Community Forums

McGarrett50 · 08-23-2017, 04:23 PM

We would like to drive US1 from Shore Acres in BoothBay to catch I-495 to go around Boston to get to Normandy Farms in Foxboro in OCTOBER. Other than potential traffic issues, since this is a truck route, I'm guessing a 43-foot MH with a tow shouldn't run into navigation issues on US 1?

We figure we can hit the Kittery Outlet Mall and find parking in their lot.

What about parking the coach briefly in Portsmouth to walk around town & grab some lunch?

Thanks for your help!

spuds · 08-23-2017, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McGarrett50

We figure we can hit the Kittery Outlet Mall and find parking in their lot.

It's been a few years since we visited Kittery, but it isn't a single outlet mall. It's a fairly busy road with multiple strip center shopping areas on either side. Watch for signs for RV parking - I think the Kittery Trading Post has some spots. Satellite view on Google Maps shows a handful of them on the southwest-ish side of the store. I would definitely familiarize yourself with the area by checking that satellite view.

Wear comfortable shoes - lots of walking

As for trying to park the coach in Portsmouth, NH, hopefully someone else will chime in, but we have been through Portsmouth in a car and can't imagine trying to find RV parking there.

Michelle

l1v3fr33ord1 · 08-23-2017, 05:01 PM

McGarrett50-

Route 1 is a long, slow slog- tons of lights. You should be tired of traveling on it by the time you hit Bath. Get on 295 in Brunswick and then 95 as soon as you can. You can take the Kittery exit f you want to hit the Trading Post.

I haven't been to Kittery since 2009. Then, they had a great hotdog stand on one side of the Trading Post parking lot. A take-out seafood place is just north of the Post, within walking distance; although I've not eaten there, the line was long enough to indicate it's popular.

If you want to go to Portsmouth, you can follow Route 1 or get back on 95. The two towns are close enough that Route 1 congestion shouldn't be a problem. Check out the parking ahead of time, as I believe it's limited in "downtown" Portsmouth.

Then, by all means, get on 95 to take you to 495 to Foxboro. Route 1 is just as slow south of Portsmouth.

Winemaker2 · 08-23-2017, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

McGarrett50-

Route 1 is a long, slow slog- tons of lights. You should be tired of traveling on it by the time you hit Bath. Get on 295 in Brunswick and then 95 as soon as you can. You can take the Kittery exit f you want to hit the Trading Post.

If you want to go to Portsmouth, you can follow Route 1 or get back on 95. The two towns are close enough that Route 1 congestion shouldn't be a problem. Check out the parking ahead of time, as I believe it's limited in "downtown" Portsmouth.

Then, by all means, get on 95 to take you to 495 to Foxboro. Route 1 is just as slow south of Portsmouth.

Agree w/ above re 295 vs Rt 1 all the way.

I f I were wanting to do Kittery and Portsmouth I would likely park in Kittery and take the toad around the outlets...Trading Post and on to Portsmouth.
Return & pick up / hook up MH and continue to Foxboro

n-e-d · 08-24-2017, 03:06 PM

I like Rte 1 generally take it once twice a year to Acadia, however just a warning Camden and Rockport are a little tight and I'd take 90 to bypass Rockland. Totally agree with getting on 295 in Brunswick. You may want to check if Freeport has the outlets your looking for-not as spread out as Kittery. There is some RV parking behind the main drag and signage pointing to it. Ditto on using the toad around Kittery and Portsmouth

MRUSA14 · 08-24-2017, 03:25 PM

Ditto the sentiments about US 1 in NH and Mass. I would avoid it in favor of I-95 because Rte 1 is slow, crowded, and nasty.

If you want to park the coach for a few hours in Portsmouth, there is a Walmart on the outskirts of town where we have done that. Portsmouth is well worth a stop. It is a lovely town to visit.

Or, stay a night or two at Hampton Beach State Park in NH where you can camp right by the beach with full hookups and watch the boats go by. It is in a cute beach town, and about a 40 minute drive to Portsmouth in your toad.

MRUSA14 · 08-24-2017, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n-e-d

I like Rte 1 generally take it once twice a year to Acadia, however just a warning Camden and Rockport are a little tight and I'd take 90 to bypass Rockland.

The OP is heading south (west) from Boothbay. Rockport and Camden are north (east), so not on his route.