Natalie Desiderio

My husband and I are planning a trip to Maine next year, all we want to do is eat lobster, hike and take in the beautiful scenery. Can anyone help/advise us on when to go and where to stay?
Also, if you know of a web site that might help. We would appreciate any help.

Donna

We like to go to Maine at the end of June. You receive off season rates and miss the crowds and traffic, but everything is open for the "season". It probably won't be bathing suit weather yet, though, but pleasant enough for hiking and enjoying lobster pounds. Our favorite places are Ogunquit (with a visit to nearby Kennebunkport) and Boothbay Harbor. But, for hiking you might enjoy Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park) or Camden. Both are a bit pricey, but you can always stay in a nearby town. There are lots of websites. Try a search on www.hotbot.com. Here are two general ones on visiting Maine:

http://www.visitmaine.com/

http://www.maineguide.com/

Audrey

I agree with Donna's suggestions, and would add that you visit the beaches in Biddeford Pool, Cape Porpoise, and Kennebunk; the Rachel Carson reserve in Kennebunk; just follow the coast as far north as your time allows! The Yankee Magazine website (www.newengland.com) is a good source too. You will be visiting at a good time, although we go to Maine in all seasons and love it; it has replaced my beloved Cape Cod. (There's a lobster place in Cape Porpoise called, I think, Nunan's, which is very good--and casual).

julie

I definitely recommend going to Olgunquit!! It's one of the most beautiful places in the northeast. Definitely find the Marginal Way--it's about a mile walking path which lines the coast and the view is breathtaking. There are hundreds of hotels--all of which are very nice. You also might want to travel a little further north to Freeport if you like to shop! There are over 200 outlets there--including a 24 hour LL Bean! Have a wonderful time.

andrea

We visited Maine in October during the prime leaf viewing week. Needless to say, it was gorgeous. We started in Bar Harbour. We had just two days and would love to go back for a week. Stayed at the lovely Bar Harbour Inn. Our room was only yards from the rocky beach. Other parts of this inn are to undergo total rennovation this winter. Bar Harbour is charming. Acadia Nat'l Park was wonderful. Recommend stopping at the headquarters and buying the audio tape that narrates a drive thru the park. Our only regret was for more time!

We drove on down the coast. Spent some time in Booth Bay Harbor. We stayed at the Tug Boat Inn which was charming. Had a great lobster dinner inside an actual "tugboat". We ate lobster many times and never were disappointed anywhere we went.

Cathie

We have been spending a lot of time in Maine during the last ten years. Our son went to college there and has stayed in that area. We spend a week there in the summer at a cottage in Wells. We then spend at least six long weekends in the Wells/Ogunquit area throughout the year. There is never a season that it is not beautiful. In this area, if you want a hotel right on the water, there are only two. The Forbes - it has a new name and I can not think of the name of it..is right on the water in Wells. The Norseman is right on the water in Ogunquit. Certainly eat at the Steak House and Lords when in Wells and the Ogunquit Lobster Pound is great. For breakfast, hit the Maine Diner in Wells and the Omlet Factory - which is between the two towns. There is usually a line. It is very small, but it is worth the wait. Garney Brothers Real Estate can provide info on rentals. I also used to write to the Chamber of Commerce. Make sure to do the Marginal Way. I hope you love it!

Rose

Definitely stay in Cape Porpoise just outside Kennebunkport. Audrey mentioned the best place to eat lobster is Nunan's Lobster Hut, very casual and lobster right out of the water. Great place to stay in Cape Porpoise is The Inn at Harbour Head. I have stayed a numerous B & B's and this is by far the best I have experienced. Joan is the Inn Keeper. Fabulous breakfast. Have a great trip.