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5-Day Scenic Road Trip from Charlotte, NC to Portland, ME – September 2024

Viewed by 522 travelers

Day 1: Charlotte Exploration

Charlotte, NC on September 18, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Amélie's French Bakery

Begin your road trip with delicious pastries and coffee at the charming Amélie’s French Bakery, a local favorite for breakfast.
USD15, 1h

9:30 AM

Visit NASCAR Hall of Fame

Explore the interactive NASCAR Hall of Fame Downtown Charlotte experience showcasing the history of stock car racing in America.
USD25, 2h

12:00 PM

Lunch at Price’s Chicken Coop

Taste authentic Southern fried chicken at this beloved Charlotte institution, perfect for a satisfying midday meal.
USD20, 1h

1:30 PM

Drive to Richmond, VA

Head north to Richmond, Virginia, taking I-85 N and I-95 N for a scenic approx. 3-hour drive.
N/A, 3h

4:30 PM

Check-in & Hotel Rest

Check into your Richmond hotel to relax and refresh after your drive.
USD150, 1h

5:30 PM

Dinner at Lemaire

Enjoy fine Southern cuisine at Lemaire in the historic Jefferson Hotel, known for exceptional service and elegant dishes.
USD50, 2h
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Day 2: Historical Richmond

Richmond, VA on September 19, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Daily Kitchen & Bar

Start your day with fresh, wholesome breakfast at The Daily, which focuses on farm-to-table cuisine.
USD18, 1h

9:30 AM

Virginia State Capitol Tour

Tour the historic Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, and soak in its profound American history.
Free, 1.5h

11:00 AM

Drive to Philadelphia, PA

Depart for Philadelphia, taking I-95 N for roughly a 4.5-hour scenic drive through the Mid-Atlantic region.
N/A, 4.5h

3:30 PM

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into your Philadelphia hotel, relax, and prepare for evening exploration.
USD180, 1h

5:00 PM

Dinner at Zahav

Dine at Zahav, enjoying inventive modern Israeli cuisine in a vibrant and warm atmosphere.
USD60, 2h
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Day 3: Philadelphia Sights

Philadelphia, PA on September 20, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at High Street on Market

Enjoy innovative farm-to-table breakfast fare at High Street on Market, a Philly favorite.
USD15, 1h

9:30 AM

Tour Independence Hall

Visit Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Free, 2h

12:00 PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Savor a diverse selection of local and international foods at this bustling indoor market.
USD20, 1.5h

2:00 PM

Drive to Boston, MA

Set off for Boston on I-95 N, a scenic drive of about 5 hours through New England landscapes.
N/A, 5h

7:00 PM

Check-in & Dinner at The Daily Catch

After check-in, enjoy fresh seafood specialties at The Daily Catch, known for their Sicilian-style dishes.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 4: Boston Highlights

Boston, MA on September 21, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Start your morning with exquisite pastries and coffee at Tatte, a beloved Boston bakery chain.
USD15, 1h

9:30 AM

Walk the Freedom Trail

Explore key historic Boston sites along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile marked walking route.
Free; guided tours vary, 3h

12:30 PM

Lunch at Quincy Market

Enjoy a variety of cuisines at Quincy Market, a famous food hall in Boston’s historic district.
USD20, 1h

1:30 PM

Drive to Portland, ME

Drive approximately 2 hours north along I-95 to reach Portland, Maine’s vibrant coastal city.
N/A, 2h

4:00 PM

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Check in to your hotel in Portland and unwind after the drive.
USD180, 1h

6:30 PM

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Enjoy fresh oysters and seafood specialties at Eventide Oyster Co., a Portland culinary star.
USD50, 2h
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Day 5: Coastal Maine

Portland, ME on September 22, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Taste unique, potato-based donuts at The Holy Donut, a beloved local treat spot to start your day.
USD10, 1h

9:30 AM

Visit Portland Head Light

Explore Portland Head Light, one of America's most photographed lighthouses offering stunning ocean views.
Free, 1.5h

11:30 AM

Lunch at J’s Oyster

Enjoy classic Maine seafood like clam chowder or fried clams at popular J’s Oyster.
USD25, 1h

1:00 PM

Explore Old Port District

Stroll Portland's historic Old Port district, known for its cobblestone streets, shops, galleries, and waterfront views.
Free, 2.5h

3:30 PM

End of Road Trip

Conclude your trip with relaxation or preparation for onward travel from Portland.
N/A, N/A
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