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Maine Vacation?

enisthemenace

enisthemenace

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2009
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Runnells, IA
Hey All.

Has anyone ever been to Maine. The wife and I have been talking about possibly getting up there next fall. Neither of us have ever been, but for some reason, the idea seems appealing to both of us (recent cave events aside). Acadia National Park, Lobster fishing, I would imagine fall foliage would be incredible up there, etc. I did find myself in a small town in Rhode Island during a work function many, many years ago, and felt the area was very unique.

Has anyone ever been, and if so, have any suggestions? I’ve started doing a little research, and getting out there doesn’t seem to be terribly expensive. Just not sure what towns would be good ones for a “home base”. I’d actually prefer a small to medium sized fishing village, or something, then have a rental car to get to points of interest.
 
Went for a quick weekend a few years ago. It's a beautiful place. We went too early in the season and the weather wasn't good, but that did keep the crowds down.

Unfortunately we were there to (illegally) put my MIL's ashes into the ocean. So we didn't get to do a whole lot.

But Maine is close enough to Boston for me to warn everyone to NEVER drive in Boston
 
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Did Boston and Maine in the fall of 2018. Would highly recommend both.

We drove up the coast from Boston, which could be a mini adventure in itself as 95 runs somewhat close to the coast and there are quite a few opportunities to get off and get closer to the water.

Our base of operations was Rockland and there are numerous towns up and down the coast that would work. We stayed at a place that over looked the water and it was quite scenic. Felt like a lake would butwith a tidal swing.

We went in early October, fall colors were just getting going. Best part was it was the end of their tourist season so places weren’t crowded and the lodging was pretty reasonable (off peak).

Lobster was fantastic (no real off season there price per pound in a store was similar to our price per pound for burger), people were friendly, countryside was beautiful, a lot of day trip opportunities. We visited several lighthouses which was pretty cool. Where we were located was an easy trip to visit the lighthouse from Forrest Gump. Unfortunately we discovered that after we had left.

Definitely would go back to do a few more things, and FWIW, Boston is awesome! Far and away my favorite city I have spent any amount of time in.
 
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We did a two-week road trip in September and spent three days in Bar Harbor.

We went to Acadia National Park (Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond House), walked the Bar Island Land Bridge, went to the Bass Harbor Head Light Station, and spent an evening in Bar Harbor.

If you are into biking or hiking, you could easily spend multiple days in Acadia National Park.

We stayed in Trenton, which is a 15-minute drive to Bar Harbor. Lodging is expensive in Bar Harbor, so that's why we didn't stay in Bar Harbor.

One note: if you are going to Bar Harbor during the week, they are a cruise port, and there is typically a cruise ship there daily. The ships are usually there from 8-4:30, so there are lots of extra people in town during the day.
 
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Was there last summer for 24 hours. I'd recommend flying in to Boston and driving up the coast. A lot of great towns to stop in along the way. Portland's a fun city but you probably don't need more than 24-36 hours. Would definitely recommend spending time in Camden/Bar Harbor/Arcadia. A lot of the more popular places to stay outside Portland are B&Bs which can fill up fast. You have plenty of time but the sooner you book the better.
 
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I was just there for the first time in early October. Foliage was maybe not at its peak because they had a warm fall.

Some highlights:
Portland, Maine; state's largest city although it's not that big (total pop in Maine is only 1.3 million) Great clam chowder and a lobster roll at a place named Gilberts.

York, Maine: to see the Nubble lighthouse (though we didn't go in).

We liked seeing the ocean waves crash against the rocks.

Bar Harbor, Maine--stayed at a nice hotel (Atlantic Oceanside) with a good steak house (Jack Russell's) across the road.

Acadia Nat'l Park.

Many New Englanders (traditionally those with money, e.g., Rockefellers) "summer" in Maine because it is cooler.

Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.

Camden, Maine and Mt. Battie. Schooners.

We didn't get there but Steven King (the author) lives in Bangor.

Maine the lobster capital of the U.S. Although I can't say that's my favorite meal (kinda messy), it was fun to eat one caught the same morning.

It was a good trip.
 
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KnappShack said:
Went for a quick weekend a few years ago. It's a beautiful place. We went too early in the season and the weather wasn't good, but that did keep the crowds down.

Unfortunately we were there to (illegally) put my MIL's ashes into the ocean. So we didn't get to do a whole lot.

But Maine is close enough to Boston for me to warn everyone to NEVER drive in Boston
Click to expand...
My wife, during college, was driving through Boston at some point, got so frustrated while driving, threw her Tom Tom out the window because it wasn’t helpful.

Can confirm that driving in Boston sucks.
 
Yeah Portland is nice, walkable. Boothbay Harbor is a cute little town. Look in land as well, Baxter State park.

The Maine maritime museum in Bath is much more interesting than I expected. A ton of stuff to see. Plus you can see the Bath Iron works building Navy destroyers which is neat.
 
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Is lobster fishing an activity you can participate in? Don't they just set traps for them? Clearly I'm not a lobster expert.
 
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