Need help with Maine itinerary
May 6th, 2007, 05:15 PM
#21
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,765
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
poss, as i recall i drove down in may with the dog and no reservation. as i recall they made an exception for trout and i, as i did not want to stay in the newport blding with no view. it was more like 5 yrs ago.
i think you will enjoy the fireplace. and the dining room has a stunning view.
i think you will enjoy the fireplace. and the dining room has a stunning view.
May 7th, 2007, 06:59 AM
#22
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Marlena:
Good ideas posted already...and to second or add to from our own trips: definite yes to Strawberry Banke (recreated pioneer village), Acadia Nat'l Pk...look for Thunder Hole (but town of Bar Harbor IS touristy), Ogonquit (incl. nice art museum), Cape Neddick Lighthouse (excellent ice cream nearby), Bangor and further up to Leonard's Mill (Bear Brew Pub in Orono for lunch). But you are too late for American Folk Festival in Bangor late August!
Nobody has yet mentioned L. L. Bean superstore at Freeport or Wedding Cake House in Kennibunk! Additional recommendation: very modestly priced Ship Ahoy motel overlooking Boothbay Harbor and nearby lobster boil at Robinson's Wharf near the bridge.
ozarksbill
[email protected]
Good ideas posted already...and to second or add to from our own trips: definite yes to Strawberry Banke (recreated pioneer village), Acadia Nat'l Pk...look for Thunder Hole (but town of Bar Harbor IS touristy), Ogonquit (incl. nice art museum), Cape Neddick Lighthouse (excellent ice cream nearby), Bangor and further up to Leonard's Mill (Bear Brew Pub in Orono for lunch). But you are too late for American Folk Festival in Bangor late August!
Nobody has yet mentioned L. L. Bean superstore at Freeport or Wedding Cake House in Kennibunk! Additional recommendation: very modestly priced Ship Ahoy motel overlooking Boothbay Harbor and nearby lobster boil at Robinson's Wharf near the bridge.
ozarksbill
[email protected]
May 14th, 2007, 05:05 AM
#23
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Last August we made our first visit to Maine. Our family managed to spend 6 whole days just in the Rockland area. We LOVED it.
We tried to avoid all the really crowded touristy areas. Looked at lighthouses (Port Clyde, Rockland and Owls Head,) took the boat from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island one day ( wear comfortable shoes and bring water- we saw lots of seals), toured the Olson house in Crushing where Andrew Wyeth painted all those famous paintings and visited the fantastic Farnsworth Museum in Rockland. The view from both the top of Camden Hills State Park and the walks along the shore are breathtaking. We enjoyed shopping at the Maine Prison Store in Thomaston. Each night our meals were taken outside at Cod's End and Dip Net. One is in Port Clyde and the other in Tenants Harbor but I can't remember which is which.
So, I guess I am suggesting spend a little time on the peninsula south of Rockland.
We tried to avoid all the really crowded touristy areas. Looked at lighthouses (Port Clyde, Rockland and Owls Head,) took the boat from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island one day ( wear comfortable shoes and bring water- we saw lots of seals), toured the Olson house in Crushing where Andrew Wyeth painted all those famous paintings and visited the fantastic Farnsworth Museum in Rockland. The view from both the top of Camden Hills State Park and the walks along the shore are breathtaking. We enjoyed shopping at the Maine Prison Store in Thomaston. Each night our meals were taken outside at Cod's End and Dip Net. One is in Port Clyde and the other in Tenants Harbor but I can't remember which is which.
So, I guess I am suggesting spend a little time on the peninsula south of Rockland.
Jun 5th, 2007, 10:15 AM
#24
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Marlena,
As a native Mainer, I commend you on your ambitious itinerary. I think September is the best time to visit Maine. If you are willing to get off the "beaten path", you will discover some great places. Personally, I would skip Old Orchard Beach. Most Mainers avoid it. Portland is a must see (Old Port and Portland Head Light located at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth). I highly recommend Bath (drive to Phippsburg and historic Fort Popham), Wiscasset (Reds for the best lobster rolls) and Boothbay Harbor (drive the loop through Ocean Point). Follow Route 1 to Thomaston (check out the store run by the state prison; it's filled with prisoner projects like wood crafts, etc), Rockland (detour to Port Clyde), Rockport, Camden, Lincolnville, etc. The less visited Maine starts north of Belfast on Route 1. Check out Searsport, Bucksport (home of Fort Knox and a new bridge with an observation tower) and Castine (home of Maine Martime Academy). Deer Isle/Stonington is also great if you want to see a real working harbor. In addition, Deer Isle is home to the famous granite. If you look at the Select Registry site, you will find some great inns in that area. Do not miss the Schoodic Peninsula and the less visited section of Acadia NP. It is my favorite place in the state to view the Maine Coast. If you have time, Campobello is a great stop. A visit to Lubec and Quoddy Lighthouse should not be missed. Lubec is the most Eastern point in the US and many native Mainers never visit it. I think the Route 1 drive to Campobello could take your whole trip, but Greenville/Moosehead Lake is also a beautiful area if you want to head inland. There are many choices depending on your time and interest. Have a great trip!
As a native Mainer, I commend you on your ambitious itinerary. I think September is the best time to visit Maine. If you are willing to get off the "beaten path", you will discover some great places. Personally, I would skip Old Orchard Beach. Most Mainers avoid it. Portland is a must see (Old Port and Portland Head Light located at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth). I highly recommend Bath (drive to Phippsburg and historic Fort Popham), Wiscasset (Reds for the best lobster rolls) and Boothbay Harbor (drive the loop through Ocean Point). Follow Route 1 to Thomaston (check out the store run by the state prison; it's filled with prisoner projects like wood crafts, etc), Rockland (detour to Port Clyde), Rockport, Camden, Lincolnville, etc. The less visited Maine starts north of Belfast on Route 1. Check out Searsport, Bucksport (home of Fort Knox and a new bridge with an observation tower) and Castine (home of Maine Martime Academy). Deer Isle/Stonington is also great if you want to see a real working harbor. In addition, Deer Isle is home to the famous granite. If you look at the Select Registry site, you will find some great inns in that area. Do not miss the Schoodic Peninsula and the less visited section of Acadia NP. It is my favorite place in the state to view the Maine Coast. If you have time, Campobello is a great stop. A visit to Lubec and Quoddy Lighthouse should not be missed. Lubec is the most Eastern point in the US and many native Mainers never visit it. I think the Route 1 drive to Campobello could take your whole trip, but Greenville/Moosehead Lake is also a beautiful area if you want to head inland. There are many choices depending on your time and interest. Have a great trip!
Jun 10th, 2007, 12:14 PM
#27
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also get seasick but I would not miss an opportunity to sail on the Lewis R French out of Camden. I get the patch. First trip was no problem, second trip I got royally seasick and put on the patch. 3rd & 4th trip put the patch on before going aboard and no problem. It is a wonderful sailing experience! First trip took 4 kids and a husband for 6 days! They offer 3, 4, or 6 day cruises.
The White Cedar Inn in Freeport is wonderful. In Daramiscotta the Tipsy Butler is the B & B of choice.
The White Cedar Inn in Freeport is wonderful. In Daramiscotta the Tipsy Butler is the B & B of choice.
Jun 14th, 2007, 07:14 AM
#29
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Bennie,
The distance from Winter Harbor to the Bay of Fundy depends on where you are going. The BOF is a large area with the most popular sites located at Hopewell Rocks. This is the famous place where you can walk on the ocean floor. I vistited in 2001 and it is worth the trip. If you want to drive from Winter Harbor to Hopewell Rocks, it would be a very ambitious day trip. Winter Harbor to Calais is 91 miles on a two lane road. Depending on summer traffic, it could take up to two hours. Crossing into Canada at Calais/St. Stephen is usually quick, but at that point, you still have 200 miles to get to Hopewell Rocks. If you want to experience the "lower" BOF, check out St. Andrews by the Sea. There is a small blockhouse, town, and some other historical elements. I belive it is Canda's oldest seaside village with lots of maritime history. It's not far from St. John. Or, if you want an overnight, you could stay in St. John - it's a cute town on the water. I stayed at the Hilton and it was in a good location. Best of luck to you!
The distance from Winter Harbor to the Bay of Fundy depends on where you are going. The BOF is a large area with the most popular sites located at Hopewell Rocks. This is the famous place where you can walk on the ocean floor. I vistited in 2001 and it is worth the trip. If you want to drive from Winter Harbor to Hopewell Rocks, it would be a very ambitious day trip. Winter Harbor to Calais is 91 miles on a two lane road. Depending on summer traffic, it could take up to two hours. Crossing into Canada at Calais/St. Stephen is usually quick, but at that point, you still have 200 miles to get to Hopewell Rocks. If you want to experience the "lower" BOF, check out St. Andrews by the Sea. There is a small blockhouse, town, and some other historical elements. I belive it is Canda's oldest seaside village with lots of maritime history. It's not far from St. John. Or, if you want an overnight, you could stay in St. John - it's a cute town on the water. I stayed at the Hilton and it was in a good location. Best of luck to you!
Jun 14th, 2007, 08:41 AM
#30
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,528
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks helsinkigirl - that's good to know. I started looking at maps and suspected that it was a bit further than I first thought. We may just have to wait on this - too many other things to do that are much closer.
Jun 14th, 2007, 09:21 AM
#31
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know how fancy you want your accomodations, but we stayed here: http://www.mooseheadlodging.com/
at Moosehead Lake and enjoyed it. (three or four years ago now). It's a gorgeous area, the room was clean (nothing fancy at all, but it was nice enough). What we liked most about the place was that it was right on the water and they had canoes and paddleboats you could just take out on the lake. For all I know other motels might have that too. Anyway, the lake area is beautiful and I'd recommend you make it part of your trip.
at Moosehead Lake and enjoyed it. (three or four years ago now). It's a gorgeous area, the room was clean (nothing fancy at all, but it was nice enough). What we liked most about the place was that it was right on the water and they had canoes and paddleboats you could just take out on the lake. For all I know other motels might have that too. Anyway, the lake area is beautiful and I'd recommend you make it part of your trip.
Jun 15th, 2007, 07:53 PM
#32
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just returned from Maine. We stayed at a B & B in Camdem that was recommendend here. It was the Timbercliffe Cottage Bed and Breakfast. We enjoyed our stay and liked the fact it was out of town about a mile. The owners of this B & B are delightful and the breakfasts were delicious. Route 1 (in South and North Maine) has so many antique stores you can't visit them all. We also enjoyed the Maritime Museum in Bath. One nice thing we enjoy about Maine is how many country roads there are. A few years ago we stayed in a condo outside of Bethel. The fall colors would probably be great up there. There are a lot of country roads up there with lots of places to hike and explore. There was a covered bridge by our condo. Also lots of antique stores in this area. Moose are also around this area. Enjoy your trip.
Sep 1st, 2007, 03:20 AM
#33
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just have to jump in here a bit in defense of Old Orchard Beach. Since you will be visiting Maine after tourist season, but while the weather is still pretty favorable, you may want to consider staying at the beach for a few days. OOB makes a great "home base" for several day trips and gives you the chance to start your day with a long walk on the beach. You can get some great rates at that time for a beachfront room or cottage. Most merchants stay open until Columbus Day, but the crowds are gone so you have the opportunity to enjoy the beach without all the sun worshipers. Once you get north of here you will be enjoying the rocky coast of Maine, but why not take a few days to enjoy the beach? From OOB you can do day trips into Portland, Freeport, Kittery or even Portsmouth, NH - and then end your day watching the surf from your balcony on the beach.
Just an idea, but I really think a lot of people don't appreciate Old Orchard and what it has to offer.
Just an idea, but I really think a lot of people don't appreciate Old Orchard and what it has to offer.
