Road trip in Maine and New Hampshire

Echo Lake State Park, NH

For the Memorial Day weekend, I planned a road trip in New England with my fave Italian couple. We met in Boston and we drove all the way to Portland, ME. It's a short drive. Just 2 to 3 hours away.

Oyster bar at Eventide Oyster Co.

I heard really good things about Portland. From nice brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets with elegant mansions to ocean views, it's a charming city.

Food scene is surprisingly good. There are several James Beard Award winners and nominees based in this small city of 65.000. I highly recommend the Eventide Oyster Co. 

Local oysters at Eventide Oyster Co.

Lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Co.

We booked a Kayak tour in the Ocean, in Casco Bay, with the Portland Paddle. Unfortunately it was very windy and that didn't allow us to explore as much as we wanted to.

Guides were very knowledgeable, patient and passionate.

Kayaking in Casco Bay, Portland

In New Hampshire (one of the few States that I was missing), we did a quick detour to check Echo Lake. It is worth it. We went there after 7 PM and we could enjoy a lovely sunset.
We also explored White Mountain National Forest. We hiked for 3 hours in Mt. Hedgehog (via the UNH) trail. It's mostly steep and rocky (moderately difficult) but the views are beautiful. 

Mt Hedgehog trail, White Mountain National Forest

When my friend Ceci told me about the cog railway, I got super excited. It seemed so cool. But now, after I experienced it, I can hardly justify the pricey ticket ($70). Trains are packed with large tours and in order to get the best seat, you have to get in line asap which can be very stressful. 

Line to board the Cog Train

On our way up we got the best seats (first seat for 3 on the left), but coming back we weren't so lucky. And we couldn't enjoy the views. Both guides were nice but they didn't make my experience remarkable. 

Views going up

Keep in mind that you can drive to the Mt. Washington Summit and have the same experience for free. The cafeteria has great views over the mountains, you can take great pics. As the one above.

View over the mountains and cog train

For nearly 62 years Mt Washington held the world record for the fastest wind gust ever recorded on the face of the Earth, 231 miles per hour.
Make sure that you are packing a fleece coat and a beanie.

Tim-Bir Alley

Finding a place to have dinner after 8 PM in this small cities is already hard, but with no phone reception is a big challenge. Thankfully, around Franconia, we came across 2 great places.

At Tim-Bir Alley we had a delicious dinner (cash only). And at Polly's Pancake Parlor I had the best pancakes ever. Both are family owned business for generations.