NE Roadtrip options (LAC)

[Ben Swann]

My wife, daughter and I are looking into making a late spring/early summer roadtrip up North, possibly to South/East Canada, including Niagra Falls with Maine in between.  Alternatively a late summer trip may be taken if the time and number of events is better.

I'd be interested in any suggested "must see" and "best time of year" comments, festivals, etc.  Trip may involve driving up east coast then over to lakes area and coming back a more westerly route.

I apreciate any suggestions toward planning a successful and low-stress road-trip, including nice stopover towns and local festivities.  I am trying to convince my wife not to take the train, as driving one of our avants will be so much more rewarding, at least for me.

Ben