Meet the Resties of the Northeast: 5 Pit Stops Worth Stopping for on Your Next Road Trip

The Northeastern U.S. is tailor-made for that classic American road trip experience. From tiny Delaware beach towns in the summer to storybook Vermont towns enveloped in fall foliage, there's nothing like getting out on the road and exploring it all.

Of course, half of the fun of road tripping is making that unexpected detour. Enter: the Resties. This all-new awards program recognizes the country's best roadside attractions, travel plazas, hotels, welcome centers, and more. Five road-tripping experts share some of their favorite unexpected stops in the Northeast.

Best Quirky Attraction: International Cryptozoology Museum, Portland, Maine

Abi and Nikki Rodriguez, @letsplayrideandseek, have been exploring in their self-converted camper van for 6 years. Road-tripping full time gives them freedom to explore the country and time to stop and admire scenic views and quirky roadside stops along the way. And speaking of quirky, it just doesn't get more delightfully unexpected than the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland:

"The International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, is truly a fun and one-of-a-kind attraction. We nominated this location because it is a rare find as the world’s only cryptozoology museum. The museum is small enough to fully explore in a couple of hours, and admission prices are low ($10), so it's budget-friendly. We enjoyed an experience there and found ourselves both intrigued to be learning new things and laughing at some of the more outlandish exhibits."

Best Pit Stop Bite: Day's Crabmeat & Lobster, Yarmouth, Maine

Jesse and Rachael Lyons, @thetasteforadventure, are road trip pros. Since 2018, they've been living and traveling in an RV. They’ve visited almost every U.S. state and over 40 national parks, finding the country's best food and beer along the way. Here's what they've shared about Day's Crabmeat & Lobster in Maine:

"A roadside lobster pound is a quintessential New England experience.

Jesse is from Maine, and he says the locals' favorite is Day's Crabmeat & Lobster.

This seafood walkup window is on US-1, right off I-95 and down the street from the L.L. Bean boot. Chow down on fried seafood baskets, lobster dinners, and crabmeat rolls on weather-beaten picnic benches by the tide."

Best Stop-Worthy View: Kennebunkport Waterfront, Maine

Katelyn and Howard Newstate, also known as the @newstatenomads, have been traveling full-time both by RV and internationally for nearly 7 years. They share in-depth travel episodes, RV destinations, and can’t-miss activities on YouTube and other social media platforms. When RVing and road-tripping in North America, they travel with three adventure pups—Piper, Ella, and Scout. One of their favorite stop-worthy views is the Kennebunkport Waterfront. Here's what they shared about this must-see landmark:

"If you’re road-tripping along U.S. Route 1 (or I-95) through Maine and looking for a quintessential coastal town, a stop in Kennebunkport is a must—and no visit is complete without hitting The Clam Shack. Located about 4 miles off Route 1 and less than 15 minutes from the interstate, you can stroll along the Kennebunk River, crossing the bridge to take in sweeping coastal views, working fishing boats, and lighthouses.

If you have time while stretching your legs, grab a bite at the walk-up window of The Clam Shack. Perched right on the Kennebunk River, this no-frills seafood stand serves up some of the freshest lobster rolls and fried clams you’ll find anywhere in New England. We got a behind-the-scenes look at how they make their famous lobster rolls, and take it from us, it’s worth the stop. Our favorite way to order it: Cold, both ways (with mayo and butter)."

Best Uncommon Overnight: Adventure Suites, North Conway, New Hampshire

Margaret and Corey Bienert of @aprettycoolhoteltour document their adventures road tripping to themed hotels across the country. They selected the nominations for the category of best Uncommon Overnights, and here's what they shared about Adventure Suites:

"From classics like a Cave room all the way to a Nightclub room with a light-up dance floor and DJ booth, Adventure Suites has something for everyone. It's more than just a fantasy-focused stay as the hotel brings in new technology to create much more interactive experiences, like in their Haunted Castle suite that is so full of surprises it almost feels like a theme park ride that lasts all night long.

This is one of the coolest theme hotels in the country.

Not only are the rooms next-level, but the service is spectacular, there's a bar and restaurant on-site, a spa, a beautiful sprawling property, and while chances are you won’t want to leave your room during your stay, the good news is even if you need something you won’t have to go far."

Best All Fuel Aside: Dysart's Restaurant and Truck Stop, Hermon, Maine

Deyana Walker, @the.skoolie.teacher, is a virtual special education teacher who has been living on the road for the past 3 years with her loyal dog, Honcho. Together, they travel in a self-converted school bus and van. With thousands of miles and countless roadside stops under her wheels, Deyana is a true road warrior. Here's what stood out to her about the incomparable Dysart's Restaurant and Truck Stop in Maine:

"Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop in Hermon, Maine, is a beloved roadside stop known for its hearty, home-style New England fare and 24-7 service.

Travelers rave about signature dishes like lobster stew, corned beef hash, and blueberry pancakes, along with fresh-baked pies and famous whoopie pies from the in-house bakery.

The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and offering genuine Maine hospitality. It’s more than just a place to eat—Dysart’s is a full-service truck stop with showers, tire service, a truck wash, and plenty of parking. Its combination of great food and top-notch amenities makes it a must-stop for truckers and road-trippers alike."

The Resties celebrate the best of roadside America; you can view all of the winners here. Want to nominate your favorite pit stops? Fill out the nomination form.