This past weekend Ryan and I ventured out of New Hampshire, which we hadn’t done in what felt like forever, for a true vacation weekend getaway. We drove five hours north to Maine where I had a lot planned for us. I wanted to share some of the highlights on my blog in case you’re considering a trip anytime soon! (Note: at this time, residents of the following states are free from any travel restrictions into Maine: NH, CT, NY, NJ, and VT)
Lunch in Cape Porpoise
Five hours is a long time in the car and I knew we’d want to break up our trip with a quick lunch spot. Originally, I wanted to stop and check out Kennebunkport but Ryan and I are really “walk around and window shop” people, plus, we did really want to be in any super crowded spots. Let me tell you, driving through downtown Kennebunkport, I knew we made the right call skipping it for now. There were so many people!
Instead of hitting the best known spots, we drove a little further to Cape Porpoise where we got takeout at Cape Pier Chowder House and ate on the dock. Their lobster roll was fantastic (and cheap for the area at $16) and their chowder was great. The spot did get crowded as it hit noon, but we got there just in time to secure a table to ourselves. The views made the meal better and we got some fresh sea air before hitting the road again.
The Yellow House Bed and Breakfast
I’m going to be completely transparent and tell you that we picked the Yellow House Bed and Breakfast due to the price, which happened to be discounted due to Covid-19. I’m pretty sure our room was discounted more than $100 a night due to the crazy circumstances of the world at the moment. A little silver linings for us, though, because we loved the Yellow House. It was quiet, secluded, and homey while still being a minute walk from downtown and the harbor.
A great location and a kind, attentive staff made this bed and breakfast a dream. Also, the breakfast. Holy moly was the food good. They even cooked early for us both mornings so that we could get out to Acadia and beat the crowds!
Exploring Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor itself is a very cute, little coastal town. I feel spoiled since I grew up near and eventually lived in Newport, Rhode Island, so the coast isn’t a huge novelty to me. However, it was really neat to look out at the ocean and see mountains and pine trees as well.
I will say, the crowds in Bar Harbor were what we expected. August is definitely a peak for tourists. We grabbed pizza one night and burgers the next, wandered the ocean path (similar to the cliff walk, for all my fellow Newport natives) and did a lot of people watching.
Hiking Acadia National Park
Here’s the big attraction, so big in fact, that I have a whole other blog about hiking Acadia National Park that you should check out (if you’re interested!)
The main reason Ryan and I wanted to visit Maine was to hike in Acadia, a National Park he had never been to (which is rare!) and one I had only heard amazing things about. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
If you’re visiting Bar Harbor, you have to hike in Acadia. The National Park is incredibly accessible to anyone, any level of hiker. There are driving routes, bike routes, kayaking areas, lakes for swimming, and so many trails at so many different levels. It’s everything you could want in a natural space and it is truly beautiful. Hiking Sunday/Monday meant things weren’t as busy as a Friday/Saturday, but you could still see what was the most popular. Acadia is definitely a can’t miss.
Our weekend getaway to Maine was the perfect bit of “something new” to satisfy the wanderlust I’ve been feeling since quarantine struck. Ryan and I agreed next time, we’ll try camping. However, we were both more than content with our bit of time away.
Cape Porpoise was always an anchor spot for us on our voyages to Maine after popping out of the Cape Cod Canal-a good stopping point after a long day of sailing before heading further into the islands. Such a charming harbor with all the lobster boats, and if I remember correctly, had quite the tidal drop!