Maine-Portland/Bar Harbor/Moosehead Lake
 

We will be driving to Maine in July to visit our kids in overnight camp and decided to stay for the week. We leave Philadelphia and plan to drive straight to either Ogunquit or Portland - opinions on both? Other areas to visit? Will be only a one night stay.

From there we plan to continue on to Mount Desert Island for 3 nights - we visited briefly last year and stayed in Bar Harbor but think we would prefer to stay in Southwest Harbor or somewhere else we haven't discovered yet. We want a beautiful view, smaller crowds, a restaurant or two nearby (though wouldn't mind going into Bar Harbor to eat). The Asticou looks beautiful but a little more expensive than we can do this trip. Also open to visiting another area, but would like to spend some more time in Acadia - last time we were there we weren't able to hike at all.

From Bar Harbor we are thinking of going to Moosehead Lake for 3 nights. Blair Hill Inn looks fantastic.

Thoughts on our itinerary and where to stay? I've done Portland before and would be happy to spend a little time there with my husband - but could also happily explore somewhere new. By the time we hit Portland we will have been in the car for a little over 6 hours so it's likely a good time to stop.

Thanks!

I don't think it's worth dealing with July Ogunquit traffic snarls just for a one-night stay.

Near Southwest Harbor consider Moorings Inn.

Don't miss Moosehead! Book the Blair Hill soon but note their 15 day cancellation & non-refundable deposit.

Will look into Moorings Inn - thank you. And that was my guess on Ogunquit - happy to go to Portland (though hard to find a hotel without a two night minimum) - always eat well there. Yes, Blair Hill has $50 non refundable deposit - will book this weekend. Thanks!

I agree with skipping Ogunquit in July. For one night, what about Portsmouth NH? You'd have some great choices for restaurants and a chance to stretch your legs walking around. Sorry not to be able to recommend a hotel since it's a day trip for us. There's a row of restaurants on Bow Street that have connected decks overlooking the harbor. That would be a good view.

But Portland would also be a great choice for dining.