My husband and I are planning a trip to Maine from Sept 29th-Oct 3rd, 2007. This is our 1st trip and would like some suggestions on any great places to visit or to eat. We will be spending the 1st night in Portland Maine. Then driving up to Boothbay Harbor and spending 1 night. From Boothbay we will drive up to Bar Harbor and spend 2 nights near Acadia Park. This trip is for our anniversary and would love any suggestions on what to do/and where to eat. I noticed that whale watching trips are advertised in this region...has anyone ever done this...is it worthwhile? Thanks!

We usually stay on Rt 95 until we get to Brunswick and then get off on Rt 1. Find out which lobster shack type places are still open during your visit. Five Islands east of Brunswick is popular.It's open until the last weekend in September (weekends only in the fall). They have a website. On your way thru Rockland, take a detour to see the Owls Head Light. It's just a short hike with a great view. North of Boothbay, Camden has a lovely downtown and if the weather is good, make sure to take the auto road up Mt Battie for a fantastic view overlooking Camden harbor. We always make a pilgrimage to Cellar Door Winery in Lincolnville. It's a bit off Rt 1. Check hours and if they are doing tastings. Before you get to Ellsworth there's a huge old chicken coop that is now an antique shop and used bookstore. Fun to find some new old reading material. Last year we had great lobster rolls at Just Barb's in Stockton Springs, Rt 1. It's a local family type of restaurant. Eat as much lobster and pie as you can during your visit but save room for some Whoopie Pies (my husband's favorites are Steve's).

Thanks dfrostnh for all the great insight! Do you think that we will run into places being closed for the season during our visit?

By all means visit Acadia. Drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain there for extraordinary panoramic views of the coast, islands, water. Agree that Camden Harbor from the mountains above is picturesque, though it can vanish in the fog.

We took a whale watch out of Boothbay at the end of July. Apparently it was too cold for the whales, which were absent.

Happy anniversary.

The lobster shack places closed soon after Labor Day but these are true shacks with only picnic table seating. As soon as the weather gets cold and tourism dies down, they close. Most of southern Maine seems to make a big effort to stay open thru the Fall with extra events as the holidays get closer. I've spent a weekend in the Camden area in late Sept and it was very busy but we usually go early in the summer. I wouldn't expect as many boat trips taking place and it will be cold on the water. I have yet to go on a whale watching trip. A long boat ride can be boring. My husband was sick the last time he went deep sea fishing so now he's anti-boat on rough water. In the past neither of us had difficulty with rough water. We have very much enjoyed boat trips to see light houses so I would look for something like that. It's closer to shore. The narration is interesting. Also fun is a cruise to bring up a lobster track and hear about lobsters. Keep in mind that the Brunswick/mid-coast area is home to colleges so things stay busy. We tend to drive around discovering things on our own and checking out events in the local newspapers.

The fall season has become very popular for tourists and cruise ships. Most places will stay open through Columbus Day weekend even if the outside seating gets chilly.

If you provide a little more about your interests (food? level of activity? other interests? Museums?) I'm sure posters will provide more specifics.

I know you're only staying one or two nights in each location, but if you were staying longer in Boothbay I'd recommend a daytrip to Monhegan Island.

Second the Monhegan suggestion - we did an overnight there and it was amazing. Best part of the trip. As an alternative to Portland check out the driftwood inn, Bailey Island, Maine. Off the beaten path (which we liked), cheap accomodations and the view is unbelievable. (featured in Yankee Magazine recently).

tschos92 -- it's been 2 years since I've been to Maine - also an anniversary trip, but I have a full report here
http://www.travelpod.com/members/buffy4444
if you'd like to see what my hubby and I did while we were there. We went in the off season and there weren't any of the lobster stands open, but we still ate plenty of lobster and found plenty to see and do. We actually planned on going during an off season to avoid crowds and other tourists. haha Happy Anniversary and hope you enjoy your trip!

In Bar Harbor, have breakfast at Two cats and dinner at Burning Tree. We went in July and those places were can't miss!

Wow...thanks for all the great suggestions on what to do and where to eat during our upcoming trip to Maine! We are looking forward to it! Please keep the ides coming!