We will be staying in Ogunquit in a couple of weeks at the Cliff House,

We don't really care about outlet shopping.
Does it make sense to drive up to Rockport,..Camden...or Boothbay Harbor.

We'd leave very early in the am..so the distance wont be a problem.

Thanks

Dick: I think it would definitely be worth the trip! Especially if you're in Ogunquit for a week or so and can take the time to explore! Take as many of the "shore roads" as you can (Rt 1), etc. There is much to see and beautiful scenery! Have been to Camden and Boothbay Harbor but haven't made it to Rockport yet. Bar Harbor is also a great little town and if you don't mind taking the full day, any of these spots would be great. Have a wonderful time!

I haven't yet been to these areas, but I leave tomorrow on the trip, and I have spent some time researching. Speaking mainly to my own travel preferences (to have some variety, experience beautiful views and attractive towns), I would definitely get out and visit. Camden, Rockport, Castine-- all appear to be sort of "classic Maine", and well worth visiting. I found a couple of driving tours online-- you might refer to them for ideas if you want to determine whether it's worth it. (try www.mainestayinn.com-- it's the web site for the inn, but they have a link to their suggested drives)

The exception to this advice would be if you are only going to Maine for a couple of days, especially from a moderate distance. Under those circumstnaces at least I wouldn't want to spend the whole time on the road

Camden's definitely worth going to see. It's got what I think is the prettiest harbor in Maine, and you get nice panoramic views of the town and ocean from the top of a mountain (forget the name).

If you've got an opportunity to see Monhegan Island, I'd recommend that, too. Peaceful, beautiful, lots to recommend it.

We love Ogunquit (I proposed to my wife on Marginal Way), but the whole coast up to Bar Harbor is nice. (Points east of Bar Harbor are probably just as nice, but I've never been there.)

Enjoy the trip!

If you wander up to the Boothbay area, you might want to drive out to Reed State Park in Georgetown - off rte 1 near Bath and/or Pemaquid Point a bit further north. Both areas offer extremely beautiful - post card downeast scenery that cant be beat. If you pass through Waldoboro, be sure to stop for a quick lunch or piece of pie at Moody's Diner - a real classic!

Absolutely! I'd drive the highway to the farthest and take the ocean drives back (lots of wonderful shops along the way), stopping for a look see in all the major seaport towns along the way. The view of the harbor as you drive into Boothbay Harbor is breathtaking! Amongst all the free literature is a booklet with driving directions to all the lighthouses. Owl's Head in Rockland is one of the more spectacular (along with Nubble in York).

Dick, you must make reservations for one night at ARROWS-one of the best eating places in N.E. Also in Ogunquit have lunch at the Hurricane beautiful view of the water. They have live jazz brunches on sunday, reservation a must at both places.

Thanks for all the great advice. We will definitely get up to Rockport,,,,probably get up real early one morning.

My wife and I are both from New England..and other than a day trip ( Boston to Boothbay Harbor)....we hadn't been back to Maine in many years.

Robin, I could not find the driving tours you mentioned at that inn's website. can you find them?

Robin doesn't lurk here anymore - hasn't for the past 9 years since she posted her reply in 2001.

maribe: Scroll down on this page, might be what you're looking for:

http://www.mainestayinn.com/blog/tag...nkport/page/2/