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Hi: Taking a 2 week driving trip through New England in late July up to as far as Acadia/Bar Harbor. We love National parks, planning on spending 2 nts/ 2 days in Acadia. But I feel like we should stop and overnight (maybe 2 nights) in at least one other place up/down the coast to feel a little more like we 'did' Maine. What would anybody's recommendation be? Have seen several strings mentioning Camden, Boothbay, Monhegan Is, Kennebunkport but having trouble deciding which. We are pretty active, like hiking, ranger tours, learning about the area etc. Would be a stretch to spend more than 4 nts total in ME. Thanks for any advice!
Also, any hotel recommendations for Bar Harbor?
Acadia NP and Maine
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We stopped in Kennebunkport on the way to Acadia from NYC a few years ago to eat at the lobster shack there. We liked it for a stop-over, but I can't say it's worth staying 2 nights.
We loved the Bass Cottage Inn (if it's in your price range) which is a modern, chic B&B with delicious breakfasts. Be sure to plan enough time to see the tide pools when you were there - you'll likely be surprised by just how fast time goes by when you are in Acadia.
Since you say you are interested in being active and hiking, I urge you to send your whole "Maine time" in Acadia. Not that there is anything wrong with other places, but you are bound to regret not spending more time on Mount Desert Island. I can't think of anything "Maine" that you can't find there.
~Liz
I agree with Liz. We were there for 2 days, and we left Acadia wishing we had an extra day or 2.
We haven't been to Acadia in several years since we aren't hikers and prefer the mid-coast area around Wiscasset. It's a long drive so break it up coming and going to do something on the way. Perhaps a walk on the Marginal Way and a sandy beach in Ogunquit. A picnic lunch on top of Mt Battie in Camden. The short hike to Owls Head Light near Rockland. (then you could have lunch at our favorite lobster place at Waterman's Beach)