Road Trip from Cleveland to Bar Harbor, ME - What to see along the way?

My wife and I are in the very early phases of planning a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. She has been there once and loved it and really wants to go again with me. We have two dogs that we want to bring with us. My wife says it's a very dog friendly place. We would like to camp, hike with the dogs, enjoy nature, visit some cool restaurant/bars, and have a great time. We haven't decided if we are going to do this trip in the summer or fall yet. Since we will be driving from Cleveland I was wondering if there were some cool places to check out along the way there. Maybe some great parks, camp grounds, bars, festivals, anything! We're up for an adventure. Also, we would rather not stay in traditional boring hotels. Any suggestions for bed and breakfasts? cabins? other?

THANKS!!!

Cleveland (Ohio) ⇨ Bar Harbor (Maine) Acadia National Park (Maine) Boston (Massachusetts) Buffalo (New York) Rochester (New York) Syracuse (New York) Adirondack Massachusetts (MA)

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Debbie
Nice suggestions, Paulette! Looks like a great road trip. By the way, I'm a community manager here and I've helped you highlight the places in your answer on a map! In the future, you can do this yourself as you answer a question by simply typing the @-symbol followed by the name of the place. Take a look at your map next to your answer :)

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answered first by

Julie

Great place to visit with dogs. Many ocean front campgrounds that accept dogs. Great hiking trails, walking trails and biking trails. Other places to see in Maine..Popham Beach. State park campground accepts dogs.City of Belfast (Maine)-animal friendly, fun little shops, lobster

Old Port in Portland - cool shops and great bars

Bangor has a Folk Festival last weekend of August. Lots of great music and great food.

If you are not in a big hurry New Hampshire Mountains are not that far and quite a site to see. Take the Kancamagus Hwy. There are tons of wonderful trails, camping sites and streams (to cool off in).Have a great trip.

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Debbie
Amazing answer, Julie! Sounds absolutely gorgeous. By the way, I'm a community manager here and I've helped you highlight the places in your answer on a map! In the future, you can do this yourself as you answer a question by simply typing the @-symbol followed by the name of the place. Take a look at your map next to your answer :)

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answered by

Taylor from Pennsylvania

Hi Michael,

I would echo the answers given to you by Paulette. The NH and ME seacoast is where it's at. Portsmouth (New Hampshire) is so fun and cute. It has a ton of bars and restaurants and they are all easily accessible. Eat at Surf Portsmouth for good seafood and great views of the water. District also has great food and they try to source locally. It's centrally located, but no water views unfortunately. The Ferry Landing is fun for your basic fried seafood, lobster roll dishes and it's right on the water. For cocktails head to the Martingale Wharf. Their food is overpriced and small for what it is, but their wrap around bar and outdoor deck is really nice. Popovers is good for a coffee or a sandwich. For lodging, you could try checking out the Strawberry Banke area. I'm not sure what is available, but it is the cute, historic section of town. A B&B there would be charming no doubt.

If you drive up the coast, you can not miss Ogunquit (Maine). Absolutely precious beaches, nice trails and paths to take your dogs and just a wonderful coastal vibe. You must eat at The Front Porch. It has excellent food and a great atmosphere. They also have a piano bar which is quite popular. It's only open for dinner. Barnacle Billy's is a fun, low key place to get your seafood favorites. Enjoy a rum punch with your meal for the ultimate summer experience.

I also love Kennebunkport (Maine). I'm sure you can find a nice B&B there. There are great shops and restaurants. I would recommend eating at David's KPT. It's right on the water, has fabulous food and great outdoor lounging/eating areas.

Enjoy your trip! I'll be sure to ask you for Bar Harbor tips. It's long been on my list of places to visit.

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answered by

Kira from Los Angeles

This is a fun question! If you're up for a tiny detour, I would have a look at Saratoga Springs, New York. It's a wonderful little town with endless festivals, arts-related events, music venues, etc.

If you go in the spring, there's a festival called Saratoga Arts Fest that's pretty great. There are also all kinds of outdoor activities in the area like white water rafting, hiking, horseback riding, etc.

One of my favorite places to hike there is called Ausable Chasm. Beautiful rock formation you can walk through.

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answered by

Kathleen from Boston, Massachusetts

If you love lobsta rolls (aka lobster rolls), you should stop by Red's Eats in Wiscasset. You can't miss it if you are driving on Route 1.

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answered by

Staci from Cleveland

I love hearing about another Clevelander making the trek to Maine!! I just made the drive this summer to Kennebunkport (Maine), but didn't stop along the way. I do highly recommend stopping in the Kennebunk area. All Day Breakfast was delicious if you're swinging through town and it's well priced.

I have a more extensive list on my blog if you want to check it out. Good luck!! :)

http://worldsmanywonders.com/2014/10/14/what-to-do-in-kennebunk-maine/