On Thursday morning, bright and early after a night of fun at Elf the Musical, Chris and I drove back into Boston to hop aboard the Amtrak Downeaster to go poke around Freeport, Maine. We didn’t even know that we could get up to Maine on the train, but now we know just how easy it is to plan a day trip somewhere fun and different.
The Amtrak Downeaster begins (for us folks close to Boston) at Boston’s North Station and ends at Brunswick, Maine, with lots of other cool stops along the way. We were debating between Portland and Freeport, but decided that since Chris had never been to Freeport, it would be fun to explore the shopping scene together. I hadn’t been to Freeport, Maine since 1995, so it looked really different to me. So much more built up with shops and restaurants. We were so happy we picked Freeport!
Let’s talk about the train. I recently took Amtrak to NYC with Aidan, so after realizing how comfortable and easy it is to travel by train, I jumped on the opportunity to travel north. Chris was pleasantly surprised too. We loved the spacious seats, the super full recline, the charging outlets for our phones and selfie sticks right at our fingertips and of course, the free Wi-Fi. The ride to Freeport from North Station was just about 3.5 hours long, putting us in Freeport just in time for a hearty lunch. The train station is literally right next to all the upscale outlets and shops, so we didn’t have to worry about any other transportation. So easy!
We grabbed lunch at the Broad Arrow Tavern, where we shared the most delicious calamari and I got to try their award winning Lobster Stew. Totally award-worthy in my book, but pricey for the the small amount of lobster that is actually in it. I paired it with a glass of Pinot Noir, at our cute little waitress’s suggestion, and devoured every last drop of all my liquids. YUM.
Next, we shopped. We loved all the trinkets and gifts found in The Mangy Moose and had fun poking around and laughing. They win “best store” on Main Street. I bought lots in the Mangy Moose. I had to have the Hatley Moose jammies for Andrew. I had to have the wooden sign for my kitchen. I had to have the frasier fir diffuser. I had to have the best secret Santa gift ever.
Freeport is home to the famous L.L. Bean campus, which is huge! So many different stores from home to ski to clothing. You could literally spend hours meandering through all the goodness of L.L. Bean. It’s amazing. Plus, the boots.
I got a new winter jacket at The North Face outlet. I love it. I want to go back and get the other jacket I fell in love with at Patagonia. Chris found an amazing deal on a pair of Patagonia Gore-Tex ski pants. Major score, so he’s happy too.
So we shopped and we ate and we relaxed. We had such an amazing day. Thank you so much to my amazing Mom for coming up from the Cape to watch the kids so we could get away. We really enjoyed ourselves. We loved the train to Maine.
Right now you can grab tickets on the Downeaster with their new Take Five – Pay $5 Deal. Gather a group on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of 2015 and bring up to five companions for $5 one way with the purchase of one full-price ticket! The Amtrak Downeaster is also offering a Train to Maine BOGO deal. Simply buy one full-price ticket and bring a friend for free! This promotion runs until December 31, 2015 and tickets must be purchased three days in advance of travel to take advantage of the discount. Offer valid on select trains. Be sure to visit traintomaine.com and sign up for the Inside Track newsletter to receive the latest information and special deals from the Downeaster.
Ok, here’s the fun part for you guys! We want YOU to experience the Downeaster! How would you like to win a pair of tickets for the Amtrak Downeaster? Right? SO fun. We know there are so many fun places to explore, but we really loved Freeport – highly recommended! And just think, you could even make it an overnight trip! SO easy to get anywhere on the line from Brunswick to Boston! So, let’s do it! Let’s give away two round-trip tickets on the Amtrak Downeaster! Enter to win below!
Amtrak Downeaster Destinations
- Boston, MA
- Woburn, MA
- Haverhill, MA
- Exeter, NH
- Durham – UNH
- Dover, NH
- Wells, ME
- Saco, ME
- Old Orchard Beach, ME
- Portland, ME
- Freeport, ME
- Brunswick, ME
Disclosure: I received 2 complimentary tickets, Cafe bucks and a gift card to take part in this campaign with Amtrak. We really loved everything about our trip!
We have wonderful friends in Freeport, about 6 minutes from the train! Beautiful area!!!
Love to take the train to Maine, so relaxing
We would love to take the train to any beach in Maine!
Not sure where I’d go – I’m thinking Portland, ME would be fun. We have friends in that area.
I would go to Freeport too!
I think Freeport sounds likes the place to go! Must be nice all dressed up for Christmas!
Freeport is only 45 minutes away so I’d go there! Thanks so much for the chance!
We have family in maine. Would be great to visit them in Freeport for the day!
Great review, Annie! My family is excited to take the Downeaster to Portland this weekend. It sounds like such a fun way to travel!
Annemarie (Real Food Real Deals) recently posted…Real Food Meal Plan Week 89
cool review! we would love to go to freeport!
dave (parentalideas) recently posted…Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
I’d take it to Maine, I’ve never been to Maine and I bet I’d love it since I travel on Amtrak to Virginia! I love using Amtrak.
I would take it to Freeport.
I would love to go to freeport
Anyplace in NH or Maine! 🙂
I would love to go to Maine. I’ve never been but heard it’s beautiful.
We would love to go to Portland, MA
Would LOVE to take a train ride with my boys who have been asking for a train trip for some time 😉
I live in Boston, but would love to go home to Maine to visit my family on the Downeaster!
Any of the destinations in Maine would be amazing!
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I have never been to Maine. I would love to go to Old Orchard Beach. It can be a getaway for me and hubby.
I’d go to Freeport!
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down to miami
Would go to Freeport. …love to shop LL Bean and they have a great restaurant a few blocks from train.
Took Amtrak to DC 2 Years ago. Would love to head north to Maine on it for an adventure!
Love to take the train and do a sister day trip to Freeport and shop …eat..and or course have a few drinks
I’d love to do a sister day trip by train to Freeport..shop…food and drinks!!!
I’d probably go to Old Orchard! It’s my favorite!
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I’m thinking Portland!
Dollops of Diane recently posted…Boston Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
I love taking the train. I would definitely travel the route to Maine. I’ve yet to travel on the Downeaster.
I’d love to go back to Freeport on the Downeaster. It’s been ages since I’ve been there.
How fun!!! We are travelling to Maine this summer to spend some time at our family camp. I think we may take advantage and head down to Boston! If you know of any good summer hotel deals in your area, let me know!
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What a great way to spend a last-minute day off….what great fun.
Probably Freeport as well!
I’d go to Portland for a fun outing!
I’ve never been to Maine, so I’d head to Freeport and the LLBean store
I’d head up to NH to where I grew up.
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Portland ME. I go about 6 times a year and stay in South Portland and drive up and down the coast eating lobsters of course.
I think I would pick Portland – it’s so beautiful!
BOSTON i would love to just hop a train and cruze threw boston
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