The beaches of New England, the mountains of Vermont, the captivating bustle of New York: the eastern United States offers numerous tourist destinations. journey. With its golden light, fewer crowds, and still mild temperatures, early fall is probably the best time to go. Get your passport out!
7 Road Trip Ideas to Take in the Eastern United States from Montreal:
1. Burlington, Vermont
2 hours from Montreal
You really can’t go wrong with a trip to Burlington. On the shores of Lake Champlain, just 2 hours from the metropolis, you will discover local boutiques, cafes and restaurants, as well as hiking possibilities and a particularly relaxed atmosphere. To put on your list: August 1st for lunch no matter the time of day and the Crow Bookstore to find new or used books. Outdoor lovers will stop by the shops on Church Street, and hop lovers will choose an address among the area’s many microbreweries. Health!
2. Plattsburgh, New York
1h30 from Montreal
Photo provided by ADIRONDACK COAST VISITOR’S BUREAU
For a one-day vacation with a change of scenery, opt for Plattsburgh in upstate New York. As soon as you cross the border, you will immediately arrive in Plattsburgh. Stroll along a beach bordering Lake Champlain (we recommend Point Au Roche State Park), discover the city center on foot, witness the beauty of colonial homes during a drive, shop at the Champlain Mall, go shopping at Target, grab a bite to eat at Twisted Carrot, grab a coffee at Chapter One or High Peeks Brew. This student city is full of options for a weekend or a journey of one day.
3. Stowe, Vermont
2h30 from Montreal
Outdoor lovers come and go to Stowe. A popular destination in autumn, you’ll feel like you’re in an episode of Gilmore Girls! We recommend the restaurants Butler’s Pantry (for brunch), Piecasso (for good pizza) and Plate (for seasonal cuisine). Walk through the town of Stowe and fall in love with it from the first seconds. A tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory, a guided tour of the Trapp Family Lodge (the family that inspired the story of the movie The melody of happiness.) and Cold Hollow Cider Mill (for donuts and delicious cider).
PHOTO FROM VERMONT VACATION.COM
4Portland, Maine
5h30 from Montreal
Matt McNulty / UNSPLASH
Portland, affectionately nicknamed “Little Boston,” entices with its paved roads and the smell of fish that wafts through the city. Must-see stops in Portland include potato donuts at Holy Donut, a lobster roll at Highroller Lobster Co., coffee at Bard Coffee, art galleries and boutiques in the Old Port, and a boat trip. to conquer the island of Picos (and eat a Neapolitan pizza at Il Leone).
Eleven Photographs / UNSPLASH
Obviously, the coastal resorts of Ogunquit and Old Orchard are still great options if you want to visit Maine.
5. Acadia and Bar Harbor National Park, Maine
6 hours from Montreal
North of Portland, Acadia National Park is a hiker’s dream with its 250 km of trails (!), but also for walkers. It is located on Mount Desert Island and is located in one of the prettiest small towns in Maine: Bar Habor. Fishing port, mountains, coast, typical New England houses, shops, bars and restaurants await you (and many other happy tourists!). A local must-see: Sand Beach in the heart of Acadia National Park, which you’ll have a magical view of if you hike the Beehive Trail (2.3 km).
Raquel C / UNSPLASH
6. Saratoga Springs, New York
3 hours from Montreal
From horse racing to Victorian homes, hiking trails and trendy restaurants, consider taking a trip to Saratoga Springs the next time you hit the road. Our favorites remain: Saratoga Spa State Park, a hike along the Geyser Creek Trail, S Broadway Street for cafes, bars and restaurants, a picnic on the shore of Saratoga Lake and taking photos in front of Stars Hollow-worthy Victorian homes in Gilmore Girls. As for restaurants, we recommend trying The Night Owl and Osteria Danny (near Saratoga Race Course).
Harry Gillen / UNSPLASH
7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
5 hours from Montreal
New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism
The New Hampshire coastline is only 30 miles long, but it’s worth the detour. Located in Maine, Portsmouth is one of the gems to discover. It is a pleasure to stroll through the heart of this historic city, stopping to lobster roll (at Old Ferry Landing), a microbeer (at Earth Eagle Brewings) or a cupcake (at Ceres Bakery). Outside the center we rent a paddle board (here) to surf the Newcastle Islands, visit the elegant historic Wentworth by the Sea hotel and join the surfers at Jenness State Beach in Rye.
