Finally have some time to type a trip report. We traveled from Boston to Portland, Bangor, Bar Harbor, Camden and back to Boston. Next time I would fly into Portland, as the drive back to Boston was such a traffic nightmare and we would have liked to spend more time in Maine and less time driving. Because of plane delays, we did not get to spend enough time in Portland. What a fun place, great food and beautiful places to see. Bangor was just an overnight stay on the way to Bar Harbor. While in Bar Harbor we stayed at Harborside Hotel - Spa - Marina. It was such a disappointment. The rooms were decorated nicely, but the quality of the room was no better than a Super 8. The rooms were over the top on price!! You could hear everything and I mean everything from the other rooms and hallways. Our room was dirty and had several items left from previous guest, including a bloody pillow. I received a 2% adjustment on my bill, which they thought was fair!! Do Not stay here.

Camden was my favorite spot. Such a beautiful place, very nice people and great shops. We stayed at a B & B called Hawthorne Inn. The room was wonderful, delicious food and the nicest people. I could have stayed here all week. If I had a do over, I would stay here and take day trips out to other towns.

While in Bar Harbor we found a wonderful place to eat... called Cafe This Way. Enterprise Car Rental out of Boston Airport.... AMAZING service. Everyone there was so helpful and nice.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

Thanks for your report!

Wonder if you live in Boston area or just began a trip there. Yes, that heavy traffic can be a problem...would some dare call the interstate an expressway or freeway? We have discovered the Maine coast on several trips, recently our first time in Portland. Not a Bar Harbor devotee with the commercialism. Our destination was basically Boothbay Harbor area.

I just returned from coastal Maine - Bar Harbor down US 1 to
Ogunist. Acadia National Forest was a beautiful view on a clear day. Jordan's Pond for popovers and a wonderful pumpkin soup mid afternoon - no crowd - no hurry - just a wonderful view. Bar Harbor - Cafe this way - is the breakfast place !!
The town was busy as 2 cruise ships were in - try the Atlantic Brew Co for there tasting and Blueberry Ale - very interesting and refreshing. Also, Pumpkin beer in October you have to try. Our trip continued to Camden (what a beautiful town) our trip on the schooner Surprise was a delightful -peaceful - trip along with history and charm of the couple who own and sail. Lunch at Marriner's diner - another lobster roll - (huge) we shared it and sat on the deck outback and overlooked the harbor. The shops in Camden are full of wonderful items made in Maine - and nice and courteous sales staff. Next up to Beatie Mt at the State Park just outside of town - what a VIEW - this was well worth the $4.50 per person fee -- we could see Cadillac Mt
from there. It was a perfect day. I too thought Camden was a delightful town and could have stayed longer. However, we wanted to see more of the coast. On to Boothbay - and the Coastal Botanical Gardens. Another beautiful surprise - only 5 years old and what a wonderful way to spend a few hours. Boothbay was interesting and the oneway streets make it even so. Shopping and harbor viewing and then on we head to Wiscasset -Red's had a line so we opt for the shack on dock across the street -- wonderful Lobster and corn - beautiful afternoon sitting by the water. Onward to Wells for the night. We found a nice family owned hotel ($60) on the causeway - clean - and the daughter ran the restaurant - nice breakfast for $6 - then off to Ogunist - York. Beaches - shops - lighthouses. Afternoon back up to Kennebuck Port and Dinner at Federal Jacks - nice view of the port and great burger. We continued on to S Portland to spend the night -
Spent this last day with seeing Two Lights /Portlands Waterfront - and driving through the Art District - then with the drizzle of the rain - we girls decide to head to Freeport to shop - when the day goes sour " Girls Go Shopping" . After a few hrs of LL Bean and others we decide to head in to spend the night at Portland Airport area and turn our car in - staying at the Hilton Garden Inn and arriving at the airport early - one more Lobster Roll at Shipyard - we head South back to Augusta, GA -- with happy thoughts of a wonderful week in Maine - and looking forward to another trip soon.

Ozarksbill,
I notice you mention that you don't like Bar Harbor because of its commercialism. Thought I would suggest that if you go to Acadia NP again, you might like Southwest Harbor. We stayed at the Inn at Southwest Harbor several years ago & really enjoyed it. SH is smaller & quieter & much less touristy than BH.

kwoo, don't see any profile but I know you have traveled in New England. Actually, I shouldn't pick on Bar Harbor which is on my cap. Boothbay Harbor and other places also have many shops and eateries of all kind plus those tourists.

foxpalmetto3, will check out Camden next trip...yes Boothbay is a busy place with those one way streets...and that botanical garden was a surprise treat.

btw, note the spelling is Ogunquit where our daughter's fav little museum is found.

Bill in Boston
see http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...e-minitrip.cfm