Main has long been on my American to do list — so thrilled I finally made it there! I was perhaps a week late for the prime of the fall leaves, but this meant smaller crowds at Acadia (separate post) and open roads to wander on. 

My original post was made in 2013, I had the chance to visit again as part of the PopTech Conference in Camden in 2016. I was visiting again in October and astonished by the beauty of the changing fall leaves and lovely people gearing up for the off season in the East. I will make some additions to my previous post and indicate them with the change in color of the type.

EXPERIENCE

On this trip I flew into Portland, rented a car and made a road trip of it. I was in town for a conference to started my trip with several days in Camden. This is an incredibly charming seaside town with lots of great shops, local seafood and amazing parks. While here be sure to check out Camden State Park, Penobscot Bay, and spend some time exploring the harbor. My favorite activity while in town, was taking a cooking class at Salt Water Farm. This charming sustainable farm offers several class options, I took chowder and bread making. This was such an inspiring experience, I got to learn cooking techniques as well as gardening tricks.

From here I continued along the famously charming and beautiful U.S. Route 1 to Bar Harbor. Along the way I made time to stop at the many flea markets and quirky oddities along the way. Had I been here in peak season I’m sure some of these spots would have been even more lively. Bar Harbor was very charming as well though much more touristy. It is loaded with great craft shops, adorable restaurants and offers lobster trapping excursions. While here I could sense I had missed prime season, so I spend most of my energy experiencing Acadia National Park. 

This trip I flew into Bangor since it was in closer proximity to Bar Harbor. Through I was spending most of the time in Camden for the conference this worked out better on my way home. Bangor is a really charming town and I enjoyed hitting the Rock and Art Shop here, hitting the Sunday Farmer’s Market and walking the riverfront. This trip to Camden I had the chance to do a little more shopping. I really enjoyed Main Street and the hand woven knits and textiles. The Harbor was especially pretty this trip as we got some clear days before the rain rolled in. In addition to shopping, I really enjoyed the bed and breakfast I again stayed at and exploring the restaurants and bars still open in town.

STAY

While in Maine this time of year, bed and breakfasts are really the way to go. I’d suggest camping if there at a warmer time (I’m sure it would be spectacular), but the quaint towns make the charm of local B&B’s hard to deny. While in Camden I stayed at a wonderful place called the Victorian by the Sea. This spot is run by a lovely couple, who served a fantastic very gourmet breakfast at eight each day. I had the Sawyer Suite, which had a nice bath, cute attic space and oceanfront porch. This place is a little out of the way from Camden, but particularly secluded with a gorgeous view of Penobscot Bay. 

In Bar Harbor I stayed at the Ivy Manor. While not quite as homey feeling as the Victorian by the Sea, this place has a great location in the center of town. This affordable accommodation is very close to Acadia National Park, has a bar in house and serves a lovely buffet style morning breakfast. 

This visit I again stayed at the Victorian by the Sea in Lincolnville near Camden, it recently switched ownership, but I was very impressed with the place once again. In Bar Harbor I spent my night at the Castlemaine Inn, it was okay, but if I return for a third visit might try someplace new.

EAT

While in Maine you must indulge in seafood! Lobster, oysters, chowders, mussels and clams are a must! These come in many forms and varieties. Be sure to try a lobster roll! The other item not to miss are blueberry creations. Though I was not there in season, I had the best piece of blueberry pie I have ever had up in Bar Harbor. A favorite dining spot while in Camden was a cute little spot called Francine Bistro. They had great cocktails, amazing fresh oysters, crab topped poppadoms, and grilled lobster! 

In this recent visit it appears some new spots have taken hold in Camden. I loved our welcome dinner at Peter Ott’s on the Water. They have great appetizers and lobster rolls. Another fun spot is the SeaDog Brewing Company. They have some wonderful fish tacos and you can’t miss the blueberry beer they are famous for. On my way to Camden from Bangor I also stopped at a wonderful stop on the water called Young’s Lobster Pound. Here you can pick a lobster from the tank and they will prepare it anyway you like, while you wait enjoy the delicious and rich lobster bisque. A few places that were already closed for the season that I’d love to check out on a return trip include Fresh & Co. and the Hardstone Inn.