Hello,

My family (all 40-something) will be taking a 2 day/night side trip to Maine in July – we’ll leave Boston early on Wednesday morning and we have to be back by Friday noon.

We enjoy rugged and beautiful landscapes, the ocean, lighthouses, exploring historic buildings/mansions and charming shops, light hiking and nature walks, wildlife viewing, taking pictures, good food. We’re not interested in boating, crowded boardwalks/arcades with t-shirt and candy shops, or nightlife. I realize it’s difficult to completely avoid the crowds. We’re not the types to sit on a rock for hours admiring the sea nor do we want to race around - we enjoy a moderate pace.

I’ve thought about setting up a “home base” (where???) for the 2 nights and taking a few drives. I’d love to see Acadia but to do it justice that may have be a trip in itself for another time. I wish I had 2 weeks!

Any suggestions for our 2 days?

Thanks!

Inn By the Sea in Cape Elizabeth?

The Eagle Inn in Boothbay Harbor?

Sorry, I meant Welch House Inn in Boothbay.

Going to Acadia/Boothbay is just too far for 2 days during a peak traffic time. Pick York or Ogunquit and really experience them. See - gatewaytomaine.org. I have a place in York Harbor and it takes me 1 hour 15 minutes to get there from Logan Airport. It's a lovely area, lots of museums, hiking, cliff walks, lobtsa & steema's, etc.... Plan another trip for 2 weeks to a more north area and you will be thrilled you did!

Sounds ambitious if you only have Wednesday afternoon and all of Thursday. I'd stick to southern Maine: York, Ogunquit including Portsmouth, NH. Check the mileage to Boothbay Harbor-that's probably as far north as you'd want to go and still enjoy your trip. Otherwise you'll spend most of your time just driving.

Take a look at York Harbor Inn. Personally I like Camden Maine and the environs but that may be too crowded for you.

I walk by the York Harbor Inn every morning when I am there. It is a great location overlooking the water and minutes walk to the beach. They do have several buildings to chose from. We are at the other end of a cliff walk that goes along the ocean from where we are to the harbor beach...beautiful! You can also walk further along the harbor and through a park ending up in the historic museum area.