July 27, 2022

Perspective: We're a family of 4 from Florida, with kids age 5 and 7. We work remotely and homeschool during the week, and on weekends we did side-trips to explore the region. Here's a list of trip notes. I hope it's helpful for anyone planning a visit to the White Mountain region of New Hampshire or the Mid-Coast region of Maine.

New Hampshire Highlights:

• Saywer Rock outside Bartlett, NH – this was a little spot near us for swimming and rock jumping. If you're going through an area with mountain streams, look up where the local swimming hole is. The water can be cold but It's crystal clear and worth it.

• Sabbaday Falls - the perfect quick hike for any age. Not too strenuous, but a big payoff at the end. The falls are gorgeous and there's a wooden guardrail all the way up, allowing for great views.

• Jackson - such a cute little town and not packed. There is a covered bridge on the way into town (one car at a time, watch out!) There's a little park with a path along the river and at the end there's a worn path that leads to the riverbed.

• Santa's Village – for me, the reindeer alone were worth the price of admission. But there were lots of other things to see and do here. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes and don't forget sunscreen. Had a great time here (and I'm not one for rides, but I still had fun).

• Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park– stunning natural beauty. And please get yourself a maple flavored whoopie pie from the gift shop. The trail is well maintained and there are railings around anything that could lead to a fall. Very doable for smaller kids or parents who are baby-carrying. Make reservations online in advance.

• The Christmas Loft in Conway, NH – I don't want to say too much, because it was a surprise for us, and that made it even better. Just go – families with kids and Christmas lovers alike.

• Best lobster roll and clam chowder of the whole trip at J's Corner in Gorham, NH. The chowder is its own thing – unique flavor and perfect texture. The lobster roll has the perfect mayonnaise to lobster ratio and a little bit of finely chopped celery for flavor and crunch.

• Other great restaurants in and around Conway:

Luchador Tacos - fresh and flavorful
Taste of Thai – the curry pad Thai was delicious
Thai Nakornping – good pad Thai
Red Fox Bar and Grill – great chowder
Red Parka Steakhouse – great chowder and French onion soup
Yesterday's – amazing pancakes
Wicked Fresh Burgers – imaginative and delicious burgers

• Be warned: lots of touristy (overpriced, loud, and not that great) restaurants in North Conway. Just avoid these, you will know them when you see them.

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Maine Highlights:

• Kennebunkport

  • Whale watching – 5 hours is a long time. Use extreme caution with little kids (if you think they will get fussy - don't book the 5 hour trip), bring snacks and drinks, put on sunscreen, bring hats, sunglasses, and wind breakers

  • Allison's – lobster rolls are great (they have different versions and even a sampler). The clam chowder was sandy on the day I had it, which was a shame because it was flavored really well and good consistency

• Ogunquit

  • Perkin's Cove area

  • Jackie's Too – best meal and best view of the trip. The chowder was amazing.

• Boothbay Harbor

  • Downtown

  • 1901 – good sushi

  • Tugboat Inn – great chowder and lobster roll (simple and classic) - waterfront dining

  • Blue Moon Café - great blueberry pancakes

  • Downeast Ice Cream Factory – best ice cream I've ever had. We went back several times.

  • Barrett Park – great spot for swimming and to explore tide pools

  • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – a must if going with kids! So many imaginative interactive zones. There is a long nature trail in the back with lots to explore and do.

  • Boothbay Harbor Inn – nice little motel right on the Harbor. The footbridge connects to their parking lot. Walk across and enjoy everything in downtown.

  • Seal and Lobster tour – short and fun for families with little kids. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Hat's might get blown off, we went a little fast at times and it was windy. Dogs are allowed on this cruise – don't do it! The top deck is carpeted and we saw a nervous dog pee and vomit during the 90 min trip. Save yourself the headache and don't bring a dog onboard.

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Surrounding areas:

• Ocean Point – part of it is a trail, then you get off and rock hop on your own. Challenging (and you could get seriously hurt if you aren't careful) but doable with kids who can listen and hold hands.

• Hawk's House Inn – Such a charming historic Inn. The innkeeper is so friendly and welcoming of families (the carriage house has rooms large enough for a family of 4). Screened porch and giant yard and garden with seating. He'll have fresh coffee and warm banana bread waiting for you in the morning.

• Shaw's Wharf – decent food but you really go to eat overlooking the boat docks

• Pemaquid Beach – rocks, driftwood, moss, everything you want a Maine beach to be

• Cape Elizabeth - the Portland Head Light - this is the quinessential Maine lighthouse. If you have time for just one light house in New England, make it this one. Gorgeous grounds to walk around and a long trail that winds along the rocky coast. Absolultely amazing views.