With summer travel right around the corner, where should you go for a quick relaxing trip with beautiful surroundings?
Maine, the northeastern most U.S. state, is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history and nature areas like the granite and spruce islands of Acadia National Park. Lighthouses such as the candy-striped beacon at Cape Elizabeth, dot the coast, as do lobster shacks, sandy beaches, and Charming Inns.
Getting there
The airport in Portland is super small so it’s a great easy place to go for a romantic or family getaway. Your flight arrives and the rental cars are right there waiting for you. No shuttle needed. It is also an easy drive from Boston, New York and most places on the eastern part of the US.
Day 1– Arrive by plane or car to Portland, the largest city in Maine. You already feel welcome with the cobblestone streets and former factories that have been converted into restaurants, boutiques and quite a few local breweries. Located right on the water, the views and the seafood are equally amazing. There is a free walking tour once a day or you can take a guided bike tour that takes you to all the sites and ends with a tasting at a local distillery. The University of Maine/Portland has a great Art Program so make sure to take in the local art scene at a gallery or every Thursday there is an art walk with bands, food, and the opportunity to meet the artists.
Where to stay: There are several smaller hotels, Victorian Houses that have been converted into charming inns and VRBO options. Sit on the terrace of The Pomegranate Inn (my personal favorite) and enjoy an array of appetizers, wine and conversation with the other guests! The Maritime Museum is also very interesting.
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Day 2- Head about 5 miles North and stop at Cape Elizabeth. Here you will find a former military base, the most photographed lighthouse in America and probably the best Lobster Roll that I’ve ever had. Keep driving on the picturesque windy roads and in two hours you will be in Boothbay. In 2007 the citizens of Booth Bay got together and donated the funds to build a botanical garden. It is right on the water so the views are amazing. Hike through the Japanese inspired garden on your own or take a guided tour of this hidden gem. Back in Booth Bay you are surrounded by boats, seafood restaurants and you can even take a ferry to the artist colony on Monhegen Island. We loved staying at the Topside Inn, a former Sea Captains Mansion that sits on a hill- the highest point in town. Take advantage of the Inn’s wonderful wine and champagne list- they’ll loan you a bucket, give you a cheeseboard and then go sit on the Adirondack Chairs watching the sunset. That’s relaxing!
Day 3- After your sumptuous homemade breakfast, begin a couple hour drive to the tip of the state, Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park was established by John D. Rockefeller in 1917. The Rockefeller Family and many of their friends donated money to keep up the park year after year. At 47,000 acres, it takes your breath away. There are many choices for biking and hiking around and in the park and just be in a breathtaking, natural habitat. In addition to Marta Stewart, there are ex-presidents, rock stars and news anchors that make this town their second home. The private homes are lovely in this area so take a drive. The best place in town to stay is The Bar Harbor Inn or the Manor House Inn. The restaurant, the Reading Room has great views and is also very good. You’ve probably worked up an appetite after all the biking and hiking in the park.
Day 4, 5 Sleep in a bit after all the activity and take a leisurely ride south to Kennebunkport. “Kennebunk” is what the locals call it. It’s now time to splurge for two nights at the unforgettable White Barn Inn. There are two amazing restaurants, two pools (one adult only) a spa and cruiser bikes that you can take to the beach. In town go to, a Tapas Bar that does wine pairings. We had an amazing meal at Allison’s and then went for ice cream at Rococo’s. Take a cooking class at the renown Michelin Star cooking school or just enjoy laying on the beach with an ocean view. The cozy, well decorated rooms, most with tubs and fireplaces, provide the perfect end to your long weekend.
Recommended accommodations
Portland
-Portland Harbor Hotel- Nautical décor and water views -Pomegranate Inn
-Morrill Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Booth Bay
-Topside Inn
-Spruce Point Inn and Spa
Bar Harbor
-The Bar Harbor Inn
-Manor House Inn
Kennebunkport
-The White Barn Inn
Maybe Nantucket next month?
KERRY MORIARTY ROBBINS
Kerry is the owner and lead travel consultant with KerryOn Travel, an affiliate of Tafari Travel. She originally hails from Chicago, but currently splits her time between living in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and charming, historic Charleston, South Carolina. A study abroad program in Europe originally sparked her infatuation with travel. This was her first full immersion into another culture and forever shaped her desire for cultural and culinary discovery. An avid sports woman, Kerry has trekked to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain and swished down the slopes of Europe and South America. But, she also loves kicking back with girlfriends on a spa weekend. Some of her favorite travel memories include enjoying leisurely winery lunches in New Zealand, visiting small islands off the coast of Cartagena, and exploring neighborhood markets in Thailand. When exploring North America, some favorite memories are Lobster Rolls in Maine, Country Cookouts in Nashville, Jazz Fest in New Orleans, hitting the desert for Coachella and amazing meals in Montreal. Kerry graduated from The University of Denver with a degree in Finance, has an MBA, and a degree from Northwestern University. Prior to joining the team at Tafari, Kerry worked as a technology executive and enjoyed earning lots of airline miles for her travels.
She also has the distinguished honor of being a member of Virtuoso, the top 1% of Travel Designers in the world. When not hiking in Colorado, or enjoying the amazing food in Charleston, Kerry can be seen enjoying life with her twin daughters and husband Richard.
Travel Specialties:
Culture and Culinary
Health and Wellness
Active Adventures
Destination Weddings/Honeymoons/Girls Trips/Romantic Weekends
