Scenic 5-Day Road Trip from South Carolina to Maine in Early November

Day 1: Departure Day

Columbia, SC on November 3, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Melting Pot

Start your trip with a warm, comforting breakfast at Melting Pot, offering omelets and coffee to energize your day.
Downtown Columbia.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Explore the lush garden areas and indoor exhibits of Riverbanks Zoo, perfect for cooler November weather.
Short drive from breakfast spot.
USD12, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Whig

Enjoy a cozy lunch featuring hearty sandwiches and warming soups at this charming bistro.
10-minute drive from the zoo.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Drive to Richmond, VA

Depart Columbia and travel north toward Richmond, enjoying the crisp autumn scenery on I-77 N and I-85 N.
3.5-hour drive.
N/A, 3.5 hours

5:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel Rooftop

Check into your comfortable Richmond hotel with rooftop views of the fall foliage along the James River.
Central Richmond location.
USD150, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Lemaire

Dine gracefully at Lemaire, offering seasonal Southern flavors perfect for the November palate.
Short drive from hotel.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Historic Richmond

Richmond, VA on November 4, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Perly's

Warm up with classic Jewish deli style breakfast sandwiches and bagels at Perly's.
Walkable from hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Tour Virginia State Capitol

Explore the historic Virginia State Capitol building and its grounds, rich in early American history.
5-minute drive from Perly's.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Drive to Philadelphia, PA

Set out on your longest drive north to Philadelphia, passing through scenic autumn landscapes along I-95 N.
Approximate 6-hour drive.
N/A, 6 hours

6:00 PM

Check-in at the Kimpton Hotel

Get settled in Philadelphia’s modern Kimpton Hotel and relax indoors from the cool November evening.
Downtown Philadelphia.
USD180, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Zahav

Savor rich and hearty Israeli cuisine at Zahav, perfect for warming up after a day on the road.
5-minute walk from hotel.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 3: Philadelphia History

Philadelphia, PA on November 5, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at High Street on Market

Begin with fresh artisan breads and coffee at this popular local spot close to historical sites.
10-minute walk from hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Independence Hall

Tour the birthplace of American democracy, an evocative experience made more intimate in the fall season.
Short walk from breakfast cafe.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Sample hearty local dishes and warm fare indoors at this historic market, perfect for a crisp day.
10-minute walk from Independence Hall.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Drive to New York City, NY

Travel the last stretch north towards NYC, with shorter daylight hours encouraging an earlier arrival.
About 2-hour drive along I-95 N.
N/A, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Check-in at the Bowery Hotel

Arrive in New York City and enjoy the stylish comforts of the Bowery Hotel in Manhattan.
Convenient Midtown location.
USD300, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Momofuku Noodle Bar

Warm up with a bowl of ramen at Momofuku, a popular spot known for its rich broths and casual vibe.
5-minute taxi ride from your hotel.
USD30, 1 hour
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Day 4: New York Highlights

New York City, NY on November 6, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jack's Wife Freda

Enjoy warm Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dishes in a bright, cozy atmosphere near your hotel.
Short walk in the neighborhood.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Stroll Central Park

Take a brisk walk through Central Park, where late fall colors and crisp air create a refreshing city escape.
Quick subway ride north.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab a famous burger or hot chocolate at Shake Shack to recharge before your drive.
Near the south entrance to Central Park.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Drive to Portland, ME

Depart New York City and head to Portland, ME along I-95 N, enjoying the early winter scenery.
Approximately 5-hour drive.
N/A, 5 hours

7:00 PM

Check-in at Portland hotel

Check into your Portland hotel near the waterfront and unwind from your day's drive.
Central location.
USD180, 1 hour

8:30 PM

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Dine on fresh New England seafood classics, including their iconic lobster roll, in a warm, inviting setting.
15-minute walk from your hotel.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Portland

Portland, ME on November 7, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Try their famous potato donuts for a unique and cozy breakfast start on your final day.
Short walk from hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Portland Head Light

See one of Maine’s iconic lighthouses and enjoy dramatic coastal views, enhanced by the quiet November atmosphere.
20-minute drive from hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at J's Oyster

Warm up with classic clam chowder and fresh clams in a cozy setting popular with locals.
Return to Portland, 20-minute drive.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Old Port District

Experience the quaint charm of Old Port’s shops and galleries with fewer crowds in the cool fall weather.
15-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Departure from Portland

Enjoy a final moment of coastal air before concluding your fulfilling New England road trip.
End of itinerary.
N/A, N/A
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