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Topic: traveling to Maine  (Read 2518 times)

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traveling to Maine
« on: September 13, 2005, 12:31:29 PM »
Hello,
DW & I are thinking about flying home to Baltimore for Christmas but are considering flying into Boston and a subsequent trip up to Maine for a few days.  This would be around December 15.  One thing we looked at was the new Amtrak service from Boston to Portland, has anyone done that?  We were thinking the scenery might be spectacular.  The other option is to take the train from Boston to Baltimore which could also be very nice but we're concerned about the cost and time (6-7 hours).  We thought it could be more environmentally friendly to take the train then to jump on a plane from Boston to Baltimore although the cost and time factors are much better.

Anyway, my main questions are in regards to visiting Maine close to Christmas.  It sounds like a great time to go, almost winter wonderland-ish.
Does anyone have any hints or tips for someone visiting around that time?  Any reason not to go?

Thanks!

Matt
And the world first spoke to me in Sensurround


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2005, 12:42:55 PM »
Any reason not to go?

It's friggin' cold!!!  :P

Seriously, though, it sounds like a great idea. I'm sure you'll get some pointers from people here.
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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2005, 12:52:31 PM »
i love maine.  specifically kennebunkport maine.  it's amazing.

portland is awesome as well, a great city.

i'm not sure of the scenery you'd get-i do know it would be mostly coastal, but as amtrack takes the coastal route, it's not always 'pretty'.  a lot of marshlands etc.......


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2005, 01:37:02 PM »
I'll be in  Millinocket for 10 days starting next week!

When researching transport to the "wilderness" bits of Maine, I discovered that it's either easier to take the train from Boston, Greyhound from Boston, or fly.  In fact I have a flight next Thursday, but since there is an 8 hour layover in Boston, I figured I would hop on Greyhound and be in Bangor before my flight in Boston even took OFF!! LOL

If you are the outdoorsy type - please know that some of the major parks are closed during the time you want to visit.  That means no hiking to the summits, etc.  Some of the campgrounds are still open, but they will have limited services due to the artic weather.

Good Luck....when I get back from Maine - I might post some of my adventures on here.  :)
Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes....that way you are a mile a way - and you have his shoes....


Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2005, 01:45:58 PM »
We currently live in Maine and the train trip from Boston is pretty painless. Portland is a great city. Someone mentioned Kennebunkport, which is also very beautiful. I think taking a drive north on rt. 1 is very scenic. Wiscasset and Damariscotta are very quaint little towns and Camden is picture perfect.


Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2005, 01:55:54 PM »
. I think taking a drive north on rt. 1 is very scenic.

 memories, memories............. 8)..........the SLOW and BEST way to see Maine......You do mean the old Rt. 1 right 8)
« Last Edit: September 13, 2005, 01:59:02 PM by CeltictotheCore »


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #6 on: September 13, 2005, 02:01:28 PM »
We currently live in Maine and the train trip from Boston is pretty painless. Portland is a great city. Someone mentioned Kennebunkport, which is also very beautiful. I think taking a drive north on rt. 1 is very scenic. Wiscasset and Damariscotta are very quaint little towns and Camden is picture perfect.

You might be able to help me then (sorry for the hijack)...the train to Portland from Boston is only $19.00 and takes an hour and a half.....so any idea how I could get to Bangor International from Portland without spending an arm and a leg?

Greyhound from Boston is $51 and takes nearly 5 hours!!! *BUT* it takes me to Bangor....

Thanks in advance...
Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes....that way you are a mile a way - and you have his shoes....


Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #7 on: September 13, 2005, 02:07:46 PM »
Any reason not to go?

 What, other than the fact that it's colder than a well-diggers ars* up there at Christmas time?..........lovely state  8)


Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #8 on: September 13, 2005, 02:12:43 PM »
Why not take the train to Portland and rent a car. Do a rt.1 drive north and then go to Bangor. Why do you need to get to Bangor?


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2005, 02:17:57 PM »
Why not take the train to Portland and rent a car. Do a rt.1 drive north and then go to Bangor. Why do you need to get to Bangor?

I need to get to Bangor 'cause that's where I rented the car from  ;D ....I am then driving to Millinocket....

And the reason I rented the car in Bangor - is because my original flight is to Bangor and also returning FROM Bangor....I was going to rent a car in Boston and drive up - but I know I won't want to drive back to Boston to return the car for when I come back here.....so Bangor seemed like the obvious choice to rent the car.  They would charge me $100 to return the rental car to a different place then I rented it from.....

So if there is an easy (and relatively cheap) way to get from Portland to Bangor International - that would be great!!  :)

Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes....that way you are a mile a way - and you have his shoes....


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #10 on: September 13, 2005, 02:30:51 PM »
Icicle...are you from Millinocket? No wonder your screen name is Icicle...hehehe!

I am from Boothbay Harbor...and many Christmases there is no snow on the ground. I have heard this is going to be a cold winter though. I won't be there for Christmas this year...but was able to go back last year and there was some snow. I love white Christmases!

Maine is most beautiful in the Fall (jmho) and it can sometimes be hard to get around in the winter. Not many places are open like they are between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, but there are many things happening in Portland and lots of shopping and holiday stuff going on in Freeport (home of LL Bean)

You can take a bus, Concord Trailways, from Boston to Bangor....or take the train to Portland and site-see a bit and then onto Bangor from Portland via bus. Sounds kinda complicated! Who did you rent your car through? Maybe you could change it and pick it up in Portland instead?


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #11 on: September 13, 2005, 02:37:55 PM »
Icicle...are you from Millinocket? No wonder your screen name is Icicle...hehehe!

No I'm not actually from Millinocket....

I rented the car through Budget...got a great price which includes everything (except gas).  I need to return to Bangor for my flight so I might as well just stick to my original plan.  I was teased by the 1 hour and 30 train time from Boston to Portland!!
Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes....that way you are a mile a way - and you have his shoes....


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #12 on: September 13, 2005, 02:41:29 PM »
It only takes me a bit over 2 hours to drive from BBH to Logan by car. Takes much longer by the bus, but that is what family members usually do when flying over to visit...bus from Portland to Logan. Have a great visit...I envy you being able to see part of the northern Maine woods in foliage season. Wonder if it will be past peak by the time you get there.


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #13 on: September 13, 2005, 02:56:41 PM »
I envy you being able to see part of the northern Maine woods in foliage season. Wonder if it will be past peak by the time you get there.

Well as long as it doesn't *peak* by next Thursday.....LOL

I have to thank you for that Concord Trailways hint....they are cheaper than Greyhound....even for going all the way to Bangor!!  AND they pick up at Logan!!  I was going to have to go into Boston to the Greyhound station.

Many thanks!  :)
Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes....that way you are a mile a way - and you have his shoes....


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Re: traveling to Maine
« Reply #14 on: September 13, 2005, 03:15:02 PM »
Well as long as it doesn't *peak* by next Thursday.....LOL

I have to thank you for that Concord Trailways hint....they are cheaper than Greyhound....even for going all the way to Bangor!!  AND they pick up at Logan!!  I was going to have to go into Boston to the Greyhound station.

Many thanks!  :)

You're welcome...they pick up every hour just outside the door from arrivals.


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