My husband and I and our two teens, ages 19 and (almost) 15 this summer, will be in Maine for 10 days this August. The first 5 days we are staying in Southwest Harbor in order to visit Acadia National Park from the "quiet side" of the island. The second 5 days we will be in Boothbay Harbor. Any advice on places to go, things to do, and good restaurants would be appreciated. We will be bringing our bikes to ride on the carriage roads at Acadia NP.

I have two ideas from previous trips to Boothbay. First, is to book reservations to Cabbage Island. "The Argo" boat leaves out of Pier 6 in Boothbay Harbor and takes you out to Cabbage Island. There, you enjoy a great New England Clambake. The small island also allows you to relax, play horsehoes, volleyball, etc. Cost was around $48/pp for both the clambake and the boat. Check it out at www.cabbageislandclambakes.com.

Second, if you like to ride bicycles, drive to the town of Lincolnville and take the ferry over to Islesboro. There's room for bikes on the ferry and you can check out this pretty, quiet island which houses some famous people.

The town of Boothbay Harbor is quite touristy, so your kids will be at good ages for this. If you like to hike, there are several really nice, easy hiking paths managed by the Boothbay Region Land Trust. Go to www.bbrlt.org. Have fun!

On your drive to Acadia, there's a family style restaurant Just Barb's right on Rt 1 in Stockton Springs. Great food. Also on your way before you get to Ellsworth there's a giant former chicken coop on your right. It's now an antique store (first floor) and used books (second floor). Good stop for reading material. Don't miss the auto road to top of Mt Battie in Camden when you are headed south to Boothbay. Great place for a picnic lunch but don't forget bag chairs and binnoculars. It overlooks Camden Harbor. You'll probably find blueberry sellers along rt 1 but the farmers markets are another fun place. You'll find a guide at the visitors center or get on-line at Maine Dept of Agriculture. I loved the one in Brunswick. Fresh blueberries mixed into vanilla yogurt make a terrific snack. We bought mini pies at the Brunswick Farmers market (Friday only, I think) that were just big enough for 2 people. Owls Head Transportation museum near Rockland appealed to my husband; I preferred the Farnswoth art museum. Nice easy short hike to the Owls Head light for great views. Best lobster shack is nearby, Waterman's Beach. Don't go if you don't like lobster, that's all they have. (Well, that's all I remember )

We go to Boothbay Harbor every August.

Here are some of our favorite eateries in and near the area.

Bet’s Fish Fry http://www.hollyeats.com/BetsFishFry.htm
One fish and chips more than enough for 2
Check out the portions as you wait in line
Outdoor eating on picnic tables
Website above has pix
We always go twice during our vacation

Moody’s Diner http://roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=209
Love the coconut cream pie

Dunton’s Doghouse http://www.hollyeats.com/DuntonsDoghouse.htm
Another outdoor place, good for lunch

Sea Basket http://www.hollyeats.com/SeaBasket.htm
http://www.seabasket.com/
Recommend the lobster stew

A1 Diner http://www.a1diner.com/
Seen on Foodnetwork/ plan a first visit this summer

King Eiders Pub http://www.kingeiderspub.com/ordereze/default.aspx
For their crab cakes

Ebb Tide http://www.hollyeats.com/EbbTide.htm

These should get you started
wintkat

Wow, great tips and advice. Thanks, everyone!

You will find tons to do in both locations. in Acadia, your teens may like to swim at Echo Lake off the rocks. Its an unmarked parking area on the road to SWH. There will be a lot of cars and you just follow the path down to the lake. The Island Explorer free shuttles may also be helpful if 'rents and kids have different interests. Try Mainely Delights in Bass Harbor for inexpensive lobster and a hoot - no pretense here! The carriage roads are awesome; be sure to plan a route that includes a stop at the Jordan Pond house for popovers in the middle of a ride.

In Boothbay Harbor, Dunton's Doghouse is a good casual choice when you're walking around town. You also might enjoy the authentic experience of eating lunch at the Trevett General Store ( right next to the P.O.), a beautiful setting overlooking the water and lobstering area and one of the best-value lobster rolls in the area. Ask for directions. The Rocktide Inn and Brown's Wharf (both on Atlantic Avenue) are top choices for dinner.


Be sure to visit the Maine Coastal Botanical Gardens for a lovely walk through Maine woods and shoreline gardens. Also, a drive out to Ocean Point (Rt. 96 past E. Boothbay) will provide some drop-dead gorgeous views of the Maine coast. An interesting drive can be found on nearby Southport Island, which has a nice public beach at Hendrick's Head (also a privately owned lighthouse). There are many boat trip possibilities from the wharfs in town, and seeing the area from the water should not be missed.