Submitted by BeverageDude1 t3_zxexj1 in Maine
[removed]
Comments
mainebringstheheat t1_j201ere wrote
Take it to Brunswick and check out the islands of Harpswell!
MaineGal2022 t1_j20aoz2 wrote
If you are taking Amtrak, you will need to change trains and stations in Boston. Amtrak from other destinations (primarily New York) comes to South Station. The Downeaster to Maine (also Amtrak) leaves from North Station. You'd have to take a taxi or public transit to get from South Station to North Station if you want to continue your journey by train. The Downeaster only goes as far as Brunswick so that's where you would be starting your vacation, unless you got off in Portland (not a bad idea), spend a few days in our lovely small city, and then head further afield in a rental vehicle.
Alternatively, you could get on a bus (Concord Coach) at South Station and come to Maine that way. The busses are very clean and run frequently. You could take the bus to Portland or continue on to Bangor. From Bangor, you'd need to rent a car (or truck) and then you could head to Acadia National Park (Mt. Desert island), Schoodic Point, or a million other coastal locations. Or, you could head inland to the mountains and visit Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Mountains National Monument, go rafting on the Penobscot or again, a few dozen other options. Maine is a big beautiful state with tons to see and do.
I think June is a wonderful month to visit. Things are open but the state is not overrun with tourists since they don't tend to arrive until July and August. September and October are also beautiful. And of course the summer is fine, just be prepared for more people. I'd avoid March and April is also pretty iffy.
BuggerPie81 t1_j20c8z6 wrote
LOL. See ya all the way in Brunswick
ZingZongZaddy t1_j20cm33 wrote
Why Maine?
bleahdeebleah t1_j1zv4fm wrote
As far as I know taking Amtrak into Maine means getting off the train in Boston and getting on a bus.
s13drfthvn t1_j1zvbfb wrote
Brunswick is the last stop.
alpha417 t1_j1zviz8 wrote
bleahdeebleah t1_j1zxndj wrote
Well cool! My brother takes Amtrak from Philly to Bangor and always has to get on a bus in Boston
hanscomal t1_j1zyqpz wrote
It’s because the Downeaster stops/starts at North station. If you want to take Amtrak further you have to find your way to South station and go from there. Probably just as easy for your brother to hop the bus at South station.
20thMaine t1_j20jxkp wrote
Yah you can take the T between the two but last I remember (like ten years ago) the T stop isn’t actually in North Station either, it’s a block or so away.
alpha417 t1_j1zytid wrote
he takes the Concord line bcuz he doesn't buy a ticket, transfer to the other Boston station and take the Downeaster. it's not for everyone.
the Concord line is vastly more convenient.
notmilwaukeebrewer t1_j1zvg7l wrote
Using Amtrak you'll only get as far as Brunswick and if it's the sticks you're looking for you'll still have to drive for a bit with that rented truck. As for times to avoid I guess it depends on what you're trying to avoid. Avoiding cold weather? Don't visit between November and April. Avoiding tourists at the parks? The reverse is true. But as for activities there's a lot to do during every season. Hope you end up coming to visit and having a great time!