Discover Maine & New Hampshire
For a day built around stunning views, start with the Mount Washington Auto Road or Cog Railway for panoramic White Mountain scenery that makes the trip feel like a true event. Head to Acadia National Park for dramatic ocean cliffs and Cadillac Mountain, one of the first places to see sunrise in the U.S. Back at your Red Cottage home, settle in for a cozy evening with a fire, a great meal, and a little extra time to simply relax.
Maine and New Hampshire’s creative side runs deep, especially for guests looking for something elevated and memorable. In Portland, spend an afternoon exploring the Portland Museum of Art, a world-class institution that makes the city feel bigger than it is. In Ogunquit, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art offers a cliffside setting where art and ocean views come together in a way that feels distinctly Maine.
Between plans, explore a few New England towns and keep the trip effortless. Kennebunkport is a classic pick for a walkable afternoon of shops, galleries, and a lobster roll that still feels special. Camden is quieter and scenic, ideal for slow mornings, harbor views, and a drive that feels like part of the experience. In New Hampshire, North Conway is a reliable choice for outlet shopping, easy hikes, and a mountain town atmosphere year-round. Portsmouth brings history, great food, and a lively downtown that rewards an afternoon of wandering.
When you want a true outdoor reset without turning the day into a mission, the trails in Acadia National Park are a strong choice, with coastal paths, summit hikes, and a variety of routes that make it easy to tailor the day to your pace. In New Hampshire, the Franconia Ridge Trail is a go-to for experienced hikers seeking iconic views, while the Kancamagus Highway offers scenic pull-offs and easy trailheads that are ideal before a relaxed evening back at your Red Cottage stay.
A New England weekend is easy to build around craft drinks. In Portland, Allagash Brewing Company and Bissell Brothers are standouts for a tasting experience that pairs beautifully with a relaxed afternoon. In New Hampshire, Tuckerman Brewing in Conway is a natural stop after a day on the trails. For wine lovers, Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville, Maine, offers tastings in a beautifully restored farmhouse setting.
Base your plans around Sunday River or Sugarloaf in Maine, or Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods in New Hampshire, then keep the rest of the itinerary simple with cozy coffees, scenic drives, and a slow afternoon in. For a lighter option, add snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to round out the day. After time outside, the luxury is coming back to your Red Cottage home to warmth, a great meal, and a cozy night in.
In Portland, plan a memorable dinner at Fore Street, a wood-oven icon that feels special from the moment you arrive. For something more casual but equally loved, Eventide Oyster Co. is an easy pick for oysters and lobster rolls that define the Maine coast. In Portsmouth, NH, make it a proper night out at Black Trumpet, a farm-to-table favorite that feels elevated without trying too hard. Along the coast, keep an eye out for seasonal lobster shacks and clam bars, a quintessential part of any New England stay.