Vacation Ideas (Portland, Camden, Bar Harbor: 2009, rent, hotels)

[jkb826]

I am looking at taking a vacation in the fall of 2009 to the state of Maine and would like some ideas on what would be the best time and some of the must see destinations. We will be spending approximately a week and half there. Any ideas and suggestion would be greatly appreciated. I am looking so forward to seeing you beautiful state. Thank you all

[Maineah]

There is so much to do and see here in Maine. Some of your interests and a time frame may help us steer you in the right direction.

[jkb826]

Thank you for your reply. We would like to spend some time on the coast to see lighthouses and such. Also we would like to be there when the fall colors are present. Those are the 2 most important things that I can think of at this time.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

The peak of our foliage season is the first full week of October. Since October 1 is a Sunday next year you could pick either week in early October. Be sure to visit an orchard or two for fresh cider and donuts. Do you canoe? You can pick cranberries along many of our streams and even a few lakes during that time. Wild Maine cranberries have more flavor than those cultivated ones from the stores. Lobster prices often drop after Labor Day. Maine is less crowded, but many seasonal places stay open until after foliage season. You picked a great time to come to Maine.

[Maineah]

There are a number of lighthouses along the coast. In fact there are around 60. Some are just small point lights while others have beautiful houses, grounds and museums attached. The most photographed by far is Portland Headlight although the ride to places like Owl's Head or Pemaquid are a trip in themselves. If I could pick a time for you it would be the third week of September. The leaves are changing somewhat along the coast, many of the tourists are gone and the tour busses with the "leaf peepers" have yet to arrive. Many of the little restaurants along the coast are still open then. By October first most of the seasonal restaurants along the coast are closed for the season.

[BoundtofindME]

Acadia National Park is a must see when in Maine. Here's a link to an informative website for this area: www.Acadiamagic.com

This area generally hits peak foliage between the 1st and 2nd week of October. The last cruise ship to visit Bar Harbor is the last week in October, keeping many of the hotels, shops and B&B's open until then.

[Elcarim]

I can't re-emphasize enough that you cannot miss visiting Acadia National Park. I'd live IN the park if I could!! Honestly, anywhere up and down Rt. 1 will be wonderful, but bear in mind that the leaves change at a different rate on the coast, so do your research!

[Maineah]

I have lived here for my entire life and still do not see the fascination people have with Acadia National Park! Yeah it's OK but Mt. Battie in Camden is just as nice and Mt. Katahdin is MUCH more majestic!
There are better places in Maine than Acadia. Moosehead Lake is far prettier than Acadia in my opinion.

[moughie]

Wherever you go in early to mid October will be amazingly beautiful!

Just count on 1 or 2 rainy days.

You do not even need to travel all the way to Acadia- Southern and Western Maine has amazing beauty also!

[American girl]

Rent a cabin at The Birches in Rockwood on Moosehead Lake. Heaven on earth.