Coastal Maine, USA

 Simply Quaint

We waited a lifetime to go to Maine, what a mistake. It is breathtakingly beautiful and at the same time completely relaxing. It gives you a sense of calm, very hard to put into words. There are so many charming little towns that dot the coastline it is hard to explore them all in less than a week. We only had four days, but it is worth the trip from across the US or the world for that matter to visit this unique part of Americana. There are numerous hotels and bed and breakfasts spread throughout the coast, all great I'm sure. We stayed at The Inn on Oceans Edge and will always go back to there. For us, it was just perfect. It's a bed and breakfast that doubles as a hotel. The breakfasts vary everyday; select goodies from a chalk board and enjoy the delicious treats. Perched on the shores of the Penobscot Bay between the historic port of Camden and Lincolnville Beach, the luxury Inn is a quintessentially Maine. The oceanfront hotel just minutes from the nearby cities Camden and Belfast. The grounds, the infinity pool and feeling of serenity are very special indeed. 

Camden was perhaps our favorite along the coast. The self-described "Jewel of the Maine Coast", it has that fun vibe that reflects its status as a very popular harbor town destination. Located in mid-coast Maine, Camden is a haven for ocean lovers, foodies, shoppers, and outdoor adventurers. In the summer months, the population more than triples due to visitors and seasonal residents, many of whom reside in gorgeous ocean view estates around the harbor. We were there in the Autum, and I highly recommend that time of year. 

The foliage is amazing, the temperature is mild, and the weather is very accommodating. There are a number of very nice restaurants / pubs to choose from. We ate at several and our favorite was WaterFront. As its name suggests, it is right on the water, has wonderful views and has a great variety of seafood. They buy from area fishermen and farmers, hire local kids, and stay open year round as a place for the winter hardy to gather by the fireplace. This dining experience has been part of the mid coast for forty-five years. The Atlantic Haddock Fish and Chips and the Pan Seared Crab Cakes were amazing. New to Maine, we wanted to try the lobster rolls (which we did too many times and they were uncharacteristically expensive) we wanted to try different local specialties.

Bar Harbor (Baa-Haa-Baa to locals) is another must see destination and probably the favorite of many discerning tourists. It is picturesque indeed. The gateway to Acadia National Park, there are so many things to do from whale watching to sailing on a vintage 3 masted yacht. Probably the most colorful town in Maine, almost all of the buildings sport what seems to be freshly painted exteriors. Somehow it all comes together in a cohesive and charming downtown area. Over the years, Bar Harbor has gained a reputation as the place to be for some of the wealthiest Americans. John D. Rockefeller Jr donated roughly a third of the land that makes up Acadia National Park, Cornelius Vanderbilt built cottages in Bar Harbor, the famous Astor family-owned homes and hotels in Bar Harbor, and even movie stars have been known to frequent the town.

                                                                                             As recently as 2018, Bar Harbor was named one of the 10 most popular summer destinations in the nation. It’s estimated that visitors to Bar Harbor consume more than 5 million lobsters every year and Mainers will tell you Maine lobsters are more tender and taste better. Bar Harbor’s Acadia Park is the largest visitor attraction in Maine and the oldest park east of the Mississippi River.

Visiting in mid-day, we wanted lunch to be spontaneous and to pick a place that spoke to us. Then, literally out of the blue, a FedEx driver exited a restaurant and told us it was the best in town. It was a sign. Funny, Getty's is ranked as the number 1 restaurant in all of Maine, particularly known for its lobster. We had the lobster rolls and I must say, it was by far better than any of the 3 or 4 we had before. Although we didn't take a boat trip while we were in Bar Harbor, it certainly is a very popular activity with a variety of options on the bay. The downtown and harbor area are perfect for strolling; lots of quaint shops and plenty of friendly people. 

Another charming, small seaside town is Belfast. Its downtown is considered so beautiful it's a Nationally designated "Main Street Community" and working waterfront. As you stroll through town, you will pass grand houses that sit majestically in tree lined neighborhoods and the downtowns ornate brick buildings. Belfast has one of Maine's largest

concentrations of pre-Civil War architecture, two historic districts on the National Register plus Maine's best intact brick commercial district.  Those classic buildings now serve as homes for a cadre of local artists and artisans. The Harbor Walk is a short and picturesque path that allows visitors and residents alike to stroll, bike, or jog along the shore of the harbor in downtown Belfast, enjoying city parks and an up close view of a working shipyard along the way. 

Rockport and Rockland are just minutes apart and both are historic harbor towns. Rockland is the largest of the two and home to the annual Lobster Festival that is held in August. It's fun for the whole family, including entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, contests and the world’s greatest lobster cooker preparing 20,000 pounds of lobster. Also in August, the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show gathers Maine’s finest artists, architects, boat builders, designers, jewelers and more, plus live entertainment, food, and waterfront activities including a Paddleboard joust. It also has one of the smallest lighthouses I've ever seen. Despite being a small coastal village, 3600 people, Rockport Maine is known for its art galleries and thriving local art community. Visitors to this Mid Coast Maine town will also find an opera house and the Maine Media College. As with all Maine towns, there plenty of places to eat. 

If you have time, there is a small peninsula near Rockland with Port Clyde at the end with lots of tiny, tiny villages along the way. It is a very cool drive with plenty of vintage New England houses and scenery to enjoy. Port Clyde itself is really small but has the Port Clyde General Store. It serves small meals to include lunch and breakfast which can be eaten on premise or outside on a dock. Great Lobster Rolls. 

All of the towns I've described are with a short drive of Inn at Oceans Edge, Bar harbor being the furthest at 1.5 hours (small winding roads -Route1). Just 5 minutes away is the small hamlet of Lincolnville Beach. It has two great places to eat: McLaughlin's Lobster Shack and Whales Tooth Pub.  Mclauglin's is very casual, right on the water and reasonably priced food that is very tasty. Whales Tooth is a little more refined with upscale bar food. Only 10 minutes away is the Cellardoor Winery. Great scenery and good wine. If you haven't gone to Maine. GO!!!!!!!