Maine Adventure

In October, I went on an adventure with my parents to the beautiful state of Maine. It has become somewhat of a tradition for us to visit this charming destination each fall, and I must admit that I have fallen in love with everything it has to offer.

Ever since my dad discovered the TV show “Maine Cabin Masters,” his fascination with this region has grown. He loves the breathtaking landscapes, cozy cabins, and delightful small towns that epitomize Maine’s charm. And I wholeheartedly agree with him – I understand why it is call Vacationland.

Over the past few years, as we’ve embarked on these memorable trips together, we have learned what works best for us and how to make the most of our time in Maine. One of the things we’ve come to appreciate is being able to cook our own meals. I love finding farmers markets and locally sourced ingredients for yummy meals. Additionally, having a place to relax outdoors, preferably near a tranquil lake, is something we always look for when choosing our accommodation.

It’s almost like a strategic game of Tetris when packing the car, trying to fit everything we need. We’ve recently added a Thule carrier to the top of our car. This addition gives us that extra bit of storage space, making it easier to bring along all the essentials for our Maine getaway.

If you’re curious about how I managed to install the Thule carrier, you can actually check out my friend Matt helping out with this Instagram reel. He was kind enough to lend a hand.

Maine truly holds a special place in our hearts, and every trip we take there only strengthens our connection. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant fall foliage, indulging in freshly caught seafood, or simply reveling in the tranquility of nature, Maine offers a rich array of experiences that never cease to captivate our senses.

I can say that our trips to Maine have become an annual highlight for us. We cherish the memories we’ve made together and eagerly look forward to creating new ones. If you haven’t had the chance to visit this enchanting state yet, I highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list. Maine truly is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and cherished.

Victoria Mansion- Portland

Our final destination was the breathtaking Acadia National Park. Given its distance from home, we decided to break up the journey and spend a night in Portland.

As we began our drive to Acadia, we couldn’t resist the temptation to explore the coastal charm of Portland. Our first stop was Victoria Mansion, a true architectural gem nestled within the heart of the city. Although we didn’t have an opportunity to tour the lavish interiors, the exterior alone left us in awe of its remarkable beauty.

Portland, ME

It was a hazy morning as we ventured out for a drive up the picturesque coast of Maine. The air quality, though borderline, did not deter us from taking pictures along the way.

We made occasional stops along the way, making sure to capture the essence of this picturesque journey. Small fishing boats bobbed gently in the water, adding a touch of charm to the coastal panorama.

Red’s Eats

When I was doing my research for the drive along the Maine coast from Portland to our AirBNB in Otis, ME, the lobster stand Red Eat’s caught my attention. It seemed to be the place to visit for Lobster Rolls. What’s more, they even had gluten-free buns on their menu, which made my excitement for the visit even greater.

As we approached Red Eat’s, it became evident that we weren’t the only ones who had heard about this gem. A long line snaked its way around the establishment.

Undeterred by the length of the queue, I decided to give it a go. I patiently stood in line, chatting with fellow lobster lovers.

The staff of Red Eat’s graciously offered cups of refreshing water and even provided umbrellas to shield us from the sun. It was clear that they understood the dedication of their customers and did their best to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

Although I stood in that line for about 45 minutes, I realized that there was still a long way to go before I would reach the counter. Regrettably, I had to make the difficult decision to forego my place in line, knowing that one day I would return to experience what everyone was raving about.

Sprague’s Lobster

Across the street from Red Eat’s is Sprague’s Lobster stand. Since my parents wanted fish and chips, I got that from here. They loved it and enjoyed their meal. I stood in line while they ate and watched the line grow at Sprague’s. It was amazing weather and everyone was crowded.

So, if you find yourself craving delectable seafood, head over to Sprague’s Lobster stand. Join the line, embrace the lively crowd, and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Sprague’s. Your taste buds and your senses will thank you!

Scully Oyster and Lobster

As we cruised along, taking in the picturesque views, a sign caught my eye: Scully’s, a hidden gem for seafood enthusiasts like myself. So, if you ever find yourself in Edgcomb, ME, keep an eye out for Scully’s.

Dorr Seafood

Located about ten minutes from our cottage was Dorr Lobster. We visited a few times and everything we got from there was delicious. We love relaxing and cooking at our cottage for yummy meals. We had their lobster, scallops, and soups. They all were delicious. I highly recommend their seafood!

Beech Hill Pond

Since I have had the pleasure of embarking on numerous journeys with my parents, we have come to understand the vital importance of selecting accommodations that cater to their specific needs. Given their reliance on walkers for mobility, we have found that ranch-style properties suit us best. The absence of stairs ensures a seamless and comfortable experience for my parents, allowing them to navigate freely and without any hindrances.

The cottage not only fulfilled our longing for a waterfront haven but also provided a comfortable outdoor sitting area. We found solace and contentment in basking in the warm sunshine, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

What made our stay even more special was the provision of an apartment, elegantly perched above the garage on the opposite side of the street. This added feature allowed our friends to join us, thus enhancing the delightful memories we created together.

Reflecting on these cherished experiences, I wholeheartedly recommend staying at the cottage we had the pleasure of calling home during our trip. Its idyllic setting, coupled with the comfort and accessibility it offers, make it an ideal retreat for families like ours. I am confident that this enchanting abode will provide you and your loved ones with an unforgettable vacation experience, filled with joy, relaxation, and precious moments that will forever be etched in your hearts.

Sunrise Beech Hill Pond

Sunset Beech Hill Pond

Northeast Harbor Visitor Center

After our visit to Acadia National Park, we started driving along the coast and found Northeast Harbor Visitor Center. The staff there was so helpful with helping us on where to visit along the coast. I will discuss more about how busy Acadia was in my blog about the National Park. We wanted a scenic road with less traffic. They recommended we head on Sergeant Drive to Route 102 toward Southwest Harbor. It didn’t disappoint!

Salt Shop

My mom loves ice cream and chocolate is her favorite. I found this great shop with yummy ice cream. My parents loved it!

Southwest Harbor Artisans

I love supporting local businesses and artists. When visiting towns, I seek out local stores. Southwest Harbor Artisans is a co-op of artists with beautiful items. While my parents ate their ice cream, I did some shopping. They have everything from soaps to artwork to jewelry. I was able to get a few gifts for friends and myself.

Pure Maine

Another cute gift shop in Southwest Harbor Maine had cute items. Personally, I love buying salt and spices from the areas that I travel. I was able to find yummy items there!

Tidal Falls Preserve

For those who have read my past posts, you know my dad loves waterfalls. When we were driving to the Schoodic Peninsula we saw a sign for Tidal Falls. We thought it was an area with waterfalls and soon found out there weren’t any waterfalls. It is an area when the tide is in that has a lot of starfish. We were there when the tide was out and there weren’t any starfish to be found. I have heard that is very cool to see, so if you plan to visit, look at the times of the tides.

The Hotdog Cart

A little before the entrance to the Schoodic Peninsula is the town of Winter Haven, ME. After driving through town to see the restaurants that were opened, we decided to stop at The Hot Dog Cart for lobster rolls. We ate lots of seafood and lobster on the trip, but these were the only lobster rolls that we ate on this trip. We headed to the Frazer Point Picnic area in Acadia National Park to enjoy our lunch. My lobster roll was without the bun and was still delicious. My dad LOVE’s blueberry pie and said this was the best he has ever had.

Me & Ben’s Dairy Creme

When we were visiting the Schoodic Pennisnula Institute, I was told that the blueberry ice cream at Me & Ben’s Dairy Creme was a must visit. We stopped and I too bad I didn’t take a picture of the delicious blueberry soft serve. We were there about a week before they closed for the season. I highly recommend if you are in the area to stop by to get some of their soft serve!

Lisa’s Seafood

Signs on the streets really got me to buy from stores on this trip. As we were headed back to our cottage from Schoodic Peninsula, I saw a sign for mussels. My dad loves mussels, so I stopped to get some to make for dinner. We loved cooking at the cottage and having a view of the lake. These were the best seats in the house! I made the mussels and then put them in baked ziti that I had brought from Altomonte’s in Doylestown. My parents said this was one of their favorite meals. The mussels were delicious and were farmed locally.

There is no website, but they are located in Hancock, ME.

Bar Harbor, ME

While we were in Maine there were cruise ships in port and it made it difficult for my parents to get around Bar Harbor. It is a cute town, but when there are ships in port, it is very crowded. Since it was crowded, we didn’t stay in town very long.

Helen’s Restaurant

We were on our way to a restaurant for lunch and saw Helen’s Restaurant, so we changed our plans and went there. How could we not stop there? It was good food and the pie’s are what they are known for. My parent’s got some to go and enjoyed them later for dessert after dinner.

We had amazing weather during our trip to Maine. On the last afternoon at our cottage, I sat outside with my mom and we enjoyed the lake. I felt relaxed and enjoyed our trip!