Way Down East
 

Hi - we are visiting Maine the third week of August. Want to spend 3 days or so near Acadia and another 3 or so "way down east". I have heard it is much more rugged and less touristy way down east.

Any suggestions on a home base? Lubec is interesting as it is the first place to watch the sun rise, but other than that, none of the little towns jump out.

Any recommended hotels? We can afford something nice but we value location, charm and cleanliness over amenities and pampering.

We are in our late 30s with a seven year old. We like hiking and biking and love eating!

Thanks

Perhaps Rangeley lakes would be the place.Paul

Maybe you don't have to go quite so far. I agree that there is a big difference in coastline between southern and mid-coast Maine. Certain popular towns have a lot of tourists such as Boothbay and Camden but other nearby places are far less crowded. Harpswell is very rural yet quite close to Brunswick, a college town. (eat at Estes or Dolphin Marina) You might also consider someplace on the Blue Hill peninsula just south of Acadia. We usually camp in Wiscasset. Although the town is busy (home to the famous Red's Eats) the campground is small and serene.

"We like hiking and biking and love eating!"


That quote, and the fact of the 7 year old, really suggests that Acadia, and the rest of Mount Dessert Island will suit you best. You can spend time on the "quiet" side of the island, and have plenty of food choices in Bar Harbor and the rest of the island. I'd suggest spending the whole week there.

~Liz

Thanks for the input. We were really hoping to head way east -- Lubec or Eastport for example. We don't mind the drive from Bar Harbor and thought we could hit other little towns along the way.

By the way, the 7 year old has hiked with us for hours in Costa Rica and Alaska, so he is a good adventurer. And he is looking forward to a lobster dinner for his 8th birthday while we are there!

Paul - I think we may settle on Rangely lakes - had not even considered it, so thanks for the tip!

Did you stay at a hotel there? We are not campers (I'm not, anyway!). Any special wildlife viewing tips? I know all the usual -- just wondering if there was anything unique to this area you could pass on. We don't have high expectations, but it would be great to see a moose!

Thanks

We stayed at the Rangeley Inn.You can find all the details at WWW.rangeleyinn.com/Dont forget to visit the little shop on the other side of the road.Great Xmas decorations(exclusive}.Paul

Moosehead Lake and Greenville. Stay at the Indian Hill MOtel

forgot to say thanks!