While many people think a Maine Coastal trip to Bar Harbor is the ultimate vacation route, consider this as an off the beaten path alternative. Make The Lady Mary Inn a home base for an extended stay to see much of what the area has to offer.

Traveling to another state in just a few minutes is a foreign concept for many not familiar with New England. Consider staying with us for a longer stay to take advantage of our spacious suites and less packing and unpacking. Stay four consecutive nights or more and receive a 15% discount.

Here is a suggested, multi-day itinerary. Each day is designed to be accomplished after breakfast at the Inn and still have you back to the Inn for relaxation before dinner. You will want to enjoy the manor! Want to customize your trip? Give us a call and we will happily design a itinerary of the area for you.

Day One – Ogunquit Beaches

Southern Maine is known for its white sandy beaches and quaint beach towns. The classic seaside village of Ogunquit is only seven miles from the Inn. You can spend the day on the beach or stroll the Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile-long paved cliff walk with stunning views of the ocean, beach and lighthouse.  Be sure to check out Ogunquit’s Museum of American Art – a great activity for a rainy day. From there, drive the scenic Shore Road along the coast down to the picturesque Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick.

For a more educational adventure, plan an afternoon trip on a working lobster boat with FinestKind boat tours. This 50-minute tour combines the scenic beauty of Ogunquit’s shoreline with a first-hand lobstering experience.

Be sure to stop at Aggie’s Ice Cream in South Berwick for a delicious ice cream treat before heading home. This very hidden, local gem is sure to please,

Day Two – White Mountains Road Trip

Take a scenic drive through the New Hampshire White Mountains to the historic Castle in the Clouds Estate. This Arts and Crafts mansion, built in 1913, offers breathtaking view of the mountains and lakes. Stop in Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee for lunch on the way to the Castle.

From Castle in the Clouds, head North through Moultonborough to Lincoln and jump on the Kancamamgus Highway, a scencic 34-mile-long drive through the White Mountains National Park. “The Kanc” takes you to an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at its highest point at Kancamagus Pass on the flank of Mt. Kancamagus near Lincoln, NH. When you reach the end in the town of Freyburg, begin wondering South back towards the Inn. Stop in the enchanting village of Cornish to check out one of its many covered bridges or grab a bite to eat at Krista’s, a cozy restaurant with an eclectic atmosphere.

If you are looking for a shorter trip, swing through the charming town of of Ossipee and check out the White Mountains Antique Gallery – you never know what you will find!

Day Three – Kennebunkport

Known for its charming village with restaurants and shops, Kennebunkport is only 25 minutes from the Inn, making it a leisurely day trip for exploration. Be sure to drive up Summer Street and view the stunning historic homes. A suggested stop is Saint Ann’s Church. This picturesque Stone Chapel, built in 1892, is situated on the bluff overlooking the mouth of the Kennebunk River to the Atlantic Ocean. There is free parking and amazing views, so be sure to take some time to smell the salty air and watch the sailboats go into the harbor.

Meander your way out to scenic Cape Porpoise and be sure to grab lunch at the Cape Pier Chowder House – an authentic hidden gem!

If you want a day on the water, consider a whale watching tour with First Chance. This five-hour adventure will cruise from Kennebunkport to the summer feeding grounds of Finbacks, Humpbacks, Minkes, the rare Blue Whale and the endangered Right Whale. It is also an amazing chance to see the Kennebunk coast line and houses from the water.

Day Four – Portland, Maine

Just a short 35 minute drive will get you to Portland- a historic seacoast town with a funky vibe, working waterfront, loads of galleries, hundreds of one-of-a-kind shops, and award-winning restaurants. Portland is very rich in culture. Take a tour of Victoria Mansion, a stunningly preserved Italian Villa style mansion now turned museum. The Portland Museum of Art, the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, with its large collection of historic equipment from Maine’s narrow gauge railways, are just two more examples of the diverse things to do.

Being a very walkable city, be sure to pop into the variety of stores along Commercial Street while watching the working harbor on the piers across the street.  You will certainly want to stop in at the Porthole Restaurant for their lobster roll. Just across the bay, a short drive over the Casco Bay Bridge to Cape Elizabeth, be sure to get your iconic photo of the Portland Head Light, Maine’s most famous lighthouse.

If you want to make a full day of it, travel a little further to Boothbay and visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. At over 300 acres, including more than one mile of tidal saltwater frontage, this is the largest botanical garden in New England. Make sure you get a photo with the Guardians of the Seeds, the massive wooden troll sculptures that watch over the gardens.

Day Five – Portsmouth, New Hampshire

We are in southern Maine and are only a few miles away is the state line of New Hampshire.  The bustling City of Portsmouth is a short 30-minute drive. This picturesque coastal gem is a city that combines rich history with modern charm. Explore the streets of the historic downtown, and check out Strawbery Banke Museum, a unique outdoor history museum that has preserved a complete neighborhood’s evolution of over 350 years. Be sure to stop at La Maison Navarre, an authentic French Pastry Shop and Wine Bar located in the heart of Portsmouth, for a divine afternoon snack.

Discover quaint boutiques, art galleries, and delectable dining options overlooking the scenic waterfront.  Stroll through Albacore Park to see a historic US Navy Submarine, and tour the museum of submarine history. Whether you’re drawn to its maritime heritage, vibrant cultural scene, or scenic beauty, Portsmouth promises a delightful experience for all who visit.