My wife and I are flying into Boston in a few weeks for a thing, after which we have about a week to get from there to Halifax to visit one of the kids on his birthday. He is in Uni there. He has clearly stated that he has birthday plans involving friends and a lot of alcohol (turning 19) but my wife will not be denied. Anyway, I thought to drive up after a couple days in Boston, but am told it is not a worthwhile trip. Should we just fly? Drive to the border? Are there any ferries if we got to the coast or are there just dead ends?
Bonus points for a few things to look at in Boston. I heard there was a harbor there or something to do with tea there. My wife likes tea.
Boston FKA!
Science Museum
Fine Arts Museum
Freedom Trail is killer if you like Revolutionary history.
FOOOOOOOD!!!!!
Fanual Hall
Aquarium
Horse and buggy ride (if it is still there)
Duck boats
Live music at the Half Dome maybe.
Tons to do there.
Ferries to the coast you'll have to google. I only went to Nova Scotia on a 156' schooner when I was in 8th grade.
Mr_Asa
PowerDork
8/16/21 4:27 p.m.
Salem is nearby for the witch trial museums and such?
Go down to Cape Cod or up to the coast of Maine. I just got back from Maine a few days ago. Maine is awesome.
jgrewe
HalfDork
8/16/21 5:25 p.m.
Going through Maine check out Acadia NP, then up the coast watch the tides in the Bay of Fundy, Prince Edward Island is pretty nice too.
edit: You can hike the shore during low tides I had to do a quick search for the name, Hopewell Cape area.
02Pilot
UltraDork
8/16/21 5:41 p.m.
I don't think the Portland-Yarmouth nor the Bar Harbor-Yarmouth ferry is operating at the moment, so you're only option is going to be to drive. The drive along on the coast once you get into the northern half of Maine is nice and not nearly as crowded as the part between the NH border and Acadia. Cross at Lubec, then head north, if you take the coastal route; there are other, probably faster, options further north. I don't know that part of Canada very well, but I've been to St. John and Halifax a couple of times. Quite a bit of building on the waterfront in Halifax when I was last there. Nice city to walk.
If you don't like beaches, seafood and quaint New England villages then fly. Otherwise, heck yeah I'd drive. I've never been to Nova Scotia but I've drive all of Rt 1 from Kittery up to Pembrook and I'm looking forward to the next time I can. It's not what I'd call a great driving road but there's all kinds of great views, cool old book stores and junktique stores and other cool places to stop.
Cape Cod is nice and all, but kinda touristy until you get past the elbow. Lots of driving for the reward IMHO. I would do the coast, find little Mayberry towns all the way north and have fun.
Of course pics are required....
The best thing to do in Boston? Leave
In reply to 914Driver :
Oh yeah, you have to round the bend.
In reply to preach (fs) :
I've walked the entire Freedom Trail 3x and all were really hot days.
I said never again but we saw there is a 1770's tour guide character that looks kinda cool.
mtn
MegaDork
8/16/21 7:41 p.m.
If you like spicy... bring it with you.
In reply to preach (fs) :
I would do the schooner for sure.
If you're driving from Boston to NS, schedule a day or two in St. Andrews N.B. on the way. It's a very nice coast town just a bit over the boarder into Canada.
Thanks for the tips! I will follow up when I know the plan. Such as it is.
For the drive up I suggest taking a break in Bangor, ME. Most routes up will have you getting off the highway here and heading up Rt. 9 to cross the border at Calais, ME (St. Stephen N.B.).
There is a legit truck stop in Bangor, definitely worth the stop; https://www.dysarts.com/dysarts-restaurant-menu/
Rt. 9 is a mostly two lane road through a bunch of small towns. It's amazing in the fall, but can be rough in wet weather. It's also prone to back up during the summer because it's the only time of year they can do road work; so check traffic online ahead of time.
Also, if you're renting a car for the drive you may need a form from the rental place that it's OK to cross the border. I've done it a few times now, but the guys at the border have never actually asked for the form.
If you really want to spend some time in Maine you can take Rt. 1 along the coast. It's 300+ miles up the border crossing in Calais. Amazing if you like back country driving and lobster rolls, not so great if you get motion sickness.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_1_in_Maine
