A Summer Road Trip to Maine

We had heard from many sources how stunning the New England coast was and we were not disappointed! Our first stop was for coffee at the delightful ‘Popover‘s café’ situated in the heart of Portsmouth’s (New Hampshire) historical market square. After a short walk around this lively New Hampshire coastal city we headed off again crossing over the border where the remarkable coast of Maine beckoned. The first 30 miles of the Maine coast comprises 90% of the State’s sandy beaches and we drove through many historic towns such as Kittery, The Yorks, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport before arriving at the historic port district of Portland brimming with charming boutiques and seafood restaurants. After a much anticipated lunch of lobster rolls (yummy!) we moved swiftly on to Brunswick for an overnight stay.

After a complimentary breakfast we continued North along the rugged coastline dotted with lighthouses and picture-perfect seaside villages. We couldn’t resist stopping in Camden - known as the ‘Jewel of the Maine Coast’ and for very good reason. With a postcard perfect harbor full of schooners and windjammers and quaint boutiques and galleries we found it hard to leave. And not before enjoying a cappuccino and cake from the verandah of the ‘Camden Deli’ – the best view in town!

Alas it was time to leave - passing through Rockport we made our way onto Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, and to our wonderful ‘Bay View Cottage’ nestled among the trees in a secluded setting overlooking Frenchman’s Bay.

Acadia is the second busiest National Park in the USA and truly enjoys one of the most spectacular settings on the East coast. Where the mountains meet the sea, the park offers an array of activities not least 55 miles of carriage trails, originally built for horse and carriage rides and now enjoyed by hikers and cyclists, lacing around crystal clear lakes and spectacular mountains. We enjoyed 2 wonderful bike rides around the trails…spotting deer in the woods and frogs on lily pads! We took our own bikes however bikes can be hired locally.

Another sunny day and we explored the Park via the extremely scenic drive. Stopping at Sand Beach for a paddle in the oh so cold ocean and a fabulous walk on the cliffs and rocks at Thunder Hole before driving up Cadillac Mountain for more breathtaking panoramic views of the Park. On our last morning we hiked and climbed up to Bubble Rock – pretty tricky and extremely steep in places but completely worth the effort once we reached the top! We took the plunge and bought some live lobsters from a local fisherman. It was quite an experience cooking them for the first time and although it got very messy, we all enjoyed the end result – particularly those cooked on the BBQ…mmmmm!

Bar Harbor is the largest town on Mount Desert Island and is the hub for shopping, bike shops, souvenir stores and ice cream parlors. It is a bustling place to stay for families of all ages. We were happy, however, to retreat to our peaceful and relaxing cottage each evening for a BBQ and a game of cards whilst watching dazzling sunsets and seals frolicking around the lobster pots. Idyllic!

After 5 wonderful nights it was time to leave Acadia and head south west back into New Hampshire for our last 2 nights. Staying at the Grand Summit Lodge in Sunday River – a ski resort now boasting a ‘chondola’ lift thus catering for Summer activities, predominantly hiking and mountain biking. Although the downhill playground was a little too technical for myself and the children we did complete a couple of descents before leaving the bikes behind and walking down the wonderful trails instead.

Before heading home to New Jersey we couldn’t resist another white water rafting trip (after the fun we had in North Carolina). We had pre-arranged the private trip through ‘Enriched Learning’. With 2 guides in the raft and another in a safety kayak we were in good hands on the exciting, fast moving Grade III Magalloway River. After 3 wonderful and at times thrilling (including one un-scheduled departure from the raft for me and Geoff!!) journeys down the River we were hungry for the delicious deli lunch provided by our guides.

After a long, very wet and rainy journey home we arrived back home to New Jersey with some very fond memories of our Maine trip.

Don’t be surprised if I try and send you there!!