This post is based on my visit to Boston and Portland in May/June 2023.

Amtrak Downeaster

For my milestone birthday this year (2023), I decided to dream a new dream: to visit all 50 states!

Before my recent trip to Maine, I’d been to 16 states, not including my home state of California, of course. I hadn’t been to Maine before so I decided to start (or should I say, resume) my 50-states journey there! I’d always wanted to have Maine lobster, see the beautiful lighthouses, and experience the foodie scene in Portland, the Pine Tree State’s largest city.

I’d count the District of Columbia (DC), too, if I could! Though I’ve been to the nation’s capital numerous times, I can’t count DC since it’s not a state. I do hope it becomes a state someday. It’s incredible how its residents are unable to control their own budget or laws and they have no votes in Congress despite paying federal taxes, serving in the military, and contributing to our national economy. But I digress.

How do I count a state?

For me, as long as I set foot in a state, I count it. If I drive through and stop for gas, grab a bite, or spend the night, I count it. If I have a brief layover or connecting flight, I count it. Of course, simply flying over a state doesn’t count!

Speaking of flying, I began my birthday getaway by flying into Boston. After spending a lovely day and night there, I took the Amtrak Downeaster up to Portland, Maine. I knew the train would make three stops along the way in another state I hadn’t been to: New Hampshire (NH)!

Because the train stops for less than two minutes to drop off and pick up passengers at each station, I wondered how I could set foot in NH. I figured I could get off at one of the NH stops (then wait for the next train to Maine a few hours later). Or, I could get off at one of the NH stops, snap a selfie, then quickly get back on the train. I opted for the latter, but got reprimanded by the conductor! He told me, “Ma’am, you can’t just get off the train like that!”

I couldn’t believe it: Did he just call me, “Ma’am”?! 😉

But seriously… Was it worth getting the stern warning? Absolutely!

That said, please don’t get off the train unless it is your stop! Do as I say, not as I do. It’s for safety. Plus, the conductors are actually taking a count of passengers. I was lucky the train didn’t leave without me!

I must admit I did get an adrenaline rush for being so bold! At least, I can now say I’ve set foot in New Hampshire – another state I can check off my list!

Here are pictures of the Amtrak stations from Boston to Portland:

Boston North Station
Boston North Station
Boston North Station
Amtrak #90220 (Northbound Train #683)
en route to Woburn from Boston

Note: The sign for the Amtrak station in Woburn says, “Woburn/Anderson RTC, MA.” Unfortunately, I was unable to snap a photo of it!

Amtrak Station: Haverhill, Massachusetts
Amtrak Station: Exeter, New Hampshire
Amtrak Station: Durham (University of New Hampshire campus)
Amtrak Station: Dover, New Hampshire
Amtrak Station: Wells, Maine
Amtrak Station: Saco, Maine
Amtrak Station: Old Orchard Beach, Maine (Seasonal station stop from May-October)
Old Orchard Beach is steps away from the Amtrak station!
Amtrak Station: Portland, Maine

I made it to Maine – another state to check off my list!

The trip from Boston to Portland took just 2 hours and 35 minutes. (By the way, there are two more stops after Portland: Freeport and Brunswick.)

The slower pace of train travel instantly put me in vacation mode! Not only is it environmentally friendly, taking the Amtrak Downeaster is a comfortable, scenic, and relaxing way to travel between these two major New England cities.

(More on my trip to Portland, Maine coming soon…)

Amtrak #99 (Southbound Train #684)

Do you love train travel like me? Let me know in the comments below!