4 days in Maine Oct 25-29
 

We are flying into Portland and only have 4 days to see and shop for local crafts (pottery, glass) cruise the beautiful coast and eat as much lobster as possible! Will everything still be open and would it be too far to drive to Bar Harbor or should we just stop and stay in Camden/Rockland? I've looked at maps and can't quite see if there is an alternate route on the coastline vs I95. Thanks for any suggestions

If you can take a night and stay in Camden the A Little Dream (http://www.littledream.com) bed and breakfast is just lovely. We flew into Portland, stayed a day, and then stayed in Camden for a few days. From there we took a day trip to Bar Harbor. I can't wait to head up to Camden again. The B&B was so great and I'll admit I'm hard to please. The room was beautiful, the food was amazing, and the owners were quite helpful. Have a great trip!

It all depends on how you like to travel. Does the four days include flying in and out? If so, that's not a bunch of time. There's lots to do and see around Portland - check out the beaches and lighthouses, take a ferry ride down the bay, eat and drink at the great restaurants and bars there. I'd stay put and day trip to Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. If you don't mind spending a lot of time in the car, Bar Harbor is doable. Camden will only take 2 hours from Portland - maybe less that time of year. Go up Route 1 and enjoy the little towns along the way. Things will be very quiet since the foliage season will be over.

I would go straight to Bar Harbor. You have everything there. The only National park in N.England. Go whale watching. Fine dining and great accomodation.Paul

If you go up to Bar Harbor, make sure to go through Blue Hill on your way. There is a fabulous, family owned pottery place there - Rackcliffe Pottery. They are right on Rt. 172 as you head out of town. There is also a great little stand just down the road from there (The Fish Net - at the intersection of Rt 172 and 176) that has, imho, the best lobster rolls around. They do have a little dining area if it is cold or picnic tables if it is warmer.

I love Maine!!! We flew into Boston and drove up 95 to Bar Harbor and it didn't seem to take terribly long. I would definately see it if at all possible.

Another poster mentioned Ogunquit. We went there and there are a lot of little shops and a long (mile or so?) walking path along the beach. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. If you do nothing else, make sure you do that.

We didn't find much to do in Portland except the lighthouse. Ogunquit and Bar Harbor seem to capture the best of the best.

Forgot to mention - alternate routes. Go up Rt. 1. It goes right through Camden and you should be able to pick it up easily in Portland. To get to Blue Hill from Rt. 1 you will take it north from Camden and then take the fork of Rt.1 that heads toward Bucksport. I think that is 1A, but I'm not positive. When you see a turn off for Rt. 15 about 2-3 miles out from the center of Bucksport, you will take that right. That takes you into Blue Hill and will put you on Rt. 172. You will take a right and that will go through town and you will see the Fish Net and Rackcliffe on the right hand side of the road. You can then take that out of town and sontinue on to Ellsworth at which point you can take Rt. 3 to Bar Harbor. Hope that all makes sense.

If you go to Blue Hill, you should look to see if Rowentree Pottery is still there. There was a very nice lady who does some wonderful things with pottery in her studio where you can purchase various things.

Ogunquit is your best bet! It's only 45 mins. away via 95--get off at the Wells exit, go east on Rt.109 to Rt.1 & turn right! Altho, Boothbay Harbor would be my next choice, via Rt. 1. or I-295. Make sure to stop at Edgecomb Pottery. Have fun and hope your weather is better than what it is now!