In late September, we connected with Tom's mom and our daughter, Kelsey, for a 3-generation trip to Maine. Our primary objective was Acadia National Park (and daily seafood), but we also saw some gorgeous places en route. The first surprise was Cape Elizabeth. It's 10 miles south of Portland, and we hopped down there shortly after our flight arrived, mostly to visit the lobster shack. But, what a beautiful piece of coast ... and the waves were pounding in pretty good, as a result of Hurricane Maria activity out at sea ... just as the sun was setting!
Our mostly rural drive up to Acadia wasn't quite as "coastal" as we had thought, but there were some quintessential Maine towns, a very cool bridge (Penobscott Narrows Bridge), and some nice views from Mt Battie (near Camden). The Penobscott Narrows Bridge was stunning, but its ultra-modern lines seemed very out-of-place in the old-time Maine countryside. Perhaps that contrast was part of the plan.
We had most of 2 days to explore Desert Island, which contains the town of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and several other small towns. It's not a particularly large island, so we just had a relaxing time. We spent one day exploring the quiet western side of the island, and the other exploring Acadia proper (with significant crowds). The weather was beautiful, with a bit of fall nip to the air in the evenings. We broke up the drive with occasional stops for views, walks and/or food. The sea was considerably calmer here, so there were no crashing waves for excitement. We stayed in Bar Harbor, and it was pretty hoppin'. Lots of restaurants and people ... and very touristy ... no doubt related to the cruise ships anchored in the harbor.
Overall, it was a nice area. The scenery was quite different and less dramatic than the big mountains we often visit. But still quite beautiful. The fall colors were just starting, so a couple of weeks later would have been pretty spectacular. The solitude on the western half of the island was particularly to our liking. And it was great to spend quality time with family!
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| Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse |
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| Cape Elizabeth Surf |
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| Camden from Mt Battie |
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| Penobscot Narrows Bridge |
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| Elaine meets her old buddy, Red! |
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| Crab in tidepool |
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| Tidepool colors |
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| The happy travelers |
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| Evening light on Cadillac Mtn |
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| Shoreline on Bar Island |
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| And of course ... white birch |
Activities
- Wandering/Sightseeing
- Portland: Cape Elizabeth, Victoria Mansion
- Camden: Mt Battie, Camden Hills State Park (nice views)
- Acadia: Park Loop Rd, Cadillac Mtn, Sand Beach, Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Bar Island, Wonderland Trail
5-Star Moments
- Waves crashing at sunset at Cape Elizabeth
- Tidepool colors
Random Scenes
- After returning to our Portland hotel and relaxing for a little bit, we headed down to the restaurant connected to the hotel (by several very long hallways) for some dinner. Unfortunately, we got there just after a literal busload of people had sat down. They said it would be a while. We waited patiently. A half hour later we ordered. We continued to wait patiently. Another hour later, we still hadn't received our food. Finally, Tom asked, and they managed to pull it all together. Not sure how they can't know that a bus is coming and will need food, but ...
- Arriving at the best lobster shack on the island in Bass Harbor (at least per the guide book), only to find it was closed. It was a Sunday after Labor Day. So back to Southwest Harbor for the second best shack!
Tom's Daily Stress Points
- What are we actually going to do today that everyone will be happy with?? (stress level = medium)
Sleeps
- Bar Harbor: Villager Motel (fine, great location, marginal breakfast)
- Portland: Ramada Plaza Portland (good, pretty close to airport)
Noteable Eats
- Portland
- The Baker's Bench (very good baked items)
- The Egg and I (good breakfast)
- Season's Grille (ok food, but can't handle crowds)
- Damariscotta: S. Fernald's Country Store (good sandwiches)
- Southwest Harbor: Beal's (great lobster shack)
- Bar Harbor
- Side St. Cafe (very good seafood)
- West St. Cafe (good blueberry pie a la mode)
- Epi's Pizza (pitiful breakfast ... surprise, surprise)
Future Ideas
- Biking on the carriage roads
- Hiking the longer trails
- Shoodic Peninsula
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