maine coastal trip
 

My husband and I, along with our 9 year old daughter are planning a trip to Maine during the first 2 weeks of June of this year (2013). We are planning to head north of Portland and looking for any tips on travelling the area, places to stay, must see's, and must do's.

It will not be crowded yet because school in New England won't get out until the third week in June.

It will also not be crowded because it will still be cool, sweater cool if you are coming from the south or midwest. You will need sweaters and raingear, but you won't need them every day. Most people in Maine don't swim, so be aware that the scenery and atmosphere (and the shellfish) are what you are going for.

There are lots of posts on these topics. dfrostnh and I have both responded to a lot of them as have many others. Click on her name first (then mine) to read what we and others have written in response to other people's queries.

Then come back with your budget, likes and dislikes, and special interests like, "I always wanted to do _____ in Maine" or "we love art and historic houses".

It's wonderful!

Visited Belfast last summer. Really liked that town.
Loved Acadia NP.

good advice, Ackislander!
Adding a 9 yo changes things a little. Our GD's first grade class enjoyed the children's museum in Dover NH (used to be in Portsmouth NH) which you might include before you get too far north (if driving). We have not been to any childrens museum in ME so another poster might have info.

You should check to see if there are any black fly reports which would limit hiking in the woods. They might be over and done with in May or still around in early June. Around mid-May lupines are blooming. We once attended a lupine festival. In 2012 it was June 15, 16 and 17 in Stonington. This is just south of MDI. If you aren't interested in the festival or the dates don't work, just keep your eyes open for fields of lupine.

Last summer we enjoyed exploring the Harpswell area east of Brunswick. There are maps to the conservation areas that are open for public hiking. The Giant Steps/Stairs is a nice walk along the coastal cliff. Not too long. Make sure everyone has their own pair of binoculars.

I love Harpswell so much that I almost bought a house there.

Thank you for all for the replies. I will definitely check out the other posts, Ackislander. Dfrostnh, thanks for the advice on the black flies! Good to know. Thank you.