My husband and I (in our early 50's) will be going on the Stephen Taber (tall ship) out of Rockland Maine in mid August. This is our second sail with them. The sail is for four days. When we return to Rockland, we want to spend about 5 days in Maine before we head back to Boston, then home to California. We love great food and wine, and want to relax, so we don't want to spend the 5 days driving. We're okay with some driving, however. We'd really love to find a beautiful little town somewhere with great restaurants, places to walk to, and fun things to do that aren't too far from where we're staying. Would love to maybe rent a house (but where?)
Any suggestions?
Visiting Maine in August
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If you will have had enough of the coast by that time, I would suggest that you look at Bethel, a sort of classic NE town not far from the White Mountains in NH and places like the Shaker settlement at Sabbaday Lake, to say nothing of the lakes and mountains of NW Maine.
Maybe you should consider Portland even though it's a city. We stayed at the Dunes of Ogunquit once. They have units that range from motel to full cottage and they are set back far enough from Rt 1 that you don't hear the noise. Grounds are lovely. I believe they are on a trolley stop. Ordinarily we don't like the congestion of southern Maine but if you don't have to drive in the traffic, it's ok.
Ackisland gives good advice. I'm not familiar with Bethel so I better go take a look!
We have stayed in both Brunswick and Bath in past summers and loved it. They both have a less touristy feel, but still possess quintessential Maine Coastal charm. Brunswick is the home of Bowdoin College and thus has a great town center and many activities/farmers markets. The Joshua Chamberlain museum there is worth visiting.
Sounds like a fun time on a tall ship! Here is a place you can check out:
http://www.sebasco.com/
It has all sorts of accommodations for you, cottages, suites, a main lodge. I have not stayed here myself but know someone that did and loved it! Don't know what your budget is but it is pricey. However, Maine is such a seasonal place that most of the nicer resorts, etc. do have a higher price. It is about an hour or so south of Rockland so you would be heading back towards Boston. It is also near Portland, one of my favorite places! So many things to see and do in Portland.
The other suggestion would be Kennebunkport but it would probably be crowded during summer. We love KBP but usually visit there off season.
http://www.kennebunkport.org/
http://www.visitmaine.com/region/beaches/kennebunkport/
Lots of nice restaurants in the area as well. I would find something and book it as Maine is a popular destination.
Here is another of my favorite destinations:
http://www.ogunquit.org/index.php
We have stayed at the Anchorage by the Sea several times. It is located on the Marginal Way. You can walk the Marginal Way, sit on the benches and enjoy the views. Restaurants nearby also. Can be very crowded here in the summer also.
http://www.anchoragebythesea.com/
More casual here than fancy smancy. Get a room facing Marginal Way.
Here is another very lovely place: http://www.cliffhousemaine.com/
We went to a wedding at Cliff House and it is in a spectacular location overlooking the ocean. Check this one out.
This should give you some ideas. Feel free to get back to us and ask any other questions. I love Maine! We live about 1.5 hr. away so can drive there when we need our Maine and lobster fix.
When visiting Maine in August, consider spending a part of your day at the South Portland Maine Art in the Park at Mill Creek Park. The date is Saturday August 10th (rain date Sunday Aug.11th). It's fun, it's free, and there are many fine arts and crafts on display from artists all over New England. Stop to visit me at my tent and mention you saw this message on Fodor's blog. http://www.landscapesofnewengland.com
Good luck with your visit!Best regards, Sheila Psaledas
If the miss the south Portland Art show, try for the Ogunquit Art show on thursday August 22nd (rain date Friday August 23rd).
Again, wonderful art, superb seafood and a quaint little New England seaside town to boot!Can't be beat! Hope to see you at one of these shows.
Wow, thank you, everyone! It's going to take me a little time to look everything up, but I love all the info you're sending. Keep it coming!
For house rentals check South Portland, which college students vacate in May. Willard Beach neighborhood has (wait for it...) a beach! Admittedly, this beach faces north, with a nice view of the Portland Peninsula. But it also has the increasingly world-famous www.scratchbakingco.com, a good restaurant (David's), and in 7 minutes you're in Portland's Old Port. Where I take my friends:
Portland Head Light, alleged to be the most photographed lighthouse on the planet, and for good reason.
Bradbury Mt, 25 minutes northeast, short hike to gorgeous view of Casco Bay.
Casco Bay Lines Ferry: Various routes, but a walk around Peaks Island is always a hit. (Peaks has house rentals as well.)
The State wildlife park houses rehabilitatd wildlife, fish hatchery, and other cool stuff: http://www.maine.gov/ifw/education/wildlifepark/
The Old Port
Munjoy Hill and the glorious Eastern Promenade (check for evening band concerts)
Food, food, and more food
The historic houses of the West End (check for evening band concerts)
Food
Both a bus system and an awesome trail system connect Portland and South Portland: Trails.org.
Food.
hvh