Stunning vistas, fresh seafood, charming villagesyou will see it
all as you traverse the New England coast. From delightful cities
like Bostonand Portland, to countless hidden beaches and small
towns, your trip will take you through history and to some of the
most beloved destinations in New England, including your journey’s
endBar
Harbors Acadia National Park.
Looking to move to the NewEnglandcoast? ContactGibson
Sotheby’s International Realty and allow us to assistyou in one of
our core markets orput you in touch with Legacy Properties
Sotheby’sInternational Realty, our friends serving the
coastal New Hampshire and Maine property markets.
Length of Trip: 368 miles
Best Time to Drive: July 4Labor Day, or
SeptemberOctober for a peek at the fall foliage.
Did You Know: The Maine coastline is 3,500
miles longeven longer than the California coast!
FIRST LEG
Chatham, Massachusetts
Everywhere along Chatham’sscenic shoreline,the picture-postcard
scenery willtake your breath away.The Chatham Fish Pier is also a
frequented landmark and home to the Chatham Pier Fish
Market, where you cantasteonly the freshest seafood
harvested that same day. In Chatham’s town center, you willfind
nearly one mile of unique shopping to enjoy along Main Street
(while you’re there, stop in and say hi to Gibson Sotheby’s
International Realty’s associates inside our new Chatham
office)!
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Cohasset has evolved considerably from its fishing village
past.A small town of between 7,500 and 8,000 residents, Cohasset
covers an area of nine square miles, where dramatic ocean views
coupled with Colonial and modern beach homes. From the popular
Atlantica
Restaurant to the cozy Ava Cucina, residents can savor
the tastes of Boston without leaving the village. Be sure to pick
up an almond croissant from French Memories
Bakery before heading north to Boston. . .
Cohasset, Massachusetts.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for the density of its sights and attractions,
meaning one day in Boston goes further than it would in many other
cities. Located in Bostons hip Back Bay neighborhood, Copley Square
is the perfect starting pointpartly because it is dotted
withBostons best hotelsto
explore the city’shistory and culture. Fans of architecture and
photography will particularly enjoy the Boston Public Library,
whose Reading Room and Atrium provide some stunning
Instagram-worthy backdrops. After youve snapped some shots, head a
few blocks over to Newbury Street, Bostons main boutique shopping
thoroughfare, and pick up some last-second gifts for friends and
family. Endyour evening withaward-winning cuisine of
Top of the
Hub, soaring 52 floors above the Back Bay and
offeringrenowned 360-degree views from the top of the Prudential
Center.
Massachusetts.
SECOND LEG
Gloucester, Massachusetts
One of Massachusetts’ most beautiful seaside communities,
Gloucesteroccupies most of the eastern end of Cape Ann, except for
the far tip, which is the equally dazzling town of Rockport. Stroll
theidyllic waterfront for a perfect for a lazy day of shopping and
gasping at the gorgeous ocean views. Or, visit the Fishermans
Memorial Monument,also known as The Man at the Wheel. The bronze
statuewas completed in 1925 to honor 300 years of local fishermen
lost atsea. The six names from 1991 draw special attention, for
they were the captain and crew of the Andrea Gail, the fishing boat
made famous in the book and film, The
Perfect Storm.
Massachusetts.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Abeautifully colorful historic coastal city on the border
between New Hampshire and Maine. microbreweries, seafood
restaurants and Strawbery Banke, a gorgeous neighborhood of
centuries-old colored wooden houses and an open-air museum. After a
full day of exploring this cozy city, continue north into
Maine.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Artists discovered Ogunquit’s (pronounced oh-GUN-kwit)
inspirational scenery more than a century ago. Come for the 3.5
miles and sandy beaches, and stay for the galleries,
theOgunquit Museum of American
Art, and theOgunquit Playhouse, a grand old
summer-stock theater.
Maine.
THIRD LEG
Portland, Maine
A city filled with food, history, opportunity, and the sweet
smell of the salty ocean. With safe neighborhoods, year-round
recreation and a robust arts district, Portland offers small town
charm with the culture of a big city. Thedowntown area of Portland,
dubbed The Old Port, is extremely walkable, with restaurants, bars,
shops, movie theaters and the Portland Museum of Art within
manageable walking distances. Another perk?You will not find better
lobster than in Maine. For a classic, no frills lobster roll,head
to dive Js Oyster,
located right on the waterfront.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbo is the gatewayto Acadia National Park, one of
America’s most visited national parks. The largest community
onMaines Mount Desert Island started as an exclusive resortthe
summer home to the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Grab coffee and a
bagel at Coffee
Houndbefore heading off to Acadiato get there,you can
either drive ($20 per vehicle, valid for seven days) or take the
Island Explorer shuttle,
which leaves regularly from Bar Harbor. Once inside, you’ll have
endless means of exploring the 47,000 acres of protected
parkland.
About 15 minutes by car from Bar Harbor, you’ll find
Somesville
and a little further south, Southwest
Harbor, two refreshingly tourist-free areas perfect
for leisurely strolling, with galleries and coffee shops perfectly
positioned for stops along the way.
Where to stay? The Balance Rock Inn is the
quintessence of a charming Victorian B&B in a secluded location a
few minutes’walk from downtown. The Bar Harbor Inn &
Spaoccupies a gorgeous seaside Victorian house, while
the West Street
Hotel and the Harborside Hotel offer more
modern accommodations in town (the latter is particularly
family-friendly).
