By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. The stunning two-story family room features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the woods and the lake beyond. You may also want to bring along a GPS tracker. I stayed in the two-bedroom Looney Loft cabin, which had a full kitchen and spacious family room. Other awesome things to do in Maine of which there are plenty including visiting Stephen Kings house (but be respectful, dont go all Misery on us), numerous fascinating museums (like the Hudson Museum and the Owls Head Transportation Museum), and more. There are no high rise hotels. There is a little unmarked trail beginning on the other side of the road from the pull-off.
Sometimes I have to hunt for five minutes to find a parking spot. Deer Isle is situated on tons of granite and is pleasantly secluded, while still having the healthy oceanside town of Stonington. If you have kids that need a break to stretch their legs, stop at some of the many scenic overlooks and byway stops that offer KidsQuest activities for kids, including learning about reversing waterfalls, train stations, or the areas history in granite production.
When in the Maine Highlands, drive slowly and keep a sharp eye out for deer and moose in the road, especially in the hours near dusk and dawn and after dark. Blue Hill is a small town with little surprises around every corner. The Refuge provides free canoe rentals in the summer (donation requested) and guided paddle events throughout the season. If that is not your scene, have lunch by the river at Union River Lobster Pot. The precious small town sits on the waters edge and is surrounded by the sloping mountains in Maines highland area.
One county in Maine is even bigger than Connecticut and Rhode island combined! Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. All rights reserved. This is a perfect location to enjoy lake life! This can be an especially dramatic view when it is high tide and the waves are crashing against the rocks. None of the restaurants in the Acadia area would be considered "fancy" by most city standards. Re: Staying slightly off the beaten path along coastal Maine? Check out some of these oddball roadside attractions in Maine! Blue Hill Inn is a charming, quaint place to stay. The raw roughness of nature.
If traveling solo or as a couple, The Inn at Schoppee Farm is a wonderful farm stay! Hike to the overlooks, stop by rushing falls, head to the top of Quill Hill for 360 panoramic views. Of course, nighttime brings great stargazing opportunities and in the winter, even chances to see the Northern Lights. Another adventure in Maine worthy of having is spending a day or longer exploring, Maine is also not without its share of delightful hidden gems just waiting to be explored. From too far of a distance for great photos, even with my super zoom lens, but still exciting. One can totally disconnect here, like many artists and eco-tourists do. From Winter Harbor, you can also take a puffin tour with Acadia Puffin, rent kayaks or bikes from Sea Schoodic Kayak & Bike, take a lobster boat tour from Corea, take a hike at the Schoodic Bog Trail in Sullivan or the Taft Point Preserve in Gouldsboro, or check out the mansions and view from Grindstone Neck and Grindstone Point.
All chocolate and ingredients are homemade on-site and she will walk you through every variety of her award-winning candy. Sound fun? It helps to have full bug repellant gear if you are going out in the twilight hours or after dark. Looking for more cool things to show guests?
Bike to the top of Mount Kineo, ride around the lake via a 1914 steamboat and explore Lily Bay State Park, then fish, swim, ski, snowshoe or ice fish. The side-by-sides are so much easier to drive and maneuver than a traditional ATV so they are a lot of fun even for inexperienced operators. You can either stay overnight or drive 2.5 hours to Bangor for the beginning of your inland adventures. One creeps from stop light to stop light.
Local favorites include the Pickled Wrinkle in Birch Harbor (followed by ice cream at Me and Bens next door) or Lunch on the Wharf for a fresh lobster roll on the water in Corea, or down-home cooking try Chases in Winter Harbor. For an outdoor adventure on your drive up to Millinocket Lake, take a stroll on the Orono Bog Boardwalk, a one-mile loop walk at the forested wetland edge in the Bangor City Forest. If you want to avoid the hordes that descend on Vacationland each summer and fall, and the high prices that they bring, you need to get away from the beaches and midcoast. Some of our favorite, -smallest state in the United States has 32 state parks, and every single one of them is amazing in its own way. In town, you can stop for lunch at Lubec Brewing Company for craft beer or Cohills Inn and Pub for great cocktails.
She also runs guided hikes in other areas and wildlife viewing sunset paddle trips. But please keep in mind that this is a 10+ hour hike for serious and experienced hikers that are well-prepared. Shin Pond Village also offers full-day rentals for Polaris side-by-sides to explore the many miles of trails maintained by local ATV clubs. After exploring the Schoodic Peninsula, it was time for me to continue my road trip Downeast to the town of Milbridge along the Bold Coast Scenic Byway.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com. and pass some scenic areas, know what to expect before you go. When I was there in early June on a Monday morning I only saw a handful of people during my stop there. Youll also find some truly unique, Nestled In The Middle Of A Botanical Garden, This Tiny Maine Cafe Is An Enchanting Day Trip Destination, Explore Viles In Maine, An Underrated Arboretum That Is Beautiful In Every Season, Theres Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Maines Lake St. George Cant Cure, The York Harbor Cliff Walk Is An Otherworldly Destination Near The Maine Border, 18 Places In Maine Way Out In The Boonies But So Worth The Drive, 11 Not-So-Hidden Hidden Gems Youll Find Only In Maine, These 13 Unique Attractions In Maine Are An Absolute Must-Visit, This Easy Hike In Maine Will Lead You Someplace Unforgettable. A popular thing to do is book a reservation for Tea with Eleanor for afternoon high tea. Maine might be a small state, but its a mighty state jam-packed with all kinds of fun stuff to do and amazing adventures to be had. Nearby, you can enjoy hiking to local waterfalls and swimming holes, like Shin Brook Falls or Grand Falls.
Explore our breathtaking forests and go camping. Air & 25-Day Great India Tour | Save $300, Shenandoah National Park Resorts, Lodges & Cabins, 8-Day Greece Cruise w/ All-Inclu. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [emailprotected] By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. The Schoodic Peninsula has been inhabited by the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Native American peoples (collectively known as the Wabanaki) for millennia. Stonington has great little breakfast spots like Harbor Cafe, which also serves up flavorful scallop stew. I drive into town every morning , year 'round, around ten a.m. to get the daily newspapers. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Why deal with crowds at the more popular, Since we already mentioned them, the 32 amazing, on us), numerous fascinating museums (like the Hudson Museum and the Owls Head Transportation Museum), and more. Shin Pond Village has both two-seaters and four-seat vehicles for families. You will meet real Mainers, but very few tourists, making it a great trip if you want to get away from the crowds but still be outdoors this summer. Nearby, you can explore the Downeast Coastal Conservancy and Cobscook Shores trails. Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! Its home to dreamy coastal towns, has one of the best national parks in the United States and boasts downright incomparable cuisine that has rightfully helped it earn its place as a top vacation destination. Katahdin. You can also see the largest lobsterman in Maine! Visit the coast. On the island youll find stunning cliffs and nature trails, but no paved road or passenger vehicles. I would also recommend not blindly following Google Maps as that may lead you down some remote gravel roads, many of which are shared by logging trucks. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-90138008', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Acadia for a least 1-2 days. Very local, has some beautiful easy hiking trails, Lands End and Mackerel Cove for direct water access. This is just one of many, Elephant Mountain Trail, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA. If youve got some time, plan a weekend to visit a few of these. So when travel came bounding back this year I was eager to escape my confines and explore more of the great outdoors and small towns that give Maine such character. We are renting a car so we can take day trips and make lots of stops along the way.
There arent any services in the park, but you can pack a picnic or pop out for lunch in Winter Harbor or Birch Harbor. At first, we encountered quite a few beavers swimming through the water and slapping their tails at us to warn us to keep away. Youll also find some truly unique places to eat in Maine youll never, ever find anywhere else. Keep in mind that you will be driving over bumpy gravel roads. It has a New England feel with two nicely landscaped village green spaces and a pretty harbor with lobster boats bouncing on moorings. Okay, this one is admittedly not actually off-the-beaten-path exactly. And that was 25 years ago. It was a nightmare driving through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We're considering staying in Old Port, Bar Harbor, and Boothbay, but we'd like ideas on possible out of the way spots to stay. I was hosted at the gorgeous full-service three-bedroom, two-bath Loon Lodge. If you are interested in stargazing, keep an eye out for future events or consider camping in the park to take advantage of those dark skies. Dark Sky Maine and the Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters will often lead star parties up at the overlook with beautiful views of Mt. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. Just remember to sign in and out at the trail registers. Bailey Island looks really good to me, also. Unfortunately, it was closed on Sunday evening when I visited, so I went to Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant instead.
You read that correctly Maine, the 12th-smallest state in the United States has 32 state parks, and every single one of them is amazing in its own way. We kind of think the things you find off the beaten path in Maine are the most beautiful examples of what this amazing state has to offer. The Press Hotel is also nice. You will see the first sunlight hitting the United States that day! Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail. From Bangor, it is a quick one-hour drive downeast to Winter Harbor. Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! On your way to Milbridge, be sure to stop at Darthia Farm for some homemade blueberry syrup, tomatillo salsa, and other produce and preserves.
Of the nine crew members, only the pilot and navigator survived. Located along the Appalachian Trail near Rangeley, this teetering rock appears to have been placed against a tree by a very strong giant. Ride the historic train or just explore the wheelchair accessible rail trail. Katahdin and Eagle Lake and then take a few side trips to places like Fort Kent Blockhouse, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Aroostook State Park.
Maine might be a small state, but its a mighty state jam-packed with all kinds of fun stuff to do and amazing adventures to be had.
If you take one out, the top of Roberts Mountain offers a great scenic vista of the area. Maine is touted as Vacationland for a reason. From Millinocket Lake, it is time to head a little further into the Highlands to the Lumberjack town of Patten. Our current plan is to stay 3 nights in the Portland area, travel to Acadia for 4 nights, return to the Boothbay Harbor area for 3 nights and fly home from Portland. Our itineraries help take the pain out of planning your next family vacation so you can spend more time creating happy memories. Art shops where you can purchase locally made pottery or sculptures dot the streets, along with a wine shop, and co-op where you can get local, organic goodies. So much helpful information! I loved my visit to these regions and all opinions are my own. Created by the University of Maine in Presque Isle, this model begins with the sun in Presque Isle and goes all the way to Houlton where you'll find the (now defunct as a planet) Pluto. The roads on these lands are gravel and not as frequently graded or maintained as those in Baxter State Park so it is very bumpy and slow going. However, one has to put things in perspective. Since we already mentioned them, the 32 amazing state parks in Maine are off the list. http://www.sleepbarharbor.com/ There are also some nice Bed and Breakfast places in Southwest Harbor including The Kingsleigh Inn. I recently got the. And the Knife Edge Trail is not something to be taken lightly and certainly not for those with a fear of heights. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Bring plenty of bug spray and keep in mind that May and June are often black fly season (luckily I didnt encounter those on this trip) and the mosquito is often described as the Maine state bird. For a casual, waterside lobster joint, I recommend Thurston's or Charlotte's Legendary Lobster, both on the Southwest Harbor side of Mount Desert Island. If you didnt have a chance to take a puffin cruise yet, you can book a tour with Robertson Sea Tours and Adventures in Milbridge. A must-stop in Lubec is Monicas Chocolates. If you enjoy fruit wine, you can also enjoy a tasting at Maines oldest winery, Bartlett Maine Estate Winery. For those looking for more adventure, NEOC runs rafting tours in the summer on the Upper Penobscot River with Class II V rapids, or milder family floats on the Lower Penobscot River with Class I rapids. This was pretty exciting for me too as finding a beaver in the wild was always on my bucket list. This public land adjacent to Baxter State Park was acquired over the years and recently designated as a National Monument as part of the National Parks Service. Cruise w/ Upgrade + $500 Ship Credit, Air & 8-Day Taste of Portugal Small Group Tour, Vail, CO | Rent Full Sized Condos at Hotel Rates, 50% Off | 7-Day Isle of Crete Small Group Culinary Tour. Try to catch a glimpse of sunbathing harbor seals and enjoy an old fashioned lobster dinner.
We always stay there on our trips to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Staying slightly off the beaten path along coastal Maine? Another adventure in Maine worthy of having is spending a day or longer exploring Acadia National Park, which is easily one of the most beautiful places in the US. And the best part you pretty much have the place to yourself. This cute border town is quiet, but I imagine it is busier when the Canadian border is open and tourists are doing a two-nation vacation. When the border is open, a visit to Campobello Island is a must, home to Roosevelt Campobello International Park. We will appreciate any suggestions on areas or smaller towns to stay in around Portland, Acadia and Boothbay Harbor. This is a great spot for birders and wildlife watchers. Be sure to stop at the Frenchman Bay Scenic Turnout to take in the view. Of course, if that doesnt work out, you can try driving Golden Road in the early morning as there are often moose in or near the side of the road. 
For accommodations, Id recommend a glamping experience at Terramor Outdoor Resort. As an outdoor educator, she does an amazing job explaining the flora and fauna and talking about the ecology of the area. For families, you could look at rooms and suites at The Machias River Inn. Have patience and plan ahead. Something went wrong. If you want to spend more time in this area, you wont regret it. Another option for an easy hike or a paddle on Pushaw Stream at the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. We are the Grubers Tamara, Glenn, and Hannah. Just minutes down the gravel road past the gate, I noticed some movement in the road ahead and sure enough, there was a moose! From the porch swing, I enjoyed the relaxing views across the meadow. During the course of a week I saw everything from puffins and lighthouses to moose and cozy lakeside cabins. Follow along. Whether we are traveling the world or exploring nearby New England, we want to learn about local culture and share in adventures and activities that we will remember always. You can see where some of the scenes from Pet Cemetery were filmed and the final resting places of Hannibal Hamlin, the 15th Vice President of the United States. Schoodic Point was originally settled during the American Revolution by Thomas Frazier, an African American man who is honored at Frazer Point, the first viewpoint along the six-mile, one-way loop through the park. But that is where everyone goes. If you have time for a picnic, McClellan State Park offers beautiful views of the coastline from rocky bluffs. Ive stayed in a lot of glamping resorts and this is without a doubt one of the best. Plenty of lodges, such as Weatherbys Lodge, and cozy cabins are available to those looking to retreat to the water surrounded town. Thank you! Also, parking near popular wildlife watching spots, like Sandy Stream Pond fill up by 6am and the park rangers offer 3-hour moose passes for those that arrive in time. Or should we say a-Maine-zing? An alternative is taking the free Island Explorer shuttle bus. Just keep in mind that parking at any of the trailheads that lead to Mt. Accommodations are downright charming, with places like the Blair Hill Inn and the Lodge at Moosehead Lake epitomizing the cozy offerings. Each vehicle is equipped with a tracker and GPS software so you cant get lost. There are no water parks. Otherwise, take the fast route to Winter Harbor (4.5 hours from Boston on Interstate 95) to kick off your trip. Unlike the huge crowds you will find at popular lighthouses like Nubble Light in Cape Neddick or Portland head Light in Cape Elizabeth. 
