Maine for 2 weeks with 12 year old
 

Hi -- we are planning a trip to Maine For two weeks, leaving Boston aound August 22. Me, my husband and 12 year old son --- like outdoors, swimming, hiking, some honky tonk. Looking at stopping by Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Rockland, Camden and spend a good chunk of time at Acadia National Park. Looking for ideas for good hotels ---some with swimming pools --and B& B's that are good for kids. We are open to staying are one place -or 2 difffernt places on Mt. Desert Island, especially if we end up staying for 5-6 nights.

Appreciate your advice! Thanks

Lisa

Near Old Orchard I can recommend Billowhouse.com, although they are probably sold out for August. The nearby Sea Cliff House motel is getting a bit old and tattered, but has nice little efficiency units with separated bedroom/living area, and, like Billowhouse, is at the most beautiful end of the beach. Near Rockland/Camden look at the High Tide Inn and Beloins.

Thank you - -I will check them out!

Lisa

Just north of Camden try Glenmore by the Sea in Lincolnville. They have a variety of accomodations plus the property is large enough for bike riding by a 12 yo.

We recently stayed at the Dunes in Ogunquit. They have a variety of accomodations, too. Plus the pool, lots of grass and landscaping in old-fashioned type cottage buildings.

I should have added that if you're outdoorsy and have two whole weeks up in Maine, you should definitely plan two nights on Moosehead Lake. Or, with a 12 year old , get a cabin with kayaks and make that 3 nights. Might have better luck finding availability that 2nd week though, Aug 22 week is probably long sold out up there in God's country.

Another idea for Old Orchard Beach is the Kebek 3 Motel. From Aug. 24 on is mid-season prices but I don't know if there's any availability. It is an older motel (no pool) but very clean and is constantly updated. There are two kinds of units available (both with kitchen facilities) and it is right on the beach. We have stayed there twice for a week and just done day trips from there. We love to take long walks on the sandy beach every morning.

I agree that with two weeks you may want to venture away from the ocean to the mountain/lake areas. One year we stayed up by Bethel and explored the lakes and small towns in the area.

Thank you for your suggestions! So far we have decided on 5 nights at Acadia Natl Park area. 8/28-9/2. Might do a little camping along the way.

Our two favorite campgrounds on Maine's coast are Searsport Shores in Searsport and Chewonki in Wiscasset. Both are small but Chewonki is on a former farm next to a tidal river. Some of the sites are huge.

Ok! So we have finally made hotel/B&B reservations and here is our itinerary. Looking for not-to-miss activities and restaurants! I am not thrilled with the first 2 nigths but this is what we have:

2 nights Portland Fairfield Inn (Old Orchard to Fun town. Maybe Portland Sea Dogs, and old port).
2 nights Boothbay Habor-Green Leaf Inn
3 nights Camden -High Tide Inn/Cabin
3 nights Bar Harbor Acacia House Inn- rent bikes, hike, carriage ride? Mt. Cad. sun rise...
2 nights Mt. Desert Campground (tent)
2 nights Rockland, Samoset Resort

14 nights -- Leaving and returning to Cambridge.

What do you think? Thanks for your feedback!

Hmmm....you didn't want to combine Camden and Rockland into a 4 or 5 night stay? Seems silly to leave Camden and then return a few nights later, staying in Rockland.
Also you've kinda missed the beach areas.....might consider Wells or Ogunquit for your final two nights.
Oh well, I imagine the Samoset is locked in, you could always take a drive to Popham Beach or Reid State Park if you wanted some beach (as opposed to rocky shore) time.

The guys might like Owls Head Transportation Museum near Rockland. Check weekend events if you'll be there on a weekend. When they have antique airplanes listed, they actually fly them. Easy hike to Owls Head Light. There's another path to a small rocky beach.

Visit MDI ice cream either in Portland (Extension St) or on MDI. Challenge each other to try the weirdest flavors. I tasted Thai chili but peanut butter flavored ice cream with a hot kick was too weird. Salted caramel and blackstrap banana were two flavors I loved.

My usual spiel: picnic on top of Mt Battie in Camden. Don't forget your binnoculars. It overlooks Camden Harbor and you can watch sailboats coming along the coast.

Thanks for for the comments. We chose Rockland on the way back because it is about halfway on our way back from Acadia Nat'l Park to Cambridge, MA. We wanted to break up the drive. I am not locked into Samoset yet....

Go fly fishing.

That's a great idea. Is there a place you can recomend where we can rent equipment -- or get a few tips? (We have never fly fished before!)