7-Day Scenic Road Trip from Simpsonville, SC to Bar Harbor, ME and Back

Day 1: Departure & Asheville Stop

Simpsonville, SC to Asheville, NC on June 8, 2025

3:00PM

Depart from Simpsonville, SC

Begin the road trip heading northeast towards Asheville, NC, enjoying scenic views along the way.
USD0, 4h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Tupelo Honey

Enjoy southern-inspired dishes in a laid-back atmosphere popular for its fresh ingredients and creative takes on comfort food.
USD30, 1h30m

8:30PM

Check-in to hotel in Asheville

Rest overnight in Asheville to prepare for the next day’s journey further north.
USD100, Overnight
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Day 2: Blue Ridge Parkway & Roanoke

Asheville, NC to Roanoke, VA on June 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Start your day with hearty southern breakfast fare made from locally sourced ingredients, opening from 7AM.
USD15, 1h

9:30AM

Drive Blue Ridge Parkway

Enjoy a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks and short hikes to experience breathtaking mountain vistas.
USD0, 4h

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Roots in Roanoke

Taste seasonal and locally grown dishes in a cozy downtown location.
USD20, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Mill Mountain Star and Park

Explore the iconic star landmark with views overlooking Roanoke, a symbol of the city and great photo opportunity.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at The River and Rail

Fine dining with a focus on Southern cuisine and craft cocktails in a relaxed setting.
USD40, 1h30m

7:45PM

Overnight stay in Roanoke

Check into your hotel and prepare for the next day’s travel northwards.
USD90, Overnight
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Day 3: Washington DC Exploration

Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC on June 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Roanoke Coffee Roasters

Grab a quick artisan coffee and a breakfast pastry before departing for DC.
USD10, 30m

8:00AM

Drive to Washington, DC

Travel northeast to the nation’s capital, approximately 4.5 hours drive.
USD0, 4h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Founding Farmers

Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine close to the White House in a bustling, eco-conscious restaurant.
USD25, 1h

2:00PM

Visit National Mall Attractions

Spend the afternoon exploring the Smithsonian Museums, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial (free entry, usually open 10AM-5:30PM).
USD0, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Historic DC favorite serving classic American dishes and seafood in a lively atmosphere close to the White House.
USD40, 1h30m

8:00PM

Hotel check-in in Washington, DC

Rest overnight at a centrally located hotel for the next day’s early departure.
USD120, Overnight
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Day 4: Philadelphia & NYC Visit

Washington, DC to New York, NY on June 11, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast and depart

Grab breakfast at the hotel or nearby café before heading towards Philadelphia for a brief stop.
USD15, 30m

7:30AM

Drive to Philadelphia, PA

Approximately 2.5-hour drive, enjoying the morning scenery.
USD0, 2h30m

10:00AM

Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

Explore these iconic historic landmarks in Philadelphia’s Old City (open 9AM-5PM, free entry).
USD0, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Eat at this bustling indoor market offering an array of local and international foods, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
USD15, 1h

1:15PM

Drive to New York City

Head northeast to NYC with a travel time of around 2 hours.
USD0, 2h

3:30PM

Explore Central Park and Times Square

Walk through iconic NYC locations; Central Park's paths and Times Square's vibrant energy are must-see spots.
USD0, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Family-style Italian dining serving generous portions in a lively Midtown setting, reservation recommended.
USD50, 1h30m

7:45PM

Overnight stay in New York City

Check-in at a hotel in Manhattan to rest before next day’s long drive.
USD150, Overnight
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Day 5: Bar Harbor Arrival

New York, NY to Bar Harbor, ME on June 12, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast and depart

Have a quick breakfast at the hotel before a long drive north to Bar Harbor.
USD15, 30m

6:30AM

Drive to Bar Harbor, ME

A long approximately 7.5-hour scenic drive through New England via I-95 and US-1, passing beautiful coastal towns.
USD0, 7h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Jordan’s Restaurant

Famous for fresh lobster and seafood with views of Frenchman Bay, open daily from 11AM.
USD35, 1h

3:30PM

Visit Acadia National Park

Explore the park’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and seaside views; visitor center open 9AM-5PM in summer.
USD30 vehicle entrance fee, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cafe This Way

Enjoy eclectic American dining with locally sourced ingredients in a cozy and artistic setting, open until 9PM.
USD30, 1h30m

8:30PM

Hotel check-in in Bar Harbor

Rest after a full day of travel and activities.
USD130, Overnight
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Day 6: Bar Harbor & Return Start

Bar Harbor, ME to Springfield, MA on June 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at 2 Cats Restaurant

Classic breakfast with waterfront views, opening from 7AM, to start your day energized.
USD20, 1h

9:00AM

Morning hike at Cadillac Mountain

Drive or hike up Cadillac Mountain for fantastic views; visitor center open from 9AM.
USD0, 2h

11:30AM

Depart Bar Harbor for Springfield, MA

Begin the journey back south, about 3.5-hour drive.
USD0, 3h30m

3:00PM

Lunch at Max’s Tavern in Springfield

Relax at this popular spot offering American classics and seafood in a comfortable setting.
USD25, 1h

4:30PM

Visit Springfield Museums

Explore their art, history, and science museums open until 5PM.
USD12, 1h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Student Prince Cafe & Fort Dining Room

Experience traditional German fare in a historic brewery setting, open till 9PM.
USD35, 1h30m

8:00PM

Hotel overnight in Springfield

Rest and prepare for the final leg back to Simpsonville.
USD95, Overnight
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Day 7: Return to Simpsonville

Springfield, MA to Simpsonville, SC on June 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and early departure

Grab breakfast at the hotel or nearby café before embarking on the approx. 10-hour drive south.
USD15, 45m

7:45AM

Drive back to Simpsonville, SC

Long drive with multiple rest stops to Simpsonville, arriving in the evening.
USD0, 10h

6:00PM

Arrive in Simpsonville

End of the trip back at home or hotel, time to relax after an adventurous week.
USD0, End
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