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Maine - By Car

Acadia/Bar Harbor/Down East Aroostook Augusta/Kennebec Maine Highlands
Mid Coast South Coast Western Lakes/Mountains  

ACADIA/BAR HARBOR/DOWN EAST    top of listings

Auto Routes

Getting to the Acadia By Car

Because Acadia is so much further north and east than the rest of the United States, there really is only one Interstate that leads into the region. I-95 north will bring visitors from all points south and west to the area, and those from Canada can pick up I-95 south from New Brunswick. From Quebec, Maine State Route 11, travels due south from the border, and it will meet up with I-95.

Since many people come to Acadia for the natural scenery, an alternate route into the region is U.S. Route 1, which parallels I-95, although closer to the coastline.

To reach the major destinations in Acadia:

Bangor is located right of I-95 and its local spur, I-395.

Bar Harbor and the entrance to Acadia National Park can be reached via Maine Route 3, south from Ellsworth.

The Bucksport area is located along Route 15, which can be picked up in Banger off of I-95.

Ellsworth is reached from I-95 via Route 1A.

Gouldsboro, Schoodic Point and the eastern end of Acadia National Park are located off U.S. Route 1.

From New Brunswick, Canada, simply take Canadian Route 3 across the border into Calais. Another route is via Canadian Route 4 into Vanceboro.

From points further north, U.S. Route 1 is a straight shot down through Aroostook into the Sunrise Coast.

Travelers from points south and west are best advised to take I-95 north into Bangor, then pick up US Route 1A south to US Route 1, which travels along the coast through Acadia, and into the Sunrise Coast region. Maine State Route 9, known as "The Airline," provides a more scenic drive from Bangor, through the heart of the region, ending in Calais.

Since most of the communities here are on the coast, U.S. Route 1 provides the most direct access to major visitor's points, including Calais, Machais, Dennysville, Pembroke, Jonesboro, Addison, Milbridge, Cherryfield, and Columbia Falls.

Maine State 189 runs to the east and north of U.S. 1, leading to Lubec and Campobello Island.

From U.S. 1, travelers can also get state roads to Eastport, Cutler, Roque Bluffs, Jonesport and Indian River.

Further inland, Maine State Route 9 takes travelers through Beddington, Wesley, Crawford, Alexander and Baring, on the way to Calais.



AROOSTOOK    top of listings

Auto Routes

Getting to Aroostook By Car

Most of Aroostook is considerably north or west of any interstate. In fact, almost the entire western part of the region has no state or federal highway running through it. This part of The County is the most remote portion of New England, and travelers should take care that very few towns and services will be available on the roads between Eastern Aroostook and Quebec.

To reach Aroostook from all points south and west, take I-95 north into Southern Aroostook, and continue on Maine Route 11 or U.S. Route 1 north (these are the only two highways that travel north from I-95 into Aroostook.

From Canada, Take U.S. 1 south from Fort Kent (which will travel through Aroostook), or Main State Route 11.

I-95 reaches its Northern tip on the Canadian border at Houlton. Other Aroostook locations along I-95 are Smyrna, Oakfield, Golden Ridge, Island Falls, and Molunkus.

Use U.S. Route 1 to reach Littleton, Monticello, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Caribou, Van Buren, Madawaska and Fort Kent.

Use Maine Route 11 to reach Ashland, Portage, Winterville, Eagle Lake and Fort Kent.

The Allagash Waterway is best reached via private roads that are open to the public. There is no major road that goes further west beyond the town of Allagash, which is State Route 161.



AUGUSTA/KENNEBEC    top of listings

Auto Routes

Getting to Kennebec Moose River Valleys By Car

The Kennebec/Moose River Valleys Region is a long, narrow region which borders I-95 on its south end, and Quebec on the north. U.S. Route 201 bisects the region vertically, traveling north from I-95 to the Canadian border.

Travelers coming from both the north and south are best advised to take I-95, except those coming down from Quebec, who can reach the area directly by taking U.S. 201 due south.

I-95 runs along the southern end of the region, and takes travelers through the towns of Gardiner, Hallowell, Waterville, Pittsfield, Clinton, as well as the state capital, August.

U.S. 201 also runs through Augusta, and then heads north, passing through or near Norridgwock, Skowhegan, Bingham, Caratunk, the Forks, Moose River and Jackman.



MAINE HIGHLANDS    top of listings

Auto Routing

Getting to Katahdin Moosehead By Car

Kahtadin Moosehead is directly accessible via I-95, and visitors from points north and south should begin with the Interstate. I-95 passes near to Lincoln, Mattawamkeag and Millinocket, and directly through Medway. It runs only through the southeastern corner of the region.

Maine Routes 11 and 6 will take travelers through the southwestern part of the region, and to Milo, Dover-Foxcroft and up towards Greenville (on Route 6 and 15).

Local roads lead further north, up to Baxter State Park and the whitewater areas near Ripogenus Dam.

Route 11 northward from Millinocket and Medway will take travelers up to Sherman, Patten and Hersey.

From Patten, Route 159 heads north to Shin Pond.



MID COAST    top of listings

Auto Routes

Getting to the Midcoast By Car

I-95 is the only Interstate that passes near to Maine's Midcoast. Travelers from all points north and south will best reach the region by taking I-95 into the state of Maine. Several routes reach different areas of the Midcoast from I-95.

U.S. Route 1 is the best road to take through the region itself, passing through or very near all the shoreline resort communities, including Brunswick, Bath, Wiscasset, Damariscotta, Waldoboro, Rockport, Camden, Belfast and Searsport.

Other state highways intersect with Route 1, taking travelers north back toward I-95, or south toward the water where U.S. 1 itself does not hug the coastline.



SOUTH COAST    top of listings

Auto Routes

Getting to the South Coast By Car

Located at the very Southern tip of Maine, the South Coast borders on New Hampshire and is just about an hour's drive from Boston, MA.

From points south and west, take I-95 north. Good alternates are U.S. Route 202 and Route 1. Route 202 enters the region further inland, and Route 1 parallels I-95 but truly hugs the coast.

From points north, I-95 is the most direct route, at the very least from Augusta. Travelers from Quebec and north-central Maine may wish to travel down another route and pick-up I-95 as they get closer to the coast.

The South Coast is Maine's smallest region, and communities are closely spaced, make travel between them more convenient than in any other part of the state.

While I-95 is the most direct route to reach any of the coastal towns and cities, U.S. Route 1 and it's auxiliary branches will provide a more scenic drive. Use these routes to get to all the shoreline areas, including Ogunquit, Kittery, Portland, the Yorks, Wells, Kennebunk, Cape Elizabeth and Old Orchard Beach.

Further inland, U.S. Route 202 passes through Sanford, Waterboro, Buxton, Gorham, and Windham.

I-495, an adjunct of I-95, takes a more westerly course -- further inland -- from Portland, up into Lewiston and on to Augusta, where it re-unites with I-95.

One final note: Travelers in the summer months should be prepared for heavy traffic on I-95, anywhere within the South Coast.



WESTERN LAKES/MOUNTAINS    top of listings

Auto Routes

Getting to the Western Lakes and Mountains By Car

Maine's Western Lakes and Mountains Region is best reached by car via I-95. From points south, travelers should take I-95 north and pick up U.S. Route 302 north. From points north, travelers should take I-95 south into Bangor, then follow U.S. Route 2 west.

Although the only interstate to run through Maine, I-95, is quite a distance from the Western Lakes and Mountains, there are three U.S. Highways which run through the region. U.S. Route 302 runs from Fryeburg (on the New Hampshire border), through Bridgton, Windham, and eventually to Portland.

U.S. Route 202 runs northward from the South Coast, passing through Auburn, Lewiston and Leeds before heading into the Kennebec region.

Further to the north, U.S. Route 2 takes an east-west route that runs through Gilead, Bethel, Rumford, Mexico, Wilton, and Farmington. The highway continues on to the east, ending in Bangor.

Travelers heading into the northernmost portion of the region, including many of the mountain ski areas, should take State Routes 27, 16 and 17. These routes pass through Rangely, Stratton, Bigelow, Carrabassett, and Grafton Notch State Park.



Vermont Hand Crafters Fine Craft & Art Show – South Burlington
November 19, 2009 to November 22, 2009
Trey McIntyre Project -- Cambridge
November 20, 2009 to November 22, 2009
Bill Blagg III: A Night of Magic -- Springfield
November 20, 2009 to November 21, 2009
Artfull Gifts Gift Show – Camden-Belfast
November 20, 2009 to November 22, 2009
America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration -- Plymouth
November 20, 2009 to November 22, 2009
Karmic Relief: A Cornucopia of Comedy -- Deep River
November 21, 2009
Crafts at the Capitol -- Concord
November 21, 2009 to November 22, 2009
Tupelo Night of Comedy – Salisbury
November 21, 2009
Tap Dogs – New Haven
November 21, 2009
Homes for the Holidays Tour -- Gloucester
November 21, 2009
Harvey Robbins's Royalty of Doo Wopp and Stars of Motown -- Worcester
November 21, 2009
Gospel Choir Fall Concert -- Cabot
November 21, 2009
Annual Game Supper -- Rupert
November 21, 2009
Southern Vermont Fiber Event -- Brattleboro
November 21, 2009
Festival of Sweets -- Burlington
November 21, 2009 to November 22, 2009
Burlington Choral Society Fall Concert -- Burlington
November 21, 2009
Sara Tavares -- Cambridge
November 21, 2009
Dark Star Orchestra -- Lowell
November 21, 2009
Cuisine of Provençale dinner – Deerfield
November 21, 2009
Big-Time Vaudeville with Michael Trautman and Michael Menes -- Gardiner
November 21, 2009
Thanksgiving Parade -- Plymouth
November 21, 2009
Ringing in the Season -- Bath
November 21, 2009
Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks -- Norfolk
November 21, 2009
Lighting Ceremony at Faneuil Hall Marketplace -- Boston
November 21, 2009
Fine Art and Craft Show by Designing Women -- Freeport
November 21, 2009
Frozen Turkey Hunt – Boothbay
November 21, 2009
Open Hearth Cooking Class: A Thanksgiving Menu -- Deerfield
November 21, 2009
Pianist Peter Serkin -- Portland
November 22, 2009
Pennsylvania Girlchoir -- Westport
November 22, 2009
Enter The Haggis -- Norfolk
November 22, 2009
Leon Russell -- Norfolk
November 24, 2009
Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood -- -- Norfolk
November 25, 2009
Peterborough Thanksgiving Eve Contra Dance – Peterborough
November 25, 2009
Festival of Wreaths – Nantucket
November 25, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Thanksgiving Day Celebration -- Sturbridge
November 26, 2009
Greg Piccolo and The Heavy Juice Expansion Pac! – Westerly
November 26, 2009
That's Amore: A Celebration of Dean Martin and Friends -- Springfield
November 27, 2009
Vineyard Artisans Holiday Festival – West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard
November 27, 2009 to November 28, 2009
Littleton Christmas Celebration
November 27, 2009
Gallagher -- Salisbury
November 27, 2009
Not Another Bite. Dining in the Early 19th Century -- Waltham
November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving Holiday Tours – North Bennington
November 27, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Christkindlmarkt - Christmas Market -- Newington
November 27, 2009
BLiNK! An Evening of Magic -- Portsmouth
November 27, 2009 to November 28, 2009
United Maine Craftsmen's Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show -- Brewer
November 27, 2009 to November 28, 2009
Soul Shot – Westerly
November 27, 2009
Parade of the Big Balloons -- Springfield
November 27, 2009
Holiday Tree Lighting -- Portland
November 27, 2009
Local Craft & Wares Fair – Bethel
November 27, 2009
Arrival of Santa Claus – Westerly
November 27, 2009
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides with Santa
– Old Lyme
November 27, 2009
Christmas in the Mansion – Milford
November 27, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Thanksgiving Celebration at Billings Farm & Museum – Woodstock
November 27, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Lighting of the Nubble -- York
November 28, 2009
Season of Thanks 2009 -- Deerfield
November 28, 2009
Santa Arrives by Dogsled – Waterville Valley
November 28, 2009
BEATexpo 2009 -- Stamford
November 28, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Torchlight Parade & Fireworks with Santa & Mrs. Claus -- West Dover
November 28, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Roomful of Blues-- Westerly
November 28, 2009
Holiday Open House at the Old Stone House Museum – Brownington
November 28, 2009
Charles Dickens's Great-Great-Grandson Performs "A Christmas Carol" – Sutton
November 28, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Makem & Spain Brothers -- Rochester
November 28, 2009
Santa at the Zoo – Providence
November 28, 2009
St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center Winter Carnival -- Woonsocket
November 28, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Coco Montoya with Jen Lowe -- Norfolk
November 29, 2009
Wallingford Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert – Wallingford
November 29, 2009
Wynonna Judd Holiday Show – New Bedford
December 1, 2009
The Lee Duo performs chamber music -- Storrs
December 1, 2009
“A Christmas Carol” -- Manchester
December 2, 2009
Snowflakes and festive art at the Currier -- Manchester
December 3, 2009
“A Christmas Carol” – Concord
December 3, 2009
Brian Culbertson's A Soulful Christmas -- Norfolk
December 3, 2009
New Haven Tree Lighting Celebration
December 3, 2009
Sparkle Weekend -- Freeport
December 4, 2009 to December 5, 2009
“The Nutcracker” -- Worcester
December 4, 2009 to December 6, 2009
“The Nutcracker” -- Rochester
December 4, 2009 to December 5, 2009
Hansel and Gretel -- Boston
December 4, 2009 to December 6, 2009
"My Three Angels" -- Hyde Park
December 4, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Comedy with Tim Gage and Chris Monty -- Norfolk
December 4, 2009
Homes for the Holidays Tour -- New Canaan
December 4, 2009
Jingle Jam -- Storrs
December 4, 2009
“It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” -- Bridgeport
December 4, 2009 to December 13, 2009
The Barra MacNeils with a Celtic Christmas – Manchester
December 4, 2009
Firelight Festival – Guilford
December 4, 2009
Maine Indian Basketmakers Sale and Demonstration -- Orono
December 5, 2009
Spirit of the Season Christmas Parade – Manchester
December 5, 2009
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Chester Greenwood Day -- Farmington
December 5, 2009
A Holiday Celebration for Families – Stockbridge
December 5, 2009
Downtown Holiday Festival -- Providence
December 5, 2009
Choral Art Society presents Christmas at the Cathedral -- Portland
December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas -- Woodstock
December 5, 2009
“The Toys Take Over Christmas” -- Burlington
December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009
The North Pole Express -- Lyndonville
December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Boston Pops Winter Gala -- Storrs
December 5, 2009
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert -- Burlington
December 5, 2009
“A Christmas Carol 2009” – New Bedford
December 5, 2009
Audubon Holiday Craft Fair -- Smithfield
December 5, 2009
Sing We Now of Christmas! -- Manchester
December 5, 2009
Holiday Open House -- Tiverton
December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea -- Boothbay
December 5, 2009
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair – Portsmouth
December 6, 2009
Holiday Culinary Tour – New Haven
December 7, 2009
The Ying Quartet -- Manchester
December 8, 2009
A Crystal Christmas -- Rochester
December 9, 2009
Trans-Siberian Orchestra -- Providence
December 10, 2009
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn -- Worcester
December 11, 2009
Irish Christmas with An Nollaig in Eirinn -- Concord
December 11, 2009
seARTS Wearable Arts Show & Sale – Gloucester
December 11, 2009 to December 12, 2009
Vienna Boys Choir -- Woodstock
December 11, 2009
Christmas by the Sea – Ogunquit
December 11, 2009 to December 12, 2009
Wassail Weekend at Billings Farm – Woodstock
December 11, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Craft Boston Holiday 2009 -- Boston
December 11, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Festival of Lights -- Mystic
December 11, 2009
“All I Want for Christmas” with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra
– Barre, Burlington, Rutland
December 11, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Historic Musical Reunion -- Providence
December 11, 2009
A Night Before Christmas with Spyro Gyra – New Haven
December 11, 2009
Strafford Wind Symphony Christmas Concert -- Rochester
December 12, 2009
Cookies & Snow – Waterville Valley
December 12, 2009
Vermont's Own Nutcracker 2009 -- Johnson
December 12, 2009
Jamestown Community Chorus concert -- Jamestown
December 12, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Cultural Survival Bazaar – Cambridge
December 12, 2009 to December 13, 2009
US Air Force Holiday Show – New Bedford
December 12, 2009
Winterscapes -- Providence
December 12, 2009
Warm Up for the Holidays -- Portsmouth
December 12, 2009
TubaChristmas – Wolfeboro
December 12, 2009
Victorian Nutcracker with the Portland Ballet – North Conway
December 12, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Vienna Boys Choir -- Worcester
December 13, 2009
Willem Lange reads “A Christmas Carol” -- Randolph
December 13, 2009
Granite State Ringers holiday concert series -- Gilford
December 13, 2009
Children's Concert with Jay Mankita – Manchester
December 13, 2009
Holiday Tea -- Kennebunk
December 13, 2009
Chanukah Car Parade – Orange and New Haven
December 13, 2009
Christmas with the Rat Pack -- Hartford
December 15, 2009 to December 20, 2009
Handel's Messiah with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra – Fairfield
December 16, 2009
The Victorian Nutcracker – Portland
December 16, 2009
Brass Quintet and Counterpoint – Warren, Brandon, Grafton, Manchester
December 17, 2009 to December 19, 2009
Winter Solstice Celebration – West Hartford
December 18, 2009
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Family Holiday Pops – New Bedford
December 19, 2009
Music in the Galleries by Newport Brass Quintet -- Newport
December 20, 2009
Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols -- Westport
December 20, 2009
Natalie MacMaster with Christmas in Cape Breton -- Portsmouth
December 20, 2009
The Music Hall Presents Messiah Sing! -- Portsmouth
December 22, 2009
Strawbery Banke Holiday House tours -- Portsmouth
December 28, 2009 to December 29, 2009
Christmas Plus Concert with the Shoreline Ringers -- Norwich
January 13, 2010
Click here for a full list of events.

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