for an hour were only $10!)

2. Dartmouth Campus – Hanover, NH

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

The whole campus is just beautiful.  It’s super quaint and the town of  Hanover is definitely worth checking out.  I would especially recommend the Rauner Special Collections Library – it’s like no other I’ve ever been in before and became an instant favorite the moment I walked in.

3. Queechee Gorge – Hartford, VT

 

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

This is another one you have to be careful with or you could miss it (except for the many people standing on the bridge looking down at it).  It’s beautiful in the summer and definitely taking time to see.  They even have stairs leading off the bridge down to a hiking trail along the gorge.

4. Middle Covered Bridge – Woodstock, VT

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate 

This is a must-do for us every time we’re here.  On our very first trip to Vermont together years ago we visited the Middle Covered Bridge and it’s been a special place (as has Woodstock!) for us ever since.  There are TONS of bridges in the area worth checking out, but this one is our favorite.  The whole town of Woodstock is worth checking out.  It’s one of my favorite towns in all of the Northeast!

The drive back from Hanover to Sharon offers some pretty spectacular views (and lots of opportunities for new friends! )  Hopefully like me, you’re driving with some pretty patient people that are willing to pull over ever 2 minutes when you see something pretty you want to photograph

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

WHERE WE ATE:

1. King Arthur Bakery & Cafe – Norwich, VT

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

I visit King Arthur Bakery & Cafe every single time I come to Vermont.  In fact, I visited it in the very first days when it first opened – before they even had flour on the shelves!  I absolutely love it.  The food and coffee are both amazing, the environment is relaxing and charming and I can literally get lost in the store for hours (it’s a baker/cooker’s dream).

2. Idlewood, The Restaurant – Sharon, VT

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

You should’ve seen me when we walked up to this restaurant.  It’s in an old barn that they converted, which is basically my dream location.  It is the absolute cutest place on earth with a beautiful interior dining area and a gorgeous sprawling outdoor patio where were got to sip our drinks while waiting for our first dishes to arrive.  The food was out of this world.  I don’t think we stopped raving about each of our dishes for the entire rest of the night. (PS – they also have an Inn right next to the restaurant you can stay at!)

3. Mon Vert Cafe – Woodstock, VT

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate  From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

Again, I just about died at how adorable this place is (clearly, it takes a lot to make me happy).  The entire town of Woodstock is like walking through the set of Gilmore Girls.  It’s cozy and small and wonderful.  The food (and lattes!) at this place were amazing and the people were out of this world friendly.

Next stop: FRANCONIA, NH

This part of the trip was completely and totally dedicated to our 7-hour hike of Franconia Ridge.

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate  From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

The planning behind this part was all Chad.  I love to hike, but know next to nothing about hiking safely (especially for 7 hours!).  Definitely pack snacks and water!  I feel like this list is a good place to start if you’re like me and have idea what to even anticipate needing!

The hike was challenging and at times I definitely felt like this:

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

But those moments always passed and in the end, the views we got from the top (and all along the way really) were so worth it.  I highly, highly recommend it!

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

The waterfalls on the way up were also incredible:

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

We had to force ourselves to keep moving so we wouldn’t run out of light by the time we started our descent back down the mountain!

We drove straight to Maine from here so no lodging in NH – only a quick stop at a roadside pizza joint on the way.  My opinion here may have be a bit biased after a 7-hour hike…but this tasted like the best thing I’d ever eaten.

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

Final stop: BAR HARBOR, ME

WHERE WE STAYED: Bar Harbor Days Inn – nothing fancy here but all we needed was a place to rest our heads at night and this did the trick.  It’s an easy drive into and out of town and a price you can’t beat!

WHAT WE DID:

1. Acadia National Park

If you go to Bar Harbor, you could literally spend your entire trip here.  There is SO MUCH to do.  From sunset kayaks to hiking to spending time on the beach, to running trails.  The list just goes on and on.  We both agreed that if we came back, we would leave a good several days just to hit everything we wanted to do here.  We didn’t even get to a quarter of all that we wished we had time to do!

While there we hiked Great Head Trail:

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

Then we spent some time post-hike at Sand Beach (this is where we both entered and ended the Great Head trail)

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

We also hiked up to Bubble Rock – the views were spectacular, and seeing Bubble Rock really was pretty cool.  I hadn’t had super high expectations for this but was really pleasantly surprised!

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate20140822_190349From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

We visited the Carriage Roads on our second day in Bar Harbor and I walked while Chad ran the Witch Hole Pond loop (which you can also take bikes out on!)

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

Afterward we both talked about how the Carriage Roads made us want to move to Bar Harbor.  Having those peaceful, quiet and beautifully winding trails available for running, walking and biking all the time would be so great.

That night we snuck down to the Northeast Harbor on Mount Dessert Island at sunset

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

And on our last day we drove up Cadillac Mountain (we would’ve preferred to hike it but we didn’t have time so we settled for a drive up before heading out) which had AMAZING views.

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

We also spent a good deal of time just walking around Bar Harbor.  It’s SUCH an adorable little town (I know, I know – you’re thinking ‘everything can’t be adorable’ but I challenge you to come up with another adjective when you visit these places!)

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

WHERE WE ATE:

1. Coffee Hound Coffee Bar

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

AMAZING coffee and an even better atmosphere.  This little hole-in-the-wall place is right by the water so we grabbed some soy lattes and enjoyed it waterside.  The service was also great.  Friendly and accommodating!

2. Testa’s Restaurant

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

The food here was good, but certainly not my favorite meal of the trip.  There were SO many other breakfast places that I had wanted to try over this but they were all packed and I was starving.  It did the trick and the food was good, don’t get me wrong.  I just feel like there were other more unique spots out there we could have gone to.

3. Side Street Cafe

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

We sat outside at this little cafe that’s tucked around on a corner street.  It was a great lunch spot and while we didn’t get super adventurous with the food, what we did have was good.  The wait staff was friendly as well (this was definitely a trend we saw while in Bar Harbor)!

4. McKay’s Public House

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plateFrom VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

So, this ended up being a bit of a disaster.  The food was good, but the kitchen was so backed up that we ended up waiting nearly two hours for our food.  The waitress was very kind about it (and even bought us dessert to make up for it!) but it was definitely not our best experience in Bar Harbor.  That said, the atmosphere (strung lights all around the back outdoor patio with live music) was what drew me in and that definitely didn’t disappoint!  It’s also right next to a great little wine shop!

5. Matsumoto Joe Cafe

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

Another awesome coffee place with really good coffee.  One of the things I said to Chad was that I wished we had more time in Bar Harbor just so I could try all the great coffeeshops I had read about.  There were tons of others that I wanted to try but I highly recommend this one for sure!  Cool atmosphere, friendly service and they have soy milk!

6. 2Cats

From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate From VT to NH to ME in 5 days - where we stayed, what we ate and what we did // cait's plate

Awesome spot, delicious food.  There’s not much else to really say about this.  It was packed from the moment we got there to the moment we left (though we didn’t have a wait which was nice!) which I think can attest to what it offers.  It’s also an Inn you can stay at!

OVERALL VERDICT: We LOVED this trip!  Seriously, if you guys are ever looking for a fun (fairly reasonably priced) trip in the Northeast – I can’t recommend this one enough.  We got the perfect mix of being active and relaxing and got to see some of the most beautiful views of the Northeast that I ever have in all my years living here.  There was amazing food and good, strong coffee (with soy milk!) at each stop on the trip and not once did we have to rely on a chain restaurant – allowing us to really get the local experience (just the way we like it).  If you’re still not convinced, I’ll leave you with this – to this day, we still reminisce about this trip and how amazing it was.  It’s by far one the of the best we’ve ever done.

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Comments

  1. Jenn G says

    Oh.Em.Gee. I am from Maine (live in New Jersey now) My dad lives about 20 min from Bar Harbor (Coast Guard man) I love that place so hard. My (now) husband & I go to Maine at least 2 times a year (Winter & Summer trips) To me it is the most peaceful place. I think it is all of the fresh air. Man, I miss it so much. Acadia is one of my 2 favorite places EVER . Fun fact on our trip last winter, my husband planned to propose at Acadia since we love it there, but he got really sick & didn’t propose until we got back to NJ on Valentines Day. Anyway… I am so glad that you love Maine as much as I do 🙂 Did you not love all the Maine accents? 🙂 Also, I have no idea why I have never thought to go to King Arthur’s before?! I am putting that on my list!
    Jenn

    Reply

    • caitsplate says

      Haha that’s too funny! After Chad and I got engaged I said to him “I thought for SURE you were going to do it in Acadia!” and he was like “UGH THAT WOULD’VE BEEN SUCH A GOOD IDEA!!” and was like so mad he didn’t plan to do it then – he and your husband think alike! 🙂 But yes, we instantly fell in love with Acadia and CANNOT wait to go back. It’s the most relaxing, peaceful place ever.

      DEFINITELY try out King Arthur, I promise you will absolutely love it!

      Reply

  2. Courtney says

    I love your blog and have been reading it for awhile. I’m actually a RD and just moved to Charlotte after 8 years in Boston. I grew up in New England this particular post hit home thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • caitsplate says

      Oh that’s so funny!! We literally switched spots! I’m in Charlotte often – it’s a great city 🙂 I’ll try to share a little more Boston for ya here and there!

      Reply

  3. Carley@OptimisticHealth says

    Thank you for compiling this list!! We are like 99% surely moving to NYC area this December and I know only a fair bit about the East coast but definitely want to explore it so this is wonderful!! East coast food- seriously never fails, this I do know and see from your beautiful photos!

    Reply

    • caitsplate says

      You’re so welcome! I think you’ll love the east coast – especially NYC! It’s has so, so much to offer! I worked in Manhattan for 5 years and didn’t even graze the surface on all I wanted to do there!

      Reply

  4. Leigha says

    This was so much fun to read! I’m glad there are other people like me that totally plan every place they’re going to on a trip. 🙂 The Maine/Vermont area has been on my bucket list for so long. It seems so beautiful! And girl, your pictures. So stunning!

    Reply

    • caitsplate says

      Oh you absolutely must do it! It was just the best trip (especially if you plan ahead of time because then you can really hit everything 🙂 ) And you’re so sweet – I’m so glad you like the pictures! Let me know if you ever end up making a trip to the Maine/Vermont area – I’d love to hear what you did!

      Reply

    • caitsplate says

      Thank you! And I agree…it’s half of what motivated me to finally get my act together and post this! So that I could dream vicariously through my old summer self! Haha 🙂

      Reply

  6. Jess says

    Looks like an awesome trip. I love seeing the green leaves. I grew up just a few miles from Sharon and live about an hour away now- still in Vermont. Lots of yummy food and fun things to do. Next time you are there you have to try the Worthy Burger in South Royalton! http://worthyvermont.com/worthy-burger/

    Reply

    • caitsplate says

      Oh really!? That’s so cool! And oh we LOVE the Worthy Burger! We didn’t make it on this trip but it’s definitely a regular place for us! SO SO good!

      Reply

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