Hi!

I'm thinking of taking a 5-day solo holiday in Maine in April or May 2008.

I'd like to be on the coast, beach-front, in a condo with daily access to fresh lobster that I can prepare. (But also within distance of fine dining, shops, antiques, etc.)

I prefer a more upscale, peaceful and relaxed atmosphere as this will be all about R&R (and lobster!)

I'll be coming from NJ, and will most likely fly to maximize the time. Budget is flexible.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much,

Denise

Go to Acadia, and stay on the "quiet" side of Mount Dessert island, someplace like Bass Harbor. It will be very quiet, and you can get your lobsters there. And you won't be far from the shopping and dining in Bar Harbor. You'll also find waterfront lodging more affordable on quiet side.

There are a lot of variety of condo rentals in Southern ME on www.riversbythesea.com . I have my place listed with them.

If you are looking for a beach front atmosphere try either Kennebunkport or Oqunquit. These towns offer scenery, atmosphere, fine seafood dining and shopping.

It does hinge somewhat on timing and price. You don't want to go too far. I fly into Boston and in 1-1/4 hour I am at our condo in York Harbor. Beachfront vs near beach could make a huge difference pricewise. We are two minutes for a cliff walk, but not on the water. There ae many in the York area on the water, but things do close after Labor Day. I treasure my days without DH when I go up to that area....lots to walk to, safe, wonderful, "almost" oceanfront. Can't advertise on this site but I am so familiar with the solo travel to Southern Maine as I do it often. I also have other contacts in other areas of Maine who could help you out. If you want to contact me off site - [email protected] .

April is a terrible month in Maine. There can be snow storms and such in April and it's mud season. There are no leaves on the trees and it can be cold wet and windy. May would be better.

I was there this year for our condo meeting, almost two weeks in April. It was snow at first, then that crazy wet/snow/rain nor easter, then by the time I was leaving 80 degrees. I had to go buy clothes! May is nicer and I am going to suggest to the board May next year.

Thank you all for your responses, and I will certain go in May instead of April!

Hi. There are bunches of options in the condo/cottage/VR category. Sandy beach front in Maine is usually southern as we have the rocky coast up here in Acadia (acadiachamber.com). A lot will depend on whether or not you fly into Portland (southern Maine) or Bangor BGR (downeast/Acadia). Then there is Camden/Rockland (midcoast and accessible by both airports). I would visit one of those weather sites for history if being outside is important. The weather is 'fickle' and changes from moment to moment which is part of the charm. Bass Harbor will offer lodging, daily lobster, 5 minutes from Acadia and a half hour from not-so-busy-at-that-time-of-year Bar Harbor/Ellsworth. There is antiquing (Chicken Barn and JB Atlantic in Ellsworth) and fine dining opps as well. It will be very quiet and peaceful. Have a nice vacation.

I fly from Orlando to Logan in Boston and am always able to get great rates! Do it now though, if you can. York is 1 hour 15 minutes from Logan.

Hi
I am taking a 7 day solo trip at the end of September. I am also from NJ and I am flying from Philadelphia into Bangor and staying 2 nights in Bar Harbor at the Ullikana. While there I will hike, bike and try rock climbing in Acadia National Park.
Next will be 2 nights on Isle au Haut for tooling around and reading.
From there I am staying 3 nights in Kennebunkport at the Captain Jefferds Inn. I have a dinner reservation at Arrows restaurant in Ogunquit. They have a theatre there and will be putting on the Full Monty with Sally Struthers. Also, an Ansel Adams exhibit.
I'm flying out of Portland.
I'll post a report when I get back.

spres242--If you want to read a book about Isle au Haut while on the island Linda Greenlaw's Lobster Chronicles is good