What are "must see" in Bar Harbor and Saco areas? (Portland: appointed, live)

[Ellwood]

We are taking our RV next week to ME and will be staying in Bar Harbor and Saco areas. What would you consider things we shouldn't miss? Thanks!

[FNolan]

Acadia National Park by Bar Harbor. That's a must see. It's simply gorgeous there. Take the drive up to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Spectacular view from there.

[Newdaawn]

I agree with FNolan about the view from Cadillac Mt. You may also want to go out Ocean Drive and may stop for lunch at Jordan Pond House. A horse and cariage ride from Wildwood Stables is one of my favorite things to do in Acadia.

[CoastalMaine]

Depending on the size of your RV, you may find taking a tour bus to the top more enjoyable as the road is narrow and very winding; and you need excellent brakes. Also make sure you take the small bit of extra time to go to the Schoodic Peninsula side of Acadia National Park. Your RV would be fine on that ride and oh, so amazing and worth the additional time.

Not sure if you've made your reservations for accomodations with your RV already or not, but I stay seasonally in Belfast with mine. It would be about 90 minutes for you to get down to Acadia from there, but it leaves you the ability to see quite a bit in the mid-coast area of Maine as well. DM me if you'd like information on this campground. It's a good stopping point between Acadia and Saco with very friendly people and with it's bay frontage sites, it offers an amazing view of Penobscot Bay including a western view of Cadillac Mountain.

I can't give you any info on Saco... I haven't been through there since my daughter was young and we went to the water park every summer. I'm sure it's changed a fair bit since then as has most of the coast down along that way.

[MRVphotog]

There is a fair amount of asphalt between the two so I would suggest stopping at a few places on the way. Stop at the new Waldo-Hancock Bridge and take the elevator to the top. Check out the Toboggan Chute where the World Championships are held each year at the Camden Ski Bowl, just outside of, you guessed it, Camden. LL Bean is just off the interstate as you get close to Portland. Doesn't matter what time it is as it's always open. Eat at Moody's Diner just south of Rockland.

[lawmom]

I agree with most of the above suggestions...

But I am wondering, why is Moody's so popular? We went once when we lived in Northport, and all of us were disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting, but we didn't go back. We went for dinner though, and perhaps it is a great breakfast place?

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by lawmom

I agree with most of the above suggestions...

But I am wondering, why is Moody's so popular? We went once when we lived in Northport, and all of us were disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting, but we didn't go back. We went for dinner though, and perhaps it is a great breakfast place?

You are correct to ask why Moodys is so popular. The food used to be pretty mediocre.

Tim Sample did seem to make it a legend with his 'beans' skit.

[lawmom]

God, I remember Tim Sample from when I was a kid.

I guess it's one of those place you just have to go once.

[CoastalMaine]

Originally Posted by MRVphotog

There is a fair amount of asphalt between the two so I would suggest stopping at a few places on the way. Stop at the new Waldo-Hancock Bridge and take the elevator to the top. Check out the Toboggan Chute where the World Championships are held each year at the Camden Ski Bowl, just outside of, you guessed it, Camden. LL Bean is just off the interstate as you get close to Portland. Doesn't matter what time it is as it's always open. Eat at Moody's Diner just south of Rockland.

Here's a link to Ft. Knox and the new bridge which you can take the elevator to the top of for a spectacular view.

Fort Knox & the Penobscot Narrows Observatory : Prospect, Maine - Travel and tour Maine Military History

I'm with everyone else. Did Moody's diner once years ago when they finished remodeling in Freeport. We weren't impressed with the food or the atmosphere. Maybe back in the day it was good?

[IRV007]

I agree with most of the suggestions here, especially the comment about the Schoodic Peninsula side of Acadia National Park. This stretch of area is where the sea and the rocks really collide…with very few visitors.

Now if you do end up around Camden and Owl’s Head there is a little shop in Thomaston worth a short detour… The Maine Prison Store. The Rockland- Camden area can get crowded and touristy but this place had a calming influence on me anyway.