darnwright01

Trying to decide how to split up the days in Maine. We fly into Bangor Sept. 13 & hope to stay the first night in Bangor. The next 3 nights would be in Bar Harbor. We plan on going to Acadia NP during that time but I’m not sure how many days. We are not hikers but love to visit National Parks. My daughter has some disabilities so hiking is not feasible. Scenic drives, visiting small towns & checking out lighthouses along the coast are some of our interests. We have a week but not sure how to split the days. Should we head back to Bangor & do day trips from there? Any help would be appreciated.

clarkgriswold

No, there's not much of anything in Bangor of interest to tourists.

The Greenville/ Moosehead Lake area should be very nice at that time of year. Would you enjoy chilly lake swimming, or canoeing? Or maybe a camp/cabin with a small motorboat? If not maybe head down to the Camden/ Rockland area for 3 nights. There are several small villages that are a nice drive from the central tourist area. Camden Hills State Park/Mt Battie has nice views and you can drive up instead of hiking it. Moose Point State Park is great for a picnic and views. There are several small pond/lake communities to drive to and leaves will be starting to color up a bit.

darnwright01

Thanks clarkgriswold for the videos, I think heading to Camden and Rockland areas would be perfect. Any suggestions where to stay?

clarkgriswold

Near Camden, Glenmoor By the Sea has simple cottages by the ocean or Island View Inn for more upscale. These are a couple of miles from the village. . Country Inn at Rockport has large family-sized fireplace suites, also a couple of miles from Camden. Cedar Crest Motel is closer to downtown. Camden Riverhouse is walking distance to the harbor, shoppes and restaurants.

dfrostnh

Don't miss visiting Rockport next to Rockland. There's a pretty small harbor and nice park. We happened to visit when kids were having sailing lessons. It was fun to watch. Four of us stayed at Glenmoor by the Sea once and we liked the various lodging choices. Our favorite lobster shack is McLoon's which is an easy drive from Rockland. Check September hours and weather since it's picnic tables outdoors. Beautiful little harbor with the chance of seeing an eagle.

cindyj

I agree that MDI and Camden/Rockland would be great for your family. Be sure to get reserved tickets to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, where there are nice paved paths around the top for your daughter. In Camden State Park you can also drive to the top of Mt. Battie, which has beautiful views. In Rockland, the Farnsworth Museum is fantastic for Wyeth's. Bangor has changed a lot in recent years, but there's nothing remarkable there. It is only a little over an hour's drive from Bangor to Bar Harbor, so I might opt to spend another night on MDI. Acadia is not like the big parks out west. It is a patchwork of park land and private land and was assembled by donations starting with the Rockefellers and other prominent families with summer "cottages" on MDI. South of Rockland you could visit Owls Head Lighthouse. Count on at least 2 hours drive from BH to Rockland, likely more with 'summer' traffic. Maine is busy in September. But you'll want to stop along the way, too.

darnwright01

Thank you all for your input. Will definitely take a look at Glenmoor by the Sea. I’ve already noted on my calendar when to check on reservation for Cadillac Mountain. Will also put McLoon’s on our list as well as Farnsworth Museum & Camden State Park. Can’t wait to go!!!

dfrostnh

Bangor has the Cole Transportation Museum which my fil and dh greatly enjoyed but might not interest you. We also visited Leonards Mills logging museum a short drive away but again, my fil loved seeing collections of old chainsaws and there was a competition going on between college lumber teams when we were there.

my choice in Rockland would be the Farnsworth. Dh's choice would be nearby Owls Head Car Museum. The top of Mt Battie is a nice place for a picnic. Bring binnoculars to watch boats coming along the coast. I like the view better than top of Cadillac.