Arrive mid-morning and stretch your legs with a savory breakfast at Sweetness 7 Cafe, then wander the revitalized Canalside waterfront for views of the Buffalo River and Lake Erie. Afterward, pop into Resurgence Brewing Company for an early tasting flight and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their small-batch brews before checking into your hotel and preparing for more brewery hopping and waterfront strolls later in the day.
Head to the historic Elmwood Village neighborhood for lunch at The Black Sheep, then browse local shops and galleries along Elmwood Avenue. In the afternoon, tour the hop-forward offerings at Big Ditch Brewing Company for a tasting flight and rooftop views, then catch golden-hour light and public art at Delaware Park before an early evening ferry or sunset walk along the Outer Harbor.
For dinner and a relaxed evening, wander over to the revitalized Allentown neighborhood for a cozy meal at Pano's Restaurant followed by craft cocktails or a saison at the intimate Hydraulic Hearth (a gastropub with rotating taps). Afterward catch live music or a late-night brew at Thin Man Brewery's tasting room, then finish with a moonlit walk along the piers at Silo City to see illuminated grain elevators and reflections on the water.
Drive into the Green Mountains and kick off the morning with a hearty farm-to-table breakfast at The Copper Grouse in town, then stretch your legs on the easy, scenic Lye Brook Falls Trail for a 1.5-2 mile out-and-back through fern-lined forest to a mossy cascade. After the hike, warm up with a tasting flight at Hermit Thrush Brewery (known for its crisp saisons and cozy taproom) before checking into your Manchester lodging and preparing for afternoon brewery hopping.
Explore Manchester Village starting with a relaxed lunch and craft pours at The Fiddlehead Tavern & Bakery, then wander the historic shops along North Pleasant Street for local crafts and outdoor gear. Later, drive a short scenic stretch to Equinox Preservation Trust - Lands of the Equinox for a late-afternoon loop hike through mixed forest and rolling meadows with viewpoints back toward the Green Mountains, finishing with a pint and wood-fired pizza at Baldwin Brewery to round out the day's flavors.
After your afternoon hike and Baldwin Brewery pizza, settle in for sunset views and refined Vermont fare at The Reluctant Panther, where seasonal small plates and a curated wine list make for a slow, memorable meal. Follow dinner with a nightcap and local barrel-aged beers at Northshire Brewing Co.'s tasting room (try a tasting flight or a limited-release stout), then wander the lantern-lit streets of Manchester Village for a relaxed post-dinner stroll and window-shopping at the boutique Northshire Bookstore before turning in.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Common Man Restaurant in nearby Plymouth, then drive the Kancamagus Highway's western approaches toward Campton for sweeping mountain vistas and morning light. Lace up for a crisp, invigorating hike on the Lebanon Brook Trail to the scenic ledges above Campton Hollow-an easy-to-moderate out-and-back with fern-carpeted woods and a rewarding lookout-followed by a mid-morning stop for local coffee and pastry at Bluebird Cafe & Bakery in Campton Village before checking into your lodging and continuing toward the White Mountains.
After checking into your Campton lodging, drive the short distance to Sabbaday Falls for an easy, photogenic stroll along boardwalks and granite gorge viewpoints, then continue up scenic Route 49 toward the Kancamagus Scenic Byway for sweeping mountain overlooks and roadside pull-offs ideal for leaf-peeping and quick photo stops. Mid-afternoon, settle in at The Red Sox Tavern & Brewery in nearby Thornton (or a local taproom) for a relaxed flight and hearty pub fare before a late-afternoon jaunt on the gentle Pemigewasset River Trail to watch riverside light and loosen up after the day's drives.
Wind down after a day on the Kancamagus with a seafood-forward dinner at The Thatch in nearby Woodstock, enjoying locally sourced oysters and craft cocktails on the outdoor deck as twilight falls. After dinner, take a short drive to Hansen's Lane Overlook for a quiet sunset panorama of the Pemigewasset Valley, then finish the night with a relaxed pint and board games at Lost River Brewing Co.'s cozy taproom back near Campton.
Drive east through Maine's pine-lined roads and arrive in Bar Harbor mid-morning for a seaside start at Agamont Park - grab a coffee and a lobster roll from a nearby vendor and watch boats bobbing in the harbor. Then stretch your legs with an invigorating coastline hike on the lower loops of Acadia National Park starting at Ocean Path, snapping views of crashing waves at Sand Beach and the photogenic rock outcrops around Thunder Hole before checking into your lodging and preparing for an afternoon of deeper Acadia exploration.
Drive the scenic Strand Road into Acadia and spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the quieter headlands-start with a picnic and tidepooling at Little Hunters Beach, then follow the rocky shoreline to the dramatic overlook at Sieur de Monts Spring for geology exhibits and wildflower meadows. Afterward, take a gentle, wildlife-friendly paddle or guided tour from Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. (kayak or glass-bottom options) to scan for seals and seabirds, finishing with fresh lobster chowder and a craft local brew at Atlantic Brewing Company in town.
As the sun slips toward the Atlantic, enjoy a seafood-forward dinner at The Reading Room Restaurant (fresh scallops or lobster with Maine herbs) before wandering the historic streets of Bar Harbor Village Green for live music or local street performances. Afterwards, take a twilight drive up Cadillac Mountain Summit Road for panoramic sunset views over Frenchman Bay and, if you're up for one last stop, savor a nightcap and local IPA at Bar Harbor Brewing Co.'s relaxed taproom.
Leave Maine early and head for the Canada border, stopping for a brisk stretch and coffee at The Barn Coffee Roasters near Houlton before crossing into New Brunswick. Once in the Maritimes, detour to Fundy National Park for a short seaside hike on the Dickson Falls Trail (a mossy gorge and waterfall loop) to break up the drive, then continue toward the Confederation Bridge approach and snap photos at the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre viewpoint before rolling onto Prince Edward Island for afternoon arrivals.
After crossing into Prince Edward Island, settle into the island rhythm with a late-afternoon drive along Route 2 toward Charlottetown, stopping for browned-butter samples and a tasting flight at Upstreet Craft Brewing to celebrate your arrival. Follow that with a gentle waterfront stroll through Victoria Row and a sunset bench break at Peake's Wharf-then check into your lodging and scout a nearby seafood shack like The Pilot House for an early island-style dinner of mussels or steamed clams.
Settle into island time with a sunset drive to Brackley Beach Provincial Park for a stroll on its soft dunes and a chance to spot migrating shorebirds, then head to The Gahan House on the Confederation Trail for a tasting of PEI ales paired with hearty island pub fare. Finish the night with a leisurely harbor-side walk at Dock Street in Charlottetown to take in twinkling waterfront lights and plan tomorrow's lighthouse and coastal hikes.
Begin with a sunrise stroll along the soft red-sand dunes of Cavendish Beach, then pedal a section of the Confederation Trail toward Green Gables Heritage Place for a guided tour of the farmhouse and the surrounding Avonlea-inspired gardens - perfect for photos and a light, storybook walk. After visiting the homestead, warm up with an island-style brunch and a tasting flight at Gahan House Brewery & Emporium in nearby Rustico, where local ales pair nicely with fresh seafood poutine and lobster bennies, keeping the day's focus on coastal scenery and PEI flavors.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the pastoral north shore: wander the dunes and red cliffs at Dundarave Beach before heading to Green Gables Shore for coastal views and a short cliff-top walk. Follow with a visit to The Dunes Studio Gallery & Cafe for local art and espresso, then drive to Upstreet Brewing Co. (Charlottetown taproom) for a late-afternoon tasting flight of seasonal ales paired with PEI oyster sliders-perfect for easing into an island evening while continuing the bookish and coastal theme from the morning.
As twilight falls, drive toward the island's tranquil south shore for a sunset beach walk at Cape Bear Provincial Reserve, where low cliffs and seaside trails often reveal seals and coastal birds. After the sunset, enjoy a relaxed dinner and tasting flight at Rocky Point Brewing Co. in nearby Souris (local ales and seafood-forward small plates), then finish the night with a moonlit stroll along Souris Harbour Boardwalk to watch fishing boats bob and plan tomorrow's lighthouse-filled coastal loop.
Drive the north-central coast at first light and begin with a cliff-top stroll and dramatic photo stops at Point Prim Lighthouse, then continue to the windswept headlands and pebble beaches of Stanley Bridge Provincial Park for a short coastal hike and eagle-spotting along the shoreline. Finish the morning with a mid-morning seafood snack of freshly shucked oysters and a tasting flight at North Shore Oyster Bar & Brewery (try local briny oysters paired with a crisp saison) before heading on to more lighthouse hops and island vistas in the afternoon.
This afternoon, follow Route 6 east for a lighthouse loop that starts with a guided climb and coastal views at Greenwich Dunes Trailhead before driving on to the photogenic red-and-white Point Prim Lighthouse (climb the lantern room for sweeping bay views). After lighthouse stops, stretch your legs on the cliff-top Carter's Beach Trail near Greenwich, then refuel with fresh lobster rolls and a cold local ale at the waterfront Seymour's Lobster & Ale (or similar nearby seafood shack) while watching fishing boats glide by.
As the sky softens, wander the quiet bluff trails at Cape Tryon for sunset views from the dramatic headland and the chance to watch seals off the rocks, then drive a short distance to North Cape Coastal Drive to catch the wind turbine-lit coastline as twilight falls. For dinner, savor an island seafood feast-think whole steamed lobster or fishcakes-paired with local brews at Blue Mussel Cafe & Brewery in nearby West Point, then finish with a moonlit stroll along Victoria-by-the-Sea's harborfront to browse artisan shops and sample a final PEI pint.
Ease into the day with a farm-fresh breakfast at Harvey's Farm Market & Cafe sampling hot cider donuts and island cheeses, then wander the stalls and chat with growers at Charlottetown Farmers' Market for seasonal produce and handmade goods. After stocking picnic supplies, head to Victoria's Lavender Farm for a gentle stroll through purple rows and a guided mini-tour before settling on a sunny bench to enjoy your market finds with views of the pastoral countryside.
Drive east to the pastoral Kinkora area for a leisurely farm visit at Carleton Corner Dutch Bakery & Farmstand-sample warm apple fritters, pick up fresh heirloom tomatoes, and join a short barn tour to meet heritage hens. In the late afternoon, head south to Rocky Point Brewing Co. for a tasting flight on the patio paired with wood-fired flatbreads, then wander the nearby Souris Harbour Boardwalk at golden hour to watch lobster boats return and enjoy salt-air views before dinner.
As twilight settles, take a peaceful harbor-side dinner at The Table Culinary Studio & Bistro in nearby Montague for seasonal Island dishes (think pan-seared scallops or potato galettes) paired with a rotating local tap. After dinner, stroll the lit boardwalk to Montague Waterfront Trail to watch boats bob and hear evening gull calls, then finish with a cozy tasting of barrel-aged ales or a limited-release sour at Souris Valley Brewing Co. while planning a relaxed departure route for tomorrow.
Head off early along Route 2 and savor a Maritime send-off with coffee and a lobster bun at Cows Creamery & Bakery (Rustico) before crossing to New Brunswick; once in the province, detour for a brisk cliff-top walk at Kouchibouguac National Park's Kellys Beach Boardwalk to stretch your legs amid salt marshes and peat bog panoramas. Continue west with a pit stop in Grand Falls, NB to admire the dramatic gorge from the Grand Falls Gorge Lookout and grab a hearty brunch of trout or poutine at La Vieille Porte Bistro-perfect fuel for the long scenic drive through Quebec that follows.
Crossing into Quebec, pause for a scenic riverside lunch and microbrew tasting at Le BockAle in Rimouski (try a light saison with a smoked trout sandwich) before stretching your legs on the elevated boardwalks of Parc national du Bic-a short cliff-and-islet loop with seals and rugged coastal viewpoints. Continue west with a photo stop and maple-maple-syrup tasting at the rustic Auberge du Lac Taureau general store area, then roll on toward the Quebec forests for the evening driving leg, savoring changing light over boreal stands and planning a quick roadside visit to Pont couvert de Saint-Éphrem if time allows.
After a long day on the road, unwind with a riverside dinner at Le Bateau Ivre in Rimouski-Est (fresh Atlantic fish and a short local beer list) before stretching your legs on the illuminated boardwalk at Promenade de la Mer for sunset views over the St. Lawrence. Continue west with a relaxed late-evening stop in Trois-Rivières to sample artisanal ciders at Le Corridor des Arts's tasting bar and take a twilight stroll past the historic Old Prison of Trois-Rivières-a moody, lantern-lit walk that eases you back into urban rhythms before the final drive toward Ontario.