Emily
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Where are the best places to go and stay, things to do, etc. in Maine? My husband and I will be at a wedding in Bar Harbor at the end of August, and then want to spend a week after exploring the rest of the state. One of our favorite parts of a vacation is food, so suggestions revolved around that are great. Also looking for a good balance of relaxation and site-seeing/activities. And, would love to hear about any bed and breakfasts or other unique places to stay. Thanks for your help!
Good time to visit. The number of tourist are decreasing due to school starting soon. Here are some of my favorites.
1. Acadia Mountain State Park
2. Schoodic Point- We like to pickup lobster rolls at Chase's Restaurant and bring them to Schoodic. (driving distance from Acadia)
3. Drive down 1A to Camden (Maine)/Rockland Area. Many wonderful BBs in Camden. We love to eat at 40 Paper- Italian Bistro & Bar.
4. Just down the road walk the breakwater in Rockland and for an off the wall place to eat, try the best seafood, fresh off the boat at Conte's 1894 Restaurant in Rockland.
5. Freeport/LLBEAN-shopping and Gritty McDuff's
6. Portland (Maine)-so many great restaurants it is hard to pick one. Head to the Old Port and you are certainly going to find several.
7. Finally, hit Wells Beach or Ogunquit (Maine) for a great beach experience. I like to stay at Studio East Motel. Right smack in the middle of town. The trolley will take you anywhere you want to go.
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A week in Maine:
Day 1:
Start in Lubec Watch the sunrise, visit West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and eat in one of the restaurants downtown.
Day 2:
Go through Machias to see the Bad Little Falls. Meander off of Route 1 and detour to Jonesport and Beals the views from the Marina and the top of the Jonesport-Beals Bridge are stellar. Lunch at Bayview Takout on Beals, the Haddock Burger is the best!
Day 3:
Acadia National Park really requires a full day for itself. You can camp in the park and enjoy all it has to offer from Thunder Hole to Sand Beach.
Day 4:
Bar Harbor is a gorgeous place for the downtown feel. Whale watching is a great time. Geddy's Restaurant is not to be missed!!!
Day 5:
Bangor is the place to get more of a "city" feel. The shops downtown are fun and there is a great kids's museum! Take a walk along to Penobscot River and maybe even enjoy a concert! Geaghens has great Irish fare.
Day 6:
Old Orchard Beach (Maine) is definitely a must do. Think Jersey Shore meets Maine. The beach is fun but a bit crowded, get there early. Joker's is great for kids, the rides are a blast. Enjoy some street food and of course a dough boy!
Day 7:
Portland (Maine) is a great wrap up. Walk the streets of the Old Port and listen to the ocean. Downtown is good sized and there is much to do!
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Valerie
Emily