mayflower17

My husband and I (ages50ish) are planning a trip to Maine in late September. I have 8 nights beginning in Portland; arriving at 4pm on Saturday. Should I spend 2 nights in Portland then continue? I want to see the coast, Boothbay, Acadia, lighthouses and then back to Portland for an early morning Sunday flight on Oct 1. Would someone post a possible driving itinerary? Is worth time going South for a day to Kennebunkport?

elberko

How are you planning on spending your days other than driving? Hiking? Shopping? Is interesting food a priority? Answers to that will get you better answers.

mayflower17

Primarily sightseeing, little shopping, maybe one hiking day in Acadia? . Great food is always high on my priority list. I am considering: 2 nights in Portland, 1 night in Boothbay Harbor, 1 night in Bar Harbor, not sure what else. Or maybe 2 nights would be good in one of those and travel from there. Back to Portland for Saturday night before flight.

mayflower17

Definite visit to couple lighthouses.

elberko

I would spend the first night in Portland since you arrive late afternoon, then head to Bar Harbor/Acadia the next day--you could spend a bit of time in Camden or another town on your way.

Spend a few days in Acadia for great scenery, some hiking, and the lighthouse. Then return to Portland for shopping and restaurants. Cape Elizabeth near Portland is another lighthouse to see.

dfrostnh

Keep in mind most lobster shacks with picnic table dining are going to be open weekends only in September. You can google "best maine lobster rolls" to get a list and, perhaps, choose a location that fits your route/schedule. There are plenty of restaurants open but if the weather is good, a lobster shack on the water can offer the best view. McLoon's is our current favorite. Bite Into Maine food truck that parks near the lighthouse in Fort Williams Park is also popular. Take the time to enjoy the view of Casco Bay. We carry bag chairs so we can sit where we want although I think there were some benches along the walkway.

We're not fans of Boothbay since we usually visit Maine during the height of the tourist season but last year I opted for a cheap hotel room in East Boothbay since I wanted to tour the Coastal Gardens. Also found a tiny public park on a little island connected by pedestrian bridge. We got a lobster roll for lunch to picnic on the island where we could watch kayakers putting in.

If you're going to go that far to Acadia, I would stay more than one night. On the way up you can do some shopping in Camden and take the auto road up Mt. Battie. There are some easy hikes on conservation property around the Harpswells with the best being Giant Steps along the small cliff. You can get a free map on the internet. This area of Maine is very rural yet just east of Brunswick, a college town.

South of Portland is very congested tourist towns. Sure, upscale shopping and some fancy restaurants. It depends on what part of Maine you want to see. The beaches are nicer if you're looking for sandy beaches and since it's September, you might find a parking place.

We usually stay on the interstate until we get to Brunswick. If you go to Acadia first with a stop in Camden, you can probably decide to stay their longer if you are enjoying it a lot. Chowhound Northern New England has lots of recommendations for Portland restaurants. I would also allow time to shop the Old Port Area since the shops tend to be unique. Should you decide to take a cruise of Casco Bay, you can park next to the dock and afterward walk to the shops.

mayflower17

Great suggestions so far! Thanks!

mayflower17

Update: So have decided to drive straight to Bar Harbor and spend 4 nights with day trips and then to Boothbay harbor for 3 nights and back to Portland night before flight. Would it be worth a day trip to St. John Canada? Looks like a nice area.

DebbieDoesDulles

Boothbay is pretty quiet in late September. 3 nights? Lovely place if you just want to relax but really not a lot to keep you busy.....you might consider Camden/Rockport instead with day trips to Owl's Head, Belfast, Port Clyde or over to the Maine State Museum if you get a rainy day....even a day trip to Boothbay or Damariscotta is 40 mins or so. "Food a high priority" would point me to Camden and Rockland more so than tiny Boothbay in my opinion.

dfrostnh

No to St John. Acadia is far enough and there's plenty between Portland and Acadia. For rainy day, I would vote for the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, my husband would vote for Owls Head Car Museum. We both like the easy hike to Owls Head Light and look forward to going back to Rockland for a lobster "burger" think giant lobster cake at Claw's.

mayflower17

Great again! Thanks

bachslunch

Agreed, three days is a lot for Boothbay unless you use one day each as a jumping off point for Monhegan Island and Wiscasset.

Will second the idea of spending a little time in Rockland/Camden. Camden is a lovely town to explore, and the two museums mentioned in Rockland/Owls Head are excellent, as is the Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.

Definitely agree that food is better in Camden, Rockland, and Portland -- not so much in Bar Harbor, Boothbay, or Monhegan Island (if you get there). Portland has an excellent dining scene, far better than one would expect for a city its size -- Fore Street, Becky's Diner, Duckfat, Nosh Kitchen (sandwiches), Flatbread Company, Otto (these last two for pizza) are all well worth a visit.