Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Brunswick, Maine and Andover, Massachusetts
If you're planning a road trip from Brunswick, Maine to Andover, Massachusetts, there are some incredibly beautiful and interesting places to visit along the way. Here are our top five must-visit destinations to make your journey unforgettable.
Halfway Point: Wells, Maine
Before we dive into the top five destinations on our list, we must mention the halfway point of the trip, Wells, Maine. This charming town attracts visitors from all over for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and friendly locals. Wells Beach is perfect for a relaxing walk, and adventurous travelers will enjoy exploring Laudholm Beach nature preserve. If you're interested in history, the Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a fantastic research center that also offers tours and workshops.
1. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Seacoast Beauty
Our first stop on the trip is the beautiful city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Portsmouth, which is an hour and twenty minutes' drive from Brunswick, is best known for its old harbor and beautiful downtown areas that are full of great restaurants, boutique hotels, and historic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy window shopping at their quirky stores or take a boat tour of the harbor. For history buffs, the Strawberry Banke Museum is a must-visit, a living history museum that brings 400 years of history to life.
2. Salem, Massachusetts: Tales of Witchcraft and Pirates
An hour and a half from Portsmouth, through the lush New Hampshire and Vermont countryside, Salem, Massachusetts is the next stop on our trip. Famous for the Salem Witch Trials, you can experience history through walking tours, live productions, and museums. The Salem Witch Museum and the House of the Seven Gables are both popular attractions, providing insight into real stories of witches that are actually tied to European witchcraft trials. Visitors can take a dip in the ocean at Winter Island Park or wander the streets of downtown Salem, which oozes with New England charm.
3. Gloucester, Massachusetts: A Fisherman's Way of Life
Only twenty minutes away from Salem and dating back to 1623, Gloucester is an iconic fishing port, still thriving to this day. Famous for its "Perfect Storm," visitors can experience authentic fishing culture through tours to whale watching, or simply take a stroll along the scenic oceanfront. For art lovers, check out the Rocky Neck Art Colony, home to over 35 galleries and artists' studios, showcasing an impressive display of paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more.
4. Concord, Massachusetts: Home of History and Literature
As we head southwest on our tour and just 30 minutes away from Andover, Concord is a must-visit destination for its rich historical and literary significance. Walk through the historic Main Street and explore the Concord Museum, where you can find artifacts from the colonial and Civil War periods. Equally of note is Walden Pond State Reserve, where famous transcendentalist author Henry David Thoreau wrote his famous book "Walden." The well-known attraction is popular for swimmers in the summer, and during winter, the hike around the perimeter is an awakening experience.
5. Andover, Massachusetts: The Perfect End
Finally, we have reached our destination of Andover, Massachusetts. Located just 22 miles north of Boston, Andover is home to Phillips Academy, a prestigious boarding school that is over 240 years old. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the picturesque campus or visit the Addison Gallery of American Art for an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. You can also explore the natural beauty of the Ashland State Park, which is perfect for hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and fishing.
Conclusion
From Portsmouth to Andover, each of these five destinations is teeming with history, culture, and nature that offers an immersive road trip experience. So, start packing your bags, fill up the tank and embark on this unforgettable journey. Happy travels!