An Epic Maine Road Trip

Maine, almost as big as Portugal, is the largest of the six New England states in Northeastern USA. It is bordered by the state of New Hampshire, the Gulf of Maine and Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. More than 80% of the territory of Maine is forested. It is also home to Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in the state as well as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. A week-long road trip through this scenic state will take you through a lively city, coastal towns, beautiful lighthouses, mountains, beaches, oceanfront views, and a look at it’s thunderous rocky coastline. Along the way you will get to experience the delicious local cuisine and many adventures. We will be spending one day in each town to cover maximum ground and relish everything this amazing state has to offer.

Day 1 – York

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Starting our road trip from Boston, we will make our first stop at York which is located only 70 miles away. While it is only an hour long drive, you will experience the charm of Maine in this beautiful town soaking in the amazing views of cottages and the ocean. The quaint cottages reminded me of Nantucket, an island in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts.

The first destination on the list of things to do is visiting the Cape Neddick Nubble lighthouse. With a backdrop of rocky coastline, Cape Neddick Nubble is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in New England. After you have had your fill of the breathtaking views, grab some lunch at the nearby Fox’s Lobster House offering both indoor and outdoor seating. If you are visiting during summer, hit the Long Sands Beach offering a 2-mile stretch of white sand and in close proximity to shops and restaurants. If you are visiting in spring or fall, hike Mount Agamenticus. It is a 1.7 mile loop trail and offers stunning views of the ocean from the summit.

Day 2 – Ogunquit

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Our next stop on the road trip is the lively town of Ogunquit. Located only 7 miles (15 mins drive) from York, Ogunquit feels more like a vacation town. Start your day exploring the downtown shops and restaurants, making your way to the Footbridge Beach (known for river tubing) followed by a walk at the Ogunquit beach. It’s time to experience something very unique and picturesque which puts this town on top of my list. Known as one of New England’s most beloved coastal walks, Marginal Way is 1.25 miles long and offers postcard perfect views of Maine’s rocky shoreline. It reminds me of the cliff walk in Newport, Rhode Island but it is paved throughout which is a big plus.

There are pedestrian access points along the path and you will get to see wildflowers and a lighthouse along the way. There is the Atlantic Ocean on one side and hotels/properties on the other. If you are not on a tight budget, stay at one of the oceanfront hotels enjoying the sunset from the vast lawns of the property. The walk ends at the scenic Perkins Cove, a fishing community surrounded by cute little shops and restaurants. The highlight of the day would be a well deserved meal at MC Perkins Cove, voted as one of the top ten places in the world with a view!

Day 3 – Kennebunkport

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Next day, head to the quaint town of Kennebunkport and spend a day walking around and take in the charming views this town has to offer. Only 12 miles north of Ogunquit (25 minutes drive), Kennebunkport is a coastal town offering unique places to visit and a beautiful beach (Goose Rocks Beach) to soak in the sunshine. Drive to the Walker’s Point Estate also known as the Bush Compound to get a glimpse of Bush family’s summer retreat. The estate served as the Summer White House of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.

Next on our list is St. Anthony’s Monastery. Established in 1947, it is home to riverside walking paths, English-style gardens, woodlands, and outdoor chapels. The Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes chapel constructed in Lithuanian style took my breath away. Although it is the only open chapel I have ever visited, I am sure it is one of the most beautiful ones out there. Dock Square is perfect for shopping souvenirs and trying local food. I picked up some amazing candles from the ‘Copper Candle’ and some salt water taffy from ‘The Candy Man’. Stroll the area and check out the beautiful wooden homes built on water. Take a stop at the beautiful St. Ann’s Episcopal Church located right on the water. Visit the quaint fishing village of Cape Porpoise (only a short drive away) and enjoy views of the fishing boats and the Goat Island Lighthouse.

Day 4 – Portland

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Today we are going to drive 40 minutes (29 miles) to the largest city of Maine. Portland is set on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and historic brick facades of Old Port lined with boutiques, shops, art galleries, restaurants, breweries (must try) and bars. Walk along the Congress street, Commercial street, Exchange Street and the Moulton street. Spend some time at the waterfront and take the ferry to one of the nine Casco Bay Islands. We took the 18 minute ferry to Peaks Island and rode a bike along the perimeter of the island. The entire ride took a couple of hours after which we had some ice cream and took the return ferry back to Portland.
Do save some time for this next destination. Portland Head Light, also known as Maine’s oldest lighthouse is located within Fort Williams Park in Elizabeth. Standing tall at the entrance of the Portland Harbor, this lighthouse is maintained by the United States Coast Guard. There are some scenic coastal hikes and a seasonal gift shop on the premises. If you are a history buff, there is an award winning museum located within the former Keepers’ Quarters. Only 115 miles away from Boston, this is hands down one of the prettiest lighthouses I have ever visited. The rocky shoreline, surrounding greenery and gorgeous outlook of the ocean (Gulf of Maine) combine together to give you the most dramatic views! You could visit the lighthouse first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon as it is closed to public after 4 PM.

Day 5 & Day 6- Camden & Rockport Maine

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Day 5 will entail almost 2 hours of driving (80 miles) to the town of Camden. Drive or hike to the summit of Mount Battie for beautiful views of the harbor, the Penobscot Bay and the surrounding islands. The views from top reminding me of Europe are some of the best I have witnessed. You could hike the other trails of the Camden Hills State Park and spend some time with nature.

Stroll the Main Street of downtown and enjoy the cafes and boutiques before you head to Rockport and go sailing during sunset. There are numerous privately owned schooners and the owners offer sailing trips with meals included. Bring your own wine or beer and be ready for a tranquil sailing experience while enjoying a hot cup of lobster bisque. A lot of these trips are offered by family owned businesses and it’s so cool to witness the camaraderie between the staff members. You will get to see the beautiful Indian Head lighthouse along with other stunning views of Maine’s rocky coastline and the ocean.

Day 7 & Day 8 – Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

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It’s time to head to the last destination of the trip. A drive of almost 2 hours (80 miles) will take you to Acadia National Park located on the Mount Desert Island in Maine. The lively town of Bar Harbor is located at the entrance of the National Park. One can choose to stay in hotels, inns, lodges, cabins or camping grounds while visiting Acadia.

Have a lobster meal (CherrySTONES/Stewman’s Lobster Pound/ Blaze) at one of the many restaurants in Bar Harbor and call it an early night as we will hit the National park first thing in the morning. The best part about Acadia is that it has one main loop (Park Loop) which can be enjoyed by driving at your own pace. Unlike other major parks such as Yosemite or Yellowstone, this park is not as spread out or big. Acadia has a lot to offer including a rocky coastline, mountains, a beach, a pond as well as hiking and adventure opportunities.

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Sand Beach is a great place to soak in some sun and swim in the chilly waters of Maine. Hike around the Jordan Pond, dip your feet in the cool waters and head to the Jordan Pond House Restaurant for an amazing meal outdoors. Another notable stop would be the summit of Mount Cadillac. You can either drive or hike up to the lookout. People often go there during sunrise but it is beautiful at any hour of the day.

Thunder Hole, an inlet between rocks where waves roll up and create a thunderous sound is delightful. If you have some additional time, book a guided kayak tour or a boat tour for an adventurous experience. While I enjoyed my visit during first week of September, best time to visit the park based on popular opinion is the Fall season. A trip in September will help you avoid the crowds and yet appreciate the last few receding days of summer. A trip during Autumn will offer gorgeous views of the Fall Foliage with a backdrop of the Atlantic ocean.

I hope you get to appreciate something unique on each day of the road trip. This week long itinerary has been designed to keep the driving minimal and enjoy as much in the limited time as possible. There is a lot more to this beautiful state! I hope I get to write another blog about Maine soon! Until then, Adieu!