Hugging the Coastline of Maine
August in Maine is like a Saturday afternoon in Athens, Georgia, when the Dawgs are playing between the hedges. We experienced the lines that people warned us about, the small quaint towns overflowing with cars and people, the waterways filled to capacity with sailboats and lobster boats, yet we found a calming in the midst of all this activity. And you'll find the best lobster in the world, just off the Maine coast; and, for the scant people that are like us, not really lobster people, you'll discover that what you thought was lobster before, really wasn't. It could be the beginning of a new love affair.
We flew into Portland and after having spent a few days with family, we explored Route 1 and by the end of the week found ourselves in New Brunswick on Campobello Island.
We flew into Portland and after having spent a few days with family, we explored Route 1 and by the end of the week found ourselves in New Brunswick on Campobello Island.
in wildness is the preservation of the earth. ~Henry David thoreau
Port Clyde
Port Clyde has a rich history of fisherman as well as artisans from the Andrew Wyeth family. Wyeth himself spent many boyhood summers here. To this day, artists come from all over to find inspiration in the vistas of islands, sea and sky. Just head "downeast" as the locals say. This tiny village is peaceful and pristine, offering a slower and quieter pace than many towns. Twelve miles offshore is the remote Monhegan Island; it is reachable by ferry from Port Clyde.
|
|
There was even time for the epic Forrest Gump running across country shot at Marshall Point Lighthouse. Run, Len, Run!
North toward Southwest Harbor and Acadia National Park
Located on the rock-bound coastline of Mount Desert, Acadia National Park will transform your idea of what a national park should be. Soaring granite cliffs, cobblestone beaches, Glacier-carved mountains, deep lakes, marshes and dense forests, all surrounded by the ocean. The park was created in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson as the first eastern park. In 2016, it celebrates its 100th year. If you only have a day in Acadia, take the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile loop that covers most of the eastern half of Acadia.
Sunset on Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park. The summit is 1,530 feet.
The Schoodic Peninsula located near the town of Winter Harbor.
Heading up Cadillac Mountain, the view of Bar Harbor
|
Along the Park Loop Road, Thunder Hole
|
From the Jordan Pond House (the only restaurant within the park), visitors can see the Bubble Mountains.
Bar Harbor
On a sunset cruise in Bar Harbor without the sunset. Don't forget a jacket; even in summer, it's cold on the water.
|
Bar Harbor is considered the gateway to Acadia.
|
Aboard the Sea Princess (not this boat), we were on the waters of the Northeast Harbor. As a scenic nature cruise, you'll get a unique vantage point of Bear Island Lighthouse, Little Cranberry island and Somes Sound Fjord while hearing the history of Acadia and its people. And if you're lucky, the Harbor Seals, the loons and possibly a bald eagle. Cost is from $25 and reservations are preferred. Board at the marina in Northeast Harbor. Highly recommended.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park & Campobello Island
|
Franklin D. Roosevelt spent many vacations on Campobello Island in New Brunswick. Today, the International Park (established in 1964) has preserved the Roosevelt home and grounds (2,400 acres) as a symbol of the cooperation of the United States and Canada. Stop at the Visitor's Centre for a historical overview. Purchase the hardest-to-come-by tickets, Tea with Eleanor, held twice daily on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Roosevelt first visited Campobello in 1883 at the age of one; by the summer of 1885, the home was finished and the family became summer residents on Passamaquoddy Bay. You must have your passport to enter Campobello Island. 
|
Favorite spots
The Owen House on Campobello Island. Built in 1835, it still creaks and slants like older homes while retaining its charm. A beautiful detour. For dinner, visit Family Fisheries for some of freshest fish during our entire trip.
You can't miss Red's Eats in Wiscasset. Just look for the line!
Boothbay Harbor took our breath away. It was everything (and more) Charles Kuralt said it would be. Once a fishing village, now it caters to tourists.
|
Life is slower in Rockport, Maine.
It's called The Museum in the Streets - Wiscasset, Maine. Also known as the prettiest town in Maine.
The village of Camden is crowded with shops and restaurants.
|
Don't miss Castine, Maine. One of the oldest communities in North America, it has been occupied since the early 1600s with trading posts, forts, and missions. You'll be amazed at the 18th and 19th century Georgian and Federal houses still standing and perfectly restored. It's off the main track but well worth the drive.
As much as we experienced, we missed that much, too. We missed Freeport and LLBean, Ellsworth, Brunswick, Bath, and the heart breaker, Pemaquid Point and the Kuralt lighthouse. Plus, sad we could not have spent more time at each of the destinations. It is definitely on our list of do-overs!
For information on your upcoming trip to Maine, Visit Maine.
What to eat while in Maine? We'll tell you here. Plus, don't miss the iconic lighthouses that are found along the rocky shores.
For information on your upcoming trip to Maine, Visit Maine.
What to eat while in Maine? We'll tell you here. Plus, don't miss the iconic lighthouses that are found along the rocky shores.
