AndyH wrote:
. . . go further north and get on 84. Not always shorter in time, but always shorter in aggravation and stress. I would not, however go all the way to I-90, as you're adding well over an hour to the drive. . . just take 84 to 90 to 495.
Be warned that after the intersection with I-87 (the NY Thruway) I-84 soon turns into one of those horrid urban highways that twists and turns around a host of pre-existing neighborhoods, often with a 50 mph speed limit and multiple exit and entrance ramps in close proximity.
For speed I'd stay on I-87 to I-90 (Mass Turnpike) then I-495 to I-95 -- in my experience it's worth the extra time and miles. Plus you have good rest stops on the Thruway and Mass Pike (but also tolls).
Or if you have good weather, daylight and want a more scenic route w/less truck traffic take I-84 to the Taconic State Parkway to I-90 etc.
Even more spectacular scenery if you head east thru the Berkshires on Mass Routes 2A and 2 (The Mohawk Trail) from I-91 to I-495, instead of going east on I-90, but you have to like steep grades and hairpin turns!
Bud's route from the Troy area (easily accessed by going a bit north on I-87 past I-90) is great too.
For food, Mable's Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport was a favorite of the Bushes, and I can say from first hand experience is excellent, as is the Maine Dinner in Wells, and I fully concur that Bob's Clam Hut (not Shack) in Kittery is a fun and tasty stop. Next door to Bob's is the Kittery Trading Post, one of the best sporting/camping/adventure activity stores in New England.
If you get a chance, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells is a good photography destination.
Southern Maine is beautiful, and the beaches are wonderful, but you have to head a bit farther north, say to Owl's Head State Park in Mid-coast, if you want the iconic "rocky coast of Maine" scenery.
Lastly, if you have access, either by subscribing to the magazine (about $10/year) or on Amazon Prime, the Weekends with Yankee shows have some great tips for visiting Maine and New England in general.
Hope you have a great trip.