wow -- Clousie, you are right -- so many different ideas. right now i think my decision is to skip boothbay harbor altogether. we are going to fly in to portland on a monday early and fly out on friday late, so we will really have a nice solid 4 days/4 nights. i think we are going to drive all the way straight to mt desert/bar harbor/winter harbor (various places do have space, i've checked, and now i'll just pick one!) and then on the way back spend a night in camden or the environs. after all, my sister is 26 and probably does want to do a bit of shopping!!

so, thank you for all of your help, everyone! any tips on the trip from mt desert to camden? i hear there is great ice cream in belfast...any other tips? would love any/all.

many thanks.

The great thing about going in August is blueberry season! Be sure to eat blueberry pie, blueberry pancakes, muffins - yum. I'm headed to Belfast for a week in August. Can't wait to eat blueberries and lobster! Don't overlook Belfast - great little town that isn't overwhelmed by Rte 1.

There is plenty to enjoy in Maine. I suggest you search the internet for calendars of events and offerings of the various Maine communities.

After forty years of visiting Maine, I now own an oceanfront cottage with my wife. We picked Boothbay Harbor, midcoast, after traveling and leasing cottages in various Maine locations. There is plenty to involve us locally yet we can head to Downeast, Portland, Bar Harbor, Bangor, Moosehead Lake, Quebec, Nova Scotia -- all within a days travel and in some cases perfect for a day trip.

Check out things to do at "www . BoothbayRegion . com" without the spaces.

Most cottages require a one week rental and I encourage you to plan a trip at least that long.

Enjoy!