sunshineboca

Hello and thanks in advance for any help.
I'm planning a trip to Maine for the end of Aug. Will be flying into Bangor and out of Portland. We have 8 nights. We are a fun loving 40something couple who are interested in activities such as kayaking,(and any water related activities), biking, hiking, exploring shops and galleries and funky antique shops, exploring quaint towns, good food and drink etc. etc.
I have been doing some research through this board so have some ideas, but I need help and your experience to help me make this trip special.
Obviously we will go N to S due to flight arrangements. I'm thinking about 4 nights in Bar Harbor to cover Acadia park and all it has to offer. Then maybe 2 nights in Camden area, maybe Boothbay Harbor? Kennebunkport? or surronding area. Castine looks so cute also. Maybe a stop there for a night or 2(is there enough to do there?)
As for lodging we like B&Bs (not too tiny), and smaller inns that reflect the area. We live near the beach in Fl. so beaches are not a big priority, although we do love the coast. I'd like to keep the cost in the $ 200.00 or so range but not opposed to spending more on some nights for a special place.
In Bar Harbor a few places that stand out for me are Ulikana B&B, MiraMonte Inn, Hearthside Inn, I've read some good and bad about Balance Rock Inn(tired rooms),and Bar Harbor Inn recently.
I like the idea of being able to walk to town for dinner shops etc.
Any suggestions for time planning as well as accomodations,fun experiences etc. are very appreciated. I know it's a busy time of the year and I need to get reservations SOON.
Thanks again

dfrostnh

Camden is right on Rt 1, a great base location. We definitely prefer the mid-coast area where you have more opportunities to see quaint villages and working fishermen. Although Boothbay is lovely, it's out on a point which makes a longer drive for exploring. I think the Kennebunk area is fun but too congested esp late August. There's a great used books and antique store on your way to Bar Harbor. It's in a huge, old chicken coop. It's north of Searsport. The whole Blue Hill Penninsula is fun to explore. The Farnsworth Museum in Rockland features Maine artists including all three Wyeths. We tend to drive down roads, never quite sure where we'll end up. You can spend hours exploring. We have also found some interesting places a lit bit inland when I've hunted down places that sell plants. Get the local papers and look for local events. Maine is also known for logging and there is a small logging museum outside of Bangor at Leonard's Mills. If they are having an event, the sawmill is esp fascinating when the volunteers who helped restore it are there. The Cole Transportation Museum in Bangor is more about work vehicles while the Owls Head Transportation Museum has more classic cars and planes.
Portland has lots of funky shops in the Old Port area plus some great restaurants. You may want to spend your last night there. We carry bag chairs in the car, plus some picnicking equipment so we can just sit and enjoy an ocean view. Don't forget binnoculars!

professors

You might want to consider Portland for a chage of pace. We are bigger than Camden, Castine, etc. but our Old Port has wonderful shops and we have great restaurants. I guess Kennebunkport offers a similar ambience (although Portland is much larger), anyway I would definitely go to one or the other.Portland has very nice B & Bs. Let me know if you want more info.

bigtyke

Spend some time inland also. Try Greenville at the foot of Moosehead lake.

There are several places to stay - I have always stayed at the Indian Hill Motel - great view of the town and lake. Resonable price

(note: My aunt built the motel about 1960, but the family no longer operates it)

Jacqueline1212

Castine is a cute, tiny place but, as noted above, quite a distance down a peninsula and not much to do when you get there so not worth the time for you, IMO. I think 4 days in Bar Harbor is plenty. Camden is lovely as is Boothbay Harbor, which is my preference. It's about 20 min from Rt. 1 down the peninsula to the Harbor but either town would work. Portland's Old Town is a good suggestion if you like city restorations and Kennebunkport is very enjoyable. I would save Greenville and Moosehead Lake for another trip. It's too far out of the way for your interests this time. Sorry I can't help with B&B's. My husband grew up in one and refuses to stay in them!!!! Too much baggage, etc. The Maine coast is beautiful but don't expect many beaches or ocean swims. Have fun.

Momof3boys

If you like B&Bs and unusual places, you might consider The Keeper's House on Isle au Haut. A couple have turned the lighthouse - actually the cottage and oil house - into a B&B. You have to catch the afternoon mailboat to get there and part of the island is included in the Arcadia NP system so trails to hike. Expensive but adventure, and I spent 2 days there and wonderful memories of candlelight/gaslight since off the power grid, wonderful food, bag lunch and off to hike, watching the lighthouse beacon at night, staying in oil house right by H20. Also enjoyed Camden - went on windjammer cruise on historic ship on Nat'l Registry - beautiful boat, kayaks on the H20, hiking in the state park w/ lunch. Yes, Bar Harbour is crowded but enjoyed the whale watching trip I took and exploring another part of Arcadia. Sunrise at Cadillac Mt. is a must! Enjoy!

sunshineboca

Thank you all for your responses. I'm now thinking of spending 3 nights in Bar Harbor rather than 4. That will give us an extra day in the mid-coast and Portland areas.
Any additional Portland info would be helpful.
Also, is Boothbay too far from Camden to make it a day trip?