Help! Maine Trip Home Base
 

Hi-
My husband and I are planning a 10 -14 day trip to Maine mid-July.
Based on what I've read, we would like to visit: Kennebunkport, Portland, Rockport, Camden and Bar Harbor.
We know we would like to stay at least several days in Bar Harbor so we can explore Acadia National Park. We would also like to take a day ferry someplace so we can get out on the water to see some of the islands.
I hate switching hotels every night. Ideally, I would like to plan our itinerary so that we stay only one other place in addition to Bar Harbor and do day trips.
We can fly into either Boston or Portland.
Does any have any suggestions?
Thanks so much-

With your goal cities it works better as a 3-stay vacation. A few nights Kennebunkport with a day trip to Portland/Cape Elizabeth, a day trip to Ogunquit/York Harbor and a day trip maybe to the Sebago Lakes region for a nice hike.

Then Camden/Rockport for 3 nights....or 4 if you want to take a ferry to Vinalhaven or Monhegan, or just a little jaunt to Isleboro for some biking around the island (ferry here is from Lincolnville just north of Camden).

Then Bar Harbor

Hoping to do this same trip, mid July as well, but with a toddler in tow.

Excited to see what you're told, Hillyhof.

That is really good advice from clarkgriswold.

In your planning, allow for driving time from place to place. Much of the highway will be two lane.

Depending on your interests, consider stopping in Freeport for LL bean and the outlets, Brunswick, Wiscasset and Boothbay Harbor.

When in the Rockport area, be sure to visit the Farnsworth Museum of Maine art. They also own the Olson house in Cushing, site of Andrew Wyeth's "Christina's World".

We enjoyed our stay at the Hartstone Inn in Camden and a ride on the windjammer Surprise.

We enjoyed our short stay at The Dunes in Oqunquit a couple of years ago. They have everything from motel units to cottages. Although right on Rt 1, the property is several acres in back so road noise is not noticeable. For anyone with a toddler, there are chairs and tables outside each unit (we had a one bedroom with LR, very small but adequate) so there's a good grassy area for children.

Near Camden, I have enjoyed Glenmoor-by-the Sea for the same reason. Larger units, lots of grass/

The mailboat cruise of Casco bay/Portland is a nice ride. The trip to Monhegan is longer open ocean time to an island with great hiking but take a picnic lunch. One of our best boat rides was a lighthouse cruise from the Maritime Museum in Bath. At the time, it was an all day trip and we took a picnic lunch to eat on an island. I think their trips are much shorter now.

Our favorite area is the mid-coast but since you would like to stay several days in Bar Harbor, maybe explore Camden on the way up and Rockport (are you sure you don't mean Rockland?) on the way back. I would agree with clarkgriswold for 3 different spots. Leave the Portland area for last so you'll be near the airport or plan a late flight out of Boston which recommends arriving 2 hours early to get thru security.

I think the distance is too far to just stay in 2 locations. You don't want to spend all your time on I95 which is a pretty boring hwy.

Thank you all so much! You have been very helpful. 3 -stays it is!