Scenic New England Road Trip: Burlington to Portland

Day 1: Arrival & Burlington Exploration

Morning: Land at Burlington International Airport and pick up your rental car. Stroll along the Waterfront Park for views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

Afternoon: Wander the historic Church Street Marketplace, enjoying local boutiques, street performers, and a quick lunch at a farm‑to‑table café. Visit the nearby Shelby Museum to glimpse Vermont’s cultural heritage.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant featuring fresh Atlantic fish, then unwind with a sunset cruise on the lake for a relaxed start to your journey.

Day 2: Stowe and Woodstock Adventure

Morning: Drive north to Stowe Mountain Resort for a scenic gondola ride offering panoramic vistas of the Green Mountains. Take a short hike on the **Mount Mansfield** trailhead.

Afternoon: Stop at the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury for a tasting tour. Continue to the charming village of Woodstock and explore its classic New England architecture.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a farm‑stead inn in Woodstock, then relax by the fire with local craft beer before heading back to your Burlington lodging.

Day 3: White Mountains, NH

Morning: Depart early for New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, taking the historic Cog Railway to the summit for breathtaking alpine views.

Afternoon: Descend into Franconia Notch State Park to explore the stunning Flume Gorge. Grab a picnic lunch by the river and continue toward Lake Winnipesaukee for a leisurely boat ride.

Evening: Check into a lakeside lodge in the town of Wolfeboro, savor a seafood dinner, and stroll the waterfront promenade under the stars.

Day 4: Coastal Maine – Portland Arrival

Morning: Drive east along US‑1, stopping at the iconic Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth for photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Arrive in Portland’s historic Old Port district. Explore cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and enjoy a lobster roll at a waterfront eatery.

Evening: Take a sunset sailing tour of Casco Bay, then dine at one of Portland’s acclaimed farm‑to‑table restaurants, sampling local oysters and craft brews.

Day 5: Portland Highlights & Departure

Morning: Visit the bustling Portland Museum of Art and wander the nearby Eastern Promenade for sweeping harbor views.

Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the East End neighborhood before heading to Portland International Jetport for your flight home.

Evening: (Optional) If your flight is later, explore the vibrant South End for a final taste of Portland’s culinary scene.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Waterfront Park (Burlington) – 1 hour – $0
• Church Street Marketplace – 2 hours – $0
• Shelby Museum – 1.5 hours – $12
• Stowe Mountain Resort (gondola) – 2 hours – $25
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour – 1 hour – $15
• Woodstock Village – 2 hours – $0
• Mount Washington Cog Railway – 3 hours – $45
• Flume Gorge – 2 hours – $20
• Lake Winnipesaukee Boat Ride – 2 hours – $30
• Portland Head Light – 1 hour – $0
• Old Port (shopping & dining) – 3 hours – $60
• Casco Bay Sunset Sail – 2 hours – $55
• Portland Museum of Art – 1.5 hours – $18
• Eastern Promenade – 1 hour – $0
• South End (optional dinner) – 2 hours – $50
• Car Rental (5 days) – Full trip – $350
• Fuel (approx. 800 miles) – Full trip – $120
• Accommodation (4 nights) – Full trip – $560
• Meals (average $45/day) – 5 days – $225
• Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – Full trip – $100
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,600

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day in the White Mountains to hike the Mount Chocorua trail or explore the charming town of Portsmouth, NH. To shorten the trip, skip the Lake Winnipesaukee boat ride and condense the Vermont segment into a single day, focusing on Burlington and Stowe only. Either way, keep a flexible schedule for spontaneous stops at local farms and scenic overlooks—they’re the true highlights of New England.