Road Trip To Maine ~
Road Tripping in the summer is always a good idea! You can roll down your windows to feel the breeze and enjoy the natural scenery while driving. Also, you can bring a carload of snacks and make pit stops along the way to your destination to discover new things. I think everyone should try to go on a road trip at least once a year! Just pick a location and DRIVE! Haha!
For a summer trip, I decided to go to Maine at the beginning of August. My friend and I stayed in Bangor for one night and Portland for two nights, a quick trip that was well worth it! I went to six different locations while I was out there, but Bangor and Portland were where we slept. While in Maine, there was one area that just took my breath away as I witnessed the beauty around me; a seashore community called Bar Harbor. You will understand why once you see the pictures and read my brief description below.
All in all, our road trip to Maine was enjoyable. I was surprised by the quality and taste of their seafood. It’s tough to impress a Louisianan with seafood, and Maine did an exceptional job! I wanted to bring some Lobster home with me! I couldn’t get enough of it! Make sure you get an opportunity to visit the state of Maine if you haven’t already.
Bangor
Bangor is a small city but has much to offer, such as breweries, parks, museums, a casino, and much more. However, it is best known for being Stephen King’s home; the famous horror author has a house there. There is also a giant statue of folkloric Paul Bunyan that represents Bangor history as a timber hub. We visited both sites while on our trip.
Stephen King’s House
LumberJack Paul Bunyan
Bar Harbor
Why didn’t anyone tell me about this beautiful place! I had no idea! There is just so much to eat and do in Bar Harbor. It is a popular tourist destination located on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. It also has one of America’s most visited national parks, Acadia National Park, where you can do tons of activities. My friend and I took a tour to see some of its glory on a small aircraft. It was terrific, and so was our pilot, Kent. He was so sweet and very informative. We took his recommendation to visit Cadillac Mountain to see the sunset, and that was one of the best advice we received! I will never forget that place! The beauty, the beauty, again the beauty was just so captivating! To all the lovers out there, if you want a romantic thing to do with your significant other, go there! Trust me! Haha!
Places To Eat
Gateway Lunt’s Lobster Pound
You can go to this restaurant for a quick bite to eat! We stop here to try our first lobster rolls in Maine, and it didn’t disappoint. We also tried the crab meat as well. Although the prices we paid for the rolls were a bit expensive, it was delicious.
Stewman’s Downtown Lobster Pound
Now, Stewman’s has excellent quality and well-seasoned food, and lovely views of Bar Harbor. We enjoyed everything at this restaurant. You can go here with your family for lunch or dinner. Get there early because it fills up very quickly or make reservations.
https://www.stewmanslobsterpound.com/
Things To Do
As I said earlier, you can take a scenic flight of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor with the company Scenic Flights of Acadia. Their prices vary with different flight routes, but they are reasonable. We did a 15 minutes flight for $49. It was worth it.
https://www.scenicflightsofacadia.com/
Kent (Great Pilot), Nell, and I.
Exploring Bar Harbor
You can sail along the bay to see the scenery, go on a whale watching tour, do some shopping, tour the island on an Oli’s Trolley, try their seafood at many restaurants, and much more.
Cadillac Mountain
Oh my goodness, I was just in awe watching the sunset on top of Cadillac Mountain. It is etched into my memory forever. I would drive seven hours again just to see this place! You need to see this mountain in person! You will love it! It’s so popular that they close the entrance to the top at a certain point. Make sure you get there by 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. at the latest.
Rockland
Lobster Festival
On our way to Portland, we stopped at a lobster festival in Rockland, which happens at the beginning of August every year. The tickets are $8 for adults, $2 for 6-11 years olds, and free for five years and under. There is fresh lobster, amusement rides, live music, and wine tasting. Great activity for the family.
https://www.mainelobsterfestival.com/
Portland
Portland is Maine’s largest city and has become a vibrant showcase for artists, actors, craftsmen, and musicians. It’s the most visited city by tourists in Maine. You are sure to find something to do in this city. We stayed for two nights at the Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel in the Scarborough area, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone to stay there. Our experience there was horrible. Anyhoo, we did quite a few activities in Portland and had a fun time besides that hiccup with our accommodation.
Places To Eat
Empire
We decided to try something different after eating so much seafood. Empire is a dumpling house that serves a variety of Chinese cuisine. Their dumpling noodle bowl is to die for and highly recommended. Definitely call to make a reservation at this place.
Dimillo’s
Dimillo’s is another restaurant to make reservations in advance because of its popularity. It’s a landmark floating seafood restaurant. You surely can rack up a bill at this place, so be prepared. One food item you should try is their “Lobster Stew.” It was flavorful and delish.
Spicy Calamari
Lobster Stew
Lobster Ravioli
Seafood Scampi
Things To Do
You can buy items from the street vendors on Congress Street, check out some art galleries and museums, go to numerous bars around the city to experience the nightlife, take a boat ride to tour Portland, or go lobster fishing. You also can drive to see Maine’s lighthouses in the surrounding areas and many other things to do while in Portland.
Downtown Portland
Space Gallery
Where art and music meet. You can view some art pieces around the gallery and then head over to another room for drinks, music, and dancing.
Nightlife
Ogunquit
Ogunquit Beach, due to high tide, was overcrowded. I was surprised we found an area to lay on our blanket. It was hard to find parking to where the parking attendant had to make a spot for us. The water was very cold to where my legs were numb at moments, as well. Our experience there was okay, but I would go to another beach or try to go on another day with fewer crowds.
Portland Schooner Boat Ride
Boating is apart of life in Maine, so it is must that you experience that too. A company called Portland Schooner is a fantastic choice to sail in the cool waters of Maine. We rode a wooden windjammer for two hours. It was 46 dollars, and you were able to bring your own bottle of beer or wine.
https://www.portlandschooner.com/
Portland Head Lighthouse
The Head Lighthouse is considered the oldest in Maine and at one point, served as a posted for American soldiers to warn the citizens of coming British attacks. It is now a park and a museum operated by the town of Cape Elizabeth. It is opened year-round, but the lighthouse itself is not open to the public. This historical landmark embodies all that is Maine. Indeed a site to see.
