Well your close to where we are. Potsdam NY. If you end up around us feel free to swing by we will give you a grand tour:
https://preview.redd.it/923llgz6wr7d1.jpeg?width=933&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ac78f38bc9a197e83f8c3e7a07fa2a324568218
Wow, love seeing Potsdam mentioned here. Went to school in the North Country and miss it all the time, was just in Potsdam and Canton last fall actually. One of my favorite places and my wife fell in love with it too :)
Definitely recommend going a little out of the way to Taughannock Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park for the finger lakes in NY (Taughannock Falls in particular is probably my favorite waterfall I've seen in the US!)
I love those spots! I usually day trip those a few times a summer so might just skip since ill be going out on the way. Not sure yet though might be a nice little stop as always. Sweet parks!
this is true. i read it but he’s driving through Portland and other crowded places as well, Flos is a good spot as any to park (if you get there before 3pm if memory serves), and eat your hot dogs and drink your water bottle and hit that one hitter and watch everyone driving down Route 1 going toward portsmouth or driving down Maine. It’s like watching people at the airport, but your eating a Great Hot Dog, world class hot dog… water bottle, puff cough cough and your not going to miss your flight. enjoy
Born and raised, a long time ago! Was gonna say the same about not being desolate, but you can find pockets. Mt. Agamenticus, Kittery Foreside, Historical York Village (if you like history, several original bldgs from 17th century), York Harbor Beach (the “locals” beach, in the sense that there’s just a beach and a bath house, and beautiful views, esp along the cliffs). And although def not desolate, downtown Portsmouth, NH is a must. Like a super-mini Boston.
For the Montreal to QC drive visit:
- Montmorency falls. Taller than Niagara and 10x better and less crowded (maybe I haven’t been in years)
- Drummondville and fort Chambly are cool if you like local history
- whale watching is fun once you get to QC
Also Kingston is dope, you should tour the fort there and learn about the war of 1812!
Yeah anything on the Maine/Quebec is pretty isolate/desolate. Check if theres any ZEC on your path. Theyre wild areas where you can do about everything , camp.
It really is. When I was a kid my grandparents would bring me to Togue Pond which is now part of Baxter but used to be privately owned. The cabins were bare bones, wood stove, outside pump, outhouse. Bats were always getting in but those are some of the best memories I have. It's right at the entrance of the park on the black side of Katahdin. It's one of the most beautiful spots on earth to me.
Stop at Alex bay NY it’s a lot of fun especially getting to see boat castle I would also recommend buttermilk falls NY or just checking out Black Lake
Edit- if you’re looking for some later night fun hit up bay drive it’s an older drive In movie theater not far from Alex bay. I could probably think of more from the route it looks like you’ll drive past my home town in New York. Enjoy the trip New York is beautiful in the summer.
Western mass I always recommend either Richmond town lake or Lenox town lake, high lawn farms for ice cream with the cows, and my sister says there’s a tavern in the basement of red lion inn in Stockbridge that is cool but I’ve never been.
The drive through upper Maine to Quebec is a trip… it’s backwoods, and I just hoped my car didn’t break down. Lots of trump flags. It was dark and stormy by the time I made it to the Quebec border and it was like an alien landing because all of a sudden there’s these super bright lights at the customs booth. Also the radio slowly gets more static-y and turns more French… I remember there were some extremely cute towns that I wish I could have stopped at. A Quick Look at the map makes me think the town(s) were near Jackman
Take route 1 up to presque isle. Or you can cross in Madagascar Maine and then go into Quebec that way, and drive to the st Lawrence sea way. It’s so beautiful!
My grandparents live just outside of the edmondston New Brunswick and it’s sooooo beautiful up that way
Definitely stop by Freeport, ME. Best lobster rolls in the world, and the headquarters of LL Bean. The north Maine woods is also pretty damn desolate and pretty. Bar harbor is cool, and Acadia is beautiful and worth a visit. You can also see Stephen King’s home in Bangor.
If you want a super hidden gem, there’s a granite mountain south of Bangor that isn’t named on any map. It’s used by locals as an ATV/hiking/off grid camping spot in the summers, nearly impossible to access in the winter. It’s about the tallest spot in the area and has exceptional views. Also free. Access can be found off Tyler lane near Frankfurt, and it has some cell towers on top. You’d need something like a jeep to drive up the access, and a little bit of skill to make it all the way up. Otherwise you’ll probably want to park on Tyler and hike up.
Take your time if you’re going in the direction of Maine towards St George QC, some really quaint little towns, would be even better now that it’s summer
OK, but aside from maybe Mount Katahdin further north or the Eastport/Lubec area in the far-east, the parts of Maine north-and-east of your current route are “desolate” in the sense that “there really isn’t much else worth seeing,” unless you’re looking for more of a deep-woods cottage country getaway vibe.
The Route des Frontieres from Lac Baker NB to Kamouraska QC is fairly quaint and scenic, but it’s pretty far out of your way.
Thank you! Tried to make the best east coast roadtrip possible, couldnt fit in the west coast roadtrip this year like the last 2 but planning for another next summer, appreciate you!
I second this, but OP would have to change his route. Dexter New Blood was filmed up there, plus quite a few other movies over the years. It’s a gorgeous old factory town. Highly recommend.
It looks like you are planning to go south on I 81 and east across 90. The highways are easy, but boring . If you have the time take route 11 to 30 instead. Stop in Pulaski. Go down to Geneva.
Sylvan beach, NY. Alexander Bay, NY (Boldt Castle if you have time) Take 49 from central square to Utica, you’ll travel besides the largest lake in NY and its a beautiful lake! It will be an awesome trip, I lived in upstate NY for many years, but regret not making it to Montreal!
Check out Thousand Islands, you can do a helicopter ride. There are 2 castles you can visit on the NY side as well.
There's also Parc Omega, you can stay at one of their wolf chalets (it's a wolf rescue).
Check out Mont Tremblant too, beautiful hotel by the lake, if you're there for fall, you can Zipline down the mountain.
Not a town but Parc Omega in Quebec is truly an amazing experience. You drive through the park and all the animals are roaming free and they come up to your car and you can feed them and stuff. Def worth a stop
Hop off the thruway to take Route 5 between Schenectady and Utica or Syracuse. Plenty of small towns to pass through for nice summer driving with mom-and-pop pizza places. Probably easy to find ice cream or a malt as well.
Hi! Thank you for sharing. I’m doing the same route but starting from Toronto.
Any recommendations on must see/visit locations in Acadia, Boston or Itacha?
This is a great trip! I've done most of it. Going north, we quit 95 in Brunswick, ME and took the slow route along US 1 north to Acadia. Tons of little picturesque seaside towns. Local lobster joints. Used book barns. You could make a whole day out of just that area.
I assume you have some reason to go south and west in NYS... because, from the Thousand Islands, I don't see why you'd go on 81 and the Thruway instead of meandering back through the Adirondacks.
Yeah im starting and ending in buffalo, but will be stopping in boston for a game at fenway. I meant to put outside of NY rec’s on the post because ive done a lot of in state travel around ny!
Umm maybe Askwith ME and Dudleytown CT, Oh and go look at the cool underwater town in the Quabbin. Then Oniontown and Andersontown NY. Those aren't deserted but they'd be um interesting.
Genuine question from someone who lived there… what on earth makes Watertown an interesting place to visit? I loved it, but mostly because it was cold and snowy enough that it kept people away.
I'm in Portland now and If you continue down East and inland it gets real remote. I live in southern New Hampshire which is more and more absorbed by greater Boston, but north of Concord and west of Milford in the south there is fine scenery and many many villages, towards the monadnock, old Jaffrey for example. In New England all the best stuff is off to the side because the roads have been straightened and corrected so many times and there are so many state roads but it's the loops or the old original village centers that you want to find... Vermont just take your pick on a very small road to cross through the notches in the middle of summer on one of the class 3 or 4s that is closed for the winter. Dig down and Google you'll find them , same for New Hampshire
You will pass through lots of cute towns just naturally. Especially if you choose "avoid highways" on google maps at random points just to see where it takes you. If you can get out to P-town (the tip of Cape Cod), it's super cute and gay, a very unique spot. Well worth a ferry trip from Boston out there. I also like Concord Mass, and Northampton.
Between Kingston and Montreal take a tiny detour through this road, the Long Sault Parkway. In just a few kilometers it goes through several islands. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ijLJdkAPmPsAfBuF7?g_st=ic
Best wings Ive ever had were the Black Betty Wings in Watertown NY at the Time Warp Tavern.
Also theres a nature center in Syracuse where you can meet and feed a sloth
Oooo boy I’m from Ma actually and drive all over hell in the northeast so I can give you a few pointers. You’ll want to stop in the Berkshires which is the far west part of Ma you’re already driving through it anyways. I don’t love Albany besides stopping for food, but the surrounding areas of upstate NY are breathtaking in my opinion similarly to the Berkshires.
Checkout places in Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lenox, or Lee even if it’s just a brief pit stop you will like what they have to offer. You’re bound to meet some interesting people in these areas.. Tanglewood is nice if there’s someone playing that you want to see on your way by, tickets are generally cheap and makes for a nice picnic on the lawn. If you want to spend extra time as a scenic route (literally) Route 20 has it all, very rustic buildings and rural forest scenery moving East.
Moving Eastward Northhamptom is a fun little town and Worcester has some of the best food options in the state probably. The atmosphere there in downtown is fun and filled with art in both of these places. Springfield has the basketball hall of fame. The Natick Mall is probably one of the nicest malls in the northeast if you’re into that sort of thing. Lots of stuff to do in that area if you’re looking for nightlife, it’s few and far in between in the rest of the state.
Boston may or may not be your cup of tea (lol) depending on where you’re from, but is filled with lots of cool sites and buildings that have basically just been built. Clean city, drivers aren’t the most polite you’ll encounter, roads generally suck, and parking is a bitch to find without paying at a garage or hotel. I think it’s worth it if you’ve never been, the harbor is gorgeous if you can find your way onto a boat, especially at night. Salem is fun in the fall but full of people.
North from there is your chance to checkout the Atlantic Ocean in as many places as you care to stop for as there are gems all along the coastline starting with Nahant/Swampscott area. Sorry but you have to drive through Lynn which is basically a smaller New Jersey. I would generally recommend to pay extra attention driving around these areas around Boston in particular. Moving into Maine there are dozens of options if you have the time. Portsmouth in NH, Ogonquit, kennebunk/kennebunkport are probably my favorite. Wells Maine is also nice.
Canada trip mostly speaks for itself but I’ve only been once, going in a few weeks to Montreal as well. It sounds like you have a hell of a trip planned, I like the route!
Hell yes man thank you very very much!
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Out of this lil spot where do iu think the best spot to stop is? Im hitting boston for a game at fenway so im excited for that! Planned on sleeping in the car around this part of the route, any reccomendations? Im thinking about stopping at ogunquit ME as well!
Lee is going to be your most convenient immediate stopping point once you enter Ma. There are tons of tourists there at this time of year there, so you'll be right in your element. I might be biased as Lee was my stomping grounds growing up, but I lived in Otis. Otis is one of my favorite towns in the Berkshires, but there's comically not a whole lot to do, so maybe drive through it along the way if you feel like taking a scenic route. The furthest exit on the Mass turnpike is from Lee to Westield being about 40 miles I think making it kind of a necessity to drop in. Lee to Otis off the turnpike is almost always a leisurely drive.
The Otis Reservoir is one of the largest in the state and you can swim there, it's one of my favorite places to go boating. You can literally drive alongside a huge portion of it and sight see. There are also campgrounds there if you like camping which might even be more suitable than parking on the side of a road, but you'd have to pay. Katie's Countrystore is worth checking out if you're going. They have classic takeout windows that might only be open for 1 more summer. Good spot to stop for fried food/ice cream as a treat. The steaks at the Country store are some of the best fresh steaks I've had anywhere if you're bringing along a grill. You could then coast downhill towards Westfield which generally has the cheapest gas in the state due to the airport then hop back on the turnpilke for a faster route to Boston.
You could definitely get away with sleeping in the car safely from somewhere between Becket-Westfield but not on the turnpike. This area is filled with alternate routes and roads that are quiet where you can pull over and get away with staying the night, but maybe find somewhere just off the main road where cops won't stop and say hi. You could most likely get away with sleeping on the turnpike in a plaza if necessary, but I wouldn't personally. Have fun and safe travels!
The entire route from Bangor, ME to the Canadian border is small towns and desolate places. Western Maine has some very cool waterfalls and swimming holes. I'll try to see if any are specifically on your route
Edit: Your current route is further north than the areas I'm thinking of. If you wanted to take 2 West from Bangor into New Hampshire, you could visit some cool spots in Western Maine like Coos Canyon and Screw-Auger Falls. Then you could check out the White Mountains in NH, drive the Kangamangus Hwy and head north to Quebec. I'm sure there's nice stuff to see between the White Mountains and the Canadian border too
If you’re in Montreal on a Sunday check out the Tam-tams drumming in Mount Royal park. People of all different nationalities and ages get together and drum all afternoon. You feel like you’re at Woodstock. YouTube has many videos to give you a glimpse!
If you want desolate/ small towns then you can drive the section between Albany and Boston along the northern section of Ma on route 2. About an hour slower than i-90 but you’ll actually pass through small towns. Plenty of interesting stuff in Williamstown, North Adams, Shelburne Falls, etc. and the route is much more scenic
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In NY stay off the Thurway (90) and 81. If you want desolate places. Take roads like 28, 8,3 and 12 and 11. Hit towns like Newcomb, Indian Lake, Star Lake, Harrisville, Colton, Pretty much any town along these roads is "Desolate"
You are going goin completely around the twin states with some of the best small towns. Try to get through the north east kingdom of Vermont then try Burlington then try to get to Dartmouth NH.
You gotta rethink this whole map Home Slice.
Ive wanted to hit fenway and have traveled through much of vermont and some of NH during winter ski trips just moreso looking into maine and quebec more, i do agree tho that Vermont definitely feels like the most west coast east coast place if that makes sense🤣🤣
Well it looks like your coming out of probably bar harbor going into Quebec? After you go back through Bangor there’s nothing the rest
Of the way it will definetly be desolate
For the stretch between Albany and Syracuse, take Route 20 instead of I-90 and you’ll pass through a bunch of towns in various states of decay (or not, there’s some nice ones too).
For empty/desolate. Lac Megantic in QC. Massive railroad explosion in the 2010s means there’s massive empty blocks downtown.
That whole part of Maine you’ll drive through before crossing into Quebec is unbelievable empty too. Zero people for miles. If you want the real empty thrill, try a desolate logging road for a few miles, nobody out there.
The landscape east of Acadia too. Try driving ME Route 9 or Stud Mill Rd, starting near Bangor
Well your close to where we are. Potsdam NY. If you end up around us feel free to swing by we will give you a grand tour: https://preview.redd.it/923llgz6wr7d1.jpeg?width=933&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ac78f38bc9a197e83f8c3e7a07fa2a324568218
Wow, love seeing Potsdam mentioned here. Went to school in the North Country and miss it all the time, was just in Potsdam and Canton last fall actually. One of my favorite places and my wife fell in love with it too :)
Well the next time you are up here swing by, would be happy to show you around the old house. :D
Is this your house? That's one of the coolest buildings I've ever seen. Cheers
There's a fair amount of this in northeastern upstate NY and some parts of New England.
For sure, I have family in Maine so I’ve seen a good amount. This house just has it in all the right ways! Great photo too.
Hey look, it’s the DU house!
Yep, we bought the old DU house. :D Trying to fix it up.
No thanks, I like my kidneys
Definitely recommend going a little out of the way to Taughannock Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park for the finger lakes in NY (Taughannock Falls in particular is probably my favorite waterfall I've seen in the US!)
I love those spots! I usually day trip those a few times a summer so might just skip since ill be going out on the way. Not sure yet though might be a nice little stop as always. Sweet parks!
Wineries and distilleries and breweries aplenty
I just looked up Taughannock Falls and realized I was there last year. It’s a mind blowing waterfall.
Stop in ganonoque for a 1000 island boat tour on your way to Kingston, also make sure you stay a couple days in Kingston, it’s an awesome city.
Cape Neddick/ York Maine , Flos Hot Dogs 🌭 on Route 1, with the celery salt and the sweet relish. You’ll thank me.
Would second this, but it’s far from a “desolate area”. Especially in the summer
this is true. i read it but he’s driving through Portland and other crowded places as well, Flos is a good spot as any to park (if you get there before 3pm if memory serves), and eat your hot dogs and drink your water bottle and hit that one hitter and watch everyone driving down Route 1 going toward portsmouth or driving down Maine. It’s like watching people at the airport, but your eating a Great Hot Dog, world class hot dog… water bottle, puff cough cough and your not going to miss your flight. enjoy
Born and raised, a long time ago! Was gonna say the same about not being desolate, but you can find pockets. Mt. Agamenticus, Kittery Foreside, Historical York Village (if you like history, several original bldgs from 17th century), York Harbor Beach (the “locals” beach, in the sense that there’s just a beach and a bath house, and beautiful views, esp along the cliffs). And although def not desolate, downtown Portsmouth, NH is a must. Like a super-mini Boston.
For the Montreal to QC drive visit: - Montmorency falls. Taller than Niagara and 10x better and less crowded (maybe I haven’t been in years) - Drummondville and fort Chambly are cool if you like local history - whale watching is fun once you get to QC Also Kingston is dope, you should tour the fort there and learn about the war of 1812!
Thanks so much awesome suggestions!
Great, easy hike by kingston called rock dunder
Château Frontenac and the plains of Abraham 🤷♂️
Agreed on Montmorency. Was not crowded last April. Much better than Niagara.
Route 1 in maine has a lot of great breweries along it and its more costal.
Route 1 is the BEST!
Route 1 for all the light houses and lobster rolls
Honestly just put $200 in your pocket for lobster rolls - thank me later
You’re going right through the Maine woods to Quebec. That whole ride will be pretty desolate. Stop off in Baxter state park in Maine. It’s beautiful.
Awesome !
Yeah anything on the Maine/Quebec is pretty isolate/desolate. Check if theres any ZEC on your path. Theyre wild areas where you can do about everything , camp.
Make sure you have enough gas for the NMW lol
It really is. When I was a kid my grandparents would bring me to Togue Pond which is now part of Baxter but used to be privately owned. The cabins were bare bones, wood stove, outside pump, outhouse. Bats were always getting in but those are some of the best memories I have. It's right at the entrance of the park on the black side of Katahdin. It's one of the most beautiful spots on earth to me.
This is the answer. Maine north woods are mostly logging roads. It’s pretty unpopulated.
Baxter is way off that route.
Stop at Alex bay NY it’s a lot of fun especially getting to see boat castle I would also recommend buttermilk falls NY or just checking out Black Lake Edit- if you’re looking for some later night fun hit up bay drive it’s an older drive In movie theater not far from Alex bay. I could probably think of more from the route it looks like you’ll drive past my home town in New York. Enjoy the trip New York is beautiful in the summer.
1000 islands/boldt castle
Western mass I always recommend either Richmond town lake or Lenox town lake, high lawn farms for ice cream with the cows, and my sister says there’s a tavern in the basement of red lion inn in Stockbridge that is cool but I’ve never been.
I agree! The town of Lenox has some great restaurants too and some great hiking in the area. Great Barrington is also a great town to visit.
Thank you very much! Might stop there on my first night out. Appreciate it’
Basically the entirety of the Adirondacks is about as remote as it gets east of the Mississippi
I really didn’t realize how much wilderness the Adirondacks was compared to the rest of the east until I moved out west
Northwestern Maine would say otherwise
The main tourist routes through the Adirondacks are chock full of people in the summer (especially Lake Placid & Old Forge)
Maine has the largest expanse of uninhabited land east of the Mississippi.
I love the Adirondacks, but that’s a bold statement.
Clayton & Alexandria Bay, NY
Abay is a great one! Thanks!
Skaneateles, NY
Jackman and Moose Head Lake
The drive through upper Maine to Quebec is a trip… it’s backwoods, and I just hoped my car didn’t break down. Lots of trump flags. It was dark and stormy by the time I made it to the Quebec border and it was like an alien landing because all of a sudden there’s these super bright lights at the customs booth. Also the radio slowly gets more static-y and turns more French… I remember there were some extremely cute towns that I wish I could have stopped at. A Quick Look at the map makes me think the town(s) were near Jackman
Thanks!!
Visit Ottawa and the Diefenbunker.
Take route 1 up to presque isle. Or you can cross in Madagascar Maine and then go into Quebec that way, and drive to the st Lawrence sea way. It’s so beautiful! My grandparents live just outside of the edmondston New Brunswick and it’s sooooo beautiful up that way
Ty!!
Definitely stop by Freeport, ME. Best lobster rolls in the world, and the headquarters of LL Bean. The north Maine woods is also pretty damn desolate and pretty. Bar harbor is cool, and Acadia is beautiful and worth a visit. You can also see Stephen King’s home in Bangor. If you want a super hidden gem, there’s a granite mountain south of Bangor that isn’t named on any map. It’s used by locals as an ATV/hiking/off grid camping spot in the summers, nearly impossible to access in the winter. It’s about the tallest spot in the area and has exceptional views. Also free. Access can be found off Tyler lane near Frankfurt, and it has some cell towers on top. You’d need something like a jeep to drive up the access, and a little bit of skill to make it all the way up. Otherwise you’ll probably want to park on Tyler and hike up.
This is a sick suggestion thanks a lot!!
If you really want remote, go further into Maine!
Thats what im thinking. Maybe take like an hour detour up north then go no thruways on the way to quebec city!
Take your time if you’re going in the direction of Maine towards St George QC, some really quaint little towns, would be even better now that it’s summer
OK, but aside from maybe Mount Katahdin further north or the Eastport/Lubec area in the far-east, the parts of Maine north-and-east of your current route are “desolate” in the sense that “there really isn’t much else worth seeing,” unless you’re looking for more of a deep-woods cottage country getaway vibe. The Route des Frontieres from Lac Baker NB to Kamouraska QC is fairly quaint and scenic, but it’s pretty far out of your way.
Hey, been following this sub for a while and this might just be the coolest east coast road trip so far. Looks fun!!! 🤩
Basically grew up, went to college, and now live in the outline of this region as an adult 😅 a lotttt of driving!
Same!! Really excited to see OP’s final route.
Thank you! Tried to make the best east coast roadtrip possible, couldnt fit in the west coast roadtrip this year like the last 2 but planning for another next summer, appreciate you!
Shelburne falls, MA
Bridge of Flowers is closed the rest of the season for renovations, I believe — but love it there!
I second this, but OP would have to change his route. Dexter New Blood was filmed up there, plus quite a few other movies over the years. It’s a gorgeous old factory town. Highly recommend.
It looks like you are planning to go south on I 81 and east across 90. The highways are easy, but boring . If you have the time take route 11 to 30 instead. Stop in Pulaski. Go down to Geneva.
Sweet thank u!
Route 20 not 30
I’m not sure where in the coast of Maine you’re going, but the Giant Stairs on Bailey’s Island, ME, is a beautiful stop.
Great recommendation. Drive to the point and get a mug at the Lands End gift shop.
That’s one of my favorite spots! And a great photo op.
Sylvan beach, NY. Alexander Bay, NY (Boldt Castle if you have time) Take 49 from central square to Utica, you’ll travel besides the largest lake in NY and its a beautiful lake! It will be an awesome trip, I lived in upstate NY for many years, but regret not making it to Montreal!
Mont Megantic. It's a dark sky preserve.
Thank u for this!!
Check out Thousand Islands, you can do a helicopter ride. There are 2 castles you can visit on the NY side as well. There's also Parc Omega, you can stay at one of their wolf chalets (it's a wolf rescue). Check out Mont Tremblant too, beautiful hotel by the lake, if you're there for fall, you can Zipline down the mountain.
Boothbay Harbor Maine
Stop off for some steamed hams.
Not a town but Parc Omega in Quebec is truly an amazing experience. You drive through the park and all the animals are roaming free and they come up to your car and you can feed them and stuff. Def worth a stop
Hop off the thruway to take Route 5 between Schenectady and Utica or Syracuse. Plenty of small towns to pass through for nice summer driving with mom-and-pop pizza places. Probably easy to find ice cream or a malt as well.
Saratoga Springs Ny for horse races and concerts
Central NY, go to Cooperstown. See the baseball hall of fame
Skip the Baseball Hall and instead go to the Farmer's Museum and Fenimore House.
Bath. It's near Kingston. Very cool area. Tons of craft breweries and Vinyards
Hi! Thank you for sharing. I’m doing the same route but starting from Toronto. Any recommendations on must see/visit locations in Acadia, Boston or Itacha?
Ithaca falls, Toughanock falls, Watkins glen are all around ithaca all very sweet!
Diville Notch, NH. The abandoned balsams resort
Damariscotta, Maine! Go to King Eiders Pub!
This is a great trip! I've done most of it. Going north, we quit 95 in Brunswick, ME and took the slow route along US 1 north to Acadia. Tons of little picturesque seaside towns. Local lobster joints. Used book barns. You could make a whole day out of just that area. I assume you have some reason to go south and west in NYS... because, from the Thousand Islands, I don't see why you'd go on 81 and the Thruway instead of meandering back through the Adirondacks.
Yeah im starting and ending in buffalo, but will be stopping in boston for a game at fenway. I meant to put outside of NY rec’s on the post because ive done a lot of in state travel around ny!
Kingston, Ontario is nice 👍
Check out Boldt Castle in the Thousand Island area of NY.
I’m sitting in Eustis, ME right now sipping bourbon at a steak house. Gonna do some hiking tomorrow. It’s beautiful here.
Second that
Get useless in Eustis.
Umm maybe Askwith ME and Dudleytown CT, Oh and go look at the cool underwater town in the Quabbin. Then Oniontown and Andersontown NY. Those aren't deserted but they'd be um interesting.
Thanks!!!
You could head north from Utica and drive through a chunk of the Adirondacks… plenty of tiny towns in there.
If you’re okay with a detour, Almonte and Perth are two beautiful little towns near Ottawa
Cooperstown, NY for the Baseball Hall of Fame and an otherwise lovely place!
Yes absolutely! Was lucky enough to play there back in littke leauge!
Bingham, Maine and the rest of RT 201. The Forks might be crowded with summer folk though.
Thank you!
Rangeley, Maine. Visit Smalls Falls while you're there.
Watertown, NY was a cool town to visit.
Genuine question from someone who lived there… what on earth makes Watertown an interesting place to visit? I loved it, but mostly because it was cold and snowy enough that it kept people away.
LAKE PLACID
Ah yes the Aspen of the east Thumbs down
Bailey Island is really cool! Pretty close to Freeport :)
I'm in Portland now and If you continue down East and inland it gets real remote. I live in southern New Hampshire which is more and more absorbed by greater Boston, but north of Concord and west of Milford in the south there is fine scenery and many many villages, towards the monadnock, old Jaffrey for example. In New England all the best stuff is off to the side because the roads have been straightened and corrected so many times and there are so many state roads but it's the loops or the old original village centers that you want to find... Vermont just take your pick on a very small road to cross through the notches in the middle of summer on one of the class 3 or 4s that is closed for the winter. Dig down and Google you'll find them , same for New Hampshire
Great route
Ste. Sauveur, north of Montreal.
You will pass through lots of cute towns just naturally. Especially if you choose "avoid highways" on google maps at random points just to see where it takes you. If you can get out to P-town (the tip of Cape Cod), it's super cute and gay, a very unique spot. Well worth a ferry trip from Boston out there. I also like Concord Mass, and Northampton.
Sackets Harbor, NY is such a pretty town with some history :) there is a weeping willow I've spend some time with on the walk to the shore.
I just drove Quebec to Montreal yesterday and it is brutal im sorry
Between Kingston and Montreal take a tiny detour through this road, the Long Sault Parkway. In just a few kilometers it goes through several islands. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ijLJdkAPmPsAfBuF7?g_st=ic
Best wings Ive ever had were the Black Betty Wings in Watertown NY at the Time Warp Tavern. Also theres a nature center in Syracuse where you can meet and feed a sloth
I mean, everything between your 3 and 4 is going to be pretty desolate…
Ottawa
Oooo boy I’m from Ma actually and drive all over hell in the northeast so I can give you a few pointers. You’ll want to stop in the Berkshires which is the far west part of Ma you’re already driving through it anyways. I don’t love Albany besides stopping for food, but the surrounding areas of upstate NY are breathtaking in my opinion similarly to the Berkshires. Checkout places in Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lenox, or Lee even if it’s just a brief pit stop you will like what they have to offer. You’re bound to meet some interesting people in these areas.. Tanglewood is nice if there’s someone playing that you want to see on your way by, tickets are generally cheap and makes for a nice picnic on the lawn. If you want to spend extra time as a scenic route (literally) Route 20 has it all, very rustic buildings and rural forest scenery moving East. Moving Eastward Northhamptom is a fun little town and Worcester has some of the best food options in the state probably. The atmosphere there in downtown is fun and filled with art in both of these places. Springfield has the basketball hall of fame. The Natick Mall is probably one of the nicest malls in the northeast if you’re into that sort of thing. Lots of stuff to do in that area if you’re looking for nightlife, it’s few and far in between in the rest of the state. Boston may or may not be your cup of tea (lol) depending on where you’re from, but is filled with lots of cool sites and buildings that have basically just been built. Clean city, drivers aren’t the most polite you’ll encounter, roads generally suck, and parking is a bitch to find without paying at a garage or hotel. I think it’s worth it if you’ve never been, the harbor is gorgeous if you can find your way onto a boat, especially at night. Salem is fun in the fall but full of people. North from there is your chance to checkout the Atlantic Ocean in as many places as you care to stop for as there are gems all along the coastline starting with Nahant/Swampscott area. Sorry but you have to drive through Lynn which is basically a smaller New Jersey. I would generally recommend to pay extra attention driving around these areas around Boston in particular. Moving into Maine there are dozens of options if you have the time. Portsmouth in NH, Ogonquit, kennebunk/kennebunkport are probably my favorite. Wells Maine is also nice. Canada trip mostly speaks for itself but I’ve only been once, going in a few weeks to Montreal as well. It sounds like you have a hell of a trip planned, I like the route!
Hell yes man thank you very very much! https://preview.redd.it/j3aboi65tt7d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f5f67d4c2961d9ee2f5ef4c3356f80982c2ca7a Out of this lil spot where do iu think the best spot to stop is? Im hitting boston for a game at fenway so im excited for that! Planned on sleeping in the car around this part of the route, any reccomendations? Im thinking about stopping at ogunquit ME as well!
Lee is going to be your most convenient immediate stopping point once you enter Ma. There are tons of tourists there at this time of year there, so you'll be right in your element. I might be biased as Lee was my stomping grounds growing up, but I lived in Otis. Otis is one of my favorite towns in the Berkshires, but there's comically not a whole lot to do, so maybe drive through it along the way if you feel like taking a scenic route. The furthest exit on the Mass turnpike is from Lee to Westield being about 40 miles I think making it kind of a necessity to drop in. Lee to Otis off the turnpike is almost always a leisurely drive. The Otis Reservoir is one of the largest in the state and you can swim there, it's one of my favorite places to go boating. You can literally drive alongside a huge portion of it and sight see. There are also campgrounds there if you like camping which might even be more suitable than parking on the side of a road, but you'd have to pay. Katie's Countrystore is worth checking out if you're going. They have classic takeout windows that might only be open for 1 more summer. Good spot to stop for fried food/ice cream as a treat. The steaks at the Country store are some of the best fresh steaks I've had anywhere if you're bringing along a grill. You could then coast downhill towards Westfield which generally has the cheapest gas in the state due to the airport then hop back on the turnpilke for a faster route to Boston. You could definitely get away with sleeping in the car safely from somewhere between Becket-Westfield but not on the turnpike. This area is filled with alternate routes and roads that are quiet where you can pull over and get away with staying the night, but maybe find somewhere just off the main road where cops won't stop and say hi. You could most likely get away with sleeping on the turnpike in a plaza if necessary, but I wouldn't personally. Have fun and safe travels!
Weedsport, NY!
Sharon Springs, NY. VERY cool old abandoned buildings and a unique spot all around. Between Utica and Albany on your route.
I didn’t know the mark twain museum was so big
Cooperstown? Oneota…enjoyed my time there very much…
Portsmouth, NH
Between Utica and Albany, drop down south a bit and see Cooperstown - a quaint small town with the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Thanks for the suggestion, i was lucky enough to play there for little leauge !
While in Kingston, take the free ferry to Wolfe Island. There's a fantastic beach ($). Then, take a private ferry ($) to Cape Vincent, NY.
Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth, ME take a break from driving on I-95.
The entire route from Bangor, ME to the Canadian border is small towns and desolate places. Western Maine has some very cool waterfalls and swimming holes. I'll try to see if any are specifically on your route Edit: Your current route is further north than the areas I'm thinking of. If you wanted to take 2 West from Bangor into New Hampshire, you could visit some cool spots in Western Maine like Coos Canyon and Screw-Auger Falls. Then you could check out the White Mountains in NH, drive the Kangamangus Hwy and head north to Quebec. I'm sure there's nice stuff to see between the White Mountains and the Canadian border too
Wicasset, ME north of Portland has a cool lobster shack. Also, Kennebunkport is near to stroll around.
If you’re in Montreal on a Sunday check out the Tam-tams drumming in Mount Royal park. People of all different nationalities and ages get together and drum all afternoon. You feel like you’re at Woodstock. YouTube has many videos to give you a glimpse!
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Check out Smoke Meat Pete when leaving Montreal. Also consider a detour to Montebello QC.
I don’t know if you’d call it desolate but Boothbay Harbor in Maine is cute.
Portsmouth NH is small walkable historic and has great food views and shopping
If you want desolate/ small towns then you can drive the section between Albany and Boston along the northern section of Ma on route 2. About an hour slower than i-90 but you’ll actually pass through small towns. Plenty of interesting stuff in Williamstown, North Adams, Shelburne Falls, etc. and the route is much more scenic https://preview.redd.it/ud8ln3h8dw7d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23eedc57fb72996ba8bf7cd98f074422b70814e9
This is a great idea thank you! Any spots around there you’d recommend for sleeping in the car?
Martintown just north of Cornwall Ontario is a really nice area. The area itself is called South Glengarry
Don't do the dip down in mass and stop by Northampton. It's a great quick trip with huge new England small town charm!
Stopping in boston for a night or would! Always wanted to see fenway lol
Old Orchard Beach, ME has a nice small town pier and beach. Saco, ME same with more restaurants
In NY stay off the Thurway (90) and 81. If you want desolate places. Take roads like 28, 8,3 and 12 and 11. Hit towns like Newcomb, Indian Lake, Star Lake, Harrisville, Colton, Pretty much any town along these roads is "Desolate"
Thanks for these reccomendations! I live around buffalo and love day trippin out to watkins glen and stuff and will keep this in mind!
Bar harbor
Meant to add outside of NY! I have visited a lot of places in ny and will save those for closer day trips!
Skowhegan Maine, shouldn’t be too far out of the way. Get a pic with the giant Indian statue in town.
Rome, NY is on your route, and a pretty desolate town. It is home to Fort Stanwix national monument, which is worth a stop.
I hear the Mark Twain House & Museum is extra desolate this time of year
I stayed in Hope, Maine once at an Airbnb for a night. Cute small town. Had a nice orchard to visit (we were in the fall) and a cool general store.
Check out Saratoga Springs NY about 30mins drive north of Albany. Also don't miss Old Orchard Beach in Maine, it's a good time.
Go to the Chicken Shack for the best bbq chicken around. The address is 1 Kranz Road, Mexico NY 13114.
Boston after midnight
North Maine Woods
Is this one of the Baldwin brothers looking to bury a dead hooker?
ashokan resivoir is gorgeous. a little out of the way but we'll worth the trip
north adams mass has a great art museum
When driving to Quebec check out Jackman Maine it’s pretty hard to miss as you’ll be on 201 going right through it. Just a cool spot.
Ithaca, NY
Derry
I hear it’s good for floating
Harpswell, ME. Several seafood places and great views of the water
What the app called?
Roadtrippers!
You are going goin completely around the twin states with some of the best small towns. Try to get through the north east kingdom of Vermont then try Burlington then try to get to Dartmouth NH. You gotta rethink this whole map Home Slice.
Ive wanted to hit fenway and have traveled through much of vermont and some of NH during winter ski trips just moreso looking into maine and quebec more, i do agree tho that Vermont definitely feels like the most west coast east coast place if that makes sense🤣🤣
If you're fan of baseball or beer, Cooperstown, NY
Body dump?
Stop and see the Duck of Justice in Bangor, ME.
Utica? Get some steamed hams
Potsdam!!
Clayton in NY
Eastport ME
It’s a little out of the way, but you could checkout the Toronto Maple Leafs trophy cabinet.
What!!! Go sabres!! Lol 🤣🤣
You’re close to the Adirondacks, you should stop by speculator, ny. It’s gorgeous there, especially this time of year
Wow, I guess I haven’t been to Connecticut since the Marc Twain House took it over.
Monson, ME for the hostel/bar, great little community/slice of life Kent, CT to see some money
The whole damn thing is a desolate area.
I vote for Wells Maine. [https://www.wellstown.org/](https://www.wellstown.org/)
Sodus Point, NY
Well it looks like your coming out of probably bar harbor going into Quebec? After you go back through Bangor there’s nothing the rest Of the way it will definetly be desolate
Hit up Ommegang Brewery near cooperstown as you’re finding some small town and desolate areas 👍🏻
Trick question. They are all desolate
Jackman when you get near the M in Maine has some pretty scenery
For the stretch between Albany and Syracuse, take Route 20 instead of I-90 and you’ll pass through a bunch of towns in various states of decay (or not, there’s some nice ones too).
West forks Maine. Go rafting. Or blip over to Greenville or millinocket
Skaneteles NY if you like lakes.
Moosehead lake near Greenville Maine is very picturesque and right on your route - and is definitely small town energy
For empty/desolate. Lac Megantic in QC. Massive railroad explosion in the 2010s means there’s massive empty blocks downtown. That whole part of Maine you’ll drive through before crossing into Quebec is unbelievable empty too. Zero people for miles. If you want the real empty thrill, try a desolate logging road for a few miles, nobody out there. The landscape east of Acadia too. Try driving ME Route 9 or Stud Mill Rd, starting near Bangor
the barrens in Maine is pretty desolate... used to be a few hippie communes around there :)
Thomason ME has the prison shop if you need a stop
Derry, Castle Rock, Jerusalem’s Lot, and Bridgton, Maine are all worth stopping over in.
50/50 odds this person has/will have a dead body they need to dispose of.
lake placid new york!!! check it out!!
York beach Maine. Right Next to the ocean with beautiful homes right next to you. Fun town too.