Welcome to our Great Northern Adventure on West US 2 (Great Northern). This post is part of series about our travels, from Maine to Michigan. US 2 is sometimes described as, the most stunning and unforgettable route. It is certainly one of the longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips. Before beginning this adventure we picked up our van conversion, at Sportmobile in Austin, Texas. Then off to Maine we went. After completing our travels, from the west to the east coast, we (Karla, Gary, John and I) arrived at the coast of Maine.
By the time we had reached Rumford, a city in the River Valley area of the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine on Route 2, we had already traveled across the US to the east coast, mostly on I-80, and explored Maine for two weeks. Just in case you are wondering US 2 is an east–west United States Numbered Highway, covering 2,571 miles (4,138 km) across northern continental United States. US 2 consists of two segments on the US side of the Canadian border. It is one of the remaining US highways with an interrupted route. Travelers therefore need to cross through Canada if they wish to drive the entire length without detours. Our original plan was to leave the west coast journey east on US 2, criss-crossing the US and Canada border as needed; and return across Canada, from the east to west coast, and then head back into the western US. Back in 2021, when we realized that our original plan was not possible, we quickly crossed the US to Maine, and then return as much as possible on US 2. We stayed on the US side of Highway 2 because of the Canadian travel restrictions during 2021.
As a prelude to our adventure we journeyed to the Atlantic Ocean at Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park, the kickoff point for our Great Northern Adventure (US 2). Once we arrived we decided to explore Maine for two weeks before heading back west on US 2.
Travels on US 2: On the Road
Upon reaching the coast of Maine, the Atlantic Ocean at Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the kickoff point we explored Maine by traveling north. Two weeks later we traveled south to the White Mountains. We camped at a National Forest Camp in the White Mountains. For two days or so, we would tour Maine's White Mountains near the New Hampshire border.
From Coos Canyon Wilderness Campground in Byron, Maine we headed west on US 2.
Up Next, Great Northern Route (US Highway 2)
Indeed after completing the first lag in our overland travels to Maine, and after spending two weeks in Maine, we were now ready to travel west on the Great Northern. After we arrived on the coast of Maine, the Atlantic Ocean at Acadia National Park, our kickoff point, we heading north before following US 2 through Maine. We were ready to take US 2 through the rugged granite peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the hardwood forests of Vermont’s Green Mountains. These are two very different ranges, even though they are only 50 mi (81 km) apart.
We were off to the White Mountains and beyond. We would spend two nights at the White Mountain National Forest Campground at .
We enjoyed taking in the sites in the White Mountain National Forest. As we explored along the way Stow Corner Store & Cafe, Maine was a great place to pickup tasty lunchtime food.
The time we spent exploring the White Mountains and surrounding area was so delightful and rewarding. After exploring the White Mountains area for two days off we went to New Hampshire on our Great Northern Adventure along US 2. Traveling along US 2 the landscapes, rather than cities and towns, began to play starring roles along on the route.
New Hampshire
We continued to explore the White Mountains as we were welcomed to New Hampshire.
After leaving Maine we checked out New Hampshire's Mount Washington area. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288.2 ft (1,916.6 m). It is located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, in Coös County, New Hampshire. The mountain is mostly in the White Mountain National Forest, an area of 60.3 acres (24.4 ha) surrounding and including the summit, which is designated as Mount Washington State Park.
We passed by the entrance to Wildcat Mountain, a ski resort in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.
Besides skiing the area is popular for outdoor activities. For example, located at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, is the family-owned Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. It offers seasonal activities and events for all ages.
Besides offering activities to enjoy nature all year long there are welcoming accommodations, like the Mount Washington Hotel & Resort.
After exploring Mount Washington it was onto the Gorham.
Vermont
June 20th we crossed into Vermont, the postcard-perfect state. Here we traveled along Highway 2 for about 150 miles.
Kirby, a town in Caledonia County, is just east of St Johnsbury and Lyndonville. Kirby is in the beautifully scenic Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. This ia an area that National Geographic selected as part of their geo-tourism program for sustainable destinations. After visiting I can see why.
After leaving Kirby, about an hour later, I see exit signs to St Johnbury and Montpelier, Vermont's capital city, appeared on US 2.
Just south of St. Johnsburry we stopped for lunch in a beautiful spot, a State Park in Peacham, a town in Caledonia County.
After lunch we would continue West on 302.
That evening we stayed at Bragg Farm & Sugar House (Harvest Host) in East Montpelier. It happened to be both Father’s day, and 1st Day of Summer (June 20, 2021).
This 8th-generation sugar farm has Harvest Host. We enjoyed camping in a peaceful grassy meadow overlooking rolling hills.
They offer free guided tours, and maple syrup tastings where you can learn about the maple syrup process, from sap to syrup. You can enjoy sample sweet treats in the farm store, award-worthy syrup, creamy maple ice cream, and specialty foods. The day we arrived we enjoyed some ice cream.
During our stay we were given overview on Vermont Maple Syrup making. I left with some maple syrup, and knowledge of Vermont Maple Syrup making.
Next day, June 21, Highway 2 took us through Montpelier, one of the most picturesque cities in the country. Montpelier, Vermont's small capital city is known for its unique, non-chain-store vibe and notable for its gold-domed capitol building. Montpelier is full of charming shops, restaurants, and period architecture. We stopped to pick up goodies at a local bakery in Montpelier.
That day we also managed to visit the number one tourist attraction in Vermont, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Here they offer tours, there is a gift shop, and of course, there are decadent scoops of frozen goodness. It was another perfect stop that day. YES, Ben & Jerry’s has great ice-cream.
Soon we were on our way west again.
Alburg Vermont, a town in Grand Isle County, is in the Islands & Farms region, which is located in the northwestern corner of Vermont. Of course it was early summer and everything was very green, However, I have been told that Vermont is, one of the best places to see New England fall foliage.
Since we could not continue on Route 2 into Canada, we stayed on the US side of the Great Lakes through New York state.
These days we spent following US 2 through small towns and wide-open spaces, on the Great Northern Highway, certainly gave a feeling of getting away from it all.
New York State
Tuesday, June 22 it was onto New York State from Vermont. We traveled mostly along the St. Lawerence River. Along the way we stopped for lunch at site overlooking a lock. That afternoon it was onto Alexandria Bay to visit Thousand Island Winery (Harvest Host). Here we did a wine tasting and stayed overnight. The tasting room was busy when we arrived.
During the evening on the property I checked out some of the vines. They have wines produced from grapes developed by University of Minnesota. We managed to taste a few of those during the tasting. Our travels from Vermont to Alexandria Bay, NY look us along US 2, then 37 and 12 to arrive at the winery.
While traveling along Highways 37 & 12 we traveled along the St. Lawerence, passing crossings into Canada along the way.
After our overnight stay, given our wine supplies were running low, we decided to head to the Finger Lakes. We did a two night stop-over in the Finger Lakes. On our way back to the Finger Lakes we passed through Celoron, a village in Chautauqua County. It is part of the town of Ellicott, and sits on the west boundary of the city of Jamestown.
Later we stopped in Cuba, New York.
We would continue south towards Corning then onto Seneca Lake. This time we stayed at Seneca Lake State Park.
We were happy to return to Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Our Seneca Lake winery explorations were delightful. We also drove to Keuka Lake to visit Dr. Franks Winery. We concluded our stay with an early dinner at Knapp Winery Restaurant.
Soon we were back on the road, and off to join US 2 West.
Pennsylvania
From New York State we journeyed west into Pennsylvania.
Girard Township is approximately 13 miles from the City of Erie.
We dienjoyed an overnight stay at Three Meadows, a Harvest Host in Girard. Here we met the hosts and enjoyed getting to know their two Scottish Highlands cows.
The pet cows M and Copper were such a delight. We so enjoyed a restful stopover at the farm.
Ohio
Next day it was a quick jaunt across Ohio to Michigan to rejoin US 2.
We continued through Ohio on crossing the Bridge at Toledo-Birmingham.
Soon we were seeing signs to the various cities in Michigan.
Next, we would explore Michigan. Although US 2 in Michigan is only 300 miles long, before reaching US 2 we needed to reach the Upper Peninsula. The good news is we would get to enjoy Michigan Wine Country along the way.
I would like to thank all those who helped to make this adventure a success. Our journey along I-80 to begin our Great Northern Road Trip is an overland adventure that we will never forget. Along the way (both I-80 east and US-2 west), we discovered beautiful cities, passed over mountains, passed by numerous lakes, and through many valleys. Our travels took us through the badlands, natural marvels, historical sites, and at times we traveled along the border with Canada. The best time of year for the Great Northern Road Trip (US-2), and sometimes referred to as Route-2, is spring, summer, or fall. I invite you to join me in my overland travels along Great Northern or US 2, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
CHEERS!!
Sharon
Memories of Great Northern Adventures on US 2, June 2021
January 2026
© Spaswinefood
Up Next on Our Great Northern Adventure: Michigan to Washington
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