teadrinker

Hi there. My brother and his new wife want to go on a one-week vacation where there's no cell phone or Internet access.
They had chosen Mettinicus (sorry if the spelling's incorrect), in Maine, because it doesn't have access to these things, and I guess it's a pretty cool place. Also, for those who would want to know, Mettinicus is known for two things, Lobster and Puffins.
They were planning on spending a week at the 1 and only Bed & Breakfast there - for 550.00 a week, which includes some meals, so this is their price range.
But the topic came up: What if the Puffins aren't there in August? Maybe they should find another place in that event, and save Mettinicus for another time when they can see the birds? But where else could they go?
They are a couple who enjoy the outdoors. They love bicycling, canoeing, sailing, hiking, anything to do with the outdoors. But their main objective is to NOT HAVE Internet or Cell Phone access, because they want to spend the time TOGETHER.
Can anyone help?
They live in Massachusetts, so it should be a destination which doesn't necessitate plane travel - they want to drive there. (Getting to Mettinicus does warrant taking a small plane but it's less than a 10 minute flight, and I guess it's not expensive).
Also, if it's a great place for hiking or bicycling, and they can spend a week for about 550.00 which might include meals, I'd love to hear about it.
I believe he feels that places like Mettinicus are rare or impossible to find as a vacation destination, but I told him I could come up with a few alternatives - can anyone help?
Thank you!

yk

I don't understand why they need to choose a place based on no cellphone or internet access, just so that they can "spend time TOGETHER". Why can't they just turn off their cellphones (or perhaps, NOT bring their cellphones with them; and same for internet/laptop) on their trip? Or do they just dislike other people around them yapping on their cellphones?

I looked up Verizon Wireless website, and according to their coverage map, it looks like there is coverage on Matinicus Island.

I thought only pockets within inland, rural Maine are the only place that does not have cellphone reception.

teadrinker

It's just that, yeah, I guess it's a combination of technology interfering with nature? And it's just easier to kick back and relax without the temptation of the world of the Internet sitting there, waiting for you to give in.
Sure, they could leave their cellphones behind, and their laptops.. good suggestion, and I'll suggest it!
But there are lot of different ways to look at things, I guess my brother felt it'd be more remote and romantic and maybe more peaceful all around if there was no Internet or cell phone availability - it's like going back in time.. to a simpler place, if one does still exist.
You also made a good point of asking whether it's hearing people yapping on their cellphones - maybe they don't want that, it could be that as well, but I'm sure that's not the only reason.
I think escaping from what's become too commonplace is what they're trying to do.
Cellphones and computers isolate people - they're in love and desire each other and simplicity, I guess it's that simple.
Thank you for looking at the Verizon Wireless website. I think that's pretty interesting that there is a "remote" (or should I say - "roaming" - signal out there....)...
Maybe no place exists then? (Unless you're camping in the granite rocks of NH or something...)

dfrostnh

We've spent some week-long vacations tv/technology free. It really helps to have distractions which can range from jigsaw puzzles to directions to a good place for a lobster lunch. We have only done a day trip to an island (Monhegan). Usually our vacations to Maine are camping trips in our travel trailer. We like to take picnic lunches and binnoculars to a good spot. We enjoy b&b's with friendly hosts who provide hot cooked breakfasts and friendly talk. I'm not sure a vacation on an isolated island is the best idea. If you aren't used to a quieter way of life, boredom can set in rapidly. DH's favorite evening activity is staring into a small camp fire. We stayed a Searsport Shores once, a great small campground right on the water but rates have gotten expensive. You might peruse their website about things to see and do in the area. Our visit was in June when it's not quite so busy in Maine. We have visited other places in the mid-coast area during the busiest of times i.e. 4th of July. It's possible to avoid crowds if you avoid places like Boothbay Harbor. According to a google search, there are puffin trips from early June to mid-August so your brother and new SIL should plan their vacation for early August.

capxxx

There are large chunks of the Adirondaks with no cell-phone service. I know because I've driven through them, but I don't have any particular locations to recommend.

My neighbors (in MA) head for New Brunswick to get away from it all.

clarkgriswold

Look up around the Moosehead Lake area. And if they can visit Maine just after Labor Day, in early September, prices will come way down, availability will go way up, and families on cellphones etc will be nowhere to be seen.

GoTravel

Please let me know if you find anywhere on the planet where two people can vacation for a week with meals for $550 because I'm so there.

I'd start looking on www.VRBO.com and lower your expectations a little. $550 for a weekend maybe.

gyppielou

GT, it's $550 a week including bfast. Dinner is about $20 a head. I love alone time, but that is not the kind of isolation that would do it for me - maybe a weekend. I'm thinking of that Chevy Chase movie when they move to a quaint New England Town. Sounds quaint and friendly - but not necessarily so. I need to have a backdoor escape always. What if they tire of their hosts after the first 2 days of meals together??? There doesn't seem to be any other dining option. Could get very claustrophobic - but then again, it could be perfect for them.

I agree with searching Moosehead Lake area or some rustic cabin type campgrounds where they can cook and explore, get social or not with others. And September would be the best most affordable time, as the crowds thin and rates drop most places immediately after Labor Day.

Please report back on interesting places they find!

clarkgriswold

GoTravel.......is poland Springs Maine considered of this planet?
www.polandspringinns.com

Rich

My sister was complaining about her phone ringing all the time while whe was on vacation . . when I asked why she did not just turn the damn thing off I got a blank look

teadrinker

GoTravel, just find that bed and breakfast on Matinicus Island, that's where my brother said they're spending 550.00 for the week, with some meals included!
I think the guy gave them a break on the rate too, why? I don't know?!
Let me know if you get the same rate! They had inquired for August....
Thank you everyone for your thoughts.... Will keep checking in!