We will be coming up to Maine either one week in August or the first week in September. Flying into Manchester NH from Phil, great fares on US Air. We will start with three nights in Bar Harbor and finish with two nights in Kennebunkport. Looking to spend two other nights somewhere in between. Want something scenic, romantic, interesting shops and restaurants. Where would you suggest and why? Thanks for any input.

I would suggest Cape Elizabeth. It is a beautiful town on the ocean, very near Portland. It has a historic lighthouse and museum. Portland is a great little city with interesting shops.

Sept is the best bet - most of the tourists will have left. Boothbay Harbor for quiet and good seafood.......Camden if shops & touristy are more your thing.

I would consider a stay in Portland; it's a great little city and will fulfill your restaurant and shops requirements.

Last summer, after a couple nights in Kennebunk, we headed up to Portland for a night. Stayed at the Regency...great location and nice hotel-it's a converted armory. Lots of character. The highlight of our time in Portland was taking the mailboat run out the islands.
We'll be in the area the first week of September as well....hope you have a great trip!

I second Portland. It is a great little city. Last time there, I stayed at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, which was within walking distance to many of the shops and restaurants, which was great.

Portland is a very interesting city, and 2 days is a perfect amount of time to explore it.

I suggest Camden (check out the Norumbega Inn) or Boothbay Harbor.

If you decide on Portland, (which is only about 40 minutes (?) north of Kennebunkport, check out The Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth--one of our all-time favorite romantic spots. Right on the beach.