After taking a few trips to Maine, I feel like I have a decent handle on the state and a decent knowledge about a few must-visit destinations around Vacationland. There is so much to see in the state, which is why I’m calling this a mini Maine Travel Guide. I’ve explored Portland, Kennebunkport, Camden, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park. I love each spot for different reasons so here’s a little rundown of what I know and recommend in each! I had my sister, Sarah, weigh in and she approves this guide (she’s a travel advisor!).
P.S. doesn’t Maine’s nickname of ‘Vacationland’ just make you want to book a trip?!
P.S. did you see my posts from our recent trip to Camden, Maine?! Sneak a peak here, here, here, and here.
Mini Maine Travel Guide:
Portland
Stay: The Press Hotel, The Danforth Inn, and Inn by the Sea
Eat: Eventide Oyster Co., Ducat, Central Provisions, East Ender, Piccolo, The Honey Paw, Fore Street, Blythe & Burrows, The Holy Donut, and Two Fat Cats Bakery
Shop: Sea Bags, Gus and Ruby Letterpress, Folly 101, Blanch + Mini, and Little
Do: Sailing on Portland Schooner, visit Portland Head Lighthouse, take the ferry over to Peaks Island
Kennebunkport
Stay: Grace White Barn Inn, The Kennebunkport Inn, The Cottages at Cabot Cove, Hidden Pond, Sandy Pines Luxury Glamping, The Tides Beach Club, and Grand Hotel
Eat: The Clam Shack, Earth, Cape Porpoise Kitchen, Hurricane, Mabel’s, Musette, Pier 77, Salt and Honey, Nunan’s, Bandaloop, Ocean, Old Salt’s Pantry, Boulangerie, and Rococo Ice Cream
Shop: Farm + Table, Daytrip Society, Antiques on 9, and Snug Harbor Farm Shop
Do: Go to Goose Rocks Beach or Parsons Beach, take a scenic drive along Ocean Avenue (you’ll see the Bush compound), sailing on Schooner Eleanor
Camden:
Stay: Whitehall, The Camden Harbour Inn
Eat: Long Grain, Waterfront, Rhumb Line, Natalie’s, Peter Otts, Boynton-McKay, and Owl and Turtle Bookshop Café
Shop: Owl and Turtle Bookshop, Sea Bags, and Stonewall Kitchen
Do: Explore and hike through Camden Hills State Park (as seen here), Go sailing on The Anjacaa, rent kayaks in the Camden Harbor
Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park:
Stay: The Harbourside Hotel
Eat: Abel’s Lobster Pound, Sweet Pea Café, Café This Way, Mache Bistro, Rosalie’s Pizza, Havana, Jordan’s, and Side Street Café
Do: Window shop in downtown Bar Harbor, rent kayaks at Aquaterra Adventures, sail with Down East Wind Jammer, explore Acadia National Park and enjoy tons of different amazing spots including Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Somes Sound, Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the eastern seaboard), Monet Bridge, Southwest Harbor, and Bass Harbor Head Light lighthouse
Photography by Edwin Eversole
