Hi,

We're looking to go to Maine for a week at the end of July. We're traveling from western NJ and are wondering if there is anything along the way that is a must see. We have 2 kids, 7 & 10 to keep entertained. We're thinking of Gloucester, Ma for the whale watching. We're then planning on going to the coast of Maine, Kennebunkport, BarHarbor, etc. Any hotel or sightseeing suggestions for Maine? We're planning on the park loop in Arcadia. TIA.

We've traveled from Phila. area to Bar Harbor a number of times. When our son was younger, we stopped a number of times at Dinosaur State Park in Conn. I highly recommend this place if your kids (or you!) have any interest in dinosaurs. Esp. check the info for making a cast of a dino track.

http://www.dinosaurstatepark.org/

I should also note that with kids that age, I would spend as much time as possible in Acadia. There are lots of ranger programs for kids and adults. We try to do a couple every time we go, even as adults.

We whale-watched out of Bar Harbor. There is a nice place called the Bar Harbor Motel. It's clean,family-run, has a heated pool, & shuttles that run to the heart of Bar Harbor(parking can be a pain in the summer). Acadia National Park has alot to offer. There are hiking trails (all different difficulty levels). Our children enjoyed them. Ask for a map at the visitor center. The drive on "the loop" around the park is spectacular,with all the vistas.Pack a lunch to eat overlooking the crashing waves. Try visiting Sand Beach for a day trip(although the water is about 50 degrees). We usually stop at Camden, Maine & visit Mount Battie at the Camden Hills state park-where the ocean meets the ragged cliffs. It's quite a site. The town has shops & a good lunch can be found at Cappy's(try their chowder).

Book now! July is tough in Maine.

www.ogunquitmotel.com

www.parkentrancemotel.com

One of the best sites for lodging info in all of Maine is the Maine Innkeepers Association at maineinns.com. All prices and accommodations from motels, resorts, inns, b&b;s etc...