Summary

Breanna Ventures documents a solo road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park, reflecting on the tranquility of driving through New England and the joy of chance encounters.

Abstract

The narrative begins in Boston, where Breanna Ventures embarks on a journey to Acadia National Park in Maine. Driving a rented hatchback, she experiences the changing landscapes and the peaceful roads of New England. Along the way, she stops at the Portland Head Light, enjoys a vegetarian lobster roll, and observes a group of close-knit older women who inspire her with their open communication and camaraderie. The trip concludes with a quiet evening at an inn on Mount Desert Island, where she reflects on the solitude and beauty of her surroundings. Throughout the journey, Breanna shares her thoughts on the importance of friendship and the serenity found in solo travel.

Opinions

Breanna expresses a deep appreciation for the beauty of New England's changing foliage and calm roads.
The author admires the ease and communication of a group of older women friends she encounters, aspiring to have a similar bond in her own older age.
She cherishes the sense of freedom and comfort that comes with solo travel, particularly the ability to sing along to music and the solitude experienced upon arrival at her destination.
Breanna values the experiences and interactions that occur during travel, such as enjoying local food and the spontaneous moments that make each journey unique.
The author promotes the idea of supporting creators directly, inviting readers to subscribe to her work and contribute to her Ko-Fi page.

The Road Between Boston and Acadia

Leaving the city and hitting the road alone — an interlude.

I started this journey in Boston, Massachusetts. If you haven’t already, you can read a bit about it here:

Art, History, and Bookshops — A Love Letter to Boston

With the hood of my coat pulled over my head, I walked into the cemetery and pressed play.

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After my time in Boston was up, I rented a tiny hatchback and hit the road to Acadia National Park in Maine, about 5 hours away — planning for a stop at the Portland Head Light about halfway through.

I woke up with enough time to get a coffee and walk around Boston Public Garden before walking back to my hostel to get my bag and check out. I walked to the car rental place and picked up my tiny lil’ rental car.

My (Temporary) Trusty Lil’ Hatchback | Credit: Breanna Ventures

I hit the highway. It was a beautiful October morning and the leaves were just beginning to change. After a while, I entered New Hampshire, which I was in for approximately 20 minutes before entering Maine.

The roads were calmer in New England than I’ve experienced elsewhere. Fewer semi-trucks, less aggressive drivers, less construction and road work. I sang along to a bunch of different music as I sped along to my destination, with a sense of comfort that I suspect can only be achieved when alone.

A little over two hours in, I started seeing exit signs for Portland. I got off the highway and made my way to Fort Williams Park to see the Portland Head Light — Maine’s oldest lighthouse.

I stepped out of my car for the first time in hours and walked to the head light, taking it in. I walked down a short trail to change my perspective of it.

Portland Head Light | Credit: Breanna Ventures

The water stretched into the horizon and the air was thick and salty — a big difference from just a few hours prior when I was strolling through Boston Public Garden. It’s amazing how much your surroundings can change from morning to afternoon.

After admiring the head light, I doubled back to a food truck I passed in the park on my walk to the Head Light. The truck specialized in lobster rolls, but also served Caprese sandwiches, which made this hungry vegetarian very happy.

There was a group of 4 or 5 women ahead of me in line that I just marveled at. They were in their 60s and clearly very close friends, poking fun and laughing together. I envied their easiness with each other and wonder if when I’m old I’ll have a group of friends to travel with like that.

I went around and up behind the food truck where a few benches were overlooking that area of the park — which turned out to be a great spot to people-watch.

Enjoying My First Meal in Maine | Credit: Breanna Ventures

After I finished eating, I walked over to the Goddard Mansion, which was a unique combination of whimsical and eerie.

Goddard Mansion | Credit: Breanna Ventures

As I walked back to my car, the group of women I had seen earlier was walking to their car as well.

“Attitude check!” one of the women sang.

“Attitude check,” another echoed. “We good? Anyone got anything they wanna air out before we hit the road?”

I just think it’s the coolest thing that these ladies are so open and communicative with each other — that they are familiar enough to know what works for them as a group without letting things fester and making sure everyone is having a good time. Once again, envy — but also incredibly happy for them!

Soon after, I was in my car and on the road again.

An hour later, the road trip energy was fading. I stopped for a coffee and wished for a co-pilot to materialize. I wanted to be at my destination before dark but I was cutting it close.

The sun had set already as I drove through Mount Desert Island, making it to Southwest Harbour, where the inn I was staying at was located. The roads became smaller and darker until I reached the address.

Night by the Water | Credit: Breanna Ventures

I stepped out to the backyard after checking in. The air was cool and quiet. The inn was right on the water and for a moment, I felt like I was alone in the world.

Hi there, thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this content, feel free to check out the rest of my work. If you want to be notified when I publish new content, you can subscribe to my email list. If you are not yet a member of Medium and are thinking about signing up for unlimited access to everything Medium has to offer, consider using my referral link. (I receive a portion of your membership fee at no additional charge to you.) Coffee is my main source of writing fuel. Kindly consider dropping by my Ko-Fi page :) Till next time!

— Breanna