TarheelsInNj

Hello! My husband and I are thinking about taking a 5-6 day trip to Maine over his spring break (he's a teacher), which unfortunately falls rather early this year. We'd be going the second weekend in April.

I understand the weather in April can be rather unpredictable...but how bad might it be?

Any experiences or thoughts would be very welcome. Thank you!

Thank you!

djkbooks

The weather may be "spring" or "winter". April in New England (along with November) is known as mud season. Dreary with lots of rain, most likely. Snow is not usual, nor is unseasonally warm weather. Now and again, you'd think it was early summer over Easter weekend.

The larger problem will be what's open if you're planning to visit seasonal destinations.

Best bet, if you're set on Maine in April, would be to choose a really nice place to stay (accommodations will be at more reasonable off season rates) with fabulous year-round dining destinations. An terrific hotel/inn with dining and a nice cocktail lounge, where you can hibernate if the weather is lousy, would be ideal.

For example, stay at the Cliff House in Ogunquit (the Marginal Way walk is terrific) and dine within and/or at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Arrows in Ogunquit, and so forth.

Portland is a wonderful destination year-round. Lots of great live music all over, nice hotels, fabulous dining. Also recommend Camden for lodging and dining (also shopping).

The advantage of visiting in April is off season rates and romantic dining in places that would be otherwise busy and loud. And, the scenery is dramatic always along the coast.

You might consider finding a good "lighthouse" map. These are gorgeous and great fun to drive to, and explore along the way.

dfrostnh

In other words, it's possible to have a snowstorm but not likely. April is a little early for the best of spring (apple orchards in bloom mid-May, spring bulbs in late April) but I agree with djkbooks that you could have a fabulous time in the right place and with the right attitude. Expect there will still be spring skiing at the ski resorts. It's too early for the best lobster shacks to be open but you will be able to find lobster. Our favorite winery, Cellar Door in Lincolnville (north of Camden) doesn't open until May 13. The Farnsworth Museum in Rockland is open year round (my husband prefers the Owls Head Transportation Museum). I would not consider a trip out to Monhegan Island but there should be plenty of opportunities for some nice walks/short hikes if the weather is decent. If you could be in Maine for a full weekend, that is the likeliest time to find a special event going on. It may also depend on how much snow we get this winter ... there was a recent winter when snow lasted forever and we still had snow on the ground in April. So far, it's unseasonably warm.

TarheelsInNj

Thanks so much for the optimistic responses! The off-season rates are indeed a draw, and the Portland/Kennebunk/Oguinquit area sounds perfect. We'll be driving up from NYC, so even though we're planning 4-5 days, I think we'd stick to southern Maine.

bennnie

As you are from the Northeast, then you know how unpredictable the weather in april can be. My Southern boss once told me that she never understood the line from the TS Eliot poem "April is the cruelest month" until she lived in New England.

I've also heard it said that there are only 2 seasons in Maine - Winter and 2 months when the sledding is terrible.

bennnie

Sorry - Also meant to affirm that sticking to the Portland area is a good plan. You might even consider staying in Portsmouth NH. The rates at the Wentworth by the Sea are very reasonable in April. We've gone there for a few days each April vacation since its reopened. Lovely pool and spa and great views.

djkbooks

You might want to check out the Camden Harbor Inn. We stayed there last summer and just loved the place. Our room was beautiful (everything brand new) and huge and had a fireplace. They serve only breakfast (included and very good) in the dining room. But, there are some really fantastic restaurants in Camden (more than we had time to visit). We really enjoyed Atlantica, Francine Bistro, and Natalies on the Mill. Many restaurants in Camden have fireplaces in the dining room and/or lounge.