Downeast Anyone?
 

We are planning a trip to Maine this summer and have spent a fair amoount of time in mid coast and the Ellsworth/Bar Harbor area. Decided to go up farther "downeast" this summer. When I look at the messages on these boards there's hardly any info about this area. Would love any tips that anyone could provide!Looking for restaurant/lobster pounds, scenic areas, etc. Thanks ahead of time for your help!

Is there anyone who has any tips for my downeast adventure???

One summer we took the "airline" road on our way to PEI. Went through a lot of blueberry farm areas. On the way back we camped near the Canadian border. Sorry, I don't remember much about this section of Maine. Except for the Calais area, there's not much around. Maybe heading inland would be a better idea for exploring a new area of Maine. Maybe Rangley lakes? It's hard to find something as scenic as Camden or Cadillac mountain. I've read that there are attempts to put more emphasis on logging and other things about Maine besides the coast. We enjoyed the Cole Transportation Museum in Bangor. There's a small logging museum near Brewer that has some special event weekends. Leonard Mills. Really nicely restored sawmill with the chance to talk to the guys who rebuilt it. Of course, it helps to bring Pop along who used to use some of those old chain saws.

Sorry, I dont know what "downeast" means but what about visiting the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick? The 40 ft tides are awesome!

If you're looking to go "Downeast", you need to visit Washington County. It's a region with a lot of working harbors, blueberry barrens, and down-to-earth people. Not a lot of fancy restaurants, hotels, etc. If you are into seeing the "real" Maine, it is the place to go. I esp. recommend visiting Cutler and Eastport. I grew up there, so I'm biased!

Jenabet-thank you so much for your post. We are planning to spend time in Eastport and travel around in that general area but I really can't find a lot written about it. Any tips you can provide about particular harbors, roads, eating places will be most appreciated.

If you're going to be in the area for the 4th of July, Eastport has a parade that is somewhat interesting. Or, in early August, Machias has a blueberry festival. I recommend that you drive up route 1 from Ellsworth which will take you through Milbridge and Machias. Stop in Cutler because the harbor is very beautiful. You could visit the Little River lighthouse there. This link might be of interest:
http://www.boldcoast.com/.
From Cutler, drive through Lubec and up to Eastport. I can't really recommend any restaurants. There are probably some good ones I'm unfamiliar with, but otherwise you will see some lobster pounds along the way. I have heard that there is a rather upscale restaurant in Cutler now which is just open in the summer. I hope some of that helps.

Not too far from Ellsworth in Hancock is Le Domaine, a lovely inn and restaurant. The food is fantastic! We make the drive from Mt. Desert just to go there. You can check out their site at www.ledomaine.com. I confess that I'm still not sure what qualifies as downeast (it seems to be virtually anything north of Portland on the coast - a native Mainer in my office chuckled when I asked him to define the region), but Camden and Damariscott are both lovely, as is the Blue Hill area. Do you have a specific town in mind as a base point? I might be able help with some more info....

Oops, sorry missed your Eastport comment!

We will be spending time in Eastport, Ellsworth and then driving down to Camden.Would appreciate any info about those areas.

Protravel, you may want to start your adventure just over the Canadian border and take in Campbello Island for its Roosevelt connections. Lubec is the most eastern town in the US and will serve as your 'bridge' to CI. You should also visit the lighthouse there which is accessible by foot during low tide. The largest whirlpool in the western hemisphere is located just east of Eastport. Another interesting stop can be found in Warren. The Maine State Prison, which is located there, has a sizeable wood working shop where prisoners handicrafts including intricate ship models, furniture, birdhouses, etc. are sold for very good prices. Other Prison Showrooms are located in Windham and Thomaston.

hey there-
i am traveling downeast as well this summer and am having a heck of a time with this same issue...how far to travel to be able to take in what we feel we need to...but, in my research this am i found this link...it is to a cabin in lubec...and not that you are necessarily interested in that but, if you scroll down...on the left side they posted links of things to do in the area looks good....
http://moosecove.com/SL/SLmain.shtml

hi pro, hmm i've lived in bangor area for 11 years now and am still unclear on where downeast is.
if you decide to come inland at all you might want to try the moosehead lake area. a huge lake - very beautiful. some good restaurants and a couple delightful inns.
bay of fundy is definetly worth the trip is you are going to be anywhere close.