Mainstream Maine

We probably managed to visit the exact places that every tourist of Maine visits and we are fine with that-it rocked! With kids, vacation often happens when it can and that is why our Maine story is set in summer. Summer visits can make navigating through the crowds interesting and plan on things taking more time. If you can visit in early to mid-fall you will have a leg up on the crowds and the cruise ships. However, Maine is fantastic even when you visit the touristy hot spots in high season :)

We started with the obligatory stop at L.L. Bean headquarters in Freeport, Maine. We shopped around the outlets and the main store with the Paul Bunyan size boot out front. I have to say that we shop on a budget and this store did not really agree with that budget very well. A much needed downpour hit while were finishing up so we laid low and than waded through the puddles barefoot on the way out of town. If we had more time in this area, there are a lot of activities to enjoy at the Outdoor Discovery School but we had to get to Hadley's Point Campground in Bar Harbor and set up for the week. The campground itself was clean, in a great location, had a heated pool and very helpful staff but our spot was in a RV parking lot and not private as many others were. It worked for us because we were out and about so much and because my sister rented a cabin with more privacy. The cabins were spacious, clean and come with a bathroom. The campground was close to the town of Bar Harbor and entrance to Acadia but I would try a different spot next time, maybe on the Schoodic Peninsula or in Bass Harbor.

Rocks & Axes: We started the next day early and packed our trip full of adventure, site-seeing and lobster rolls. Family rock climbing was first on the docket so we headed to Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School. Our guide, Brian helped us get suited up and, altered plans to accommodate us after our car's alternator wanted out of the trip. We headed into Acadia National Park and to the rocks near Thunder Hole. Brian was such a perfect guide with for all of us, young and old and some very new to rock climbing. We loved it and my son, actually, went back for more with his father who didn't want to miss this experience. That night we all enjoyed something totally awesome and empowering at Timber Tina's Great Maine Lumberjack Show. My one daughter is all about doing things that nobody would expect of a skinny little girl, so she especially loved Tina kicking some lumber butt out there and left with her new favorite shirt, "Chics with Axes" and an "insta" shot with Tina. The first day was a great start.

On the Water: The next morning my husband, son and I hit the water with National Park Sea Kayak Tours out of Bar Harbor. We took a 2 hour tour, which my teenage son thought was pretty boring-not enough action for mr. electronics and friends all the time. That was one of the reasons I liked the trip, because sometimes we need to slow down, talk with interesting strangers and soak up our surroundings. Our guide, Fletcher, was extremely knowledgable and easy going. He shared so many great facts and stories that he made up for missing out on some wildlife opportunities. The next day we hit the water in a whole other style with Diver Ed on his Dive-in Theater trip. Everyone loved our time touring with this super fun guy, his mini and his crew. We learned about lobsters, starfish, sea cucumbers and so much more. We met quite a few too! We also made a trip to Sand Beach at night, in hopes of enjoying stars but the clouds made it more of a listen to the waves kind of visit. It was nice to be there at night when the crowds were not.

Lobster & Popovers: We, of course, spent time in the town of Bar Harbor and trying to take in every piece of Acadia National Park. We ate a packed lunch near Thunder Hole, drove to the top of Cadillac Mt., visited the stables and rode the carriage roads. We decided to have lunch at the historic home of famous popovers, the Jordan Pond House. The rain had fallen but the staff wiped everything down just before opening and corralled everyone in seamlessly. The view on the lawn, looking toward the pond and sitting among the gardens was the perfect backdrop for enjoying a salad, popover and blueberry soda. We explored the ponds, where the area's drinking water derives from and admired the "bubbles" in the distance. Another meal out was had at Thurston's Lobster Pound in Bernard and a whole other vibe was supplied at this perfect example of Maine culture. The line was long but kept chugging along and the atmosphere was great. Lobster boats and cages all around, speaking to how fresh dinner would be. My husband went for a 2 pounder and thought it was great and the rest of us left full and happy too!

Another coastal Maine must-do was tide pooling and we packed that in but missed the sunrise, the stars, bike rides and many hiking trails. We saw the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and the little town it lives in. This whole Mount Desert Island area is worth hoofing through the crowds and can be done for free on the area busses without having to worry about where to park. If you have a hankering for fresh lobster, rocky coast line, great guides leading you through new adventures and so, so much more contact us at Stowaway to help you plan and book your trip.