During our visit in early May there were few people here making for a quiet visit. There are…read moreseveral picnic tables and a few benches scattered around the property with beautiful views of the water. This fort was active through many wars and then decommissioned while building a protective wall around the property. Huge slabs of quarried stone, partually carved blocks and lots of stone 'chips' are scattered about. There are a few information signs detailing the history of Fort McClary and some buildings have signs that state the building purpose. Foundations of some buildings is all that remains. They have a few cannons on display. Check out their website for information on events and when the fort is manned. There is a seperate picnic grove up the road about 50 yards across the street. A dirt parking lot holds around a dozen vehicles or so and there is an 'RV turn around' area, but no parking for RV's or busses here. One outhouse is located past the end of the parking lot. There is a wooded trail at the back corner.

A nice outing. The structures are still in good shape, lots of history here…read more Especially loved the map that shows where things are in front of you. Views of Constitution Light (NH) and Whaleback Light, which is actually just a short 10 minute drive away and we went to visit that after! Sign said they officially open Memorial day but the picnic area across the street was open.

"Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle in your boots and shoes Wiggle,…read morewiggle, wiggle, you got nothing to lose" (Bob Dylan) Ever since I stumbled upon a Yelp listing for something as awesomely named as "The Wiggly Bridge", I knew I just had to make a visit happen one of these days. Pulling off that visit was difficult, because following the address we had put us in the middle of a residential neighborhood with "Permit Parking Only" signs galore. We parked off to the side, held our breath, crossed our fingers, and looked for the Bridge, which was nowhere to be found. Luckily, a gent was walking near us, and he directed us to a long circuitous walk down an elevated path, under the road, and across a marine walkway. As we walked and walked and walked, we finally caught sight of the big green spires that told us we had found the elusive Wiggly Bridge. The Wiggly Bridge is just 75 feet long, and I've seen a few sources claim it's the smallest suspension bridge in the world. And yes, we can confirm that when you walk across it, it most definitely bounces, wiggles, and flexes under your feet. I can also confirm that on a rainy day (like today), the Bridge should really be named "The Wiggly and Slippery Bridge", because it was slippery as hell.

The Wiggly Bridge is a narrow pedestrian suspension bridge that stands in York, Maine. Located just…read moreoff of Maine State Route 103 (Lilac Lane), the 75-foot-long bridge crosses the tidal flow from Barrel Mill Pond to the York River. Built in the 1930s, it is believed to be the smallest suspension bridge in the United States. The bridge provides access to the Steedman Woods Nature Preserve and is a popular feature of the Fisherman's Walk trail. Originally known as the "Barrel Bridge", local lore claims that it earned its current name from a perceptive group of Girl Scouts who noted the bridge's "wiggly" nature. When walked upon, the deck bounces and flexes, banging back and forth in the anchorages. Many native southern Mainers can share their own childhood memories of leaping over the edge into the water and being pushed underneath with the current, one way or the other depending on the tide. This practice, as well as clam digging and any other possibly damaging activity, is now discouraged due to the erosion of mudflats. The Wiggly Bridge stands out as an iconic landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in York, Maine's unique charm and natural splendor. Steedman Woods is also a great place to visit. A nice stroll on the trails in this lush and tranquil forest offer scenic viewpoints and picturesque spots that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Maine coast. Parking near the Wiggly Bridge is limited, so you may need to park on the side of Route 103 or in a nearby harbor lot, keeping in mind some spots may require a permit or have time restrictions. It is also possible to walk to the bridge from nearby York Village.

A nice good clean place to stop . To use the bathrooms which are well maintained. They are very…read moreclean. They have an area of ℹ where you can ask questions and pick up brochures. This is a very helpful resource.

Located just after you cross the border from New Hampshire in Kittery, Maine off US-95 (the…read moreturnpike) and can also be reached off US-1. The Maine Visitors Center and grounds is absolutely beautiful and extremely clean. They offer all the typical stuff...clean restrooms, a vending/money machine building, picnic area, dog walking area, more than ample parking, etc. The information they offer is for every part of Maine, to include some areas in Canada and a few things in the nearby states. Everything and anything you want or need to know is here. And if they don't have a brochure, leaflet, etc.....just ask! The staff here is beyond knowledgeable about what is in the state, the surrounding states and the portions of Canada that border with Maine. Not to mention they can make some great recommendations.

Fort Constitution is a historic fort with an identity crisis. While the Fort is a New Hampshire…read moreState Park it is within an active area of a US Coast Guard base. As a result, visiting the fort is hit or miss. After making the three hour drive, I was only able to see the part of the fort through a rusty fence or from across the Piscataqua River. The Fort was established pre-Revolutionary War (1631) to protect the Colonies and harbor. The Fort was taken by Patriots during the Revolutionary War. There are several structures on the grounds including the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, the fort itself, Battery Farnsworth (built 1899) and the ruins of Walbach Tower (built 1814). The drive across New Castle island to the fort is lovely with old New England homes. There is a small parking lot at the entrance to the park. I've since learned that there is a way to drive over to the fort, perhaps the best way is to ask when you arrive. There is designated parking outside the fence where you can view the old battery and read about the history of the Walbach Tower. The Tower was built during the War of 1812 and has since collapsed. The Farnsworth Battery became decommissioned in 1917 when the guns were moved to Europe during WWI. There's a lot of interesting history at the site. Call the Park before coming to learn how to get in.

sitting beside the local coast guard installation fort constitution, like the nearby portsmouth…read moreharbor lighthouse, remains inaccessible to the general public for several years now (according to government representatives "it's for your own good, trust us.") the remains of Walbach tower dominate the site currently a mass of stone and concrete well on its way to becoming a pile of rubble; inferior materials and poor construction techniques contributed to the fort's early deterioration with the local hoodlummery and idlers apparently doing their best to hasten the collapse despite the addition of barbed wire and fencing some years ago. this structure is in a sorry state of disrepair but with a little motivation and a small bucket of cash the fort could either be rehabilitated or obliterated entirely in short order. meanwhile there's some goats for hire doing their best to keep the vegetation in check. call ahead for grazing times and dates. +3 stars for the goats and their keepers!!

Historical cemetery, close to the harbour includes information on 'note worthy' residents. Many…read moreexamples of early New England headstone motifs. Easy to walk to from Prescott park. No parking in the area. There is a turn style to enter and exit making it *not* ADA accessible. This feature also prevents pets from entering, fyi.

Established in 1671, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in New Hampshire! I'm obsessed with…read morememento mori and this burying ground had so many fine, surprisingly well preserved examples of early headstone artistry by many local sculptors - it's so impressive that I visited twice during my time in New England! The oldest headstone I found dated all the way back to 1682! There are records of earlier burials here, but any headstones prior to 1682 were destroyed by cattle grazing from the original land owner's cattle, Capt John Pickering II. But there are several headstones still very well preserved from the late 1600s and early-mid 1700s - it's amazing! Another popular draw to this particular burying ground is rumors of it being very haunted!! The first ever house fire to be reported on in a newspaper in America tragically claimed two victims buried here - Elizabeth Elaston and Elizabeth Rogers - and supposedly they haunt these grounds - and their headstones are joined together and very beautifully preserved. It's one of the smaller burying grounds around New England - but it's beautiful and surrounded by a huge park right on the picturesque Piscataqua River - also right next to the Strawberry Banke museum and a few other small museums - so there's a lot to do in the area. Parking can be a challenge as it's mostly street parking but if you're visiting the Strawberry Banke museum they have a lot of parking. Pro Tip: grab a most delicious lobster roll and slice of homemade pie right down the street at Geno's - you won't regret it!!

A nice little museum but it really isn't John Paul Jones' house. The house depicts the history of…read morePortsmouth but JPJ simply stayed at the home but it was not his. The historical value is in the rehab and Portsmouth artifacts contained in the house. The exhibition on the Portsmouth Peace Treaty is really good, they should actually highlight that more than the JPJ side of it. The Museum shop is very small and not much to look at. Overall it is ok but I would rather spend my time on another stop.

If you're a history buff you will no doubt like this place. It's full of period pieces, great…read morestoryboards, historical charm and provides a great sense of what living here during the late 18th century would have been like. After having toured John Paul Jones' tomb at the Naval Academy in Annapolis and getting a great history lesson there from our tour guide, we were anxious to stop at this house during our recent visit to Portsmouth. Conveniently, it was right around the corner from our hotel! The house is run by the Portsmouth Historical Society who have done a great job re-establishing the home to its current state after what we learned were years of neglect. With volunteer help and amazing contributions of historical furniture and other items from committed supporters, the home really does bring you into the age of John Paul Jones. I didn't mind the $5 senior citizen admission charge knowing that it was going to support the upkeep and maintenance of such a historic place. The representative from the Historical Society provided an excellent narrative of the significance of the home and all that is contained therein. Very informative. Then we were free to wonder at our leisure. What was a surprise, however, was that this was really NOT John Paul Jones' house. Yes, he rented a room here on two occasions during the construction of war ships. I was under the mistaken impression that he owned this house. Turns out that he was just a boarder here. Nonetheless, you'll get a good overview of his life and the significance of the man known as the Father of the U.S. Navy.

The Town Hall staff are the typical no-personality government workers. They are closed on Fridays…read moreso anything you need only happens during a 4-workday week. That means if there is a 7-workday processing time for their work then you have to wait 2 weeks. Living here with several busy military bases is challenging enough but add the 25MPH speed limit throughout the entire town (military workers can drive any speed they like), for residents only. They strictly enforce the speed limits for residents only. Getting building permits is an act of God. You can wait months for any kind of permit or license that is needed. The planning board is composed of cousins and siblings like every other town in Maine. It's all about who you know here. Moving here as an outsider you will be treated with hostility by the local enforcement agencies. I would not recommend this town as a safe place to live. The transient workers really bring the area down along with all of the tourists. If you live here you will find yourself plagued by absurdity. Wait until you try to register your vehicle!! I have lived here for 4 years and it does not get better the longer you live here. I am moving to New Hampshire where the local and state government bureaucracy is far more reasonable. Move to New Hampshire or Vermont if you want to get away from the craziness of old-fashioned thinking.

I discovered Fort Foster almost two years ago when I decided to explore Kittery. I was looking to…read morespend a bit more time along the pristine coast of Maine and enjoy the sounds of the ocean again. What I didn't expect to find was just how perfect this location was and how the seasons change the overall experience of walking along the beach trails. During late spring to early fall, charcoal grills are installed along the abundant picnic tables so the scent of grilled meats permeate the air and boast of good times. When the grills are removed for the rest of the "off-season", the crowds become much smaller and the sound of the ocean becomes the main soundtrack. But this time around, after missing several opportunities to witness how snow transforms Fort Foster, I finally had the chance to see the magic happen. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight of magical white blanketing this whole area in a peaceful glow. The clouds, the utter silence, and the cold but refreshing breeze that bites deep reminding you what it feels like to still be alive is a magic that cannot be replaced. I love it here and I finally can say that I've loved this place truly through all the seasons.

Remnants of the historic Fort Foster and Battery Chapin can be found at this hidden gem of a park…read morein Kittery, Maine. Fort Foster was commissioned in 1900 following the Spanish American War to protect the harbor underwater minefields. Originally, Battery Chapin was equipped with large mounted guns and a spotlight. The fort ceased operation after WWII and was left idle by the military. Local residents petitioned to turn the grounds into the park that stands today. The park has great views of two lighthouses and other historic structures in the bay and across the shore. There are plenty of picnic tables and a slightly dated playground for the kids. I was able to climb the aging stairs of the Battery Chapin and explore across the structure, but I had to be careful as there are no handrails and the stairs are narrow. The fort is interesting. There is plenty of parking during off season and there was no admission. (There may be admission during peak season, I couldn't tell). Portable potties are available in the parking lot. The park is a great place to bring kids, walk the dog or just have a peaceful afternoon. Lots of history and beauty to enjoy.

The Piscataqua River Bridge is a major east coat highway that connects Portsmouth New Hampshire and…read moreKittery Maine. This steel through arch bridge was completed in 1972, six lanes.. three in each way spanning across 4,503 ft. We travel this bridge every time we are on vacation in Maine. It's easy to cross over and lucky never had any delays. Beautiful views on both sides.

This is the bridge that I travel over when I am vacationing in New Hampshire and want to visit the…read morestores and restaurants in Maine. The bridge was built in 1972 and crosses over from New Hampshire to Maine and from Maine back to New Hampshire depending on which direction you're driving in. There are six lanes, three going in each direction and I've never seen any traffic jams on this bridge on the occasions that I have gone over it. The signage on the bridge is very clear and there is no toll to travel on this bridge. You can get some very nice views of the river as you are crossing over the bridge.