Hi--thx to all who have taken the time to post info--you've really helped us plan our itinerary up the Maine coast---I LOVE this forum!! We only have a week, so will stay in Boothbay Hrbr 2 nites, then Camden for 2 nights, then BarHrbr/Acadia for 3 nights. There seems to be so much around BBayHrbr, that I'm wondering about taking an entire day to see Monhegan Isl. We're driving from Manchester, NH on Sat, so am guessing that we'll arrive in BBHrbr around 3p on Sat. Sunday is open, and on Monday will start heading to the Camden area. My question is: Is Monhegan Isl. so unique to the area that we shouldn't miss it on Sunday? Or should we just lay back and enjoy the area: rocky coast, Pemaquid Pt., etc. Also, approx. how long will it take to drive Rt. 1 (early Aug) from Camden to Bar Hrbr? How about Camden to Castine/Stonington? Should we skip Castine/Stonington area and head straight to BHrbr?? Lots of ??????s!!!!!! Thanks much. Kristin

Slow Down! We were recently in Searsport and still haven't been to Monhegan. It was pretty cold out on the ocean and decided we weren't up for the long boat ride. I'm going to guess 2 1/2-3 hours to get from Camden to Bar Hrbr. But but but, that means no stopping. What about stopping in Rockland at the Farnsworth Museum to see the wonderful paintings, many by the Wyeths? Sunday you should spend exploring the Pemaquid area and having lobster for lunch. And you can't zoom to Bar Harbor without checking out the bears in Belfast although the mayor has already operated on Hot-diggity-dog. You can take a kayak tour/lesson. They serve up some interesting wrap sandwiches at Bay Wraps. You might have to stop at the big Chicken coop place that has thousands of books, not to mention all the other antique and old book shops. You might find some gifts at H.O.M.E. in Orland. The handknit mittens are wonderful. The handmade items vary in quality but you ought to find something. Our cat loves the catnip mouse and it has lasted much longer than the commercially made one that she tore apart in less than an hour. We liked the Blue Hill Penisula. The lupines were in full bloom. It's a very pretty area. If you like gardens, find the Blue Poppy. If you follow the garden trails it may still be in bloom. We had some really good sticky buns in Stonington. You might miss the little deli shop because the sign says 'provisions'. We browsed the old books at the antique mall in Ellsworth as well because I had already found they had some out-of-print books my husband wanted. Don't forget to look up in some of those old stores. The tin ceilings are beautiful. Hope you have a great time.

I can't answer if it would be worth it for you, but we went to Monhegan Island while staying in Boothbay several years ago and it was great. It was definetly a highlight. The boat ride out was nice and we even saw some whales. We loved walking around the island, which you probably know is almost all foot traffic only. Had a great lunch. Walked out to one of the Wyatt's home - can't remember which one. There were so many tame deer. You could pet them, take your picture with them. Lovely time was had by all.

With only 1 1/2 days in Boothbay Harbor, I would not do Monhegan. We did it once and my husband loved it and I hated it. Ran into a thunderstorm on the way back and the waves were breaking close to the top of the boat! All that aside, spend your time exploring the town and surroundings, go on a harbor tour, (there are several to choose from) and eat lots of lobster. Save Monhegan for next time.

We loved the trip to Monhegan but it will take up most of your day. If you don't particularly enjoy hiking, then it may not be worth it. There isn't that much to do there. The boat ride was enjoyable too.

Thx to all for your replies. We'll be doing plenty of hiking, kayaking, etc. in Acadia, so will maybe just do a harbor cruise/sightseeing in BByHrbr. I'll save it for another trip. Thanks for helping me make my decision!!