The Maine coast in August?

Porchdog · 06-11-2014, 05:41 AM

The wife and I are in the early stages of planning a trip to Maine this summer.

We know we want to see Acadia / Bar Harbor. I'm not so sure we want to stay there.

I've been to the interior, hiking and fishing. I haven't been to the coast. We're not all that big on crowds, so quieter is better.

Any suggestions? Maybe move up or down the coast and stay at a couple places?

We will be stopping in Boston for one or two nights. She wants to see Boston, especially the history trail.

Thanks

Eric 951 · 06-11-2014, 06:06 AM

Bar Harbor can get crowded at the beach. Prepare to see many speedos and 2-pieces (popular area with french Canadians).

At least the water should be about as warm as it is going to get (which is still cold)

JohnJL · 06-11-2014, 06:34 AM

Camden, Boothbay and Portland are all very nice to visit. Bar harbor is quite a drive from Boston.

I grew up at and got married on pemaquid point so im partial to that. You can cat h a ferry to monhegan island from next door in New Harbor.

Enjoy!

wolds · wolds's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnJL

Camden, Boothbay and Portland are all very nice to visit. Bar harbor is quite a drive from Boston.

I grew up at and got married on pemaquid point so im partial to that. You can cat h a ferry to monhegan island from next door in New Harbor.

Enjoy!

My wife and I got married in Boothbay harbor which is very nice. Lots of good places to stay. Bath Iron Works and the Maritime Museum in Bath are worth the time to visit. Warren

Porchdog · 06-11-2014, 04:08 PM

That's good information!

Any B&B suggestions?

Thanks!

dafischer · 06-11-2014, 06:27 PM

Ogunquit is very nice, and if you want to make a side trip to the White Mts. in NH, it's only about a two hour drive,
We did the reverse trip many times when we vacationed in NH...Kennebunkport (also nice) and Ogunquit day trips. The roads are all good two lanes, and you see a lot of the countryside.

VaSteve · 06-11-2014, 06:28 PM

The beach at bar harbor is tiny!

Tishabet · 06-11-2014, 10:28 PM

I would recommend staying in the bar harbor area, but not bar harbor itself. Southwest harbor and Blue Hill are my favorite towns in the area, all of the charm and far less touristy drivel.

VaSteve · 06-12-2014, 02:41 AM

Anything outside of Bar Harbor is DEAD. IMHO. Southwest Harbor is nice but there's like 2 restaurants. In BH itself there are a lot of people milling around....eating iced cream and such. It's not the tourist drivel you get in other vacation spots.

VincentVega · 06-12-2014, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Anything outside of Bar Harbor is DEAD

That's one of the reasons I love Maine.

Worth the time

Owls Head Transportation Museum | Owls Head Transportation Museum

Porchdog · 06-12-2014, 10:18 AM

I think DEAD is what we prefer. We spent a week on the Vineyard a couple years ago. It was pretty nice, except for some of the places dense with tourists.
We do like touring the historic sites.

Thanks!

T77911S · 06-12-2014, 10:26 AM

we will be there in july. on the benz though.

lake bonigbeg(?)

intakexhaust · intakexhaust's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porchdog

I think DEAD is what we prefer. We spent a week on the Vineyard a couple years ago. It was pretty nice, except for some of the places dense with tourists.
We do like touring the historic sites.

Thanks!

Me too. It's been many, many years since there but loved Maine for touring by bike. Took it slow and covered the coastline. Found many hideaway and enjoyable accommodations, no crowds whatsoever, beautiful scenery and road conditions. While pedaling along soaking it all in (sunshine and the rain), often came across humble folks that welcomed us in for lunch, drinks on the porch.... amazing. Terrific fishing too!

T77911S · 06-13-2014, 03:07 AM

great place to ride a bike. i prefered inland. about every 10 miles you came across a small little town. i have put many miles in up there. the one big thing i regret not doing when it came to the bike was riding up mt washington. problem was i never had good energy up there. dont know if it was altitude(whatever it is) or if it was the 20 hr drive. when i raced it always took a day to get over the drive.
funny thing is i always had to climb to get back to my wifes parents house.

JCF · 06-15-2014, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dafischer

Ogunquit is very nice, and if you want to make a side trip to the White Mts. in NH, it's only about a two hour drive,
We did the reverse trip many times when we vacationed in NH...Kennebunkport (also nice) and Ogunquit day trips. The roads are all good two lanes, and you see a lot of the countryside.

Don't come here - it's too crowded...

Porchdog · 06-16-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCF

Don't come here - it's too crowded...

Your town or the whole state?

I have to say I frequently feel the same about NY and NJ - especially when they buy houses and then complain. (Farmers spread manure! People hunt with guns! The fire department is volunteer and they charge for calls if you don't subscribe!)

Sorry, I'll try to stay out of your way.

JCF · 06-16-2014, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porchdog

Your town or the whole state?

I have to say I frequently feel the same about NY and NJ - especially when they buy houses and then complain. (Farmers spread manure! People hunt with guns! The fire department is volunteer and they charge for calls if you don't subscribe!)

Sorry, I'll try to stay out of your way.

Ha - was just testing you -

Southern Maine is not really Maine anymore - not in the summer. Looks a little like Maine, but you have to wait a looooonnnnnggggg time in traffic to see it.

Still, some nice places tucked away here and there.

- But Hey, don't even think of moving here