BOOTHBAY, Maine - For some of us, the perfect road trip would be to follow spring and watch the crocuses, snowdrops, hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, and irises open again and again.
If you're looking to say it with flowers for Mother's Day next Sunday, head up here to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
The daffodils may be past their prime in Boston. But at Boothbay's 248-acre gardens - the largest in New England - you should find nearly 8,000 daffodils in bloom, as well as witch hazel, serviceberry, viburnum, and other early bloomers.
A coastal trail runs along part of the gardens' mile of waterfront property.
There are other attractions as well, including a large new visitors center and a cafe that uses fresh produce - often grown in the kitchen garden - and other ingredients from local farmers, cheese makers, bread bakers, and fishermen.
Mother's Day features a special menu; last year included fiddlehead quiche.
You can afford to splurge for dessert, too, since garden admission for all mothers is free for the day.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Barters Island Road, Boothbay, Maine, 207-633-4333, mainegardens.org. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $10, ages 65 and over $8, 5-17 $5, under 5 free. Family rate of two adults and two under 18 is $25. Directions: Boothbay is about 160 miles, or about three hours, from Boston. Take Interstate 93 north to I-95 north toward New Hampshire/Maine. Take exit 44 onto I-295 north. Take exit 28 onto US Route 1 north toward Coastal Route/Brunswick/Bath. Soon after crossing the Wiscasset Bridge on Route 1 north, turn right onto Route 27 south toward Boothbay. After 9.3 miles, bear right at the Boothbay monument, across from the town common and gazebo. Go straight at the stop sign. After 0.25 miles, turn right onto Barters Island Road. The entrance to the gardens is about a mile ahead on the left.
KATHY SHORR
