5-Day Budget Road Trip: Nature and Food from Boston to Connecticut

Day 1: Exploring Boston

Location: Boston, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tatte Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Tatte Bakery, famous for its pastries and strong coffee.
Located in the heart of Boston, just a short walk from many attractions.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk the Freedom Trail

Embark on the historic Freedom Trail, exploring iconic sites like Boston Common and the Paul Revere House.
Follow the red line through the city over a 2.5-mile stretch, walking from site to site.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Union Oyster House

Savor New England clam chowder and oysters at this historic restaurant, which has been serving food since 1826.
Just a 10-minute walk from the Freedom Trail.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Boston Public Garden

Stroll through Boston's beautiful Public Garden, admiring the swan boats and flowerbeds.
Located within walking distance of your lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Salem

Head to Salem for your next destination, where history and witch trials await.
The drive from Boston to Salem takes about 30 minutes.
USD10 (for gas), 30 minutes

4:00PM

Explore the Salem Witch Museum

Dive into Salem's infamous past as you explore exhibits on the witch trials.
Easily accessible in downtown Salem.
USD12, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Salem Beer Works

End the day with hearty pub fare at Salem Beer Works, sampling local brews.
Located just a short walk from the museum.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Charming Salem

Location: Salem, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Life Alive

Enjoy a healthy breakfast of grain bowls or smoothies at this local favorite.
Conveniently located in Salem.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the House of the Seven Gables

Explore the historic site that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel.
Just a short drive or a 15-minute walk from breakfast.
USD13, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Discover the maritime history of Salem at this lovely waterfront park.
A quick 10-minute walk from the House of the Seven Gables.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Village Tavern

Have a casual lunch with fresh sandwiches and burgers at this tavern.
Easily reachable by foot.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Portland, Maine

As you drive to the beautiful coastal city of Portland, keep an eye out for stunning scenery.
The drive is about 30 minutes.
USD8 (for gas), 30 minutes

2:30PM

Visit the Portland Head Light

Admire the iconic lighthouse that is perfect for picturesque photos.
The lighthouse is located in Cape Elizabeth, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Portland.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Old Port

Walk through the cobblestone streets lined with shops, cafés, and art galleries.
Head back into Portland from the lighthouse.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Indulge in fresh seafood at this acclaimed oyster bar, a must-try in Portland.
Located in the Old Port section.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Maine Adventures

Location: Portland, Maine

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Standard Baking Co.

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and robust coffee at this bakery.
Located in the heart of Portland.
USD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Acadia National Park

Head to one of America's most stunning national parks with breathtaking views.
The drive will take about 3 hours via Route 1.
USD20 (for gas), 3 hours

12:00PM

Arrival and Lunch at Jordan Pond House

Upon arriving in Acadia, enjoy a light lunch with scenic views at the famous Jordan Pond House.
Located within the park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Acadia National Park

Spend the afternoon hiking trails or driving along the Park Loop Road to take in the incredible landscapes.
Drive around the park for stunning views, or park for hiking.
USD30 (Park entrance fee), 3 hours

4:30PM

Watch the sunset at Cadillac Mountain

Climb to the summit to catch the sunset, the first point in the U.S. to see the sunrise.
A manageable drive within the park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse Inn

End your day with a cozy dinner featuring local dishes before heading to your accommodation.
Located just outside Acadia National Park.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: New Hampshire Wonders

Location: Acadia National Park to New Hampshire, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Blueberry Hill

Sample Maine blueberry pancakes to start your day right.
Located a short drive away from the park.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Franconia Notch State Park

Head southwest toward New Hampshire for beautiful mountain scenery.
The drive takes around 2 hours.
USD15 (for gas), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Franconia Notch State Park

Hike the trails and marvel at the stunning natural beauty of this park.
Once you arrive, you can park and head out on foot.
USD8 (entrance fee), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Common Man

Get a taste of hearty comfort food at this local eatery.
Located near the park entrance.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Mount Washington

Make your way to Mount Washington for breathtaking views and more exploration.
The drive takes about an hour.
USD10 (for gas), 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Mount Washington Observatory

Learn about this incredible mountain and its weather from the observatory.
Upon entering the area, follow the signs to the observatory.
USD15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at J-Town Deli & Country Store

Embrace local favorites at this quaint deli and market offering fresh and wholesome meals.
Located in between your activities.
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 5: Vermont and Connecticut Finale

Location: Mt. Washington to Vermont, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor

Indulge in fluffy pancakes and maple syrup to get energized.
Located nearby on your way to Vermont.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Stowe, Vermont

Travel to beautiful Stowe, known for its picturesque mountains.
The drive will take about 2 hours.
USD10 (for gas), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Stowe

Enjoy a scenic walk or hike in Stowe's beautiful outdoor areas.
Explore around Stowe Mountain Resort.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Whip Bar & Grill

Savor local dishes and enjoy the mountain views from this popular spot.
Located in Stowe, easily reachable.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive to Hartford, Connecticut

Conclude your journey in Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut.
The drive takes about 2 hours.
USD30 (for gas), 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Mark Twain House

Explore the historic house once owned by the famous author Mark Twain.
Easily accessible by car in Hartford.
USD15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Max Downtown

Celebrate your final night with a delightful meal at one of Hartford's finest restaurants.
Located in downtown Hartford.
USD50, 2 hours
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