7 days in Maine during October - Ideas Please!
 

My wonderful wife and I are headed to Maine to celebrate our 26th anniversary. Our starting plan is to fly into Bangor, start with three nights in Southwest Harbor (Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mtn, Bar Harbor); One night in Rockland or Camden (see Rockland, Camden, Rockport); One night in Boothbay Harbor (Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, stop in Freeport on way to next stop); One night in Portland area (visit Sebago Lake / Old Orchard Beach); and One night in the York area (see Kittery, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport).

WOULD LOVE your IDEAS! Things to make sure we see, great B&Bs, great meals (including "off the beaten track") and since we do not have time to see it all, any thoughts on things to skip. Or should we change one or two of the stops? THX

When we were in Camden we stayed at the Lord Camden Inn. The inn is on the main street of Camden-you can walk to many restaurants and shops. The inn was very nice and had a great breakfast.

If you go to Ogunquit be sure to walk on the Marginal Way-it is a beautiful walk along the ocean.

My husband and I are planning a NE trip in late September. We've never been, but I've done a lot of research. Unfortunately, we only have 3 nights in Maine, so our trip to Acadia will be a day trip from Lincolnville.

I think you're moving around too much and also might be able to get by with only 2 nights in Southwest Harbor.

Are you flying home from Bangor or another location?

When in October? Some of the lobster shacks with picnic table dining are open on Columbus Day weekend. Five Islands lobster in Georgetown is and offers a wonderful view. Depends on weather for outside dining. Some early October days are plenty warm enough.

If you like wine, you can visit vineyards in the Camden/Rockland area. Cellar Door is one of our favorites. Original location is the best, not too far off Rt 1 in Lincolnville (just north of Camden). Breakwater Vineyard overlooks Rockland. I have read Primo in Rockland is one of the best restaurants in Maine but haven't been.

I agree. I think you are moving around too much. You could visit Boothbay and Maine Coastal gardens plus shop in Freeport on way to Portland. The foodie tour of Portland is fun but takes all morning. Take a mailboat cruise. Another dinner in Portland. Explore Kport etc the next day.

Our favorite area for off the beaten path is the Harpswells east of Brunswick. Very rural unlike built up southern Maine. It could be an alternative to Maine Coastal Gardens if you want a good walk. Get info on the conservation areas. The Giant Steps is a lovely walk along the cliffs. Not as long as Marginal Way but not paved either. (but the Marginal Way is definitely a nice walk). Check whether restaurants are open. Some shut down at end of September.

If you aren't hiking or biking, you could cut Bar Harbor area stay to 2 nights. On way south on Rt 1, stop at the Chicken Barn which is one floor of antiques and one floor of used books if you like that sort of thing. (DH has some favorite Maine authors.)

Once again I find myself in full agreement with dfrostnh.

No reason to go to Old Orchard Beach. Rockland is a great town to visit especially if you like art.
Make sure to book ahead as it is peak season in Maine for tourism.