Portland to Portland (Brunswick, Wells, Rockland: car rental, appointed, rental)

[colrip7]

Hi, Wife and I are traveling from Portland Or to Portland Maine on Amtrak. First time on Amtrak, 2nd time to Maine. We were in Maine about 6 years ago for a boat launching at the Hodgdon yards in Boothbay. We had such a great time, we convinced some of our friends to meet us in Maine for a "lobster eating" trip.
We will be arriving in Maine mid September, going straight to Boothbay (loved it the first time), spending 4 or 5 nights, then going down to Portland for another 3 nights.
We are going to redo some of the things we did the first time - Boothbay, Camden, Bar Harbor. But we were just hoping to get some recommendations about places to see, and places to eat. We are more of the Levi crowd, so not really looking for any fancy restaurants. Last time we ate at some lobster docks and much preferred that to the dress up dinner.
Anyhow, hoping to pick up a few tips about things to see and places to go, and best places to eat in Boothbay and the surrounding area, between Boothbay and Bar Harbor, and in Portland.

Appreciate any help offered.

[Bigfoot424]

I am by no means an expert on anything Maine. But, I have been in Brunswick, ME for the last few days. I am staying at a hotel on 24 just off RT 1. If you take 24 south from RT 1 in Brunswick to its dead end at Bailey's Island you will not be disappointed. It's about a 15-20 mile ride and it has some beautiful scenery. Esp the last few miles. At the end there is a nice gift shop and the view of the water is spectacular. There are also several restaurants along the way however I did not stop at any.

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by colrip7

Hi, Wife and I are traveling from Portland Or to Portland Maine on Amtrak. First time on Amtrak, 2nd time to Maine. We were in Maine about 6 years ago for a boat launching at the Hodgdon yards in Boothbay. We had such a great time, we convinced some of our friends to meet us in Maine for a "lobster eating" trip.
We will be arriving in Maine mid September, going straight to Boothbay (loved it the first time), spending 4 or 5 nights, then going down to Portland for another 3 nights.
We are going to redo some of the things we did the first time - Boothbay, Camden, Bar Harbor. But we were just hoping to get some recommendations about places to see, and places to eat. We are more of the Levi crowd, so not really looking for any fancy restaurants. Last time we ate at some lobster docks and much preferred that to the dress up dinner.
Anyhow, hoping to pick up a few tips about things to see and places to go, and best places to eat in Boothbay and the surrounding area, between Boothbay and Bar Harbor, and in Portland.

Appreciate any help offered.

Welcome! I'm pretty sure I'm aware of a certain launching at Hogdon's about 6 yrs ago. Sweet boat! When in Boothbay, head to the eastern side of town and hit The Lobstermans Co-op restaurant. Very casual deck eating. Nice view from there.
In Portland, hit PLC ( Portland Lobster Company) right on Commerical St. Same style, casual.
I'm sure there are many others here that can help you w/ Camden and Bar Harbor section of your trip. Although on Rt 1 in Searsport, Just Barb's is great, as is Anglers. As far as things to see, just keeps your eyes open and look around, beauty awaits you. Enjoy your trip!

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

I am by no means an expert on anything Maine. But, I have been in Brunswick, ME for the last few days. I am staying at a hotel on 24 just off RT 1. If you take 24 south from RT 1 in Brunswick to its dead end at Bailey's Island you will not be disappointed. It's about a 15-20 mile ride and it has some beautiful scenery. Esp the last few miles. At the end there is a nice gift shop and the view of the water is spectacular. There are also several restaurants along the way however I did not stop at any.

Welcome to my neck of the woods. The gift shop you are referring to at the end of Bailey Island is called...... Lands' End. I assume you are staying at The Parkwood Inn. Don't worry, nobody here will go stalk you. It's a nice place. Enjoy your stay.

[Bigfoot424]

Yep. Parkwood Inn. Leaving this AM to head to Rockland then Bar Harbor.

[DreamworksSKG]

Will you have a car or not?

I'd recommend having a car rental in Portland so you can drive around and do things in the area.

I'd also suggest going down to Ogunquit beach for one night
and stopping at the Maine Diner
for lunch or dinner
Maine Diner - in Wells exploring the Maine Seacoast south of portland. That is if you have a car.

[Maineah]

Ogunquit Beach is a predominantly Gay area. I have no problem with gays at all and I have gay family members and friends. Personally I like the restaurants in Ogunquit though my wife is uncomfortable with the public displays of affection. (yes she's a bit of a prude but we love her anyway, we're working on her attitude....slowly!). I do know there are other people who who are uncomfortable in a predominantly gay setting (my in-laws for example) so if that type of thing bothers you at all Ogunquit may not be your cup of tea.

[colrip7]

We will be renting a car in Portland and driving to Boothbay. Yes, I am sure we are talking about the same Sail boat - biggest one they built. Great fun, but I don't have the kind of money the owner did.

I have found several "lobster shacks" on the internet and we plan to try most of them.

We were particularly fond of Camden and are planning on spending some time there, but will be lodging at Brown's in boothbay.

Again, not looking for the fancy places, just the "good" ones. Most of the time will be spent in Boothbay and east of there. We will be going back to Portland, but will be visiting good friends there.

Thanks for any help.

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by colrip7

Hi, Wife and I are traveling from Portland Or to Portland Maine on Amtrak. First time on Amtrak, 2nd time to Maine. We were in Maine about 6 years ago for a boat launching at the Hodgdon yards in Boothbay. We had such a great time, we convinced some of our friends to meet us in Maine for a "lobster eating" trip.
We will be arriving in Maine mid September, going straight to Boothbay (loved it the first time), spending 4 or 5 nights, then going down to Portland for another 3 nights.
We are going to redo some of the things we did the first time - Boothbay, Camden, Bar Harbor. But we were just hoping to get some recommendations about places to see, and places to eat. We are more of the Levi crowd, so not really looking for any fancy restaurants. Last time we ate at some lobster docks and much preferred that to the dress up dinner.
Anyhow, hoping to pick up a few tips about things to see and places to go, and best places to eat in Boothbay and the surrounding area, between Boothbay and Bar Harbor, and in Portland.

Appreciate any help offered.

I can't give much info on Maine, although I should since Im origianlly from Mass. I just wanted to say I have taken Amtrak between Boston and Portland and back. I hope your getting a sleeping room. I did not and it was a very arduous and trying trip in the coach seat. What would have taken 3 1/2 days to cross the country took 5 days due to problems with tracks. The room is a very expensive add on to the ticket price, but it makes a train trip of that distance much more accomodating.

I know you will enjoy your trip. You will certainly see the country from your window on the train. Some beautiful scenery especially in the West.

[colrip7]

Yes, we are getting a "roomette" from Portland Oregon to Chicago, and the same from Chicago to Boston. It cost 3 times more to Amtrak than fly, but we will have an opportunity to see an awful lot of the country. Once in Boston we will spend a few days seeing sites, and meeting up with friends, then on to Portland Me, where we rent a car, and head for Boothbay. The purpose of the trip is to see Maine and eat lobster. We don't have lobster where I am from, and it cost more and doesn't taste as good as what you have.

Thanks for any advice

[Maineah]

You should be able to get your fill of lobsters for bargain prices. Lobsters are at an all time low price and that price is moving to go even lower after Labor Day. Lobstermen are not happy with the price though there seem to be plenty of lobsters around.Too many it seems!