David McGlynn

My wife & I are planning to spend a week in Maine towards the end of September. We are trying to decide between Booth Bay area & Bar Harbor/Acadia area. We will fly into Portland & rent a car & drive to either location.
Help us decide! Here are the parameters: We want to relax. We want an Inn/lodging that has a nice scenic water view, places to relax & read, some kind of swimming, a beach/bluffs for walking & exploring... Don't want crowds, or to be in the middle of town... Bonus conditon: Cathy is pregnant!
In a nutshell: Which place & where to stay!

j.griffin

We stayed at the Bar Harbor Inn in May. It was great. Very resonable, beautiful accomodations, excellent food. Acadia is beautiful.
We haven't been to Booth Bay.

Jean

I have never been to Bar Harbor, but I've spent lots of time in Boothbay since my parents have a place there. If you want to stay away from the crowds I would recommend either the Ocean Point Inn or the Spruce Point Inn. Both have lovely ocean views and spacious lawns to relax on. They also have the rocky coastline/beaches to walk along. Both are about 10 minutes away by car from Boothbay Harbor Downtown, which is a lovely place to spend some time. You mentioned swimming -- I don't know how much swimming you'll want to do in Maine in September -- it's not that warm in the middle of the summer. You can abosolutely forget swimming in the ocean unless you're a polar bear. That said, I know Spruce Point Inn has a pool right along the water's edge, but I don't know how late in the season they keep it open, nor if it's heated. Ocean Point Inn might have a pool too, I'm not sure. Even if you don't stay there be sure to sample the restaurant at the Ocean Point -- it's a wonderful place to have dinner and watch the sunset. I'm sure you'll enjoy Maine no matter where you visit.

Pat Crossland-Smith

We visit both spots every summer or fall. Both are beautiful places. Boothbay does not have any beaches - there are few beaches in Maine once you go beyond Southern Maine. Acadia has a beautiful small sand beach in the park, but you definately won't be swimming in September. My personal favorite is the Bar Harbor area because of Acadia, but that is because of all the activities available in the park. You can hike, bike, canoe, enjoy sunrise or sunset from Cadillac mountain and enjoy ocean and many lakes. Popovers and homemade ice cream at Jordan Pond House are a not to be missed event. We normally rent a house so I don't have much lodging experience. I have stayed at the Park Entrance Motel probably 10 years ago which does have a beautiful view. there are several very nice looking establishments in town and out of town. The Chamber of Commerce has a nice booklet that has lots of info. Enjoy!

Donna

I second the recommendation for the Ocean Point in East Boothbay. Idyllic spot. Dinner in the restaurant as the sun sets is unforgettable. Also nice is the Gables Inn, also in East Boothbay. At the end of September, Boothbay Harbor will not be all that busy. We love staying right on the harbor. You can walk to everything and the scenery is spectacular. Best of all, a parking space is included with your room. We've been to Bar Harbor also. Be advised that it's frequently completely fogged in there. On our last trip you couldn't see the shrubbery from the window of our room or the trees that were right along the side of the road for four days. Another lovely destination is Camden. There are many lovely places to stay overlooking the bay. We especially liked the Lodge at Camden Hills. Water views are spectacular. Our unit had a fireplace, jacuzzi, small deck, and kitchen. Surrounded by pine trees. You can pick up necessaries and pre-prepared items at the deli in town and relax in comfort and privacy here.

Kate

There is no question that Acadia/Bar Harbor is the best choice. Boothbay is lovely, but Acadia will blow your mind! Swimming in September in Maine is downright chilly, but another option is to go canoeing on one of the lakes up there. The scenery is breathtaking in Acadia, and at the time you are going you may even catch foliage. I was there during this season 10 years ago and it remains one of my favorite spots in the U.S or Europe. Enjoy, it's romantic and wonderful!