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Burlington to Portland: 6-Day Scenic New England Drive via Stowe, the White Mountains & Coastal Maine

Viewed by 146 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Burlington

Burlington, United States on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Penny Cluse Café

Classic Burlington breakfast spot known for hearty dishes and local ingredients; a great fuel-up before exploring downtown (typically opens 8:00am, confirm hours).
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Church Street Marketplace & Lake Champlain Waterfront Park

Open-air pedestrian mall with shops, street performers and immediate access to the waterfront — excellent for a relaxed stroll and views of Lake Champlain.
USD0, 1h30m

11:15am

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Interactive science and regional natural history museum focused on the lake and local ecology (generally open ~10:00–5:00).
USD18, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Skinny Pancake (Church St.)

Savory crepes and local craft beers — fast, casual, and an easy midday stop near downtown sights.
USD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shelburne Museum (Shelburne)

Large, eclectic museum campus with historic buildings, folk art and rotating exhibits; plan ~2 hours to see highlights (usually open 10:00–5:00 in season).
USD25, 2h0m

5:30pm

Hotel check-in and down time

Settle into your Burlington lodging and refresh after travel; use this time to confirm next-day car rental or driving plans.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hen of the Wood

Regional, ingredient-driven fine dining that showcases Vermont producers — reservations recommended (typical dinner service starts ~5:00pm).
USD45, 1h30m

Day 2: Stowe & Mountain Views

Stowe, United States on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at August First Bakery & Café

Local bakery with great bagels, sandwiches, and coffee — ideal for a quick, tasty start before the drive to Stowe.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive Burlington → Stowe

Scenic 40–50 minute drive north to Stowe; enjoy mountain views en route and arrive early to beat crowds at mountain attractions.
USD0, 0h45m

10:00am

Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort

Short gondola ride to mountain viewpoints with quick summit walks and excellent panoramas; seasonal hours often begin ~9:00am—confirm current schedule.
USD45, 1h0m

11:30am

Trapp Family Lodge visit & short tour

Austrian-inspired lodge with expansive grounds, tasting room and views of the valley; an atmospheric stop to learn about the resort’s history (grounds open ~10:00–5:00).
USD15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Harrison's Restaurant & Bar

Popular casual restaurant in Stowe offering sandwiches, salads and local beers — good mid-day refuel before hiking or scenic drives.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Short hike: Stowe Pinnacle or Moss Glen Falls

Choose an easy-to-moderate hike for sweeping views (Stowe Pinnacle) or a quick waterfall visit (Moss Glen Falls); both are accessible in the afternoon and open year-round.
USD0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Smugglers' Notch scenic stop

Drive the Smugglers' Notch area for dramatic cliffs and photo ops — a short viewpoint stop is perfect in the early evening light.
USD0, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Plate

Seasonal American restaurant with vegetable-forward plates and local sourcing — relaxed dinner spot in Stowe (reservations recommended).
USD35, 1h30m

Day 3: Franconia Notch & Kancamagus

Franconia Notch → Kancamagus → North Conway, United States on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Butternut Bakery (local option)

Grab fresh pastries or sandwiches and coffee for the drive; arrive early to avoid lines before the park visits.
USD12, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Franconia Notch State Park (Lincoln, NH)

About a 1h15m drive from Stowe (border crossing into NH); plan arrival near park opening to maximize sightseeing time.
USD0, 1h15m

10:00am

Flume Gorge

Scenic natural gorge boardwalk with waterfalls and rock walls — typically open ~9:00–5:00 and requires a timed ticket in high season; allow time for walking and photos.
USD18, 1h30m

12:00pm

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Short tram ride to broad summit views and short trails; tram runs seasonally with morning–afternoon departures (confirm exact daily hours).
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Lincoln at Gypsy Café

Casual café with sandwiches and comfort-food options; a convenient stop before driving the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.
USD18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (stop at Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls)

One of New England’s most scenic drives — stop at popular pulls for short hikes and waterfalls; roadway is open year-round though single-lane viewing areas can fill quickly.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Arrive & check into North Conway

Settle into your base in North Conway; this town is a convenient hub for evening dining and next-day mountain excursions.
USD0, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.

Popular local brewpub offering comfort food and craft beers — lively atmosphere and good post-drive meal options.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 4: Mount Washington Day

Bretton Woods / Mount Washington, United States on September 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Black Cap Grille (North Conway)

A reliable diner-style breakfast to fuel a full day of mountain sightseeing; open early for travelers.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Bretton Woods (Mount Washington area)

Approximately 40–60 minutes depending on traffic; aim to arrive early for cog railway or auto road access.
USD0, 0h50m

10:30am

Mount Washington Cog Railway (or Mount Washington Auto Road if preferred)

Historic cog train to the summit or a scenic drive up the Auto Road (Cog typically runs seasonally with morning departures — check the railway schedule and book ahead).
USD90, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Red Fox Bar & Grille (Bretton Woods)

Classic lodge dining near the Mount Washington Hotel — convenient and comfortable post-railway lunch spot.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Mount Washington Hotel grounds & short walks

Historic grand hotel with manicured lawns and scenic views — good for photos and a gentle afternoon stroll.
USD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to North Conway

Drive back to North Conway to relax and pack for the coastal drive tomorrow; travel time ~45–60 minutes.
USD0, 0h50m

7:00pm

Dinner at Delaney's Hole in the Wall

Cozy, well-regarded spot near the village green with classic pub fare and seafood options.
USD28, 1h30m

Day 5: Coastal Route to Portland

Portsmouth, NH → Portland, ME on September 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Peach's Restaurant (North Conway)

Local favorite for a generous breakfast before the drive south to Portsmouth; good for families and those leaving early.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive North Conway → Portsmouth, NH

Approximately 2 hours; allow extra time for a scenic coffee stop en route and to park in Portsmouth’s downtown area.
USD0, 2h0m

11:30am

Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth)

Outdoor history museum showing restored historic houses and neighborhood life from the 17th–20th centuries — typically open ~10:00–5:00 during the season.
USD16, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Friendly Toast (Portsmouth)

Quirky, popular spot with large portions and creative comfort food — opens early and is great for a casual midday meal.
USD18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Stroll Prescott Park & Portsmouth waterfront

Relaxed waterfront gardens and walking paths with harbor views — an easy post-lunch activity before heading to Portland.
USD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive Portsmouth → Portland, ME (via I-95 / coastal route)

About 1h15m drive; optional stop at Kittery Outlets if you want quick shopping off I-95.
USD0, 1h15m

5:00pm

Check into Portland hotel & explore Old Port

Settle into your Portland lodging and wander the Old Port’s cobblestone streets, boutiques and working waterfront.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Renowned oyster bar and seafood spot with a lively atmosphere — great for a signature Portland seafood experience (reservations recommended; closes earlier than some restaurants).
USD45, 1h30m

Day 6: Portland & Departure

Portland, United States on September 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tandem Coffee + Bakery

Excellent coffee and pastries from a local favorite; convenient and fast if you have an early flight or ferry to catch.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park

Iconic Maine lighthouse with dramatic ocean views and easy walking paths — the park is open during daylight hours and is free to visit.
USD0, 1h15m

10:30am

Casco Bay Ferry to Peaks Island

Short ferry ride to a relaxed island community with bike rentals and seaside walks; check seasonal ferry schedules (service typically runs throughout the day in summer/fall).
USD9, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Duckfat (Portland back on mainland)

Casual and famously delicious fries, sandwiches and milkshakes — quick, satisfying lunch in Old Port (open midday).
USD18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Last-minute shopping & Old Port walk

Browse artisanal shops, galleries and waterfront vendors for souvenirs before heading to the airport.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Early dinner at Fore Street (or grab quick airport meal)

If your flight is later, enjoy a farm-driven, wood-fired dinner at Fore Street (reservations strongly recommended); otherwise, pick up a quick meal for the airport.
USD50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Return rental car and check in at Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Aim to be at the airport at least 90–120 minutes before domestic flights; PWM is compact but allow time for rental-car return and security.
USD0, 0h30m
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