I am planning my first trip to Maine at the end of September after seeing gorgeous pictures of Acadia National Park in National Geographic. I will be flying into Bangor on Sept.25 and out of Portland on October 2.
I have booked the Ullikana in Bar Harbor for 2 nights followed by 2 nights on Isle Au Haut.
From here I am up in the air.
There is a wine dinner at Arrows restaurant on Sept. 30 that I would like to attend as I have heard so many good reviews. This would mean leaving Mount Desert Island on September 29 and staying somewhere like Camden or Boothbay Harbor for one night. Which one and where?
Will this be rushing it ?
I would appreciate any and all suggestions and where to stay in Ogunquit or thereabouts ?

I would recommend staying in Camden, with a drive along the coast and a stop in Boothbay Harbor on your way to Ogunquit. The Lobster Dock (if it's open that time of year) right on the harbor is a terrific place for lunch.

I don't think that's rushing it at all. We often start in Bar Harbor and spend 5-6 nights with a night or two here and there while heading south to our home (in New Hampshire).

It sounds like you've got a nice trip planned. And, djkbooks is right. Stay in Camden and visit Boothbay on your way to Ogunquit.

Thank you !

I always find it funny when folks from "away" as we say here in Maine, are getting to places that I haven't been, like Isle Au Haut. But I've heard great things and I'm sure you'll love it. Weather will make or break your trip. You've got a couple of days wiggle room between the Isle and Arrows. If you haven't had good weather to see Acadia you may want to hang up there another day, rooms will not be a problem at that time. If you're satisfied with what you've seen, meander down Route 1, stopping as you wish. Camden is indeed a great town, drive to the top of Mt. Battie for great views. I would skip Boothbay, its off the track and just another Maine town like others you've seen. Instead check out Kennebunkport down near Ogunquit and/or spend a day in Portland (nice art museum, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Lobster Shack in Cape E, shopping in the Old Port, harbor cruises). On the way down Route 1 you might want to stop in Rockland and visit the Farnsworth Art Museum for the Wyeth's. I could make tons of other suggestions but don't know what you like to do - museum or more active stuff like renting bikes and cycling the carriage trails in Acadia. Post back with specific ?s if you'd like.

Thank you for your reply. I've finalized where I'll be staying. It's the 2 nights in Bar Harbor at Ullikana. I arrive Tuesday afternoon and was thinking of spending a couple hours hiking in Acadia national park. I've signed on for rock climbing the next morning and want to try kayaking in the afternoon. Someone had told me you could get a ride to the top of Cadillac mountain for sunrise and then bike down but when I called I was told it had been discontinued. I would like to bike the carriage trails and have lunch at Jordan Pond.
From there I'm onto Isle au Haut for hiking and porch reading.
I'll be leaving Isle au Haut Saturday afternoon to drive down to Kennebunkport. I'll be staying at the Captain Jefferds Inn for 3 nights there.

As you said, I should drive down Route 1and stop in Camden on the way down. Rockland also gets alot of rave reviews. I fly out of Portland at 6:00 pm the next Tuesday and thought of spending the day there.

I have the dinner at Arrows Sunday night. I saw that there is a Ansel Adams exhibit in Ogunquit. Also, the Full Monty with Sally Struthers will be on.
I was thinking a schooner ride or whale watching on Monday.
As far as suggestions, I like anything outdoors, hiking, biking, beach etc. I love any type of dance, modern, ballet etc. I like most art and photography and I love history. I like every type of music and theatre. Comedy, drama, musicals. It's hard for me to think of anything I don't like.
I appreciate any suggestions. Also, what is the dress for dinners.

Biking the carriage paths in Acadia is really fun.

If you stop in Rockland, highly recommend the new "Project Puffin".

http://puffin.bird.audubon.org/puffi...or-center.html

And, a drive to Owl's Head Lighthouse.

http://lighthouse.cc/owls/

Boothbay Harbor is another nice place to stop. Gorgeous harbor. The Lobster Dock is a fantastic place for lunch (right on the harbor). If you have time, the sailboat tours are reasonably priced.

The art galleries in Kennebunkport are terrific!

And, you'd really enjoy walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit.

The "lobstering" cruise from Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove is great fun. Goes past miles of "rocky cliffs" and Cape Neddick "Nubble" Lighthouse.

At Arrows, be sure to take a look at their amazing garden.

Nubble Lighthouse is in York. My relatives used to live just several houses from there and have gone there a "million" times! See-www.gatewaytomaine.org.

Sounds like you have a great plan! I pray that the weather is good for your activities at MDI; I will be in CA that week. I don't know where you're from, but prepare for cool weather here in Maine at that time of year. It could be in the 70s during the day and maybe even 40s at night, especially out on Haut! A fleece or wool sweater and a rain jacket is a must. But there are outdoors stores in Bar Harbor and there's always LLBean if you find yourself short. (Hint: try the LLBean outlet store in Ellsworth on your way to or from MDI.)

As far as schooner cruises, watch the weather and pick the best day. I don't know if there are any out of K'port, but Portland has some as well as ferry 'tours' or you could take a ferry out to a Casco Bay Island, rent a bike, and see how people really live here. I'll keep watching this post in case you have specific questions.

Thank you all for all the great suggestions ! I leave next Tuesday and I am really looking forward to it.
I checked out the website for the casco bay ferries and there are several to choose from. Peaks Island, Little Diamond, Diamond Cove, Great Diamond and Chebeague. Is there one that you would suggest? Thanks again.

Did anyone think to mention the Owl's Head Transportation Museum in Rockland? That is ,if you are interested in old restored cars,airplanes,etc.
My husband,son and I just flew into Boston and drove to Bar Harbor all within a week. All the above suggestions are great. Camden was my favorite town.