Recommendations of what to see/ where to stay in coastal Maine?

Answer 1

I don't think I could find any location closer to a paradise than Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine. I was extremely fortunate to call it home for a few years, and I have lived near it my whole life. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of scurrying about on the rocky bald top of Cadillac Mountain and of swimming in the frigid Maine waters of Sand Beach.

Mount Desert Island's central focus and attraction is Acadia National Park, a 35,000 acre slice of heaven. Those acres are not entirely concurrent within the island, as some of it contains the coastal regions, some of it houses beautiful glacial mountains, and still other parts are spotted with crystal clear lakes, all surrounded by the most lush evergreen dense forests.

Probably my favorite of the features of Acadia National Park are its coastlines. These vary in texture and landscape. There are rocky cliffs such as Otter Cliffs and Seawall, as well as beaches. The most popular of these is Sand Beach. I was a waiter in Bar Harbor during the mid 90's, and made a habit of going to the beach before work almost every day, afterwards heading to work with the sand still stuck to my legs. Some days I would venture out onto Great Head, a natural land formation that shelters the beach from the open ocean. From there I would sit and enjoy the sounds of the surf, breeze, gulls, and children playing, combined with the sweet smell of pine mixed with the salty sea-breeze. On other days I would lay on the sand and soak up sun, occasionally cooling off in the ocean. This is not a practice common among the tourists, as the water can be bone-numbingly cold at times. I, however, found it quite pleasant, especially after a morning hike.

Hiking locations are quite easy to come by, as there are over 120 miles of trail in the Park. Most of the trails are focused on particular mountains, and some can be strenuous while others are gradual and facile. There are trail maps available at many locations around the island to provide information as to which trails are for which people. Most of the trails will lead the hiker through beautiful forests, and there is plenty of wildlife to go around.

My favorites climbing spots are:
1. The Beehive - a sheer rock face that can be seen towering above Sand Beach with a zig-zag trail up the front. This trail is not for those scared of heights, but is quite safe and rewarding as it provides a stunning view of the entire southeastern portion of the island.
2. Beech Mountain cliffs trail - a cliff trail accentuated by iron ladders to assist the climber up the steep faces of Beech Mountain. The top of this trail has a wonderful view of Long Pond, one of the lakes in the western part of the park.
3. Precipice - only open toward the end of the park season due to nesting of peregrine falcons, this may be the most strenuous of the trails in the park, and when seen from the ocean, this cliff is breathtakingly large and steep (this is why the falcons choose it, hidden from predators).
4. Pennobscot Mountain Trail - a very long, gradual trail overlooking Jordan Pond.

After climbing Pennobscot Mountain, or after a day at the beach, one must head to the Jordan Pond House. Here patrons sit either indoors or outside on the lawn, and can enjoy selections from a full menu. The featured item, and I believe the best, is the tea and popovers. Jordan Pond House makes amazing homemade popovers, churned butter, and sweet strawberry preserves. Served with a choice of hot or cold tea, coffee, or chai tea(the best), this can highlight a perfect day in the park.

This park means the world to me, I have experience some of the best times of my life there, and it will always be "home". I take every opportunity available to recommend it to everyone, with hopes that it will someday mean the same to them.

As for where to say, that depends on your budget. The most expensive places are going to be near Bar Harbor. There are some beautiful Bed and Breakfast places in town, and there are larger hotels just outside of town. If you are looking for some nightlife, arrange to stay in or near Bar Harbor. If you are looking for peace and quiet, try to find a place on the other side of the island like Southwest or Northeast Harbor.

Answer 2

BoothBay Harbour, Bar Harbour, Camden, Popham

Answer 3

Boothbay Harbor is beautiful. It's a very quaint little town with some really cool shops. Also, you should go to Pemaquid Point. It's GORGEOUS!

Answer 4

try www.vrbo.com for lodging..rent owner direct and save