befuddled

We are taking our vacation the third week in June this year and contemplating whether to go to Maine (Acadia National Park area) or Hilton Head Island. Are black flies still bad after June 15th? Which area has more scenic beauty? Which is a longer drive from Philadelphia? And has anyone stayed at the Samoset Resort in Maine? Any input would be welcome. Thanks!

Liz

Hi! I've never been to Maine, but I love Hilton Head. Two years ago I went to HH during the third week of June. The weather is hot and humid...which I enjoy. If you enjoy golf, tennis, or beaches, you'll enjoy HH. I found the hotels beautiful but pretty expensive. You may want to look into a timeshare.

Enjoy your trip!

Brian Kilgore

I'm the reverse of Liz. Never been to Hilton Head, but think Acadia national park is one of the great spots in the world.

You won't be sweating though, in late June. I don't know the resort.

Bar Harbor has restaurants that are so good I ate two dinners there one evening. Scallops at the first one, and then a lobster a couple of hours later.

BAK

Frank

I have been to both and there Arcadia is the more scenic. Black flies should not be a problem since the park is on the ocean. Bring lots of film and binoculars, bike (rentals available) the carriage paths, enjoy ranger led activities and hike a path. You will not be disappointed. Go to mapquest for driving directions and mileage.

April

I've been to both several times. They are very different. Hilton Head is a nice beach location, but very touristy. June is nice because it would not be as hot. Personally, I would go back to Acadia again and again. The scenery is spectacular. The lobster is plentiful and there is always plenty to do in Acadia.

c

I have a friend that lives in Mt Desert,Maine,she advises us to make the reservations as early as possible as there are such a limited amount of rooms in the hotels/b&b's and it gets really busy there as of June...
I would vote for Acadia for beauty,Hilton Head being sort of "sterile",Acadia having the rocks,ocean,forests all together..I am in NY..NC is 12-14 hours from here,Acadia is 10 hrs..I can ask her for recommendations or you can put Mt Desert or Acadia into your search,there are some really charming B&B's-and good restaurants,galleries,shops,lots to do,do you know about the bike/walking paths in Acadia?

c

www.acadia.net
Try this for some info too.C

Dawn

We went to Maine last August our first time and really enjoyed. We drove from the south of N.J. to Maine. When looking for some info on Maine I found this site to be very helpful http://maineguide.com/travel/ We also took our children 6&10 they also enjoyed it. We stayed 3 nights and then drove over to Moosehead Lake for one night. We also drove through N.H. (2 nights)and then on to Vermont.It was alot of driving but we saw alot. We stayed at the Atlantic Eyrie Lodge. It had a nice view of Bar Harbor because it sits atop a bluff. Most of the motels offer free shuttle service to downtown Bar Harbor and run every 15 minutes. Well worth doing not alot of places to park.

Anon

Somoset is a beautiful resort in great location.

Lulu

Acadia is indeed beautiful but be prepared for foggy, damp weather in June, which is why the summer season in Maine starts in July. Can you change your dates?

Molly

I live in Maine in the summer although it is Midcoast Maine, about 1 hr north of Portland. However my in-laws live in Hilton Head and we go there every year for a week. These two places are totally, 100% different. It depends on what you want. Frankly I was never that impressed with Hilton Head because many locations are not directly on the water. It is a golf-tennis-resort feel and very touristy at that time. Water if very warm and swimmable though. If you want a beach vacation go here. Maine is more natural and scenic and I can guarantee you the water is extremely cold, even in June. Don't worry about flies. This I will promise you though...the Maine experience is one of beauty, scenery, fabulous seafood and lobster (well-priced). Every stop on the way up the coast will be a "photo op". Since you are driving, here are some places not to miss...
True Mainers sort of roll their eyes over anything south of Portland. It's not "real" Maine but sort of the Hamptons of Maine. Portland is a lovely city with a beautiful seaport, good restaurants and microbrews. Excellent farmer's market and of course Cape Elizabeth which is a scenic lighthouse. From Portland head north to Bath. It is on the Kennebeck River and the Naval shipyard is there with a Maritime museum and boatrides to see the shoreline from the water. Dress warm. There is also a great off price retailer in Bath called Renys on the Main street if you are a shopper. Great for souveniers or Am Eagle, Gap and Abercrombie closeouts. Never know what you'll find. On up route 1 is Wiscasset called Maine's most scenic village. Very quaint. On the way there is a restaurant on the left side of rt#1 called the Sea Basket. They have awesome fried shrimp and clams. Maine shrimp are very different from regular gulf shrimp, small and sweet. You may want to go out the point to Boothbay Harbor in this area. Very scenic and good places to stay.
Camden is a ritzy little hamlet. Lovely and good places to stay too but more upscale. The Wyeth museum in Rockland is also popular in this area.
We venture to Arcadia each year and love the drive and the aptmosphere, alot of young people. Definitely stay B&B. All price levels offered. Try and do Cadillac mountain but only on a clear day with no fog. I know I am writing alot so if you want more details pls e-mail me directly. Sorry but I am very passionate about Maine!