Got frequent flyer tickets into Portland in August (burning up Delta skymiles) - will have 5 nites. Will get into PWM late so will overnite by the airport but then need a destination. Was hoping to go to Boothbay Harbor but hotels there seem expensive; so was thinking of going to Belfast because rates are reasonable. Have already been to southern ME (Ogunquit, Kennebunkport) so want something different. Any suggestions? (Must be on the coast). Thanks.

Er...Bar Harbor? Arcadia National Park nearby is quite nice.

The city of Portland, Maine is a cool little town, too - the Old Port is worth a stroll if you have a few spare hours.

Andrew

Mid-Coast Maine is great. Belfast would put you in decent distance to make Acadia a day trip. We've stayed in nearby Searsport. You can also head south to visit Camden. I've heard Belfast has some great restaurants so I am anxious to get back to Maine this summer. August is also during blueberry harvest so expect fresh blueberries sold along the road. The last time we were in Searsport, rather than go to Acadia, we explored the Blue Hill peninsula just south. If you head to Camden, stop at the Cellar Door Winery in Lincolnville. It's off the beaten path so you need to check their hours etc. The Belfast area is more old Maine and less congested than the southern coast. Camden is beautiful but pricey. Don't miss the view overlooking Camden Harbor from Mt Battie (take the auto road and binoculars). We take bag chairs, picnic lunch and spend some quiet time. We carry the chairs in the trunk for times when you just want to sit and enjoy the view. Ours fit in an LL Bean duffle bag so can go on the plane. If you've never been to Acadia than you do want to go to the top of Cadillac for the incredible view.
We visited in June before the tourist season really started. I remember one store was closed with a sign on the door that said "gone fishing". Of course, you must know that any visit to Maine must include a search for the perfect lobster dinner. I can't remember the lobster pound near Searsport/Belfast but it was definitely no frills. I think we had to bring our own paper towels and noticed other families brought a table cloth for the picnic table, salads, etc. You will also want to search for a place that sells real blueberry pie made from fresh berries.

Sounds like Belfast may be a good place to base. There is a lobster pound nearby called Youngs Lobster Pound. Is that what you're thinking of? Of course, eating lots of lobster is our top priority!

Even rooms by the airport are high in Maine in August, but if you arrive late the car rental places are already closed so I guess you're stuck by the airport. Book early because everything around there does fill up.

Check out Beloins.com in Camden for a place to stay, or the Mount Battie Motel. Belfast is okay but not as many decent places to stay, more motor-inn type roadside places. Young's lobster pound is bare-bones and delicious but not a "dining' experience, more like a picnic. Try the Lincolnville Lobster Pound when you drive past it on Route 1.

Leave your airport accomodations early in the morning as traffic on Route 1 really gets heavy in August.

Thanks for the suggestions. The Mount Battie Inn (they are callign it an inn rather than a motel these days) looks like a possiblity. Our flight out of Portland is on a Monday at 1pm - do you suggest staying closer to the airport the previous night (closer than Belfast or Camden or Lincolnville-whichever we wind up at) or do you think it's a doable drive the same morning?

I just made a reservation at the Mt Battie Inn in Lincolnville Beach for August, for 115 a nite - king, waterview, including continental breakfast - which seems quite reasonable compared to alot of the other prices I'm seeing. We will be out all day so as long as its clean, it will be fine. My husband doesn't like B&B's so we are limited in where we can stay.

Lincolnville to Portland airport I'd allow about 2.5 hours. Route 1 south for about 50 miles then you hit 295 Freeway South, exit right at Westbrook Street and follow the signs to the airport (look for the tiny 'Route9' sign and bear right at this fork). If you leave around 8:30-9am you should have no problem at all, Portland is pretty much a breeze as far as returning a car and getting through security etc.

You will love the Lincolnville Lobster Pound. Also the Village Restaurant downtown Camden has always been good.

From Lincolnville you can put the car on a ferry boat and ride to Isleboro, where John Travolta and Kirstie Alley and Oprah have homes. Not really much to see there but if you want to experience the ferry ride and "island life" it makes for a pleasant afternoon. Just don't miss the last ferry boat back!

Sometimes I drive myself crazy....am back to thinking about Boothbay Harbor. Don't know why but for years that is where Ihave wanted to go. My husband doesn't like B&B's; so does anyone have any input they can offer on Boothbay Harbor Inn, Tugboat Inn, Fishermans Wharf Inn or Browns Wharf. Thanks. I have the Mt Battie in Lincolnville reserved but can always cancel that.

I love Boothbay, but consider it a 2 or 3 night stop, not a 5-nighter. Camden/Lincolnville is a little easier to take day trips from, I think.

If you go to Boothbay, book early, and try to get onto the Cabbage Island Clambake boat, it's a fun only-in-New-England thing to do.

Take a look at the Ocean Point Inn in East Boothbay.

I'm thinking 3 nights Boothbay, then 1 night Bath prior to our flight home. My husband would like to see the wooden boat building at the Maritime Museum in Bath.

Funny... I was ready to chime in with my suggestions from the Pacific Northwest (thinking Portland OREGON!).