Maine in September

[bobotron3000]

DH and I are planning on driving up to Maine September 14 - 21 (we're in Ohio). Looking for rec's on what to do/see/eat. I keep getting mixed reactions to going there that time of year...so, if it's not a good time, any other vacation spot ideas?  Thanks!

[Deleted]

I think it is a good time of year, but a lot of super touristy stuff will probably be closing up.

I would do Bar Harbor/Acadia and Portland.

[bobotron3000]

That is the area I've been checking into so thanks! And that's what I've been hearing, that we'll miss out on some stuff.

[G22]

Aug 10, 2013 10:32:00 GMT -5 @septimus said:

I think it is a good time of year, but a lot of super touristy stuff will probably be closing up.

I would do Bar Harbor/Acadia and Portland.

This. Bar Harbor might still have some touristy stuff open. I've been there in August (everything is open) and November (little open). September you might be ok. Weather-wise you should be ok and the leaves might be changing which would be beautiful. 

I'm super jealous. We are trying to plan a trip up there next summer. My family has a summer house, and we try to go up every couple years. I'm origionally from Ohio, but live way out in MT now. We don't get up there as often now.

ETA: Depending on whats open, there is alot on Mount Desert Island (where Bar Harbor is) to see and do!

[Deleted]

Aug 10, 2013 11:53:32 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

That is the area I've been checking into so thanks! And that's what I've been hearing, that we'll miss out on some stuff.

Portland should be open for business. Old Portland is quaint/touristy-you'll be able to find a lobster role :-) The ferries out to the island may not be running as frequently.

Freeport is also a good stop on your way to Acadia. Freeport is home to LLBean which is always open and fun to walk through. There are a lot outlets in Freeport. (I like them better than the Kittery outlets).

Bar Harbor should have good color, hiking and most of the restaurants still open.

[beeks]

Bar Harbor is lovely. I personally never understood the appeal of Portland. Maybe it's because I am nearby, but I think even Portsmouth NH is a better port city. I would actually start at the bottom of the NH coast, drive up Route 1A/1B and stay a night in Portsmouth, then head up to Ogunquit Beach for lunch, then up to Bar Harbor.

[bobotron3000]

Thank you all for your input! I didn't even think about the leaves changing (I love fall but I'm not ready for summer to be over). Will look into all the spots everyone mentioned

[lb2006]

Def go to Mt. Desert Island - Acadia Nat'l park, Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor. We've gone in October for the Mt. Desert Island Marathon and it's the last weekend folks are open for business (tourist business)

In Bar Harbor - Havana is a great restaurant. Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium has great treats & lobster ice cream. Sips in Southwest Harbor is great. The Kingsleigh Inn B&B in Southwest Harbor is a wonderful place to stay.

While in Acadia, go to the top of Cadillac Mountain and if you like adventure, hike Beehive. It is a great view of the island, Sand Beach, other small islands. Somes Sound is also gorgeous.

[Deleted]

Aug 14, 2013 8:42:24 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Just looked up my travel notes from Bar Harbor and thought I'd offer some restaurant suggestions. We had a great lunch at Thirsty Whale, in particular their excellent chowders. Thurston Lobster Pound had delicious lobsters, but skip the spiced blueberry cake. Cafe this Way was great for both breakfast and dinner. On the drive back home, we stopped at Down East Lobster Company in Trenton, ME and had delicious and cheap lobster there too.

One of those listed is owned by a high school friend/dormmate

[bobotron3000]

Thank you all! Loving the suggestions and specificities (is that a word?) on food