159229 Sat Jun 14 18:29:34 -0700 2003 5 13 New England 0 855416 Hi, I am reading my way through the board to see what I can find, with map in hand, but also would appreciate any recs for this itinerary. Driving from Albany to Portland via Boston, then on to Bethel, Maine to drop off my son, then back to Albany from Bethel taking a a northern route through NH & Vermont before dropping back down. Already checking out RoadFood per previous post (new to me, but looks great, I think I have one of their books but had not found web site). Anyway, any suggestions as to good places to stop, whether to look or eat, would be appreciated. I can adjust the route for our amusement. Being flatlanders, wonderful clams, chowder and lobster joints are special treats to us. thanks to all, d Sat Jun 14 18:29:34 -0700 2003 0 dickson d 1 855418 Michaela's in Portland is a wonderful little bistro. They are located in Monument Square. It is a Portland must. Sat Jun 14 19:18:54 -0700 2003 855416 0 James 1 855420 Oooh, now Bethel might prove tricky, because it really is a mountain community more in tune with the New Hampshire White Mountains and lakes rather than the Maine coastline. Nevertheless, if you take a trip from Boston and go to Bethel via Portsmouth and Rochester, NH (The Spaulding Turnpike), you can take a side trip (passing the route 4/11 Spaulding Tpke exit) about 5 miles north and 3 miles east to a great lobster place called the Chauncy Creek Lobster Pier. It's a bit tough to find, and sometimes a bit tough to park, but well worth the effort. Attached is a review of it that would be exactly the same as mine. Link: http://www.phantomgourmet.com/review_right.asp?name=Chauncey+Creek+Lobster+Pier&reviewid=2068 Sat Jun 14 20:56:58 -0700 2003 855416 0 bunnyr 1 855425 I just noticed I picked up an old, defunct email address for my original posting. This is just to correct that - don't want anyone thinking I am a phantom, or some such game. d Sun Jun 15 10:40:38 -0700 2003 855416 0 dickson d 1 855432 I know Albany has good diners but there are a few in Northampton, Worcester and a short detour south of Worcester in Oxford, MA is the best diner: Carl's, with the hugest portions (split everything, order half what you normally would, etc.). There are great clam shacks off Rt. 1 outside of Boston like the Clam Box, Farnham's and Essex Seafood (all on Rt. 133). Gilley's Lunch Cart in Portsmouth is fun and there are a lot of real restaurants that are quite good. I always recommend Norm's Bar & Grill on Congress St. in Portland. If you want specific Boston info, you should post on that board. Mon Jun 16 08:53:35 -0700 2003 855416 0 Joanie 1 855433 Here are some Rec's for the Portland, Maine area from a local. One of the best outdoor dining spots as far as scenery/views is The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elisabeth. (Just follow the signs for Two Lights.) Now, they have seafood and other fast food fare (burgers, veggie burgers.) You can BYOB, or W. For oceanside grub on a nice summer day, you can't beat the views. Now, for some fine dining, and for some of the best seafood in the area, I'd try Fore Street, on Fore St in the Old Port. It is Sam Hayward's (a James Beard nominee) restaurant. It is worth the hype, in my opinion. Seafood and more seafood in an upscale, rustic setting. Call for rez. about $100 for 2 w/ drinks, dessert. Dinner only. Avoid anything that appears to be Mexican. It is awful. Taco Bell is the best that Maine has to offer. Flatbread Co. -- on Commercial St next to Casco Bay Ferry Line -- great salad, great pizza. Open concept, great beers. Mon Jun 16 11:25:07 -0700 2003 855416 0 Anna Wolfe