Coastal Maine: Lighthouses, Seafood, and Acadia National Park
Contributed by
Paige Landrum
There is something overwhelmingly beautiful about rocky coastlines, and Maine is lined with them. Spending a week on the coast of Maine was right for our soul with many sights to see and lobster rolls to eat.
If you time it right, you can catch the first touches of fall, and see the leaves as they change. We took a road trip, visiting the Bar Harbor area, including Acadia National Park, and then headed towards the south coast beach region, along U.S. 1, with many stops in between.
Arrival
The closest airport to Bar Harbor is the Bangor International Airport. From here it is about an hour and fifteen minute drive to Bar Harbor. We stayed in the cutest cabins just minutes from the Acadia National Park entrance. They were the perfect spot to spend a few days; walking distance to fresh seafood, water views from your room, and top notch amenities on property.
Upon arrival we were greeted with complimentary wine... a nice touch after a long day of traveling. We then checked out our one bedroom cabin, which also included a spacious living room, a dining table and kitchenette, and large bathroom with a walk-in shower. To top it off, each cabin has a lawn with adirondack chairs and a picnic table to enjoy the water views just in front of the property. The amenities here were everything we could have asked for and more. It included a pool, two hot tubs, a game room, and lawn games. Each night you can make s’mores at their campfire, which kids will love for sure!
A Few Days in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, nicknamed the “Gateway to Acadia National Park,” is a town surrounded by ocean cliffs, rocky coastlines, valley lakes, and peaceful mountains. “Picturesque” doesn’t even come close to describing it. What once was a thriving settlement in the 1800’s has now grown into a historic town with rich culture along every step. Streets are painted with shops and restaurants, while the ocean is lined with lobster boats. The town is lively, the seafood is fresh, and the views are unmatched.
We stayed in Bar Harbor for four days, and there was no shortage of things to do and see. You could spend 2-3 days just exploring Acadia!
Here is a roundup of what we did during our time here:
Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and for good reason. Breathtaking views appeal to all types of visitors, whether you’re an advanced hiker looking for a thrill, or prefer to drive to your destination, there is so much to see and do. Park Loop Road, a 27-mile loop around a portion of the park, allows visitors to drive to many scenic lookouts including Sand Beach, Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, Jordan’s Pond, and the famous Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and during parts of the year you can be the first in the U.S. to get a glimpse of daylight. It is important to note that visiting Cadillac Mountain does require advanced reservations to limit the amount of traffic in and out of this area, you can learn more about those requirements here.
After working up an appetite with a day full of activities, we enjoyed the freshest seafood Maine had to offer. Some of our favorite local restaurants were:
We love a good road trip, and U.S. 1 along Maine’s coast is now a favorite. After spending a few days in Bar Harbor, it was nice to start the journey south towards Maine’s coastal region with a few stops along the way.
Notable Stops Along U.S. 1
-Ellsworth
Ellsworth is the first town we drove through after leaving Bar Harbor, but it was close enough to our cabin in Bar Harbor, that it could have easily been a day trip. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful town by enjoying their Hiking, Biking and Walking Trails and visiting the Telephone Museum.
-Belfast
Situated at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River, lies Belfast, a town with pubs, restaurants, shops, and a town theater. Enjoy a harbor tour on the back and forth boat, where you can check out the bay up close and personal.
-Rockland
Home of the Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland is a coastal town that sits just about halfway between Freeport and Bar Harbor. The main attraction for us during this stop was the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, located at the end of a ⅞ mile long breakwater. The uneven path made this walk a bit tricky, but part of the experience (although not stroller friendly). This is definitely something we would recommend if you are in the area. Plus you’re sure to get your steps in for the day!
After your walk to the lighthouse is done, try lunch at Hazels, a roadside eatery that has both great food and charm. Our family loved sitting at the picnic tables to enjoy our lunch as we chatted with both locals and other visitors to the area.
-Wiscasset
Red’s Eats is an attraction all in itself, and one you surely don’t want to miss when driving through Wiscasset on U.S. 1. Home of Maines #1 Lobster Roll, this lobster shack is continually voted the best lobster roll in New England. While in the area, be sure to check out the art galleries and antique mall.
-Boothbay
Boothbay is a bit of a detour off U.S. 1, but worth the extra few miles to visit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. The gardens offer more than 300 acres of gardens and greenspace, learning exhibits are located throughout the property, and kids can enjoy visiting the butterfly house and playing in the fairy house village. A cafe and snack shack are located on property, with locally sourced produce. You can also enjoy a sunset sail during your visit.
-Bath
Named Maine’s “City of Ships,” Bath is a quaint town with a shipbuilding history. Here you can visit Maine’s First Ship and the Maine Maritime Museum. Historic tours are offered to further explore the town’s deep history in shipping and ship building. Popham Beach State Park and Reid State Park are also nearby, for more water and outdoor activities.
-Brunswick
We love a good Main Street, and Brunswick’s is beautiful. Home of Bowdoin College, this town has it all from local eateries, unique shops and boutiques, and a town theater. Downtown is lively, often hosting seasonal farmer’s markets, winter markets, and live music. Enjoy a walk through the Town Commons, kayak the bay, explore Thomas Point Beach, and end your visit checking out the great selection of restaurants, including a 50’s style drive-in diner.
-Freeport
Arguably one of the best places to shop on this route, Freeport is lined with name-brand outlets, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. Among the shops is the L.L. Bean Flagship Store, a can’t miss for sure. If traveling with kids, be sure to check out the Desert of Maine for rolling sand dunes that may seem a touch out of place, but a wacky experience all the same.
-Portland
Portland is a lively town, filled with art, breweries, and we were quite surprised with how many activities there were for the entire family to enjoy. It would be easy to spend 3-4 days here and not run out of things to do. Some of our favorites were:
If you’re a foodie, Portland is the stop for you. Come and plan to stay a while. In fact, it has recently been named one of the top foodie cities in the U.S. by Redbook. A few of our favorites were:
Sticky Sweet Ice Cream
Also known for local breweries, there were a ton to pick from, including some with food trucks, large open areas for kids to play, and an arcade. Here are just a few:
Allagosh Brewing Co
Oxbow Blending
Three of Strong Spirits
Urban Farm Fermentory
Austin Street Brewery
Rising Tide
Maps
Acadia National Bar
-Cape Elizabeth
The most charming town on our road trip, Cape Elizabeth, indeed made us want to move there (or at least pull up houses on Zillow and daydream of summer vacation homes). Colonial houses in well kept neighborhoods, this quaint town had an abundance of greenways, trails, rocky coastlines, and our favorite, the Portland Head Light.
When we arrived at the lighthouse, we were taken aback. This was unlike any other lighthouse we visited during the trip (and we visited a lot). The parking lot suggested that it was overly crowded, but with so much greenspace, there was room to breathe. Kids played soccer in a nearby field, and joggers ran along cement paths. Photographers had cameras on tripods preparing for sunset, and families enjoyed taking in the views. There was such a strong sense of community in Cape Elizabeth, one that is sure to bring visitors back year after year.
-Our Ending Destination and fan favorite, Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is our personal favorite town along this route, and where we chose to end the road trip and stay for a few days, but if you keep driving south, you can visit even more of Maine’s coastal region.
In the heart of Kennebunkport, you can stay in a piece of living history, a 1700’s home that has been renovated into a boutique hotel. Enjoy breakfast in the garden, and then explore downtown with a complimentary bicycle rental.
Kennebunkport honestly has it all, and we could easily spend more than a week soaking up everything this little town has to offer. The dock square is nestled in the center of town, surrounded by shops, galleries, coffee shops, and eateries. Imagine the perfect place to sit and enjoy an ice cream cone on a park bench... that is Kennebunkport.
The Village of Cape Porpoise is nearby, a fishing village that is a bit quieter than the hustle and bustle of the Dock Square. A perfect place to spend a peaceful morning watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee.
Ocean Avenue offers scenic views, with unmatched sunsets (and you can even catch a glimpse of Walker’s Point, the Bush family compound).
While we could have easily stayed longer to try more activities and restaurants, these were our family favorites:
Places to eat:
Departure
This concluded our U.S. 1 Maine Road Trip, so we took the quick drive back to Portland International Jetport, in Portland, to fly home. While this particular trip includes staying in Kennebunkport with day trips to Portland, it would be just as easy to stay in Portland and day trip to Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport is a slower pace, and we loved the peaceful mornings looking at the water. If you are looking to spend a few days somewhere a bit more lively, with more of a city atmosphere, consider staying in the heart of downtown Portland. You can’t go wrong with either, both towns have a variety of things to do, and it’s an easy drive back and forth.
Reach out if you are interested in a vacation to Maine and I will be happy to assist!
If you are looking to explore on your own road trip or customized vacation, I wanted to make sure to add that A Mouse and a Beach has an incredible option for you. Select Services Travel designs unique trips (like intricate road trips!) for their clients. Select Services Advisors can help plan your vacation from beginning to end, booking the best places to stay, organizing transportation, and filling your itinerary with the exciting excursions and must-try restaurants around the globe. Ready to get started? Contact our AMAAB crew here.
AMAAB Travel Advisor
Komentar