Via Vacca

Directions to Maine

Route Overview

I-95 N → I-295 N → I-95 N → Rt 3 E → Rt 1 N → Rt 15 → Rt 175 → Via Vacca

Detailed Directions

1. Interstate Travel

  • From I-95 North: Take Exit 42 OR Exit 52 to I-295 North
  • • Exit 42: Through Portland | Exit 52: Around Portland
  • I-295 rejoins I-95 in Gardiner (south of Augusta)

2. Augusta to Belfast

  • Near Augusta: Watch for Exit 113
  • Take Exit 113 off I-95 onto Route 3 East
  • ⚠️ Route 3: Two-lane highway, Maine drivers may tailgate
  • Rest Stop: John's Homemade Ice Cream in Liberty (~25 miles from Augusta)
  • • Right side toward Belfast, next to Lori's Diner
  • Distance: 45 miles from Augusta to Belfast

3. Belfast to Blue Hill

  • In Belfast: Look for Route 1 North on left, turn left
  • Pass through Searsport
  • ⚠️ Important: Stay on Route 1 North (DO NOT take Route 1A to Bangor)
  • Cross bridge into Bucksport, continue on Route 1
  • After Bucksport: Look for Route 15 on right (signs for Blue Hill)

4. Blue Hill Navigation

  • Route 15 dead ends onto Main Street in Blue Hill
  • Turn right onto Main Street
  • Follow Route 15 out of town, up hill, through traffic circle
  • Traffic Circle: Take 2nd exit, remain on Route 15

5. Final Approach

  • After ~5 miles: Stop sign - turn left to continue on Route 15 (Snows Cove Road)
  • Follow Route 15 for ~6 miles to dead end/stop sign
  • ⚠️ Note: Route 175 branches right toward Brooksville (~2-3 miles) - DO NOT TAKE
  • At stop sign: Turn left onto Route 175
  • Travel 1.2 miles on Route 175

6. Arrival at Via Vacca

  • Landmark: Old 1800s farmhouse close to road on right
  • Via Vacca entrance: Less than 100 feet past farmhouse
  • Look for: Green sign with "via Vacca" at head of drive
  • If you pass: Loon Lane or Old Steamboat Road - you've gone too far, turn around

Key Warnings

  • • Route 3: Two-lane highway with aggressive local drivers
  • • Route 1A: Avoid - goes to Bangor instead of destination
  • • Route 175 to Brooksville: Don't take this branch