Recommendation for zoom call on the road

Question

Strange question here. We are leaving Boston W hotel at 10 am headed to Maine. My husband MUST be on a zoom call 1-4. He has to be visible and speaking/listening. We wanted to stay close to Ogunquit or Kennebuk area for the first night before heading towards the north for two additional nights. (3 nights total stay). Are there business centers or public libraries along the way? We have heard that if we stay in Boston till four we will have a terrible time in traffic getting out of downtown Boston so we wanted to get on our way at 10 am. Any thoughts where he could take this call. We hate to burn a day of our vacation and not be near some fun activities when he gets finished. Thanks in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you're trying to balance work and play while traveling, which can be tricky! Fortunately, there are several solutions for your husband to take his Zoom call while still enjoying your time in Maine without burning a day of vacation. The key is finding a quiet, reliable spot for him to work and ensuring he’s comfortable while staying near fun activities once the call is done. Here are some thoughts and suggestions:

First, leaving Boston at 10 a.m. is a smart move to avoid the worst of the traffic, and it will give you a chance to make some progress toward Ogunquit or the Kennebunk area before his call begins. As for where he can do his Zoom call, here are a few options:

Hotels with Business Centers or Private Rooms - Many hotels in coastal Maine have business centers or conference rooms that can be used for private Zoom calls. Since you're looking to stay near Ogunquit or Kennebunk, here are some hotels that offer these types of amenities:
- Cliff House Maine - Located just south of Cape Neddick, this hotel has beautiful views and offers meeting rooms that can be used for business calls. It’s near several attractions for after the call.
- Gorges Grant Hotel - In Ogunquit, this hotel has a business center, and you can ask to use one of their quiet rooms for the call if needed.
- Nonantum Resort - Located in Kennebunkport, this resort offers a beautiful setting and has quiet spots where your husband could take the call, depending on availability.
Public Libraries - Maine’s libraries are often quiet and perfect for virtual meetings, with some even offering meeting rooms with good Wi-Fi:
- Ogunquit Memorial Library - This library in Ogunquit is a great option. It has quiet spaces and reliable Wi-Fi, and it's only about a 5-minute drive from the heart of Ogunquit.
- Kennebunk Free Library - This is a quiet, peaceful library in Kennebunk with good facilities for remote work. It’s a bit more central, so you can combine it with exploring the area afterward.
Coffee Shops with Quiet Corners - If your husband is okay with a bit of background noise, there are several coffee shops along the way where he might find a quiet corner:
- Ogunquit Beach Lobster Pound - A casual spot where you can grab lunch while he takes his Zoom call. It’s relaxed, with some quieter corners, though it can get busy.
- Rising Tide Brewery - Located in Portland, this brewery offers a casual but quieter environment, and they often have free Wi-Fi. It could be a good midway stop for his call.

As for activities after his Zoom call, you'll be staying near some fantastic places to explore once his work is done:

Ogunquit Beach - After the call, you can head to Ogunquit Beach for a relaxing walk or a swim. The beach is known for its beautiful sand and is a perfect spot to unwind after a day of work.
Perkins Cove and Marginal Way - A picturesque harbor with shops and restaurants, and Marginal Way is a scenic walking path along the coastline. A great place to spend some time after his call.
Kennebunkport - If you decide to head toward Kennebunkport, it’s an adorable town with plenty of shops, art galleries, and good restaurants. The waterfront is lovely, and there are plenty of places to walk around and explore.

Lastly, if your husband needs a more private or professional space for the Zoom call, you might consider renting a coworking space for a few hours, although that might be more expensive than the other options mentioned. Some coworking spaces near Portland offer daily passes, which could work for his meeting if you’re willing to drive a bit further.

Overall, you have some great options that will allow you to balance the need for a professional space with the fun of exploring Maine’s coastal areas. Staying close to Ogunquit or Kennebunk should give you access to a variety of interesting places while making it easy for your husband to take his Zoom call in peace.