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# Senior Corner - Fall Roadtrip Idea
- URL: https://pembrokecitizenjournal.com/community/senior-corner-fall-road-trip/
- Published: 2026-09-25T12:00:57.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T12:00:57.000Z
- Author: Ken Pike
- Tags: Community, Senior Corner

Last week in our Senior Corner article we discussed the importance of the Medicare Open Enrollment period for Medicare enrollees. As a reminder, if you want to get an appointment with a trained SHINE Medicare counselor, call Marie Vitale at Pembroke Senior Services at 781-829-3658.

Now on to something a bit more fun. How about some ideas for a Fall roadtrip? For seniors and others, early Fall — before the leaves start to turn and when the kids are back in school — is a good time to travel, and the roads are a bit less busy. One idea is a trip to [Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens](https://www.mainegardens.org/) in Boothbay Harbor. It is about a four-hour drive so at least one overnight is needed, maybe two if you want to explore a bit more. Allow about two to three hours to wander the grounds. There is a wonderful spectrum of floral colors in the many gardens. The dahlia garden is especially beautiful this time of year. Another section of the property has many wooded walking paths, one of which hugs the shoreline. An extra bonus are the five gigantic wooden troll sculptures that are spread around the grounds.

![](https://cdn.synaps.media/pembrokenews/content/images/2026/09/IMG_4792.jpeg)

The Botanical Gardens are senior friendly. Ramps are available anywhere there are stairs. Wheelchairs and scooters are available on a first come, first served basis. Should you tire of walking, there are free shuttles that run throughout the property with numerous hop-on, hop-off spots. You can also take a free 90-minute cart tour on Wednesdays. There is an additional charge on other days. Seniors can [reserve tickets online](https://www.mainegardens.org/classes-and-events/admission-tickets/) and save $4.00 off the regular $28 admission price. Anyone unable to afford the price of admission may request, in advance, "Gardens for All" admission tickets, which are free based on availability.

![Five enormous wooden trolls are scattered throughout the grounds.](https://cdn.synaps.media/pembrokenews/content/images/2026/09/IMG_5296.jpeg)

Five enormous wooden trolls are scattered throughout the grounds.

As you leave, consider a stop at Blanchard's Homemade ice cream shop at 660 Boothbay Road. While there is no senior discount, customers paying with cash can get a 3% discount.

For a moderately priced overnight stay, there is a Best Western Plus and a Hampton Inn in Brunswick/Bath about a 30-minute drive from the botanical gardens. Both of these small towns have some local sights to see, walking/biking trails, and many shops and restaurants. Both Best Western and Hampton Inn offer senior discounts. AAA and AARP members can also access discounted rates. Better yet, become a rewards member with either hotel chain and earn additional discounts or free stays in the future.

To break up the drive either up to Maine or on the way back, you might want to stop at the Kittery Outlets. There are many stores of course, but one suggestion is a visit to the Stonewall Kitchen outlet. There are many great deals to be had there.

If this all makes you a bit hungry, the "When Pigs Fly" restaurant is right up the street. And you can always take care of your carbohydrate needs at their bread store next door. For a really nice lunch on the water, you could try Frisbees Wharf at Pepperell Cove/Kittery Point. It's a bit pricier, but a beautiful spot. Finally, for some good basic barbecue, there is Ore Nell's Barbeque at 2 Badgers Island, West Kittery. Downtown Portsmouth is just across the bridge from Ore Nell's if you want to spend a bit more time.

So until next time, enjoy some Fall travels or maybe stay more local—whatever suits you best. Next time we will get back to business and talk about more programs and services that are available seniors locally.

Ken Pike, M.Ed, LCSW, is a lifelong licensed social worker and has worked as a certified SHINE counselor and outreach social worker assisting seniors with accessing a variety of needed resources and services over the past 10 years.