Suggestions please for the best "home base" in Maine...
 

I have toured Maine in the past, (it's been years) but looking to take the family with a new baby. I am thinking of renting a house but I am uncertain where is the best location. Would Camden be it? And if you know any reliable rental sites, I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

"Best location" would depend on what you are hoping to get out of your vacation destination. What kinds of activities are you hoping to do?

I love Camden and wouldn't hesitate to stay there or in Rockport area. VRBO is a good site for rentals, though the rentals are by owner. If you'd rather work with an agency, here is one recommendation.

http://camdenac.com/

Camden is rocky-coast, B&Bs, fine dining and shopping. With family you might want beach rather than rocky coast...so you'd look to Georgetown or Ogunquit or Kennebunkport. Lake can also be nice with family (fishing, swimming)...and there are some lake areas not far from Camden that would be worth looking into. You'd have all the family-time but also dining and shopping nearby when you want it.

What kind of vacation are you looking to have? Camden is gorgeous, but I've always treated it as a place to vacation without the kids b/c of the B&Bs and fine dining. If you want to be able to lounge by the beach with the kids, then I second the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport/Wells recommendation. Then, not only would you have the beach and great restaurants (upscale and not)and cute shops, but you'd also be a half hour from Portland, 40 mins. from Portsmouth, and about an hour from Sebago Lake.

York Beach is popular with families. There are many cottage rentals available within walking distance to the beach. The downtown is typical t-shirt shops but the beach is great with lots of benches and a playground area, lots of stroller friendly places (walks to Nubble Light and the ice cream place are traditional).

Although southern Maine is not my favorite area, there are lots of restaurants, shops, scenic drives and things going on. Portsmouth NH is a short drive.

It depends on how much beach time you want and how much quiet time. If you want quiet with less crowds, I'd vote for the Rockland area. There's a secluded area of cottages called Bay Path not too far from Camden.