Show me the coast (Bangor, Brunswick: how much, live, restaurants)

[beauty4ashes]

Hi everyone!
We're new to the Bangor area and we'd like to go see the ocean, do a little strolling & shopping and have some lunch tomorrow (4/12/08) for my birthday.
I'm sure there are TONS of beautiful oceanic towns here, but we don't want to drive for too long from Bangor (under an hour would be ok). Any suggestions?
And do you know of a good family restaurant there?

Thanks!

[kellysmith]

Seeing the sites at Bar Harbor at this time of year would be less crowded than later in the year when the tourists arrive.

[woxyroxme]

You could go to Bucksport and see the übercool Waldo-Hancock bridge.



Either way you decide to go on US 1 from there won't be a disapointment. Not sure about the restaurants though.

[Taxed in Maine]

I grew up in Hermon. The easiest trip to the ocean is probably to Ellsworth / Bar Harbor. Camden / Rockport is a little further, but has lots of shops.
If you go to Bucksport, don't forget to check out the 'witches boot' at the cemetary.

[contented]

deer isle - stonington and have lunch at the harbor cafe on the the stonington waterfront perhaps?

[beauty4ashes]

Thanks everyone, those are great ideas. Deer Isle sounds lovely. That bridge is so cool! Thanks for the picture woxyroxme!

Unfortunately, the weather's not cooperating today , so we may postpone our adventure till the sun shines.
Any more destination ideas are more than welcome. I like options!!

[peachie_in_maine]

Originally Posted by beauty4ashes

Thanks everyone, those are great ideas. Deer Isle sounds lovely. That bridge is so cool! Thanks for the picture woxyroxme!

Unfortunately, the weather's not cooperating today , so we may postpone our adventure till the sun shines.
Any more destination ideas are more than welcome. I like options!!

Yess today the weather is not supporting a great road trip.
Even thou I live about 1.5 hrs away from Ellsworth ( which is nice) I enjoy driving over to Eastport for some views.
In the summer, I sometimes drive over to Lubec to see the seals swimming.
And since it's only a "hop skip and a jump from Canada for me, I enjoy some afternoon strolls in St Andrews by the sea (New Brunswick Canada). Cute little shops and lots of ocean front views too.

Almost any direction will give you something.
Happy Birthday

[AlisonL]

Deer Isle-Stonington area. Blue Hill is a very pretty coastal town.

[emu742]

^ I got a book at my library of photography in Stonington, looks very lovely, as does the rest of the Deer Isle area
Camden looks beautiful too with all the hills.... but having been to neither, I'm not of much help!

[Nor'Eastah]

Originally Posted by peachie_in_maine

And since it's only a "hop skip and a jump from Canada for me, I enjoy some afternoon strolls in St Andrews by the sea (New Brunswick Canada). Cute little shops and lots of ocean front views too.

Since so much of Maine shares a border with Canada, anybody know just how much of a hassle it is to cross over and come back? We used to go there every couple of years, never a problem, but now I've heard that you need a passport (Homeland Insecurity). True?