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I'm planning a bday trip from the NYC/NNJ area to Bar Harbor in late July. It's about an 8 hour drive.
My plan is to break it up by staying in Boston the first night. Then head up to Bar Harbor the next day. Spend two nights there and explore Acadia National Park. Then head down to Portland for two nights and then back home.
I already booked some nice places to stay in Bar Harbor and Portland. But my itinerary for these days is wide open at the moment.
My question is: Are there any "must do's" while in Bar Harbor/Acadia and Portland? One of my friends in my traveling party is a bit older so can't do any overly strenuous or physically challenging activities but I still think there's plenty to do regardless.
I'm planning a bday trip from the NYC/NNJ area to Bar Harbor in late July. It's about an 8 hour drive.
My plan is to break it up by staying in Boston the first night. Then head up to Bar Harbor the next day. Spend two nights there and explore Acadia National Park. Then head down to Portland for two nights and then back home.
I already booked some nice places to stay in Bar Harbor and Portland. But my itinerary for these days is wide open at the moment.
My question is: Are there any "must do's" while in Bar Harbor/Acadia and Portland? One of my friends in my traveling party is a bit older so can't do any overly strenuous or physically challenging activities but I still think there's plenty to do regardless.
Appreciate any ideas.
I do recommend a stop in the following cities,
-Ogunquit
-Bath
-York
-Kennebunkport
-Rockport MA
-Gloucester MA
-Newburyport MA
-Portsmouth NH
Portland is one of my favorite cities (Probably my favorite city...). Its pretty, its picturesque.. it really feels a lot bigger than it actually is.
1) Go to Fort Williams Park. You'll get the best pictures.. Lighthouses, just everything... its a must. Do it. Don't ask questions. Its amazing.
2) Portland ME is a foodie city. LOTS of good restaurants. Not sure if you are a fie dining, or grab-and-go.. or a typical casual dine out person.. but Portland has it all.
3) Donuts are huge in New England. Go to Holy Donuts.
Skip Old Orchard Beach. Its just the Jersey Shore North. If that was on your radar, its probably best to kick it off.
But yeah, add either Portsmouth NH, Newburyport MA, Rockport MA, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, Camden or Bath ME to your itinerary. Research a bit of them all and see what one works/fits the bill best. All are fantastic to add. The best part of NE in my opinion are the little towns between the Cape and Acadia.
I do recommend a stop in the following cities,
-Ogunquit
-Bath
-York
-Kennebunkport
-Rockport MA
-Gloucester MA
-Newburyport MA
-Portsmouth NH
Portland is one of my favorite cities (Probably my favorite city...). Its pretty, its picturesque.. it really feels a lot bigger than it actually is.
1) Go to Fort Williams Park. You'll get the best pictures.. Lighthouses, just everything... its a must. Do it. Don't ask questions. Its amazing.
2) Portland ME is a foodie city. LOTS of good restaurants. Not sure if you are a fie dining, or grab-and-go.. or a typical casual dine out person.. but Portland has it all.
3) Donuts are huge in New England. Go to Holy Donuts.
Skip Old Orchard Beach. Its just the Jersey Shore North. If that was on your radar, its probably best to kick it off.
But yeah, add either Portsmouth NH, Newburyport MA, Rockport MA, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, Camden or Bath ME to your itinerary. Research a bit of them all and see what one works/fits the bill best. All are fantastic to add. The best part of NE in my opinion are the little towns between the Cape and Acadia.
Exactly the type of suggestions I needed for Portland. Thanks! Regarding food, I'm all of the above so good to know I'll have options in any category.
I've done Ogunquit, Bath, York and Kennebunkport so won't be stopping in any of those on this trip. Portsmouth, maybe, since we pass it crossing into Maine I believe.
Now I just need some Acadia/Bar Harbor recs on things to do and see.
To me, the must-see Maine requires a boat. Merchant's Row off Stonington on a clear August day is almost a religious experience. I've sailed it a couple dozen times in my lifetime and there's nothing else quite like it.
I do recommend a stop in the following cities,
-Ogunquit
-Bath
-York
-Kennebunkport
-Rockport MA
-Gloucester MA
-Newburyport MA
-Portsmouth NH
Portland is one of my favorite cities (Probably my favorite city...). Its pretty, its picturesque.. it really feels a lot bigger than it actually is.
1) Go to Fort Williams Park. You'll get the best pictures.. Lighthouses, just everything... its a must. Do it. Don't ask questions. Its amazing.
2) Portland ME is a foodie city. LOTS of good restaurants. Not sure if you are a fie dining, or grab-and-go.. or a typical casual dine out person.. but Portland has it all.
3) Donuts are huge in New England. Go to Holy Donuts.
Skip Old Orchard Beach. Its just the Jersey Shore North. If that was on your radar, its probably best to kick it off.
But yeah, add either Portsmouth NH, Newburyport MA, Rockport MA, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, Camden or Bath ME to your itinerary. Research a bit of them all and see what one works/fits the bill best. All are fantastic to add. The best part of NE in my opinion are the little towns between the Cape and Acadia.
Definitely Rockport and Portsmouth I would say. Unfortunately, that main Holy Donut location in Old Port closed in the fall. I know there are a few other locations but none as convenient as that.
Definitely Rockport and Portsmouth I would say. Unfortunately, that main Holy Donut location in Old Port closed in the fall. I know there are a few other locations but none as convenient as that.
Many options for a good donut. The best donuts around Portland, to me, can be found at a hole in the wall in Cape Elizabeth called The Cookie Jar. Old fashioned, super super dense.. The Cinnamon Rolls and Eclairs are just as spectacular.
If you're a beer drinker, grab some growlers from Maine Beer Co. as you head to Bath or Camden on the way to Acadia.
More importantly, while in Portland, make sure to stop at Bissell Brothers. Some of the best local IPAs in New England.
To me, the must-see Maine requires a boat. Merchant's Row off Stonington on a clear August day is almost a religious experience. I've sailed it a couple dozen times in my lifetime and there's nothing else quite like it.
Nice suggestions, thanks. Yeah sailing off Maine sounds amazing. I'd love to add that to my itinerary although one of the people I'm going with gets very sea sick so maybe some meds beforehand would help them. We'll see.
Many options for a good donut. The best donuts around Portland, to me, can be found at a hole in the wall in Cape Elizabeth called The Cookie Jar. Old fashioned, super super dense.. The Cinnamon Rolls and Eclairs are just as spectacular.
If you're a beer drinker, grab some growlers from Maine Beer Co. as you head to Bath or Camden on the way to Acadia.
More importantly, while in Portland, make sure to stop at Bissell Brothers. Some of the best local IPAs in New England.
Huge foodie here so will definitely heed your suggestion on this. Thanks!
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