Get ready for a fun adventure and the temptation to plan your own trip to Maine!
Before we left for Maine this summer, our friends and family were asking, “What are you going to do for TWO WEEKS in Maine?” They were baffled that we would spend that much time in Maine. Well, the two weeks was a fantastic amount of time (we’d spend the whole summer there if we could!).
It was an incredible combination of connecting with nature (our favorite), eating phenomenal food (definitely a must), and relaxing too (always important).
So here’s what our two-week tour looked like:
1. CAMDEN
We started in Camden, a picturesque coastal town with a rocky coast and simply charming New England style scenery.
Nights stayed: 2
What we loved: We enjoyed the pristine ocean views of the inn we stayed at, and a busy-but-relaxed hub of downtown with several places to feast on fresh (and sustainable!) seafood. The Maine-made blueberry soda was an intensely refreshing experience!
We also took a 2 mile hike one day in Camden Hills State Park that really got our blood pumping. The view at the top that overlooks the bay was worth it, and we were proud that we made it despite the inclines that were much steeper than we’re used to!
2. BAR HARBOR
From Camden, we moseyed on to Bar Harbor, which was a little more populated but still a relaxed and lively coastal atmosphere.
Nights stayed: 5
What we loved: Bar Harbor really has it all: the conveniences of the town, and is right next to Acadia National Park’s main entrance for all of your hiking and nature-seeking desires. The hotel-style lodging was quaint in its Tudor 3-story build but had all the amenities you could want.
We were smitten with Bar Harbor in that there was so much to explore and take in, so we were glad to have made this the place we stayed the longest at.
Here are our adventures during our 6-day stay in Bar Harbor:
- went whale watching (saw 4 fin whales, countless harbor porpoise and harbor seals, AND a basking shark!)
- went on a lobstering tour boat ride
- went tide pooling, hiking, and sightseeing in Acadia National Park (Wonderland, Ship’s Harbor, Otter Cliffs and Sand Beach were some of the highlights)
- walked across the ocean floor that only appears during low tide to Bar Island and hiked a beautiful trail that was a part of Acadia National Park
- ate lobster, lobster, and more lobster (Maine does a terrific job maintaining a sustainable lobster fishery)
atedevoured the intensely flavorful blueberry pie, with blueberries that were Maine-grown
3. MOOSEHEAD LAKE
We took an excursion inland for a stay at Moosehead Lake, and were graced with scenic views of mirrored land- and skyscapes, coveted sightings of wildlife, and gravel roads lined with trees.
Nights stayed: 3
What we loved: We went on an incredible moose tour in a canoe, and were lucky enough to witness SIX moose, a bear, a bald eagle, and a pair of loons with their newly hatched chick. We had the best tour guide, who clearly loves what he does and expertly shared his neck of the woods with us!
Our stay at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake was phenomenal – the innkeepers were so warm and welcoming, the views were breathtaking, the rustic-chic room exceeded every last creature comfort desire, and the campfire dinner with lobster, steak, and gourmet s’mores was the ultimate feast! While we were in town, we also went on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip.
4. BOOTHBAY HARBOR
We finished up our trip with the leisurely active Boothbay Harbor.
Nights stayed: 3
What we loved: Boothbay Harbor had a cozy harbor vibe, and it offered plenty of leisurely activities for us. After having been more active in our earlier stops in Maine (hiking, nature tours, etc.), it was a nice way to end the trip on a more leisurely yet still active note.
The highlights of Boothbay: beautiful harbor views, rows of shops along the bay, nautical-themed mini-golf, a shell museum, botanical gardens, the Maine State Aquarium…and also the best lobster of our trip! (Click here for our detailed scoop on the Maine State Aquarim.)
Would we change a thing about our trip? Amazingly, no. Well, perhaps make it longer. 🙂
P.S. – We couldn’t get enough of Maine, so we made a couple DIY crafts to remember our trip. Check them out!
These pictures are amazing!
Thank you Molly! The scenery there is just incredible and very photogenic!