The Blonde Abroad

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If you’re finding yourself here for the first time, welcome! I’m sharing my New England Road Trip (with a Toddler) series, and it’s Day 3 of our adventure! 🍂🍁
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I’m sharing some insider info on hiking the legendary Flume Gorge in New Hampshire.

We opted to stay in North Conway, NH and used it as a base to explore the White Mountains. We stayed at Kearsarge Inn and @oldvillagebakerynh was literally next door.

We grabbed some pastries and bagels for the road and drove about an hour to Flume Gorge– a 2.2-mile self-guided hike with covered bridges, amazing waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain views.

TIP: You need to book tickets with a dedicated time slot for entry to hike Flume Gorge. I did this about 2 months in advance given how busy the foliage season is here. So BOOK EARLY and ARRIVE EARLY.

Most people can do the hike in about 1.5 hrs, but I’d add an hour with young kids. We did lots of nature exploring and resting along the way.

TIP FOR YOUNG KIDDOS: Bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack! While this is rated a family-friendly hike, it wasn’t without some challenges with a toddler. I ended up carrying him on my shoulders for over a mile which was an adventure in itself.

I had bookmarked Artist’s Bluff Lookout and Polly’s Pancake Parlor to do after, but like with all plans with kids, they change as need. We opted to call it a day after the first hike but you can definitely add Artist’s Bluff to your day (it’s just a few minutes up the highway).

We did drive to Polly’s because pancakes sounded amazing, but the wait was 2.5 HOURS at 11am. So we passed.

We had a relaxed afternoon back in North Conway and went to @conwayscenicrailroad to watch the trains come into the depot. You can book a scenic ride too!

If you’re planning a similar road trip, you’re not gonna wanna miss Day 4 for arguably the MOST famous scenic byway in all of New England during the foliage season!
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@visitnh #fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitnh #visitnewhampshire

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If you’re finding yourself here for the first time, welcome! I’m sharing my New England Road Trip (with a Toddler) series, and it’s Day 3 of our adventure! 🍂🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’m sharing some insider info on hiking the legendary Flume Gorge in New Hampshire. We opted to stay in North Conway, NH and used it as a base to explore the White Mountains. We stayed at Kearsarge Inn and @oldvillagebakerynh was literally next door. We grabbed some pastries and bagels for the road and drove about an hour to Flume Gorge– a 2.2-mile self-guided hike with covered bridges, amazing waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain views. TIP: You need to book tickets with a dedicated time slot for entry to hike Flume Gorge. I did this about 2 months in advance given how busy the foliage season is here. So BOOK EARLY and ARRIVE EARLY. Most people can do the hike in about 1.5 hrs, but I’d add an hour with young kids. We did lots of nature exploring and resting along the way.

TIP FOR YOUNG KIDDOS: Bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack! While this is rated a family-friendly hike, it wasn’t without some challenges with a toddler. I ended up carrying him on my shoulders for over a mile which was an adventure in itself. I had bookmarked Artist’s Bluff Lookout and Polly’s Pancake Parlor to do after, but like with all plans with kids, they change as need. We opted to call it a day after the first hike but you can definitely add Artist’s Bluff to your day (it’s just a few minutes up the highway).

We did drive to Polly’s because pancakes sounded amazing, but the wait was 2.5 HOURS at 11am. So we passed.

We had a relaxed afternoon back in North Conway and went to @conwayscenicrailroad to watch the trains come into the depot. You can book a scenic ride too! If you’re planning a similar road trip, you’re not gonna wanna miss Day 4 for arguably the MOST famous scenic byway in all of New England during the foliage season! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @visitnh #fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitnh #visitnewhampshire

The Ultimate Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (toddler edition)! 🍁
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We flew in and out of Boston — and you’ll need to rent a car. This trip involves a lot of driving!

@Expedia is my go-to resource for travel— you can rent your car, book activities, and find amazing accommodation for your own trip to New England!

You can start your adventure in North Conway, in the white mountains of New Hampshire. This cute town is home to the Conway Scenic railway and is a great base to explore some of the best leaf peeping in the area.

You’ll want to book tickets for Flume Gorge months in advance—it’s a kid-friendly hike but still 2.2 miles and I definitely regretted not bringing a hiking carrier for Ollie.

Head out EARLY to drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway—there are tons of spots to stop along the byway, but we loved Sabbaday Falls for a short hike with big reward.

Next up, head to Woodstock, Vermont, and check into Woodstock Inn. This hotel sells out almost a full year in advance during foliage season, so plan ahead.

Don’t miss a maple creamy from Woodstock Scoops or a visit to Billings Farm.

The entire drive through Vermont is SO beautiful. On your way to the town of Stowe, stop for some apple picking, and don’t miss Hollow Cider for cider donuts.

Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). This is such a great spot for kids. They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. Stowe is famously known for its crowds this time of year, so if you want to avoid them, base yourself here, take in the incredible views, and go on hikes directly on the property.

Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. There’s a beer hall, bakery, and even hiking trails on the property—so you can avoid the crowds in town. It’s also located near the Smuggler’s Notch mountain pass.

End your trip by driving back to Boston and spending a couple of days exploring one of the most historic (and kid-friendly) cities in America!
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#newengland #autumn

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The Ultimate Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (toddler edition)! 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We flew in and out of Boston — and you’ll need to rent a car. This trip involves a lot of driving! @Expedia is my go-to resource for travel— you can rent your car, book activities, and find amazing accommodation for your own trip to New England! You can start your adventure in North Conway, in the white mountains of New Hampshire. This cute town is home to the Conway Scenic railway and is a great base to explore some of the best leaf peeping in the area. You’ll want to book tickets for Flume Gorge months in advance—it’s a kid-friendly hike but still 2.2 miles and I definitely regretted not bringing a hiking carrier for Ollie. Head out EARLY to drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway—there are tons of spots to stop along the byway, but we loved Sabbaday Falls for a short hike with big reward. Next up, head to Woodstock, Vermont, and check into Woodstock Inn. This hotel sells out almost a full year in advance during foliage season, so plan ahead. Don’t miss a maple creamy from Woodstock Scoops or a visit to Billings Farm. The entire drive through Vermont is SO beautiful. On your way to the town of Stowe, stop for some apple picking, and don’t miss Hollow Cider for cider donuts. Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). This is such a great spot for kids. They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. Stowe is famously known for its crowds this time of year, so if you want to avoid them, base yourself here, take in the incredible views, and go on hikes directly on the property. Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. There’s a beer hall, bakery, and even hiking trails on the property—so you can avoid the crowds in town. It’s also located near the Smuggler’s Notch mountain pass. End your trip by driving back to Boston and spending a couple of days exploring one of the most historic (and kid-friendly) cities in America! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #newengland #autumn

Welcome back to Day 2 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler)! 🍂
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I’m sharing one of the coolest activities not only in Portland, Maine, but on our entire trip: @childrensmuseum_theatreofmaine

But first, we started our day with the best bagels I’ve ever had at @_rose_foods_ — OMG they were so good.

Then it was off to the Children’s Museum. It happened to be a super rainy day, so it was the perfect indoor activity.

What you can expect: the museum is an interactive kids’ museum with the coolest water table exhibit and lots of science & job-related play exhibits. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance—it’s a really popular spot for families!

After that, we stopped by @allagashbrewing for some lunch. Allagash White has been one of my favorite beers for years—and it was amazing to see the brewery in person. (TIP: During the Fall, you can ask for a sugary, pumpkin rim. It’s SO good!) They also have some kid-friendly activities and tasty food.

We made our way to New Hampshire and checked into the Kearsarge Inn in North Conway—it’s the cutest tiny town that’s home to the Conway Scenic Railway.

We based ourselves here to explore the most beautiful drives and hikes in the White Mountains during autumn.

Stay tuned for Day 3 & 4 for some of the most incredible hikes and scenic byways!
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@visitportland @visitmaine
#fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitportland #visitmaine

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Welcome back to Day 2 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler)! 🍂 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’m sharing one of the coolest activities not only in Portland, Maine, but on our entire trip: @childrensmuseum_theatreofmaine But first, we started our day with the best bagels I’ve ever had at @_rose_foods_ — OMG they were so good. Then it was off to the Children’s Museum. It happened to be a super rainy day, so it was the perfect indoor activity. What you can expect: the museum is an interactive kids’ museum with the coolest water table exhibit and lots of science & job-related play exhibits. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance—it’s a really popular spot for families! After that, we stopped by @allagashbrewing for some lunch. Allagash White has been one of my favorite beers for years—and it was amazing to see the brewery in person. (TIP: During the Fall, you can ask for a sugary, pumpkin rim. It’s SO good!) They also have some kid-friendly activities and tasty food. We made our way to New Hampshire and checked into the Kearsarge Inn in North Conway—it’s the cutest tiny town that’s home to the Conway Scenic Railway. We based ourselves here to explore the most beautiful drives and hikes in the White Mountains during autumn. Stay tuned for Day 3 & 4 for some of the most incredible hikes and scenic byways! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @visitportland @visitmaine #fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitportland #visitmaine

Calling all road tripping, adventure-loving families! 📢
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I recently went on a 10-day New England road trip and @rivianofficial loaned me a second-generation R1S to see the fall foliage—it was everything I dreamed of and more.

I planned this trip for months in advance and we were putting in some serious miles. We ended up tallying nearly 1000 miles and did it all in under three charges—all for free at our hotels along the way!

Between the front truck that worked as a mud room on rainy days to the glass roof that allowed us to see the fall foliage from all 7 seats, we were truly in Autumn heaven!

If you’re a road-trip-loving family like us, I highly recommend the Rivian R1S for your ultimate adventure EV!
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#autumn #fallroadtrip #newengland #rivian #rivianroadtrip

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Calling all road tripping, adventure-loving families! 📢 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I recently went on a 10-day New England road trip and @rivianofficial loaned me a second-generation R1S to see the fall foliage—it was everything I dreamed of and more. I planned this trip for months in advance and we were putting in some serious miles. We ended up tallying nearly 1000 miles and did it all in under three charges—all for free at our hotels along the way! Between the front truck that worked as a mud room on rainy days to the glass roof that allowed us to see the fall foliage from all 7 seats, we were truly in Autumn heaven! If you’re a road-trip-loving family like us, I highly recommend the Rivian R1S for your ultimate adventure EV! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #autumn #fallroadtrip #newengland #rivian #rivianroadtrip

Hello autumn 👋🍁

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Hello autumn 👋🍁