Maine trip report
 

We just returned from a wonderful trip to coastal New Hampshire and Camden Maine. We've made the trip up to the region a half dozen times, and this trip didn't disappoint. It was a 40th anniv. celebration, and included a stop on the the way up, to Seabrook, NH, where we had delicious lobsters. We were so happy with our meal, we went back the following day, and also on the way back south. We chose Markey's initially because that is where we got a parking spot, and felt, why question a good thing. I will say though, that there was just as big a crowd across the street at Brown's, and I suspect you would not go wrong with either place. The best part of the whole lobster experience for us at Markey's was that the lobster was cracked for us, making for a much easier process.

On our way up to Camden, we stopped at Five Islands lobster shack, and I give this place my vote for best views while tackling that lobster. There are many excellent lobster shacks in Maine, most with beautiful views, but in my opinion, this one has the best. I'd recommend a stop in Reid State Park while down there. I saw it first in the fall when it was much quieter, and loved it, but was glad to spend a little time there in summer.

In Camden, we stayed at our favorite B&B, Hartstone Inn. This was our 5th visit there, and we always return because of the wonderful service, beautiful rooms, and gourmet meals. I have yet to stay in the same room twice, and each time, I'm sure that THIS ONE is my favorite......... but there are so many charming, beautifully decorated rooms to choose from. I already have the next two rooms picked out! I should also add that there are many thoughtful amenities in each room, comfy beds and bedding, that the rooms and the staff always make you feel pampered. For the first time, we took a schooner cruise, and enjoyed seeing the area from a different, very relaxing, perspective. The B&B made up a lunch pail with lobster rolls, salad and dessert, allowing for us to do lunch while out on the boat. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

On our way home, we stopped for one night at Wentworth By the Sea, and had a beautiful room overlooking the water. This is a historic bldg., and was a nice way to end our trip.

Happy 40th!!! Great trip report. Yum lobster.I can taste it now,lol
I love lighthouses and I have never been up to Maine but it is on my list of places to go one of these days. Sounds like you had a really good trip.Thanks for the report.

My next big trip includes a road trip through Maine. I am bookmarking your report. Thanks for some itinerary ideas.

Happy 40th! What no rhubarb pie report? Second the vote for Five Islands' shack with the best view. We love visiting Maine and eating plenty of lobster and maybe some fried clams and save room for pie.

Gatlinburglover, you will enjoy the lighthouses up in Maine. There are many, and some quite unusual. There are also some that have been converted to private homes. I didn't include them in this trip, as we've done that on two occasions before. I should add that we got our information from Hartstone Inn, and used their info as a great starting point. From there, we branched out further, on a return visit. On this trip, we only stopped at one, Marshall Point, as I had a nice photo of it, but it was on a cloudy day, and I wanted the same photo with sun :] The best part, if you don't mind the drives, is the beautiful craggy coastline you get peaks of, as you go down the many fingers that are Maine's unique coastline, and which give the state the most coastline of all 48 mainland states, as you search for the lighthouses.
Dfrostnh, I will have to search out rhubarb pie on the next visit [next year, to an already selected room at Hartstone] I've never had rhubarb, much to the shock of some newly discovered N. Irish relatives, and now I know where to go to try it :]