Tag Archives: Maine

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Leaving Portland, Maine, I wanted to take the beach route and visit the small community of Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  With only 9,000 full-time residents, this vacation spot swells to nearly 75,000 in the summer.

Old Orchard Beach was first settled in 1657 by Salem native, Thomas Rogers naming it the Garden of the Sea.  Planting grape vines and pear trees, it was the apple orchard that gave this beach its name.

Seven miles of beach extend from Scarborough to Saco and is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Old Orchard Beach.  Seaside condominiums, beach homes on stilts and charming bed-and-breakfasts cater to vacationers who come from the east coast, mid-Atlantic and Canada.

At the center of the beach is the famous Old Orchard Beach Pier, built in 1898, measuring 500 feet in length.  Bars and restaurants were built on the pier and there was once a ballroom at its end known as the of the Pier Casino.  While the casino no longer exists, there are shops, carnival food stalls and a club at the end of the Pier.

By the early 20th century, a seaside amusement park was built on four acres of beach property to promote tourism.  It is one of the last parks along the east coast that remains in operation today.

Have you visited Old Orchard Beach on vacation?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my quick stop in Old Orchard Beach and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stroll Orchard Beach and Visit the Pier

Where to Stay:

Old Orchard Beach Inn
6 Portland Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, ME  04064
Telephone:  207 934 5834

Where to Eat:

Joseph’s by the Sea
55 West Grand Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, ME  04064
Telephone:  207 934 5044

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster

Charming Portland, Maine

Approaching the historic city of Portland, I arrived from the south crossing Casco Bay Bridge.  By way of 1A, I reached DiMillo’s on the Water for lunch.  I was excited for fresh seafood and a waterfront view.

I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp and Wedge Salad as starters.  There were so many amazing options on the menu, so I chose the Lobster Roll sandwich with a side of cole slaw.  Absolutely amazing!

Tony DiMillo first opened his restaurant, Anthony’s in 1954 because of his love for seafood.  Located on Fore Street in Old Port, Tony’s business flourished, bringing in business from both locals and visitors alike.  Anthony’s continued to grow, moving to Center Street, and by the late 70’s, he purchased and reinvented the Long Wharf transforming it into “DiMillo’s Marina”.  With 120 slips, boaters had the opportunity to dock and enjoy a fresh seafood meal with a spectacular view. The current restaurant opened in 1982 as “DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant” as the only one of its kind along the Upper East Coast, accommodating over 600 guests.  DiMillo’s legacy lives on as his family continues to create an exceptional dining experience with incredible views of Portland’s Harbor.

Although I could have stayed here all afternoon looking out into the bay, I had planned to walk off my lunch and explore the Old Port.   With its cobblestone streets, I found myself lost in time visiting the specialty shops and boutiques.

My curiosity brought me to the holy donut to try a Maine-style donut.  Founded in 2010, Leigh Kellis uses a northern Maine recipe to create her amazing donuts.  Her special ingredient is riced potatoes which provide “added flavor, texture and consistency” to her 24 different flavors of donuts, including gluten-free selections.  I couldn’t resist ordering the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt and Maple Bacon flavors which were incredibly moist and absolutely delicious.

I was completely mistaken when I thought the Thirsty Pig was just another craft brewery and excited at the endless possibilities of pairing specialty hot dogs with local beers.  From the BBQ Bahn Mi to the Viking, there is not a combination they haven’t created.

Luxurious yachts docked along the waterways are registered from multiple states along the east coast.  What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon than to tie up in Portland and explore the interesting port.

I would have never guessed that Portland was a cruise ship stop and it was such a wonderful surprise to see the Grandeur of the Seas docked in town for the day.

Approaching the end of my walk, I came upon an amazing artistic installation designed by Andy Rosen, a South Portland artist.  Titled, “Unpack”, the display was created from fake fur, PVC pipe, foam, and aluminum piping.  According to Rosen’s website, “The work imagines a pack of once domesticated dogs turned wild and abandoned on a pier waiting for their “masters” to return.”

And so, it was time for me to make my return back to Boston to prepare for a morning of meetings.  I was happy that I took the time to visit the beautiful, artistic port town of Portland to explore its lighthouses, enjoy its deliciously fresh seafood and to experience its charm.

Have you visited Portland, Maine?  I would love to hear about your visit and the things that you experienced here if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Portland and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Holy Donut
177 Commercial Street
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone: 207 331 5655

The Thirsty Pig
37 Exchange Street
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 773 2469

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME  04102
Telephone:  800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!

What to Read:

  • Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
  • Persuader, by Lee Child
  • Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
  • The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
  • The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

Photo Guide for Portland:

  • Boda Thai Kitchen
  • Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Crown Jewel
  • Drifter’s Wife
  • Eventide Oyster Company
  • Portland Head Lighthouse
  • The Press Hotel

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Portland, Maine

There is only a ten minute drive between the Portland Head Lighthouse to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in  Portland.   As we travel the coast into the South Side of Portland, the views are spectacular with sailboats in the cove surrounded by million dollar mansions.

The lighthouse was completed in 1897 and is one of 49 caisson-style lighthouses in the United States that visitors can walk to.  It protects sailors from the dangerous ledge as they enter the Casco Bay and Portland Harbor, located at the end of the 950-foot breakwater.

Built by Thomas Dyer, the lighthouse measures 77 feet in height and was an integral part of protecting Portland’s growing harbor in the 1800s.   It was lit by William A. Lane on May 24, 1897.  The breakwater was added in 1951, built of 50, 000 tons of local granite.

The lighthouse was transferred to private ownership under the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 1996 and a trust was formed in 1998 to maintain Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and manage future restoration projects.

While visitors can walk along the breakwater for a closer view of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, guided tours begin after the Memorial Day weekend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and limited Saturdays from 11:30AM to 1:30PM as the weather allows.  The cost is $5 per person.  Private tours are also available for up to 12 people with a fee of $150.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse?  Did you take the guided tour?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my wonderful visit to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME  04106
Telephone: 866 570 5703

  • Admission:   Free
  • Hours:  Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset
  • Amenities:  Guided tours, beach nearby,
  • Length of Your Tour:  1 – 2 hours to visit
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There is a beach and fort next to the lighthouse.  There is a small fee to enter the lighthouse and call ahead to schedule a tour.  Check the tide as it is best to visit during low tide.  Small parking area on the community college’s campus.

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME  04102
Telephone:  800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!

What to Read:

  • Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
  • Persuader, by Lee Child
  • Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
  • The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
  • The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

Photo Guide for Portland:

  • Boda Thai Kitchen
  • Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Crown Jewel
  • Drifter’s Wife
  • Eventide Oyster Company
  • Portland Head Lighthouse
  • The Press Hotel

Fort Williams Park and the Portland Head Lighthouse

A stunning coastline and the charm of New England drew me to Portland, Maine while on a business trip to Boston.  With a few relaxing days, I would start my journey with a visit to the Portland Head Light and continue to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.  Adding a stroll of downtown Portland, I would explore the charming coastal towns in search of the best roadside lobster roll in the state.

Fort Williams Park is a ten-minute, southeast drive from downtown Portland.  The park offers a long list of activities to enjoy a beautiful afternoon along the coast of Cape Elizabeth.  Trails lead to the ruins of Fort Williams and with 90 acres of outdoor space, it is the perfect location for a picnic of lobster rolls, a scenic bike ride or for taking your dog on a walk.  The Portland Head Light was built by order of George Washington in 1791 and is closed to visitors.  The nearby museum provides a great overview of the lighthouse and its history. The Goddard House, completed in 1868 is another beautiful location at the park to explore.

Strolling along the rugged coastline, a sign dating over 100 years was painted into the rock announcing, “Annie C. Maguire shipwrecked here Christmas Eve 1886”. The Annie Maguire was a large, three-masted British barque ship that run aground along the shores near Portland Head Lighthouse.  With the help from the lighthouse keeper and his son, all thirteen passengers arrived safely.

The Goddard Mansion, built for lumber magnate John Goddard, was completed in 1858. Designed by architect Charles A. Alexander, the Italianate-style villa sits atop of a hill with spectacular views of Casco Bay and the lighthouse.  the Goddard family lived in the two-storied manor with a basement until his death in 1870. Three years later, the Army purchased land near the lighthouse and began building Fort Williams and by 1898 they acquired an additional 75 acres to include the home, converting it into military housing. Today, only the exterior structure remains and due to potential safety issues, it is not open to the public.

Before leaving Fort Williams Park towards Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, I returned to the Portland Head Lighthouse for a few additional photos.  As I watched the sailboats dropping anchor at the cape, I noticed a couple of kayakers navigating Casco Bay.  It was the perfect day with gorgeous weather and calm seas, so I decided to stay a few minutes more and enjoy a Lobster Roll with this spectacular view.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Fort Williams Park, the Portland Head Lighthouse and Goddard Mansion?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my time at Fort Williams Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME  04107
Telephone:  207 767 3707

  • Admission:   Free
  • Hours:  Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset
  • Amenities:  Picnic shelter reservation, free guided tours by resident Jim Rowe
  • Length of Your Tour:  2 – 3 hours to visit
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early before the crowds and be prepared to pay for parking.

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME  04102
Telephone:  800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!  Check out the many roadside shacks where you can choose your lobster, find a picnic table and bring your own beer and wine.

What to Read:

  • Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
  • Persuader, by Lee Child
  • Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
  • The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
  • The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

Photo Guide for Portland:

  • Boda Thai Kitchen
  • Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Crown Jewel
  • Drifter’s Wife
  • Eventide Oyster Company
  • Portland Head Lighthouse
  • The Press Hotel

Craving Kelly’s Roast Beef in Revere, Massachusetts

My friend, Dave and I would be driving along the east coast of Boston and then up to Portland, Maine with our home base in Saugus.  We picked up the rental car, spent a couple of hours sightseeing and I had become so hungry that even seeing food signs along the roadways were giving me stomach pangs.   Passing the “Leaning Tower of Pizza”, was pure torture.

Along the coast of Revere Beach is my go-to restaurant for a hearty roast beef sandwich.  By the time we had arrived, I could have eaten a whole cow, but it was much easier to order a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth roast beef which has made Kelly’s Roast Beef famous for years.  The restaurant opened in 1951 when Frank McCarthy and Raymond Carey invented the roast beef sandwich and it continues to serve thousands of locals and tourists each year.

According to the story, both McCarthy and Carey owned a hot dog stand  and worked together at a local restaurant which catered weddings.  So when the restaurant ran out of food for a wedding celebration, the two decided to take the leftover roast beef from the restaurant, put it between two slices of bread and invented the Original Roast Beef Sandwich.  The wedding mishap resulted in McCarthy and Carey going into business together and today they have  twelve locations throughout the coast of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida.

Kelly’s Roast Beef loves to make their customer happy, so their menu is made-to-order, just the way you like it….and I like it just the way it is.

Have you been to Kelly’s Roast Beef?  What did you order off of their menu?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat: 

Kelly’s Roast Beef
410 Revere Beach Boulevard
Revere, MA  02151
Telephone:  781 284 9129

 

A Collection of Blog Posts: 2016

ASIA

Philippines:  General Santos City, Naomi’s Heart Mission

CARIBBEAN:

San Juan,  Puerto Rico:  Walking Tour of Old San Juan  and  Walking Tour of Old San Juan, Part 2 

Caribbean, St. Kitts

19 View of the cruise ships from the belltower, 1.29.16

CENTRAL AMERICA:

Costa Rica:  Exploring Central Costa Rica

Costa Rica:  The Caribbean Side

Costa Rica:  Jaguar Rescue Center

Mexico, Mazatlan

Mexico, Puerto Vallarta

EUROPE:

Italy, Venice:  The Clock Tower of Venice

5-d2-a-view-of-st-marks-square-from-the-torre-dellorologio

UNITED STATES:

United States, Arizona:  Grand Canyon

The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

The Painted Desert

 

United States:  California, San Diego

United States:  Colorado:  A Weekend in the Rockies

United States:  Louisiana, New Orleans

United States:  Maine, Rockland

United States:  Massachusetts:  Walden Pond

United States:  Michigan:  Four Days in Hale

United States:  Nevada:  Las Vegas:  The Paris Hotel

United States:  Ohio

Cedar Falls in Athens

BadaBing:  This Restaurant is Now Closed

Pizza at BadaBing

Brewfontaine

Brewfontaine in Bellefontaine

Cincinnati:  Abby Girl Sweets

Cincinnati:  BowTie Cafe

3-img_5846

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati:  Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cincinnati:  Jungle Jim’s

11 IMG_6477

Cincinnati:  Yeatman’s Cove

Cleveland:  The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland:  La Pizzeria

Cleveland:  Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus:  Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Ohio:  Columbus, Old Bag of Nails

Ohio:  Columbus:  Olentangy Caverns

Ohio:  Greenville:  KitchenAid Store

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

Rockland, Maine: Kayaking out to Owl Island Lighthouse

When I learned I would be attending a pharmaceutical conference in Boston, I called my friend Kristen to see if she wanted to meet me in Mass.  Instead, she graciously invited me to their beautiful home in Rockland, Maine for the rest of the weekend.  They were preparing to move to Chicago and asked if I would be interested in a day of kayaking and sightseeing.  I couldn’t turn down this amazing opportunity to spend time with her and her husband, so I added a couple of days to my business trip.

The exhibit lasted a couple of days and soon I was taking I-95 north to US-1.  I began the three hour drive making a stop in New Hampshire (no tax for alcohol) and soon arrived on the Penobscot Bay.

Waking early, we ate a robust breakfast and loaded up the kayaks.  As we made the short drive to the harbor, I took in the gorgeous scenery along the coast.  The sunny weather and mild breeze made it the perfect day for exploring the bay and Rockland Harbor. 

The water was as smooth as glass when we paddled out towards the Atlantic.  Passing the sailboats in the harbor, the sounds of sea gulls could be heard in the distance.  We continued paddling as our route hugged the shore and I couldn’t wait to reach the lighthouse.

The peninsula was covered in pine trees and small islands of beachrock emerged from the Atlantic to offer a resting place for a siege of herons.  They hardly noticed us as we quietly sailed past them.

The stroke of the oars brought us closer to the peninsula where the Owls Head Lighthouse came into view.  With its stubby base, this gorgeous light stands 80 feet along Midcoast Maine.

Standing along the edge of Owls Head, the lighthouse was first built in 1825.  South of Rockland, the light aided sailors with navigation along the shores of Penobscot Bay.

Consisting of the lighthouse and keeper’s house, Owls Head sits along a rocky outcropping. It was said that the former light keeper’s dog, Spot had been trained to pull the rope on the station’s fog bell and bark to keep passing boats from running aground,

Panoramic views of the coast and nearby islands are worth a visit to Owls Head Lighthouse, especially during the early morning sunrise.

It was a spectacular day to kayak the Atlantic off the coast of Maine.  Once we returned to Rockland, we would prepare for dinner at one of the local lobster stands.  For seven or eight dollars per pound, we were sure to enjoy our fresh catch of the day.

Have you visited Owls Head Lighthouse or kayaked around the area?  Let me know about your experience with a quick not in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my amazing kayaking excursion and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Owls Head Lighthouse
186 Lighthouse Road
Owls Head, ME  04854
Telephone:  207 594 4174

  • Admission Fee:  Lighthouse Climbing Tours:  From Memorial Day to Columbus Day; Free, donation of $3 suggested
  • Hours:  Monday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 4PM
  • Scenic View:   The view from the top of the stairs is stunning.
  • Length of the Tour:  ½ hour to 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes to climb the stairs of the lighthouse.

Where to Stay:

Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
886 Commercial Street
Rockport, ME  04856
Telephone:  800 589 4009

Where to Eat:

The Lobster Shack
346 Main Street
Rockland, ME  04841
Telephone:  207 390 0102

What to Eat: 

  • Blueberries
  • Clams
  • Corned Hake – a meal made of salted pork with potatoes, onion and vinegar
  • Crab
  • New England Clambake
  • Crab Cakes
  • Fiddleheads – a fern that grows near fresh bodies of water
  • Lobster
  • Lobster Rolls
  • Maple Syrup
  • New England Chowder
  • Ramps – wild leaks that grown near fresh bodies of water

Books to Read: 

    • Bull Mountain, by Brian Panowich
    • That Camden Summer, by LaVyrie  Spencer
    • The Poacher’s Son, by Paul Doiron
    • High Tide at Noon, by Elisabeth Ogilvie
    • A Seal Called Andre: the Two Worlds of a Maine Harbor Seal, by Harry Goodridge

Photo Guide for Owl Harbor, Maine and surrounding area:

  • The View from Owl Harbor lighthouse
  • Windjammer on Penobscot Bay

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Maine’s Acadia, Watching Whales and Exploring Doubling Point Lighthouse

As a family, we booked an RV vacation which took us along the east coast of the United States.  Each of my siblings and I were given the task of coming up with an itinerary for an assigned stop on our RV adventure.  We visited northern Ohio, Niagara Falls, Maine, Boston, New York City and Philadelphia.

Each of us was given a location to research and select the activities for the day.  My sister, Shelly mapped out our itinerary for our visit to Maine and I was so excited she included Acadia National Park.   Sprawling nearly 50,000 acres on the east coast, this mesmerizing, scenic park is full of stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife.  I was hoping to see moose at Acadia, and viewing the majestic whales on our cruise of the harbor was such an awesome experience as well.

We started our day by stopping by Hulls Cove Visitor Center to pick up a map and additional information about the park.  We were curious to find if there were any educational sessions or ranger talks scheduled.  From here, we picked up Acadia’s 27-mile scenic Park Loop Road, eventually reaching the top of Cadillac Mountain. From 1500 feet, we caught an amazing panoramic view of the Atlantic, the park and its nearby islands.

By the late 1800’s, this land became the playground for the rich and famous to include the Carnegies, Vanderbilts, Astors, Fords and the Rockefellers.  It was John D. Rockefeller who gifted the park its 45 miles of carriage roads used for automobiles, bikes, horses and carriages.  In addition to its carriage roads, the park offers over 150 miles of hiking trails and is one of the most-visited parks in the United States.

Another feature of the park that we thoroughly enjoyed was walking across the Bar Island Land Bridge.  At low tide, we could walk across for spectacular views of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island.  We were warned in advance that we would have about an hour and a half to cross and return before the tide would rise.

The views of Bar Harbor were breathtaking from this charming coastal town.  Boats anchored in the cove while others were prepared to transport passengers on a number of whale watching excursions.  We enjoyed an afternoon of shopping and made lunch reservations at a nearby restaurant with a seaside overlook.

Shortly after lunch, we boarded a small boat for our own whale watching tour. The weather was perfect for our brief sea escape with the opportunity to see humpbacks breaching out of the water.  While mid-April is the best time to see these gentle giants, we could not have been happier spotting a couple of whales during our three-hour tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.

After we returned from our trip, we boarded our RV and decided to check out the most visited lighthouse in Maine, the Doubling Point Lighthouse.   Located along the Kennebec River, it was not an easy route to reach the light, but we loved the beautiful scenery and remote location.  We spent about a half an hour here before piling back into the motor coach for our next stop on our itinerary, Boston.

Have you toured around the state of Maine?  What were your favorite places to visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my lovely visit to Maine and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Acadia National Park
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME  04609
Telephone:  207 288 3338

  • Admission Fee:   Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry.  Private Vehicle: $30; Motorcycle:  $25 and Hiker/Biker: $15  which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc.    An annual Pass for Acadia National Park is $55 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase.
  • Hours:  The park is open seasonally and hours vary, so check the National Park Website for the most up-to-date information.
  • Amenities:  camping, hiking, boating, swimming, biking, bird watching, climbing, fishing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
  • Scenic View:  Take in the view from Cadillac Mountain and along the various trails throughout the park.
  • Length of Visit:  Three days is the minimal recommended time to see all of the attractions at Acadia.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate.   Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies.  When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park.  For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company
1 West Street
Bar Harbor, ME  04609
Telephone:  207 288 2386

  • Rates:   Rates range from $32 to $63 for adults on a variety of trips; $20 to $33 for children ages 6 – 14 and $14 for children ages five and under.
  • Hours:  The activities take place from May to October.  Visit the website for each activities and the departure times for these events.
  • Amenities:  Ferry services
  • Length of Tour:  Varies by tour, refer to the website
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Take medication for seasickness should you think the seas may affect you.

Doubling Point Lighthouse
Doubling Point Road
Arrowsic, ME  04530
Email: mspencer@student.uchc.edu,jaehs@aol.com

  • Admission Fee:  No Admission Fee
  • Hours:  8AM to 6PM daily
  • Scenic View:  The lighthouse and surrounding area
  • Length of Visit:  No more than one hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear bug spray during the summer months.  Refer to the website for detailed directions to the lighthouse.  The lighthouse is not accessible, but you can look inside only.

Where to Stay:

Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday
136 County Road
Bar Harbor, ME  04609
Telephone:  207 288 3520

Where to Eat:

Fish House Grill
1 West Street
Bar Harbor, ME  04609
Telephone:  207 288 3070

We shared the New England Clam Bake  and I also ordered the bacon wrapped scallops served with a maple and brown sugar glaze.

What to Eat:

  • Baked Beans and Hot Dogs
  • Blueberry Pancakes
  • Clam Roll
  • Clambake
  • Haddock Chowder
  • Indian Pudding
  • Italian Sandwich
  • Lobster, of course and served with butter
  • Lobster Pie
  • Lobster Roll
  • Maine Potato Fries
  • Maple Sugar and Syrup
  • New England Boiled Dinner

What to Read:

  • The Cider House Rules by John Irving
  • Empire Falls by Richard Russell
  • Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
  • The Maine Woods by Henry David
  • Most Stephen King books

Photo Guide for Maine:

  • Acadia National Park
  • Cadillac Mountain Summit