My husband and I (in our 50's) are flying to Boston, renting a car, and heading to Maine.
We will be arriving in Boston around 11 am on April 8, and leaving April 12.. It is not the warmest time, but that is when I am on spring break and we have been wanting to see a bit of Maine (we are from Virginia). Any suggestions for where to go and what to check out. I wish we had longer to stay but plane fares triple on April 13,
Mostly, we want to relax, see some nature, maybe hike a little weather permitting, sightsee a bit; don't mind driving though. Thanks for any ideas.

Well, you can get by without reservations at that time of year so you might want to play it as it comes and stop where the breezes take you. I think I would drive up Coastal Route 1 starting in Kittery Maine, and have lunch in Oqunquit area followed by a walk on the beach and a leisurely drive northward to Camden Rockport area for three nights. How early do you have to depart Boston on the 12th?
Might want to stay extreme southern Maine on that last night, or closer to Boston, maybe Rockport or Salem Ma?

www.strawberryhillseasideinn.com

We did a bit of coastal driving a few years ago after a 4 day excursion on the Mary Day out of Camden. We also flew in and out of Boston so we traveled down the coast after the schooner trip. Camden which is where the Mary Day is docked is a charming little city (spent 2 nights there) We stopped in Boothbay Harbor, Kennybunke port, for overnights staying at B & B and just day visits to Bar Harbor, Rockland,Wiscasset and Portland Very much enjoyed the coastal area.

I recently checked a lobster place I've heard about but they don't open until Mother's Day. I agree you can probably play it by ear and a lot depends on the weather. A friend spent last weekend in Maine and said it was a wonderful time to walk the beach (Ogunquit area) but cold. If the weather is awful you could spend most of your time in Portsmouth NH or Portland ME area. Great restaurants in both locations. It would be nice to see Camden when it's quiet although I don't know how many windjammers would be in port then or if you can drive the auto road up Mt Battie for the incredible view overlooking the harbor. Since it's a state park it might be closed for the season. South of Portland there are some sandy beaches, north of Portland mostly rocky beaches. Walk the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. It's still going to be mostly brown. Too early for spring flowers but you can still have a good time. It's also too early for the harbor cruises out of Portsmouth.

What may not be apparent from the other replies you have gotten is that the classic Maine Coast of picture postcards (rocky headlands, lighthouses, lobster shanties, etc.) can all be taken in along the coast south of Portland, ME, if you stick to the coastal route, and then you're staying within only a couple hours drive to return to Boston. Oh, if you desire, venture on up to LL Bean in Freeport, north of Portland, open 24 hrs and maybe Maine's biggest year-round attraction. Beyond there, the coastal route isn't very coastal, and you have to venture out one of the peninsulas to see much of the coast, but it's not as rocky along there.

All great suggestions! Keep them coming! What towns/cities/ would you recommend
to spend the night in or even stay in as a base? Am thinking about Camden, though,
since that is my maiden last name!

Camden is a wonderful destination in April because it is more "year 'round" than other coastal towns (Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor, etc.). Also, Mount Battie and Camden Hills State Park are magnificent for a bit of nature and hiking. The shops and restaurants are not "seasonal" - and there is fabulous dining and shopping in Camden.

Hrtr is a classic for your first stop. Go to Perkins Cove. This is near Ogonquit just over the Maine Border. Lunnch at Barnicle Billies. Then walk the marginal way-it rocks.

val wilson

Perkins Cove is in Ogunquit which is about 15 miles from the Maine/NH border.