My DH and I (active seniors) are headed to Maine next month. We fly into BOS, then drive to Bangor. The next day, we’ll go over to Calais/St. Stephen, and maybe a little farther into New Brunswick, before driving down to Bar Harbor. After a couple of nights there, we’ll stay in Rockport ME and Ogunquit, 2 nights each, before heading back to Boston.
What sights, restaurants, adventures, etc. do you recommend? We love exploring...easy to moderate walks/hikes, local shops/crafts, local food, beautiful scenery, and watching waves.
Although we’ve been to Acadia a couple of times, and walked the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, we plan to do both again.
Looking forward to our coastal vacation!

You can search Fodor's for previous posts about Maine. Bangor isn't usually a popular destination but I loved Cole Transportation Museum. Check to see if anything is going on at Leonard's Mills Logging Museum. It's closer to Brewer. Dysart's truck stop for diner type eating in Bangor. We only did a drive thru of Calais on our way to PEI and that was years ago. We drove thru miles of blueberry barrens.
Bar Harbor and south: a friend enjoyed the view from bridge south of Ellsworth. We always stop at the Chicken Barn Antiques and Used Books. You can get a list of farmers markets. Although you are traveling thru, I still think it's fun to explore a local market. It's an easy hike out to Owl's Head Light. Check to see if McLoon's lobster shack in South Thomaston is still open. Our first visit was in late September a few years ago. For more hiking and scenery get the map to conservation areas in the Harpswell area east of Brunswick. Nice short walk along the cliff. Not as dramatic as the Marginal Way but not as crowded either. Loved Claws on Rt 1 in Rockland but it is seasonal. Great menu for a take-out place, covered porch but no indoor seating. A map to wineries and/or breweries will get you off the beaten path.
In south Portland, the view of Casco Bay is great from Fort Williams park. Bite Into ME food truck is very good for lobster rolls if they are still parking there in October. We have also parked on the Eastern Promenade to watch boats and people. Great view looking south. Surprised to see paddle boarders in such a busy place. The park is popular for picnicking families. There's also a boat launch. Might be too cold for paddle boarders..

Two days ago I heard raves about Rachel Carson Preserve in Wells area. I visited with a friend who wanted me to help walk her dogs so it wasn't fun. Might be more fun without being dragged by big dogs. Don't forget to watch the taffy pulling machine at the Goldenrod in York. Haven't seen it in years but always loved the saltwater taffy. Local friend took us to the Fisherman's Catch in Wells. Great old style restaurant but I didn't think the lobster rolls were that tasty. I will order fried clams next time. Loved breakfasts at Merriland Farm in Wells. Very popular even in September. Pretty drive to get there but not far off Rt 1.

CindyA,
Lots to do in Maine! Don't know your plans for Acadia, but since you like hiking, try Gorham Mtn trail, it's about an hour each way with fab views.
Bar Harbor Inn has an outside terrace with great views of the harbor, and tasty food.
In Northeast Harbor, visit Thuya Gardens, and Asticou gardens, take the hike up, rather than drive. You will have a great view of harbor, and it's a short hike, about 15 minutes.
On the way south, stop at Fort Knox, very interesting.
Continuing south, stop in Camden, maybe take a sail cruise, hike up Mt. Battie, also an hour up. Great views of the harbor.
Continuing south, maybe stop at the Coastal Botanical Gardens, in Boothbay. Boothbay Harbor is nice for a quick stroll, too and perhaps lunch. We've eaten there many times, but our experience has been that the food is somewhat ordinary.
Portland, Maine's largest city, is fast becoming famous as a foodie town. The harbor area has lots of restaurants, shops, and ferries to the various nearby islands. Nice art museum, too.
You might stop in Kennebunkport, a charming harbor town, and take the shore path that goes from downtown right past Walker Point, past President Bush's house.
In Wells, you can walk Laudholm farm, a salt-water farm/turned nature place. You can walk on its various trails, one of which goes right to Wells Beach.
On to Ogunquit, where you have been. Leave Ogunquit via Shore Rd, which winds along the coast to York Beach. The Goldenrod is only open shorter hours now, and the only thing open yesterday was the Union Bluff hotel pub. But it might be open on weekends through Columbus Day. In any case, you can find good food at the York Harbor Inn, and Stageneck Inn in York Harbor. You might stop at the Stonewall Kitchen shop on Route 1, they have a good cafe, and you can buy all the jams and jellies you could possibly want.
If you have time, stop in Portsmouth, NH. Visit the Strawbery Banke area and shops. LOTS of goo food in Portsmouth.

Thank you Dfrost and Calabria. Lots of great suggestions...will add what I can to our itinerary!
Note – We aren’t planning to do much in Bangor...probably just dinner and unwind.