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There is a brief article, in the Jan. issue of TRAINS magazine, about the extension of the Downeaster to Freeport and Brunswick. The extension is suppose to start in the fall of this year.
I don't have any real plans, but before I "chip in" I would like to see some of the New England states. If I were to fly to Boston, it might be fun to take the Downeaster to Freeport and Brunswick.
If I wanted to return on the VIA headed west, is there any easy way to get from Brunswick to either Montreal or to a station along the way of the Adirondack? Possibly I would have to return to Portland, Maine and take a flight from there, either to an city or town that would be an Adirondack stop or directly to Montreal.
It looks like the new Amtrak station, in Freeport, will be more of a platform than a true station. A chance to go the L.L. Bean store which, I understand, is open 365 days & 24/7.
Richard
TBlack Member # 181
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The difficulty is that you're out on the fringes of the Amtrak system in Freeport. You would certainly have to go back to Portland to get any meaningful connections. It seems to me that you have a couple of options: the first is to take the bus from Portland to Rutland, VT (I'm assuming you can do that) and get the Amtrak to Albany/Ren. and pick up the Adirondack there. Alternatively, you could fly from Portland to Halifax and get VIA's Ocean (#15, I think) which goes to Montreal.
And, yes your understanding of Bean's business hours is correct.
palmland Member # 4344
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While L.L Bean's is certainly worthy of a visit (and there are several good B&B's within walking distance), of equal interest to railfans and the general public is the new connection this service will provide with the Maine Eastern RR in Brunswick.
This is one of the most scenic parts of the state and Amtrak's new service should help the Maine Eastern's business, especially if it's scheduled for a good connection.
train lady Member # 3920
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and the lobsters in Brunswick are big and delicious. I was told that is because the water( Penobscot bay) they come from is very deep and cold. Palmland is right the scenery is beautiful up there as is the coast of Maine
TBlack Member # 181
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I suspect that the lobsters in Brunswick come from Casco Bay which is where Brunswick is. Lobstermen tend to be very territorial and wouldn't take kindly to interlopers. Also, and this is just a guess, but I think the lobsters are better in Maine because the Mainiacs know how to cook them (you can overcook a lobster!). Finally, stick with the 1.25-1.5 pound lobsters; get 2 if you're really hungry, but the smaller ones will have better meat.
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