klaw123

We are planning a trip for the last week of August to Maine. We can fly into either Portland or Bangor and rent a car. We have a 22 month old daughter who sleeps in a crib so I'm thinking we should avoid hotels and rent something with 2 Bedrooms since she sleeps much earlier than we do. I LOVE lobster so that is why I am leaning towards this area of the US and it's a short flight for us. Do you think Portland or Acadia/Bar Harbor or any areas in between would be best for us to rent a small house/cottage and have activities to do with our 2-year old in addition to hitting all the Lobster Pounds I possibly can while there! Also, my husband likes to eat out so we need an area that has lots of restaurant options - that's why I am considering Portland, but that doesn't seem to be an area with rentals and I'm not convinced it will be toddler friendly. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

clarkgriswold

Portland is a rather large city and all of the traffic and hubbub that goes along with that. Other touristy areas of Maine are much smaller though they do get a huge influx of tourists in July and August.
I think if your major interest is lobster you should head for the Camden/Rockland area which has 8 or 9 major pounds within 30 minutes drive, along with a lot of terrific casual dining spots and the various lobster "shacks". It's about 1.5 hours drive from the Portland airport, however, and a bit longer depending on day/time/tourist traffic. I don't know if you can wait til September but you might find better cottage availability then and shorter waits for lunch at the lobster counters.

dfrostnh

Although southern Maine is not my favorite, Dunes of Ogunquit would be toddler friendly. Our one bedroom unit had tiny LR. Also a door from bedroom directly to outside where there was shade, grass and your own Adirondack chairs. Expansive lawn area and paths. They have various accomodations from motel units to full kitchen cottages. Portland isn't too far a drive.
There are condo rentals along Rt 1 in southern Maine. Can't find the one we stayed at but others come up and some have kiddie pools. Unfortunately the traffic on Rt 1 is awful.

Mid-coast Maine is our preference. Wiscasset or Bath are pretty good locations for lobster shacks but I can't recommend the cottage my husband booked us into last year. Clean, rustic but very tiny bathroom and the porch got sun late in the day. Last year there was a pretty good food truck within walking distance but that was the problem, the cottages were right on a busy highway although large lawn area.

We stayed at Lincolnville (just north of Camden) at rustic Bay Leaf. Very good continental type breakfast included. No pool. Nice grassy area. Glenmoor by the Sea is nicer and has more options from motel to cottages. Large property.

Unfortunately the best pool and grounds is a campground, Chewonky, in Wiscasset (toddler pool is very shallow) but they don't offer rental units.

Another Fodorite recently stayed at Pride's Cottages in Scarborough which is just south of Portland. Rustic looking but I think she thought it was fine. Recently at a hotel with a microwave and fridge, I found I could make half decent scrambled eggs with Egg Beaters, cheese and ham plus juice. With a toddler, you want to have a quiet in room breakfast. Maybe you and your husband can enjoy a brunch later in the morning. With that age, I would also recommend take-out for dinner and have your big meal (lobster) at lunch time.

klaw123

Thanks, Clarkgriswold. We need to go the last week of August which will be right before Labor Day. Do you know which cities would have the cottages to rent in the Camden/Rockland area?

clarkgriswold

I would look for something in Rockport first, then Camden. Further out, but an easy drive into town, are Spruce Head, Owl's Head, South Thomaston, Tenant's Harbor. I think most listings are under the general heading of "mid coast"...so if you find something that looks nice, post the location here and we can comment on what's nearby etc.

klaw123

Hi, I think we are booking a cottage in Rockland close to town and the water. Any advice on this area? I am thinking Puffin Museum, Childrens Museum, beaches, and maybe the ferry ride.

bennnie

If you haven't booked yet, The Resort at Goose Rocks in Kennebunkport is a nice option for families with toddlers. Indoor and outdoor kiddie pools, small play area etc. Goose Rocks Beach is terrific for little ones - gentle surf, shallow beach, soft sand. Kennebunkport has lots of restaurants and is a short drive to Portland too.