Gas prices are constantly in flux these days. Sometimes it feels like hopping in the car for a road trip just doesn’t make sense. We’ve given you lots of road trips over the years, but we thought it might be interesting to see how many spots we could hit on just one tank of gas. So, pack up the car with snacks and load up your friends! Here’s a 200-mile road trip you can take that only costs about $30-$60, depending on the car you’re using. The total driving time is about 5 hours, not including the stops along the way. We’ve even created an easy-to-follow Google Map that you can view by clicking here!
Google Maps
- First, load up on coffee and donuts in Freeport.
Frosty’s Donuts / Facebook In addition to good coffee, Frosty’s will send you on the road with a sugar fix. Choose from any of their awesome selection, or make your own! They’ve got all the fixings for your own personalized version of the perfect donutty breakfast. Visit them at: 45 Main St., Freeport / 207-865-9811.
- Next, it’s onto the strange Desert of Maine.
David Fulmer / Flickr Wait a second. A desert? In Maine? Well, in actuality, it’s 40 acres of exposed glacial silt, the result of soil erosion from mismanaged farmland. Look past the silly camel sculptures and it’s still an interesting oddity. Visit them at: 95 Desert Rd., Freeport / (207) 865-6962
- Now, it’s time for a dose of Maine history at the Moxie Museum.
Sam T / Flickr It’s actually the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage, but there is a nice little corner dedicated to the official soft drink of Maine. Come here for any Moxie souvenirs you need. From shirts to hats, this place has it all. But, if you’re shopping for the holidays you should plan ahead - they’re only open for the summer! The museum is located in the Union Fairgrounds on Common Road in Union.
- Then, it’s onto Camden for trip up to Mount Battie.
Mattia Panciroli / Flickr Head to Camden Hills State Park and drive up to the summit of Mount Battie. Your impressive view will include Penobscot Bay, the town of Camden and the Camden Hills further afield. In addition to the view, there’s a stone observatory with an inscription by Maine poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay. She often came to the area and was inspired by its beauty. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why.
- Now, it’s time for more food!
Fat Boy Drive In / Facebook Hope you didn’t fill up on donuts because it’s time for your second food stop. Either way, better make room because what’s a road trip without stops for classic Maine meals!? Fat Boy is for all those who miss the old days. From seafood to fried accompaniments (awesome onion rings, for instance) there is plenty on offer. But, try the Whoperburger first. It’s classic and messy, just as it should be at a place with “fat” in the name. Take advantage of the throwback drive-in feel and munch out in your car like the good ol’ days! Visit them at: 111 Bath Road, Brunswick / (207) 729-9431
- It’s another history lesson with this stop at Castle Tucker in Wiscasset.
Castle Tucker / Facebook Castle Tucker sits on a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River. It was built in 1807 and was updated by the Tucker family when they moved in. At the time, Wiscasset was a fairly bustling port in Maine and the Tuckers were quite prominent in shipping. Over time they saw some upheaval, including a reversal of fortune that required them to take in summer boarders in the home to make ends meet. Due in part to the financial troubles they faced, the interior of the home has remained relatively the same since after their initial renovations. A visit to the home reveals three generation’s worth of family possessions and a true glimpse into what life was life for them at the time.
- Get ready to head a little off course to take in Pemaquid Point Light in Bristol.
Ken Lund / Flickr Originally built in 1827 during the presidency of John Quicy Adams, the tower fell victim to accelerated deterioration as a result of some faulty construction. It was rebuilt with double walls in 1835. While the tower is only 38 ft. tall, its location on a rock ledge gives the light a 79 ft. focal plane. Flashing a white light every 6 seconds, Pemaquid’s light is visible for 14 miles.
- Next, take a tour through lovely Belfast.
smilla4 / Flickr A lovely town about 100 miles from Portand, Belfast provides a great mix of art, local food and waterfront views. In June 2015, the first “Maine Fare” took place, celebrating and sharing local artisans, food and musicians. Check out the Maine Fare website for next year’s schedule of tastings, live concerts and farm tours.
- Next, you’ll head to the spooky location of Buck’s Tomb.
Jim Degerstrom / Flickr The founder of Bucksport, Colonel Jonathan Buck, fell in love with a woman and she became pregnant with his son. Upon learning this, he forced her away, but she eventually came back to Colonel Buck requesting assistance in caring for his son, which he refused. To ensure she would not bother him again, he pronounced her a witch and had her burned.
During the fire, her leg was fetched by her son who ran away to bury it on his own as a memorial to his mother. After Colonel Buck’s death, his own tomb showed signs of a stain in the form of a leg. Despite attempts to remove it (including changing the stone for a new one) the leg image remained. It is still there today.
- You’ll end your trip with a beautiful drive on the Schoodic National Scenic Byway.
Chung Chu / Flickr From Hancock, jump onto US1. This 29-mile route will take you through the only mainland portion of Acadia. Along the shoreline there are plenty of beautiful lighthouses and nature, as well as views of Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island. Along the way, make time to stop at the variety of places on the National Historic Register, including The Prospect Harbor Light and The Old Sullivan Store. Other nice options are Mt. Desert Island and Quarry Wharf.
Readers seem to love Maine road trips. So, here’s a recent favorite taking you to some gorgeous Maine castles!
Google Maps
Frosty’s Donuts / Facebook
In addition to good coffee, Frosty’s will send you on the road with a sugar fix. Choose from any of their awesome selection, or make your own! They’ve got all the fixings for your own personalized version of the perfect donutty breakfast. Visit them at: 45 Main St., Freeport / 207-865-9811.
David Fulmer / Flickr
Wait a second. A desert? In Maine? Well, in actuality, it’s 40 acres of exposed glacial silt, the result of soil erosion from mismanaged farmland. Look past the silly camel sculptures and it’s still an interesting oddity. Visit them at: 95 Desert Rd., Freeport / (207) 865-6962
Sam T / Flickr
It’s actually the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage, but there is a nice little corner dedicated to the official soft drink of Maine. Come here for any Moxie souvenirs you need. From shirts to hats, this place has it all. But, if you’re shopping for the holidays you should plan ahead - they’re only open for the summer! The museum is located in the Union Fairgrounds on Common Road in Union.
Mattia Panciroli / Flickr
Head to Camden Hills State Park and drive up to the summit of Mount Battie. Your impressive view will include Penobscot Bay, the town of Camden and the Camden Hills further afield. In addition to the view, there’s a stone observatory with an inscription by Maine poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay. She often came to the area and was inspired by its beauty. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why.
Fat Boy Drive In / Facebook
Hope you didn’t fill up on donuts because it’s time for your second food stop. Either way, better make room because what’s a road trip without stops for classic Maine meals!? Fat Boy is for all those who miss the old days. From seafood to fried accompaniments (awesome onion rings, for instance) there is plenty on offer. But, try the Whoperburger first. It’s classic and messy, just as it should be at a place with “fat” in the name. Take advantage of the throwback drive-in feel and munch out in your car like the good ol’ days! Visit them at: 111 Bath Road, Brunswick / (207) 729-9431
Castle Tucker / Facebook
Castle Tucker sits on a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River. It was built in 1807 and was updated by the Tucker family when they moved in. At the time, Wiscasset was a fairly bustling port in Maine and the Tuckers were quite prominent in shipping. Over time they saw some upheaval, including a reversal of fortune that required them to take in summer boarders in the home to make ends meet. Due in part to the financial troubles they faced, the interior of the home has remained relatively the same since after their initial renovations. A visit to the home reveals three generation’s worth of family possessions and a true glimpse into what life was life for them at the time.
Ken Lund / Flickr
Originally built in 1827 during the presidency of John Quicy Adams, the tower fell victim to accelerated deterioration as a result of some faulty construction. It was rebuilt with double walls in 1835. While the tower is only 38 ft. tall, its location on a rock ledge gives the light a 79 ft. focal plane. Flashing a white light every 6 seconds, Pemaquid’s light is visible for 14 miles.
smilla4 / Flickr
A lovely town about 100 miles from Portand, Belfast provides a great mix of art, local food and waterfront views. In June 2015, the first “Maine Fare” took place, celebrating and sharing local artisans, food and musicians. Check out the Maine Fare website for next year’s schedule of tastings, live concerts and farm tours.
Jim Degerstrom / Flickr
The founder of Bucksport, Colonel Jonathan Buck, fell in love with a woman and she became pregnant with his son. Upon learning this, he forced her away, but she eventually came back to Colonel Buck requesting assistance in caring for his son, which he refused. To ensure she would not bother him again, he pronounced her a witch and had her burned.
During the fire, her leg was fetched by her son who ran away to bury it on his own as a memorial to his mother. After Colonel Buck’s death, his own tomb showed signs of a stain in the form of a leg. Despite attempts to remove it (including changing the stone for a new one) the leg image remained. It is still there today.
Chung Chu / Flickr
From Hancock, jump onto US1. This 29-mile route will take you through the only mainland portion of Acadia. Along the shoreline there are plenty of beautiful lighthouses and nature, as well as views of Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island. Along the way, make time to stop at the variety of places on the National Historic Register, including The Prospect Harbor Light and The Old Sullivan Store. Other nice options are Mt. Desert Island and Quarry Wharf.
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