Summer in Maine is a blessed thing. Sunny days are tempered by the cooler coastal temperatures. Beaches and quirky gift shops are open for business. Lobster rolls abound as well as the whale-watching tours.
 |
| Paul taking in the views at Acadia National Park |
 |
| Sunset approaching at Bar Harbor |
Maine rolls out for the tourists in the summer. Sure, it can get a little crowded on the main highways but it's very bearable. Many charming inns and seaside resorts are dotted along all the towns along the coast. In-between the more crowded hotspots are still wide swathes of wilderness.
While living in Boston, we visited Maine a few times in the summer. The first time, we visited Kennebunkport, on the way to Quebec City in Canada. We stayed at The English Meadows Inn - enjoying their rendition of an English afternoon tea. The floral fine bone china was on point - although the clotted cream was a pale comparison to the rich Devonshire variety.
 |
| Twee furnishings at The Atlantean Cottage |
 |
| The Atlantean Cottage exterior |
The second time, we ventured further north to Bar Harbor - an ideal stopping point to visit Arcadia National Park. Bar Harbor's coastal scenery was beautiful and walking round the town with all its gift shops was fun. We stayed at The Atlantean Cottage which provided an elegant breakfast every morning. Apparently, the Obamas have also visited Bar Harbor on vacation before and ate at a Latin restaurant called Havana. Of course, I had to have my birthday dinner there! The food was good but the portions were far too big - a common occurrence dining in the US.
 |
| Summer hike at Acadia National Park |
The third time we visited picturesque Boothbay Harbor. Although the town was small, we stayed at the special The Topside Inn. Situated on a hill, it commanded beautiful views across the harbor. The whole inn was decorated with finesse in a modern New England coastal theme.
 |
| Classic adirondack chairs at The Topside Inn |
 |
| Views from Boothbay Harbor |
 |
| My sister Rachel and I |
From Boston, you can reach the state of Maine in about an hour's drive north. If outlet shopping is desired, an easy stop to stretch the legs are the outlets at Kittery. Further up the I-95 are the outlets at Freeport.
 |
| Bar Harbor |
Comments