# .intro

In this example itinerary suggestions are requested for a road trip to Maine.

# .chat

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I am considering a road-trip vacation to Maine this summer. I’ll be departing from my home in Sun City Hilton Head and will probably have 10-14 days for the round trip. I would like to drive no more than 8 hours per day with frequent (every 1-2 hrs) stops. I prefer to avoid congested areas as much as possible. Suggest a couple of possible itineraries.

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Here are two itinerary options for your road trip to Maine, considering your preferences for driving limits, frequent stops, and avoiding congestion.

Itinerary 1: Coastal and Scenic Route (Leisurely)

This route follows a more scenic and relaxed coastal path, allowing you to enjoy charming small towns, natural beauty, and coastal attractions.

Day 1: Sun City Hilton Head, SC → Wilmington, NC (4.5 hrs)

  • Take US-17 north to avoid I-95 traffic.
  • Stop in Charleston, SC, for a walk along the Battery or a quick meal.
  • Continue to Wilmington, NC, and visit the Riverwalk or Airlie Gardens.
  • Overnight in Wilmington.

Day 2: Wilmington, NC → Chincoteague, VA (6.5 hrs)

  • Follow US-17 through the Outer Banks region.
  • Stop in Norfolk, VA, or take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for a scenic break.
  • Arrive in Chincoteague, VA—explore the wildlife refuge and enjoy fresh seafood.
  • Overnight in Chincoteague.

Day 3: Chincoteague, VA → Mystic, CT (8 hrs)

  • Travel via the Delmarva Peninsula and take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (optional).
  • Stop in Rehoboth Beach, DE, or a historic site in Delaware.
  • Continue up US-1 and I-95 (avoiding NYC by taking I-287 around it).
  • Arrive in Mystic, CT, and visit the historic seaport.
  • Overnight in Mystic.

Day 4: Mystic, CT → Bar Harbor, ME (7 hrs)

  • Stop in Portsmouth, NH, for a stroll through its historic downtown.
  • Take US-1 up the coast past Portland, ME, with stops at lighthouses.
  • Arrive in Bar Harbor, ME, your Maine destination.
  • Spend 2-3 nights exploring Acadia National Park, whale-watching, or enjoying local seafood.

Return Route: Inland Scenic Drive

For variety, take a more inland path through the mountains.

Day 5-6: Bar Harbor → White Mountains, NH (3.5 hrs)

  • Explore the Kancamagus Highway and scenic areas.
  • Optional overnight in North Conway, NH.

Day 7: White Mountains → Cooperstown, NY (7 hrs)

  • Drive west into Vermont, stopping in Woodstock or Bennington.
  • Arrive in Cooperstown, NY, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  • Overnight in Cooperstown.

Day 8: Cooperstown → Gettysburg, PA (6.5 hrs)

  • Explore the Civil War battlefield.
  • Overnight in Gettysburg.

Day 9: Gettysburg → Asheville, NC (7.5 hrs)

  • Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic stops.
  • Overnight in Asheville.

Day 10: Asheville → Sun City Hilton Head, SC (6 hrs)

  • Enjoy a relaxed final drive home.

Itinerary 2: Appalachian & Rural New England Route

This route follows a more inland, nature-focused path, avoiding major urban areas.

Day 1: Sun City Hilton Head, SC → Roanoke, VA (6.5 hrs)

  • Follow I-77 and the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic stops.
  • Overnight in Roanoke.

Day 2: Roanoke, VA → Williamsport, PA (7.5 hrs)

  • Pass through Shenandoah National Park or visit Harpers Ferry.
  • Overnight in Williamsport.

Day 3: Williamsport, PA → North Conway, NH (7.5 hrs)

  • Stop in the Berkshires for a break.
  • Arrive in North Conway, a gateway to the White Mountains.
  • Overnight in North Conway.

Day 4: North Conway → Bar Harbor, ME (4.5 hrs)

  • Enjoy scenic New Hampshire and Maine backroads.
  • Spend 2-3 nights exploring Acadia.

Return Route: Through the Adirondacks

  • Day 5-6: Bar Harbor → Montpelier, VT (6 hrs) – explore small-town Vermont.
  • Day 7: Montpelier → Adirondack Park, NY (4.5 hrs) – stop in Lake Placid.
  • Day 8: Adirondacks → Erie, PA (7 hrs) – follow scenic NY routes.
  • Day 9: Erie → Asheville, NC (8 hrs) – with a break in West Virginia.
  • Day 10: Asheville → Sun City Hilton Head (6 hrs).

Key Differences:

  • Itinerary 1 follows a coastal route with beach towns and history.
  • Itinerary 2 emphasizes mountain and rural landscapes.

Would you like adjustments, or do you have specific places you want to visit?

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Where’s the best place to experience lobster rolls.

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If you’re looking for the best place to experience lobster rolls in Maine, you’ll have plenty of options, but here are a few standout spots depending on the type of experience you want:

Classic & Famous Lobster Shacks

  1. Red’s Eats (Wiscasset, ME) – Probably the most famous lobster roll in Maine. They pile a full lobster’s worth of meat onto a toasted, buttery roll. Expect a long wait, but many say it’s worth it.

  2. The Clam Shack (Kennebunkport, ME) – Known for its fresh, lightly dressed lobster rolls served on a round bun instead of the traditional split-top.

  3. Five Islands Lobster Co. (Georgetown, ME) – A fantastic waterfront location with a simple but delicious lobster roll experience.

  4. McLoons Lobster Shack (South Thomaston, ME) – A bit off the beaten path, but offers a laid-back experience with picnic tables by the water.

Portland, ME: Gourmet & Upscale Lobster Rolls

  1. Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland, ME) – Their brown butter lobster roll on a soft, Asian-style steamed bun is a modern twist that many people love.

  2. Bite into Maine (Cape Elizabeth & Portland Food Truck) – Offers different styles of lobster rolls, including Maine-style (with mayo), Connecticut-style (with warm butter), and picnic-style (with coleslaw and celery salt).

Midcoast & Bar Harbor Area

  1. Thurston’s Lobster Pound (Bernard, ME, near Bar Harbor) – A great spot to enjoy a lobster roll with a stunning view.

  2. Beal’s Lobster Pier (Southwest Harbor, ME) – A working lobster dock where you can watch the boats come in as you enjoy your meal.

  3. The Travelin’ Lobster (Bar Harbor, ME) – Highly rated, fresh, and often considered the best lobster roll in Bar Harbor.

Would you like recommendations based on your itinerary or preferences (warm vs. cold, butter vs. mayo, etc.)?