A New England Road Trip Itinerary [The Ultimate Fall Vacation]

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There’s no better way to explore New England than on a road trip – the Fall foliage drapes overhead, the rickety bridges of Vermont creek under your tires, and the mountain peaks rise up in front of your windscreen. Can you picture a better scene?

minvan on side of road lined with fall foliage

From the White Mountains in Acadia National Park to the windswept coastal towns of Maine, New England has much to explore. It’s a region known for its quaint and laid-back vibes, revolutionary war history, and historic inns.

If a New England road trip has been on your mind and you’re not sure where to go or how to make it happen, then this guide is for you. Below is our suggested New England road trip itinerary, plus recommendations for places to stay, things to do, and more.

About This New England Road Trip Itinerary

We road tripped through Vermont and New Hampshire in the Fall, but New England consists of six states; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Despite covering six states, it’s entirely possible to road trip across the entirety, if you have at least two weeks at your disposal.

The New England region covers 71,988 square miles (186,447 sq km) in size, slightly smaller than England, but you would not be expected to drive all of it.

fall foliage framing Bennington Battle Monument, Vermont — *Bennington Battle Monument, Vermont*

In the following itinerary, we start in Maine, and head south into New Hampshire, across to Vermont, and then head south through Massachusetts and into Connecticut, onto Rhode Island, and finishing in Western Massachusetts.

The reason for this, as I explain in more detail towards the end of this guide, is because during the Fall, the leaves change color from the North first. So if you drive your itinerary North to South, you can follow the season.

You can extend this into New York if you want to, though as it’s not part of New England, we’ve left this out. Feel free to start from the bottom and work your way north, if this better suits your travel plans.

We have also included recommendations for places to stay and how long to stay in each place. The accommodation options we suggest all have parking, great guest reviews, affordable prices, and the best location for that destination.

Map of this New England Road Trip Itinerary

Maine

lobster roll — *Lobster sandwich in Maine*

Maine is known for its rugged coastline, seafood cuisine (especially chowder and lobster), and strong maritime heritage. The rocky shoreline is dotted with historic lighthouses and quaint fishing villages, each with their own relaxing, slow pace of life. Maine makes for the ideal first stop on this itinerary as it perfectly sums up what’s to come from New England charm.

Maine also has many stunning nature sites, which is one of the reasons why we love it so much. If you enjoy hiking, there is no shortage of trails here.

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

How many days to spend: 3 days
Where to stay: The Bar Harbor Inn and Spa is a historic inn right on the waterfront

Our road trip begins in Bar Harbor, a quaint seaside town on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine. Bar Harbor is a historic, dating back to the 1700s when it was first settled by Europeans, but it was inhabited by the Wabanaki Native Americans for thousands of years before that.

Bar Harbor isn’t just historic with centuries old, preserved buildings, most of which are resorts and guesthouses, but it’s visually striking too. Framed by a rugged coastline on one side and lush forests on the other, as well as being the gateway to the granite peaks of Acadia National Park, it’s a haven for nature lovers.

While in Bar Harbor, be sure to visit Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the US Atlantic coast, especially for sunrise – it has breathtaking sunrise views overlooking the coast.

Another attraction not to miss is Sand Beach, a unique beach nestled between granite cliffs, and Thunder Hole, a dramatic rock formation in the ocean surrounded by powerful waves – a photographer’s dream! Most people visit Bar Harbor for Acadia National Park, a five minute drive outside of Bar Harbor.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse at sunset Acadia National Park — *Bass Harbor Lighthouse at sunset, Acadia National Park*

Acadia is known for its woodland landscapes, rocky beaches, and dramatic mountain peaks. It’s also home to glacier lakes, the most famous of which is Jordan Pond, which is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. There’s a beautiful scenic road, The Park Loop Road, which takes you through some of the most gorgeous nature sites in the park from Otter Point to Jordan Pond.

Augusta

old fort western covered in snow — *The Old Fort Western*

Distance from previous stop: 117 miles via I-95 N
Driving time: 2 hours
How many days to spend: 1 day
Where to stay: Maine Evergreen Hotel is a boutique motel 2 miles from the city centre and contains an art gallery, the Gallery of Maine Art.

Augusta is the capital of Maine, though it’s far from a big metropolis, with a population of around 19,000 residents. Running through the city is the Kennebec River, which when framed by the historic homes, has a majestic appeal to it.

You don’t need to spend a long time in Augusta, and in fact, you could skip it if you are short on time and head straight to the next stop, Portland, only an hour away.

Some popular attractions in Augusta to check out are the Maine State Museum, where you can learn about its colonial history and industrial boom. The Old Fort Western, a restored 18th-century trading post and fort, is worth a look at. It’s the oldest wooden fort in the United States and is very pretty.

Portland

Distance from previous stop: 56.8 miles via I-295 S
Driving time: 1 hour
How many days to spend: 2 days
Where to stay: Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port has cozy rooms and a city centre location

Heading back towards the coast now, you’ll arrive in Portland. This vibrant city is located on the state’s rocky coast, and has a similar feel to Bar Harbor in that it’s rich in maritime history but more buzzing with modern culture.

It was originally a Native American settlement, but became well known as an important shipbuilding and fishing port. Be sure to check out the cobblestone streets and preserved architecture of the Old Port district to see the remains of this time.

Portland has a small-town feel but with big-city amenities, as well as a burgeoning arts community. Some popular things to do here are visiting the Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, wandering around the Old Port, a hub of shops, restaurants, and bar or along the Eastern Promenade.

Art lovers should not miss the Portland Museum of Art, whereas those who love history, should visit Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland Observatory, and Victoria Mansion.

Kennebunkport

Distance from previous stop: 28.6 miles via I-95 N
Driving time: 40 minutes
How many days to spend: 1 night (2 days)
Where to stay: Kennebunkport Inn is a charming, 3-star guesthouse in a historic mansion

Kennebunkport is a picturesque coastal town which was originally a shipbuilding and fishing village, but is now more well known for its beaches and quaint vibes. It’s most famous for being the summer retreat for the Bush family and is where you will find the Bush compound.

Don’t miss Dock Square, a bustling hub with boutique stores, art galleries, and restaurants, and Walker’s Point, where you can get scenic views of the Bush compound.

For beaches, Goose Rocks Beach is one of the most famous. It’s a long, sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, or Gooch’s Beach, which is a sheltered, horse-shoe shaped family friendly beach.

New Hampshire

It’s now time to check out a new state, New Hampshire! We had a few days in New Hampshire exploring the White Mountains and Franconia State Park, and drove along the spectacular Kancamagus Scenic Byway (one of the top USA scenic drives), but you could easily spend at least a week exploring all the nature sites here.

The state is known for its rugged landscapes, and is nicknamed the “Granite State,” which reflects its rocky terrain. The main reason to visit New Hampshire is for the White Mountains, which offer lots of place to go hiking, skiing, and leaf-peeping.

North Conway

Echo Lake Franconia Notch White Mountains in the fall

Distance from previous stop: 69.8 miles
Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes
How many days to spend: 2-3 days
Where to stay: Kearsarge Inn is a historic inn with individually styled rooms with a fireplace and a location near the city centre and Cranmore Mountain Resort for skiing

The first stop in New Hampshire is North Conway, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains. This small village is known for its natural beauty. It’s the gateway to Echo Lake State Park, Cranmore Mountain Resort (which is famous for its skiing in the winter, and hiking in the summer), as well as Diana’s Baths, a refreshing natural swimming pool and waterfall.

It’s also known for its railway history, which began in the 19th century. The railroad boosted the town’s popularity and turned it into a resort area, where people would flock from all over the US to take in the breathtaking scenery. You can see the remains of this railway history at the Conway Scenic Railroad, a historic train depot with vintage trains.

It’s also located at the foot of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, and a gateway to the White Mountain National Forest. So if you love hiking, you’re not short of trails to choose from here.

Kancamagus Scenic Byway

aerial view of the fall foliage long The Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire — The Kancamagus Highway

Length: 34.5 miles
How many days to spend: 1 day

The Kancamagus Highway is a scenic road, also known as the New Hampshire Route 112. It’s 56.39 long and connects Conway to Bath, traversing through the scenic and mountainous White Mountain National Forest. As you drive along this route, stop by Sabbaday Falls and Lower Falls to stretch your legs and enjoy being in nature.

Lincoln

covered bridge surrounded by fall foliage

Distance from previous stop (North Conway): 40.8 miles via Kancamagus Scenic Byway
Driving time: 59 minutes
How many days to spend: 2-3 days
Where to stay: InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook is nestled in White Mountain National Forest and has a free shuttle service to the Loon Mountain Ski Area.

Halfway along the Kancamagus Highway is Lincoln, a quiet and sleepy town surrounded by gorgeous nature and outdoor adventures.

It’s most famous for being the gateway to Franconia State Park, a nature preserve that passes through Franconia Notch, a mountain pass between the Kinsman Range and Franconia Range in the White Mountains. As well as Franconia, you can also hike a portion of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail from Lincoln.

Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is most famous for its hiking trails. The most famous of which is to Flume Gorge, a striking narrow gorge with flat granite rocks, with thick moss growing on the sides.

There’s a river passing through its center, but the hike is on an elevated wooden boardway through the center of the gorge, extending for 2 miles. This loop trail usually takes people 1.5 hours as you want to stop and take lots of photos. Another cool hike to do in Franconia is the Mount Pemigewasset hike, or Indian Head, which is famous for its distinctive cliff edge.

Sugar Hill, The White Mountains

Distance from previous stop: 8.4 miles via NH-117 E and I-93 S
Driving time: 12 minutes
How many days to spend: 1-2 days
Where to stay: Sugar Hill Inn is a quaint mountain lodge

Sugar Hill is another small town in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and is known for being the summer retreat for creative types – artists and writers are inspired by the aesthetic beauty and quietness of its nature.

It’s another popular base for Franconia Notch State Park, so you can skip this stop if you are short on time, but if you have more time at your disposal it’s worth stopping here to go up the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for scenic panoramic views.

Vermont

Vermont is known as the “Green State” and it’s easy to see why. Vermont’s green mountains are encompassing. Full of rolling green mountains, quaint villages, and a fiercely independent spirit, Vermont is the quintessential New England state.

Beyond its scenic vistas, Vermont is famous for its agricultural products, particularly its dairy farms, maple syrup, and craft breweries. It’s also known for its strong sense of community and slower pace of life that appeals to many.

Stowe

Distance from previous stop: 57 miles via VT-15 E
Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes
How many days to spend: 3-4 days
Where to stay: Green Mountain Inn is a quaint inn in the centre of Stowe with spa amenities

Stowe is one of our favorite places in Vermont, it’s everything you think of when you think of New England. Covered bridges, steepled churches, colonial-style wooden houses and historic inns.

Around town, you have around 60+ boutique shops and 40+ restaurants, and it’s proximity to the mountains means it offers endless opportunities to enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing adventures.

We enjoyed biking the Stowe Recreation Path, which begins behind the community church in town and winds for 5.5 miles alongside the West Branch River, through forests and open farmland.

family riding bikes on the Stowe Recreation Path in the fall

The trail crosses the creek over wooded bridges at 10 different places, and for us, the fall colors were sparkling. The route takes you through spectacular views of the mountain and the chance to experience a little local flavor. Another fun thing to do in Stowe is to hike Mount Mansfield.

family posing Mount Mansfield Hike in Stowe, Vermont. — *View from Mount Mansfield*

Vermont Route 100

car driving through a forest — *Vermont in the fall*

Distance from previous stop: 65 miles via I-89 S
Driving time: 1 hour

Drive along the famous Vermont Route 100, one of the prettiest drives in all of New England – it connects some of the best Northeastern winter skiing and bike riding. Route 100 Vermont is a North – South state highway running for 216.59 miles through the state. You can drive this from Stowe all the way to Manchester.

Burlington

Distance from previous stop: 37 miles via Vermont Route 100 S
Driving time: 45 minutes
How many days to spend: 3 days
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown is a modern motel with comfortable amenities at a good price

Burlington is famous for being the town that birthed Ben & Jerry’s. Take a factory tour to learn more about its history and how it went from a small town ice cream shop to a global phenomenon.

Burlington is the biggest city in Vermont cities and is home to the University of Vermont. This gives it a livelier atmosphere to the quiet mountain towns previously on this itinerary. There’s a thriving arts scene there, a good range of shopping, and lots of places to get out into nature, such as the beautiful Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains.

Our favorite thing to do was cycle the Burlington Bike and Waterfront Park that runs along the Lake Champlain shoreline, the sixth largest lake in the United States, towards Oakledge Park.

It’s an 8 mile paved Burlington Bike Path popular for cyclists, runners, and walkers, especially during summer, fall and spring, but the truly dedicated even get out there in winter. You can also take a day trip to Lake Placid, if you have more time.

woman with bike on Burlington Bike Path, Vermont

Green Mountain National Forest

Distance from previous stop: 96.8 miles via I-89 S
Driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
How many days to spend: 3 days
Where to stay: Green Mountain Cabins are self-contained cabins in Killington, within minute’s drive of the forest

The valleys of the Green Mountain National Forest are a sight to behold. Take the scenic Skyline Drive to Mt Equinox, the longest privately owned paved toll road in the USA at 5.2 miles long, and an elevation increase of 3,235 feet.

We kind of messed up on this drive by doing it in the middle of the day when the lighting is at its harshest, so my tip is to do the drive in the morning or later in the afternoon for sunset. You also need to remember to pay a toll fee.

As well as this, there are plenty of hiking trails in the Green Mountain National Forest. We only had time for one hike so we chose to do the Prospect Rock Walk Trail, as it seemed family-friendly and offered good views over the Manchester Valley. It is an uphill 3.1 mile return walk, but going up was fairly gentle depending upon your fitness level, but our kids aged 10 and 6 managed it no problems.

Manchester

Distance from previous stop: 38.7 miles via US-7 N
Driving time: 1 hour
How many days to spend: 2 days
Where to stay: We stayed at the charming cottage at Wilburton Inn in Manchester Vermont.

Manchester is only a short drive from the Green Mountain National Forest, driving through covered bridges and scenic roads. A popular hiking trail in Manchester is around Emerald Lake State Park, which is a great place to do some kayaking.

woman posing at Prospect Rock Trail, Vermont

Manchester is a lovely town to explore on foot or bicycle. Downtown Manchester is full of exciting attractions and places to see. The charming Main Street splits Manchester into two sections, and we began by exploring Manchester Village, which is where you’ll find many of the white-columned mansions and Victorian-era inns. There is a gorgeous church and in the fall, you’ll get golden pops framing the spire.

The popular and luxurious Equinox Hotel, built in 1769, is the centerpiece of the village. Manchester Center is where the more unpretentious stores are – one of the most famous being the Northshire Bookstore. There are a few arts and crafts shops and restaurants here as well.

Connecticut

Connecticut is a state known for its innovation and is a hub for industries ranging from aerospace and manufacturing to finance and insurance. It’s also home to Yale University. Connecticut also boasts a beautiful coastline dotted with charming towns and maritime history.

Waterbury

Distance from previous stop: 143.1 miles via NY-22 S/State Hwy 22/State Rte 22
Driving time: 2 hours 50 minutes
How many days to spend: 1 night (2 days max)
Where to stay: Courtyard Waterbury Downtown is a centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms and parking

Waterbury isn’t a huge city and doesn’t have much to offer, but it breaks up the journey between Manchester VT and Mystic. It’s known for its industrial history, and is nicknamed the “Brass City,” as it played a significant role in the American brass industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some of the most popular attractions in Waterbury is the Mattatuck Museum, showcasing the history and art of the Naugatuck Valley, including a significant collection of American art.

Have a look to see if there is anything on at The Palace Theater, a beautifully restored historic theater, which sometimes has Broadway shows and concerts.

Mystic

Distance from previous stop: 71.3 miles
Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes
How many days to spend: 2-3 days
Where to stay: Taber Inn is walking distance from Williams Beach Park and the town center

Mystic is a charming coastal village which was once a bustling shipbuilding center. Some cool things to do there are visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, a living history museum that recreates a 19th-century seafaring village, and The Mystic Aquarium, home to diverse marine creatures such as beluga whales.

Be sure to visit Williams Beach Park, the only public beach in Mystic with sandy shores you can swim from, and walk around Historic Downtown Mystic, to admire the quaint New England architecture.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest US state, so this itinerary doesn’t plan to spend a lot of time here. It was one of the original thirteen colonies and is known for its maritime history and marine-based activities as well as its stunning coastline and towns with opulent Gilded Age mansions.

Newport

Distance from previous stop: 48.2 miles via I-95 S
Driving time: 1 hour
How many days to spend: 3 days
Where to stay: Serenity Inn Newport is a stylish boutique inn with a central location

New Port in Rhode Island is one of the most vibrant cities in the state. It’s packed full of historic attractions and nature sites. Don’t miss, Fort Adams State Park, where there’s swimming, sailing, and festivals to enjoy at different times of the year, as well as Castle Hill Lighthouse.

Some other historic sites to see are the Newport Mansions, and Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark where you can explore the rich culture of New England.

Go kayaking and biking in Narragansett Bay, tour the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, or visit the pristine beachfront at Misquamicut State Beach. We also love the small town of Jamestown, which is only 20-minutes drive away and really pretty to wander around.

Massachusetts

lake in public park with buildings in the background — *Boston Gardens*

Massachusetts was one of the original thirteen colonies and a key player in the American Revolution, and much of this state is about learning about Revolution and Civil War history, with significant events like the Boston Tea Party and the battles of Lexington and Concord being two poignant points in US history.

Massachusetts is home to Harvard University and MIT, world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and tons of serene nature sites. From the sandy beaches of Cape Cod to the rolling hills of the Berkshires, it’s a state that offers plenty to see and explore.

Martha’s Vineyard

Distance from previous stop: 72.3 miles via I-195 E
Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes drive, plus 30 minute ferry
How many days to spend: 2-3 days
Where to stay: Inkwell Beach Cottage is ideally located in the vibrant Oak Bluffs

Martha’s Vineyard is a small island known for its hiking, history, and beaches. It was a summer retreat for celebrities and politicians. It’s a quiet, rural retreat and doesn’t have much to do. Its charm is in doing nothing, taking in the ocean breeze and meandering around the towns and villages. See all our tips here.

Nantucket

Distance from previous stop: 37.8 miles
Ferry time: 1 hour
How many days to spend: 2-3 days
Where to stay: The Martin is housed in a historic building and is 450 yards from the beach

Similarly to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket is a small island in Southern Massachusetts known for its beaches and stunning natural beauty. Head to famous beaches like Surfside Beach and Jetties Beach, for some sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.

Like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket was a former whaling hub in the 18th and 19th centuries and turned into a vacationers paradise, and is known for its charming cobblestone streets and well-preserved historic homes.

Cape Cod

Distance from previous stop: 30.1 miles
Driving time: 2 hour 20 minutes ferry time
How many days to spend: 3 days
Where to stay: Hyannis is central in Cape Cod and is one of the best towns to stay in. Hyannis Travel Inn is a quaint 2-star inn with an indoor pool and hot tub.

Cape Cod National Seashore is a protected area that spans over 40 miles, and is made up of pristine coastline, showcasing stunning sandy beaches, marshes, and picturesque dunes. We recommend staying in Hyannis, which. isin the center of Cape Cod, and is also where you can get the ferry from Nantucket to.

Some popular things to do in Cape Cod include biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, swimming from the beaches, and birdwatching.

Boston

Distance from previous stop: 69 miles
Driving time: 1 hour 25 minutes
How many days to spend: 3 days
Where to stay: The Revolution Hotel is an artsy 3-star hotel in downtown Boston with free bikes, fitness center, and a restaurant.

You could easily spend a day or two in Boston exploring all the incredible history and landmarks. Some of the most popular things to do are walking the Freedom Trail, popping out to Harvard University for a tour, and catching a Red Sox game. Read our complete guide to things to do in Boston for ideas!

Tips for planning a New England road trip

When to go on a New England road trip?

road in the middle of autumn forest — *Vermont Route 100*

We believe the best time to road trip New England is in the Fall, typically from late September to mid-October, which is considered the best time to see the fall foliage. But it varies state-by-state, which can make it a bit of a challenge to time your visit for “peak” viewing of the leaves and when they are “popping”. Check out this fall foliage map for a guide to leaf peeping season.

The changing of the colors is a different show every year due to temperatures and moisture leading up to it, and the leaves begin to change first in the northern most states. Maine peaks first, so this is another good reason to begin your itinerary in Maine and then progress down.

We were about a week too late to see them really popping in Vermont and New Hampshire, but they were still more beautiful than we’d ever seen before! Although we only visited Vermont and New Hampshire during the Fall, we did drive up to New England from our home in North Carolina, which took in Connecticut and Massachusetts briefly.

But apparently you can’t go wrong with anywhere in New England in the fall. Just keep in mind that prime leaf peeping conditions often last only a week or two!

Travel mid-week

Moss Glen Falls, Vermont. See this waterfall on a New England road trip — *Moss Glen Falls, Vermont*

Fall in New England is a busy time, but the weekend’s are especially busy as not only do you have tourists, but locals on their days off from work leaf peeping! So if you can time your New England road trip to avoid weekends and make it a midweek trip it will help you to save money on high priced accommodation and avoid the bigger crowds.

And keep in mind local events and festivals, which can also add to demand for accommodation and raise prices, so avoid those dates as well.

How many days to road trip New England?

In the itinerary we’ve suggested above, it would atleast one month to complete a full New England road trip if you were to give each destination the amount of time they truly deserve to explore everything.

However, you can cut this itinerary down by skipping a few towns (for example, you could visit Lincoln in New Hampshire and take a day trip to the White Mountains, rather than spending a few days there). If you cut down some destinations in this itinerary, or skip a few places that don’t interest you, we think you could see the highlights in 1 month.

How to save money on accommodation in New England?

New England is a popular destination, especially in the popular fall season. Here are some ways you can save on your accommodation.

Stay More Than 1 Night – many hotels provide their best deals when you stay over more than one night.
Stay over Sunday – many hotels receive Friday and Saturday night bookings from leisure travelers and Monday-Friday bookings from their business travelers, so there can be a void on Sunday nights.
Check for Family Deals – Always ask about discounted rates, free meals for children, and an upgrade at check in – they can only say no.
Enrol in a Loyalty Program – Many hotel chains offer free loyalty programs with incentives like earning free rooms after multiple stays. If you travel often and stay at the same chain, or one of its participating partners, you may save on future road trip

Where to rent a car?

If you are driving into New England from your home like we did, you’ll obviously have your own car, but if you live too far away or are flying in from overseas, you’ll need a rental car.

It’s better to start your road trip in a major city, as you get better deals on car rentals, and more options to choose from. The obvious starting points are either Boston, Augusta in Maine, or Providence in Rhode Island.

Tips to save money on rental cars

Book in advance
Check prices frequently
Use an agregator site like DiscoverCars.com that searches all the major rental car companies at once to find the cheapest price
Adjust pick-up and drop-off times
Book the smallest vehicle you need
Off-airport locations are usually cheaper
Be wary of one-way drop-off fees

What foods to try in New England

As a family of four, eating out three times per day adds up real fast. So where possible we like to stay in apartments or guest houses that have kitchen facilities, so we can self-cater as much as possible to save on eating out. But we also like to experience the local food as much as possible, it’s a big part of the traveling experience, and we always get the best tips from asking the locals or from our online community.

In New England, you want to try classic dishes like clam chowder, lobster roll (seafood in general), maple syrup, and warm apple cider!

Ways to save money on food

Finding a balance between eating out and self-catering is important. Here are some ways to save money on food.

Go out for Breakfast or Lunch – Try and avoid dinner as restaurants raise prices. OR, have brunch instead of 3 meals a day. Many restaurants offer lunch specials where items on the dinner menu are offered for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same meal in the evening.
One meal for two kids – Our kids are young enough to share one kid’s meal so on most occasions we only buy one. You can always buy another if they’re still hungry but you can’t send one back!
Free Breakfasts – When booking a hotel look for one with breakfast included. Also, have picnics or barbeque’s
Pack plenty of healthy snacks for yourselves and your kids for the car.
Bring an insulated stainless steel water bottle that you can refill (buying water several times a day adds up).

Beware of Toll Roads

Who knew the Northeast had so many toll roads? On our drive up 1-95 from North Carolina and then into New England, we couldn’t believe how many times we were confronted with a toll booth. Once we pulled off the interstate to get gas, and right off the exit was ANOTHER toll booth. We ran out of cash there were that many collection booths!

And we’d never heard of an EZ Pass before (an electronic toll collection system used on most tolled roads, bridges, and tunnels) and were initially confused as to how the whole system worked – luckily there are still humans working at some of the booths. Get yourself an EZ Pass for your car or talk to your rental car company about including one.

Visit the Tourist Information Centers

girls hiking on fall trail — Hiking the Prospect Rock Trail in Manchester, Vermont.

We always make a point of stopping in at the local tourist information centers where we can. The locals working here know all the best places to visit and are a wealth of knowledge, and that includes where to find the best New England foliage.

Plus you can pick up maps and information on all the free things to do in each town, ask about the best places to eat and drink, if any events or festivals are happening, and get tips on the best hikes and photography spots. And, they often have coupon books for attractions, restaurants, and even accommodation.