🌊 This adventure began as a gift for Serge — something truly special, something he had always dreamed of. He originally wanted to take a small-ship cruise along the New England coast, but after searching, every option was either too long or bad timing, so I created our own version: a handcrafted coastal journey, strung together port by port like a necklace of seaside towns.

I planned and booked everything — the route, the hotels, the tours, the experiences — and what unfolded became one of our most memorable trips. A mix of hurricanes, perfect sunshine, historic inns, wildlife tours, city nights, coastal walks, and long scenic drives.

Here’s the journey.

Friday, September 8 — To Andover, Through a Hurricane

We left home and drove six hours toward Boston, staying overnight with Line and Bob in Andover. A hurricane rolled through that night, knocking out electricity across the town. The darkness, the storm, and the cozy conversations by candlelight made for a dramatic and unforgettable start to our New England adventure.

Saturday, September 9 — Bar Harbor & The Ivy Manor Inn

We drove four hours up the coast toward Bar Harbor, stopping in charming port towns along the way for lunch, little shops, and ocean views.

We checked into the Ivy Manor Inn, a picture-perfect B&B with a downtown address but a sense of privacy and calm. Our private cottage and firepit became a nightly ritual. The front-yard bar was full of life — musicians playing, people strolling by and stopping for a drink, and guests returning year after year. It felt like the beating heart of Bar Harbor.

We walked the Shore Path, a historic oceanside trail with sunrise views and warm sunlight in the afternoons.

Sunday, September 10 — Acadia National Park & Wildlife by Sea

This day was pure magic. We explored Acadia National Park on electric bikes, cruising through forests, along cliffs, and past the sweeping views that make Acadia so iconic.

Back in Bar Harbor, we wandered downtown before taking a boat tour that gave us close-up views of dolphins, whales, seabirds, and islands dotted with storybook lighthouses and weathered homes.

It felt like seeing New England from every angle — land, forest, sea.

Monday, September 11 — Portland, Maine

We checked out of Ivy Manor and drove south along the coast, eventually reaching Portland, Maine and checking into the Portland Harbor Hotel.

We met Lisa and her friend Carin for dinner. It was a rainy day, but we still took a city tour, and visited the Portland Museum. Portland felt both historic and modern, full of brick buildings, fishing piers, creative food, and waterfront light.

Tuesday, September 12 — Portland by Sea

Another day in Portland: a harbor cruise, a port tour, or simply wandering the waterfront. We enjoyed our second night in the Portland Harbor Hotel, taking in the city’s coastal charm and maritime rhythm.

Wednesday, September 13 — Old Orchard, Kennebunkport, & Salem

We drove to Old Orchard Beach, a place where Serge and so many Québécois families spent their childhood summers. Walking the beach felt nostalgic and grounding.

Then on to Kennebunkport for lunch and shopping, wandering the streets lined with upscale boutiques, ship captains’ homes, and harbors full of fishing boats.

By late afternoon, we arrived in Salem, checking into the historic Daniels House B&B. We explored the Witch Museum and took a nighttime walking tour — eerie, atmospheric, and absolutely Salem.

Thursday, September 14 — Provincetown, Cape Cod

We drove to the very tip of Cape Cod and checked into The Waterford Inn in Provincetown. The town was lively, artistic, and full of character.

We rented bikes and rode along the Cape Cod paths, from beaches to villages to dune landscapes. Our inn had a small bar next door where we sipped cocktails and people-watched.

And then — another hurricane. Our hotel was right at the water’s edge, which made the decision to stay overnight nerve-wracking. With locals advising “Ride it out,” we stayed. The night was restless and surreal: watching for flooding, listening to the wind, losing power, and checking our phones for updates that never came.

Friday, September 15 — Provincetown, Storm Watching

We spent the day exploring Provincetown, walking between art galleries, cafés, and seaside shops. The storm eventually cleared, leaving dramatic skies and ocean views.

Saturday, September 16 — Back to Boston

We drove back to Boston, returned the car, and stayed with Line again for the night — a gentle landing before the trip’s end.

Sunday, September 17 — Homeward Bound

We drove home with a feeling of having completed something beautiful — a road trip designed for Serge, but filled with meaning and magic for both of us.

🌟 What This Adventure Meant

This adventure was more than a trip — it was a chance to create something tailored specifically for Serge. To give him the coastal experience he dreamed of, but in a way that wove together spontaneity, storms, old memories, new discoveries, and the places that make New England so enchanting.

It was also a celebration of us — our ability to travel well together, adapt to unexpected challenges, and find beauty in both calm days and hurricane nights.