Maine or Wine Country in May?
 

Planning a trip for an anniversary over Memorial Day weekend this May. Debating between Maine(the coast) or Napa/Sonoma Valley. What is the weather like in both places? Looking for hotel or B&B rates of $100 or less a night. Any suggestions? <BR>Thanks

Weather will be warmer in Napa (of course) but is getting nice in Maine (still cool at night). Both are pleasant.<BR>Your dollar will go farther in Maine.<BR>I find lodging rates in Napa bordering outrageous for what you get.<BR>Where are you from?<BR>Have you been to either?

I can't really help with the weather, but I had a wonderful experience last summer in Maine, and I'm going to Sonoma next week. What sam-the-second says is true-- Napa, especially, is very expensive relative to Maine. What seems to be lacking is lower-priced places that aren't motels. I have seen some listings online, however.<BR><BR>One comment that might favor Napa/Sonoma though-- many restaurants on the Maine coast are seasonal, and may or may not be open by Memorial Day (I assume that's when summer is said to begin). One of the high points of our trip was the really outstanding food in small local spots. It would be a shame if that weren't available. The California wine country doesn't really shut down.<BR><BR>Sites for Napa and Sonoma:<BR>http://www.sonomatraveler.com/<BR>http://www.insiders.com/winecountry/main-bnb.htm#tod<BR><BR>Site for Maine<BR>http://www.maineinns.com/index.html

Robin,<BR>PLEASE, PLEASE write back after your trip to Sonoma next week. I'd love to read your comparisons. What part of the country are you from?<BR>I'm from New England, and can't imagine not choosing California Vineyards over Maine! (Even though I think Maine does have a lot to offer.)<BR>The seasonal restaurants start to open in April, usually coinciding with Easter, more early May (Mother's Day), and just about all by Memorial Day weekend at the end of the month. <BR>It is usually still quite cool, especially in the evenings, and often rainy.

Thanks for the advise. We're from the south and have not been to either place. Since we're trying to save a little money, it looks like we are considering Maine. We're looking for a day trip to see some whales, some hiking, that sort of thing. Areas lie Camden and Bar Harbor are looking good. Any suggestions on restaurants for an anniversary dinner?

The Sail Loft in Rockport is excellent for seafood in a casual atmosphere with great views! <BR>The Country Inn motel on Rt 1 in Camden is a very good value in a convenient location.<BR>You may want to consider exploring some of the southern Maine areas as well, such as Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. On the Marsh is a very romantic, but expensive, restaurant in K-port.

These are both beautiful areas. Northern Sonoma valley around Healdsburg is actually not that expensive, and is more unspoiled and scenic than Napa. A few considerations as far as Maine - springtime in Northern New England can be very unpredictable, the temps can be anywhere from the 70's to the 40's. The water will be VERY cold this time of year which can make for some heavy fog along the beach, even on a sunny day. If you are willing to drive a over towards New Hampshire, there is some fabulous hiking in the White Mountains - unfortunately, this time of year brings out the blackflies in the woods, which can be maddening. This being said, you can still have a great time in Maine. If the weather is bad you can spend the day in Portland Me, Portsmouth NH, or even Boston. All 3 are very nice places to spend a rainy day.

I can only give you my experiences in Maine. In mid-June last year, we went to Maine for about a week, staying in Boothbay Harbor. We made a day-trip to Camden, and thought it was a charming little city (town?). It was warm inland (warm enough to wear shorts; even hot on one day), and a bit cool on the ocean (you may want to carry a jacket).<BR><BR>It wasn't yet the start of the high season, which had its good and bad points. There were no crowds and not many people generally. All of the restaurants were open, but not all of the other attractions. For example, none of the tourboats in Boothbay Harbor were running any lobsterboat tours, which we had really looked forward to doing with our kids. The harbor tours, seal-watching tours, etc. were all running.<BR><BR>Bar Harbor, as it's further north, is of course likely to be even cooler, but it would be nice to avoid the crowds. I haven't been to Bar Harbor for about 10 years, but you can easily locate many fine B&Bs in Bar Harbor, though I don't know how many will be less than $100/night. B&Bs are the major form of lodging in Bar Harbor, I got the impression!<BR><BR>Most of the visitors to go no further than 50 yards from the road (or some similar statistic), so if you hike in the park, you will really get to experience the beauty of the park - and without any crowds. We took several hikes that, for at least a portion, ran along the water. We made sure to leave lots of time for sunning ourselves on the rocks!<BR><BR>The Maine beauty and culture make for a wonderful vacation!

Beware black fly season in Maine. I've never been there for it, but I hear it's absolutely unbearable they're all over the place. I seem to recall that it occurs some time in May. You may want to check with locals who don't own B&B's.

Hi! We went to Sonoma last week and had a great time (If anyone is wondering which place is better in JANUARY, there is no question!)<BR><BR>These regions actually share a lot of what I liked in Maine-- beautiful country and a relaxing atmosphere combined with great food and a bit of sophsitication. I can now vouch for there being some lower priced places in the wine country, but you may have to look a little harder. And look out for food-- it's excellent, but can get fairly expensive. However, there is no need to go to the famous "brand-name" restaurants (unless that's something you would love). The great thing about a region with top-notch restaurants is that there are a lot of really good chefs cooking in other restaurants hoping to get a shot at the famous one! That seems to have been what was happening along the Maine coast, and it's true in Sonoma too.<BR><BR>Doug's recommendation to look around Healdsburg is a good one. I can't speak to room rates, but it's a charming area, and still an easy drive to the better-known regions. there are some great wineries in the Dry Creek region.<BR><BR>So I wouldn't dream of "voting" which was better-- they're both wonderful spots! I don't think you can go wtong.