This summer we are sticking close to home since we now have a baby and Neil took a large chunk of vacation as paternity leave. This is new for us as most summers we fill our time with various short getaways. Since we won’t be getting away this summer I thought I’d take a moment to reminisce about my favorite summer getaways.
Portland, ME
Head out and visit the lighthouses in the evening and watch the sunset and then stop into Silly’s to enjoy some tasty buffalo fries with spicy vegan dip or try one of these vegan friendly restaurants.
Pick up breakfast and lunch at Whole Foods and then take a day trip up to Freeport to do a little shopping at L.L. Bean and the outlets.
Call Allagash Brewery and make a reservation to do one of their tours and sample their tasty brews.
Run the Old Pork 5k or Half Marathon and then celebrate at Novare Res Beir Cafe where they have an extensive beer menu. Not a beer fan? Then stop into Local 188 and try one of their amazing cocktails (okay so I haven’t had an alcoholic one but the virgin versions were amazing).
Head down to the Fore River Sanctuary Trail and go for a walk or a run through the beautiful, well groomed trails.
Oh and my number one must do in Portland, ME is to schedule a foot soak at Soakology <– favorite thing ever.
New Haven, CT
My first to-do in New Haven is to make a reservation at Miya’s Sushi – trust me you need a reservation this place is always packed when we go there.
Stroll around the Yale Campus and stop into Blue State Coffee for a tasty beverage or snack.
Head to Claire’s Cornercopia for vegan pancakes (service here is lacking but the pancakes are tasty).
We always make a stop into Ikea because it’s the closest one to us.
Stop into Edge of The Woods Market and pick up a vegan baked good (I recommend the cupcakes and danishes) and while you’re there pick yourself up a jar of Biscoff Spread <–speaking of Biscoff anyone want to send me a jar?
If you are a beer lover head to Brü Rm. at BAR for a beer and if you’re hungry pizza.
Backpacking on The Long Trail
Pick a part of the trail to hike and either leave one car at each end or arrange a pickup.
Make sure to leave early in the day so you can get to camp at a nice hour so you can make dinner, do a little yoga and enjoy the view.
Make sure you pack a good amount of food but nothing too heavy; my favorites are crackers, oatmeal, Backpackers Pantry pouches and of course a few cans of beer.
Don’t forget to pack extra socks, something warm to wear at night and all the other essentials (see here).
Camping in Vermont and New Hampshire
Head to Franconia Notch in New Hampshire and camp at Lafayette Campground. While you’re there hike the Notch, bike or walk the trails or take the tram to the top of the mountain (and if you dare hike down).
Camp in a lean-to at Underhill State Park a small Vermont state park (one of my favorites) and then take a morning hike on Mount Mansfield.
Camp at Little River State Park in Waterbury, VT. This is one of Neil and my favorite state parks because it has great hiking and nature paths, kayaking and canoeing and a beach area for relaxing and swimming. Tip: the best site (in my opinion) is site number 21 so make sure you reserve it ahead of time!
Where are your favorite summer getaways? I can’t wait for camping and summer getaways with Edith next year.
aw! i love us!
Come back!