Marta

We are planning to visit New York the 5th of
april and then we wanted to go to Maine...
We saw the Map and we are thinking on taking
a train and then renting a Car.... we need
some advice as where to go on our first trip... we have Two Weeks to explore... I have been reading about Bar Hrbor, Camden,
Conway, etc... Also if you have any suggestions on where to Stay... We prefered
on the Water..... and a Nice and picturesque
place... THANK YOU.... in advance...
Marta

steve

Marta - It's been 5 years, but the Island Watch B&B in Southwest Harbor, Maine was very nice. Sits high on a ridge overlooking the harbor.Acadia National Park is great to explore. In April some tourist spots may not yet be open for the season. The Coast around Portland is also very interesting, nice parks, lighthouses, etc. Be sure to go inland as well, it's a petty easy drive into New Hampshire from the Portland area. Have fun.

Donna F

Spring is beautiful in New England but early April may be a little too soon for the Bar Harbor area plus it's a long drive from NYC. If you don't plan to do hiking and biking, you might be happier to stay further south. Portsmouth NH is a lovely, historical seaport with great restaurants. Ditto for Portland ME. I'd suggest not going further north than Camden since there is plenty on the Maine Coast to see without driving to Bar Harbor. Check out Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Boothbay, Bath as well. You can find more New England info on the Yankee Magazine website www.newengland.com.

Beth2

I agree with Donna! It is one heck of a LONG ride up to Bar Harbor, and it will still be COLD and barren in April. I'd suggest going no further than Portland. The Black Point Inn in Scarborough is simply lovely - and just what you're looking for! Both Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are super towns to explore. K-port has more upscale inns and hotels, but Ogunquit's Perkins Cove is the most charming spot in Maine! If you have any other questions - just ask and I'll try to help!

Marta

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP....
WE WILL FOLLOW ADVISE....
WE WILL CATCH A TRAIN FROM NYC TO PORTSMOUTH, WE WILL CHECK HOW LONG IS
THE RIDE AND THEN WE WILL RENT A CAR...
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTION WE WILL
APPRECIATED... (wE ARE FROM MIAMI, FL.
SO WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE HOY WEATHER
AND THE SEA)>

Nancy

Hi. Well, I live in Portsmouth, NH and know Maine pretty darn well, and the advice you have been given is good. Too cold in April to go so far north as Bar Harbor - lots of things will be closed. Next month train service will go from Boston to Portland, Maine, FYI. But once you get to Portland, a rental car is best, as public transport is not that great. You will want to go down the coast, and will need a car. Portland has the Old Port area - cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Going down the coast, Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are my favorite places. Portsmouth is a great town. We have an historic section called Strawbery Banke. We are on the water, and have interesting harbor cruises. The Sise Inn is very nice, and right downtown. It is 50 miles from Portland to Portsmouth, with K'port and Ogunquit in between the two.

You will love it here!

Nancy

PS - I used to live in Conway, NH years ago. It is fine if you like outlet malls. It has gorgeous scenery that is now overshadowed by tour busses of shoppers. I would stick to the coast.

Marta

thank you Nancy...
for your help!!!
Do you think we can go to Porsmounth by
train from Mew York? or there is a better combination, because we are going
to NYC before goint to Maine...
Thanks

Rachel

Hi Marta,

We just took a trip to Maine in October. We flew to Portland and drove to Camden where we stayed. Of all the towns (and we went to almost all that were listed in the other posts to your question), Camden was the cutest in my opinion. We stayed at the A Little Dream B&B. The rates were good. The rooms were adorable, not overdone and very tasteful. Not to mention clean and gourmet breakfasts every morning. A few of the rooms have views (water is across the road). When I go back to Maine, I will definitely go to Camden and stay at the same B&B. A Little Dream was very whimsical and cute. If you check out their website be assured that the pictures don't capture the wonderful feel there. Bar Harbor was very touristy. We found the stores to be somewhat on the cheap side mostly selling t-shirts and magnet type items. If you do go there though, check out Havannah. We had a wonderful dinner there. Kennebunkport was nice. The shops were more upscale. If you need any more specifics feel free to email me.

Rachel

bm

Regarding trains, as of right now, there is no train service from Boston (where you'll come to from NY via train) to Portsmouth or Maine for that matter. BUT, Amtrak will be starting that service soon-not sure when. Check with Amtrak to see when it will start.