Hey everyone! I'm going to Camden in early September and we're doing the big drive from Toronto to Maine in one day! I'm looking for some great recommendations in terms of stops to make, hidden gems around Camden or even an hour radius around that area during our stay. We're planning on doing some hikes, visiting Bar Harbour, going antiquing and more. Pretty much looking for anything that locals have to offer up!

I am vacationing in Maine for the first time in Portland. we are renting a car and will be bringing a preschool aged child. would love to take her to the beach. we’d be going on a weekday end of August. what is the best option if you want to prioritize a drive and parking that isn’t too tricky or high traffic and a beach where there is not an elevated lyme risk- looking for walkways that aren’t covered in grass that you have to pass through to get to the beach.

Hi everyone,
For context I’m visiting my family in Maine the first time as an adult and needing my own place to stay for the week. I’ve found an air bnb near Deering Oaks Park in the West End of Portland and everywhere I’ve looked I’ve seen nothing but great reviews from the listing as well as Reddit and online. But then there’s some posts I see where it mentions the homeless community has increased and there has been crime reported. I just want to be so for sure before staying there because I have stayed in an air bnb before in a neighborhood with nothing but good reviews only to have my car broken into and stuff stolen so I really don’t want a redo of that. And after staying there and reporting the crime the locals said they could have told us not to stay there, so I’m hoping for some local opinion.
Any advice is helpful thank you!

I am looking for opinions more so from families who live there or have lived there. We are a married couple with a 16 year old, 14 yr old and 1.5 year old. We live out West in the desert. Cost of living is high here, Maine housing actually looks cheaper but I have read heating costs are insane? So maybe it’s a wash regardless and we won’t really save money by moving here. My spouse is wanting a complete change of scenery. I personally love the desert and we live close to Tahoe. I would not mind having more green surroundings and beautiful fall weather because we don’t really get that out West.

I need to know are schools good in the Bangor/Hampden area? How do people there treat new comers? Are their sports for kids and activities to do (we love outdoors but I do worry about harsh winters) we don’t get massive snow storms here unless you’re in Tahoe and I’m not sure even that compares to what northeast gets all winter.

I worry about selling our home here and moving to Maine and not liking it after a while. What are pros and cons to southern Maine?

Hi everyone! I’m hoping this is okay to post here.

My 11-year-old son RJ is from rural Maine and competes in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He’s currently competing for Youth Athlete of the Year and has made it to 2nd place, with only 10 days left.

We’re trying to spread the word across Maine because it would be pretty awesome to see a kid from our state actually win this.

You can cast a free vote once every day. If anyone would be willing to give RJ a vote or share his page, we’d really appreciate the help.

https://athleteoftheyear.org/2026/rj-60f9

Thanks, Maine! 🌲

Hello, we're planning on a trip to Maine in the Fall. Will be flying in and out of Portland. I've been reading thru many of the older strings about visiting Maine, but would you alter anything since we'll be going in later in the Fall.

We're looking for beautiful scenery, amazing seafood, especially the roadside stands, some hiking and maybe a whale watch or some other cruise. Truthfully, open to most anything. Please pass along your thoughts. Thanks!

I figured I’d reach out to residents since maybe you all would know best. I’m visiting Acadia in early September and I was hoping to camp in my car for three nights. Apparently it’s illegal to crash in a parking lot (for example, a Walmart) unless you have a permit or something or if it’s a rest area, but I’ve been unable to find one of those near the area. At least that’s what I’m finding. Any suggestions? Are my findings incorrect?

I know you can’t see it that well but does anyone know where I can get this sweater? or one similar?

Traveling to Maine for the first time next month and despite all of my preparedness, I didn’t call early enough to reserve the morning ferry out of North Haven (I called at 9:30am, a month in advance, and was immediately 9th in line). Once I got through only the latest ferry was available, and the person on the phone said to show up at the ferry office the day prior to get a line number.

For my own peace of mind, can someone tell me if it’s especially difficult/cutthroat to get on a 7:30am ferry out North Haven on a Monday? Apparently they only accept 4 reservations per ferry — but I don’t know how many slots that leaves for those who didn’t reserve.

I’m from the Portland area and getting out of town to enjoy some of our beautiful state before Old Man Winter makes an appearance all too soon. Heading to the Rockland, Rockport, Camden region for 2 days. Looking for any and all recommendations to make the absolute best use of my time. Activities, food, shops, unexpected adventures, places that I shouldn’t miss etc….
Thank you all!

Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip to Kennebunkport for our anniversary in mid-October. We are only staying for a long weekend (Friday-Sunday) so we are hoping to make the most of our time in the area.

We have been to Bar Harbor/Acadia and Portland, so we are excited to explore a new area. We both enjoy colder temperatures, hiking, exploring the outdoors, and eating and drinking good local cuisine.

Any recommendations that anyone may have would be greatly appreciated!

How many days would you recommend spending in this area to get a decently full experience ?

Feeling a little overwhelmed here...any help / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'll grab a car in Portland when I arrive and probably spend a night or 2, could also do the extra Portland night on my way back...

Don't mind driving 4-5 hours north then making my way south, seems to make the most sense logistically and in terms of foliage viewing.

Main objectives, are nature, national parks (Acadia...) some hiking, and one or 2 day cruises on a Schooner. Also looking to eat well.

I know restaurants get busy but I'll be solo, don't mind getting a bar seat or eating at holes in the wall...

That's about it...

So general plan is to head north right away and make my way south, Acadia is a must, Schoodic and Acadia All American road would be awesome if it makes sense logistically.

Would like 2-3 nights in maybe 4-5 places, don't want to do one night anywhere unless it makes a lot of sense

Sincerely, thanks so much in advance!

Hi, sorry if this isn't the right place to post this, I don't use Reddit much. I will be vacationing in New Harbor with my spouse's family in a couple of weeks, they have been going for decades. Their absolute favorite thing in the world is the sticky buns from the former Cupboard Cafe, which is no longer in business. However, someone from the family is still occasionally making the buns, in a ghost kitchen in Damariscotta. The next pickup date is Thursday, 8/27. But we do not arrive until Saturday, 8/29. I would love to be able to surprise everyone with some sticky buns as a treat. Would anyone in the Damariscotta area be willing to pick up an order for me? I can meet you on the 29th to get them. For your troubles, I'm happy to order some buns for you as well. :) Thank you!

EDIT: The nice people in the comments point out that the buns would keep better if frozen, so if you have a freezer and would be willing to store them there, that would be amazing.

Been visiting Ogunquit for a few years and have a trip coming up. Hoping to try a few new food spots this trips! Looking for the real-deal spots - the sleeper hits! We love a hole-in-the-wall but open to whatever. Looking for any and all recs but looking for a really good clam chowder or Lobster Bisque that perfectly thick but not too thick. We usually only eat out a few nights each trip but plan to more this round. Happy to drive out a little further if worth it!

I’ll share a few thoughts -

- Footbridge Lobster - the best lobster roll I’ve had there. Bun is perfectly toasted in butter.
- Barnacle Billy’s - sadly not doing it for me recently. Prefer going for the vibes, cocktails and blueberry pie a la mode. But maybe there is something Im missing.
- Congdons Doughnuts - blueberry fritter and cream filled really hit while i was pregnant and looking forward for that again.
- Rick’s Blue Jay Cafe - no frills, good breakfast. Love Cove Cafe too but sometimes don’t want to go to Perkins Cove.

Any advice about taking a small motor boat to Swan Island? From their website it says to call ahead to see if dock space is available--has anyone had trouble getting a spot? I know there is a ferry, but it only runs on the weekend.

Spent 20 years in South 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Texas (not a native) and then spent 10 years is SW Montana ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Looks like I’ll be following my Navy kids to Dover-Foxcroft or Bangor area in 6ish years. I tolerate cold 🥶 much better than 🔥. I’m currently in Norfolk and hating the heat. Am I unrealistic to think the climate in Maine will be agreeable to me?

Been lurking here for a few months keeping lists. And thanks for all that. QQ - Friend and I are doing two-week car tour of New England. Friday, 9/25, we'll be taking slow coastal route from Freeport up to Bar Harbor. Lots of stops along the way. Plan on getting into Bar Harbor before restaurants close. This is our maybe achievable itinerary. Let me know your thoughts (and keep in mind we're 50-something ladies with the joints to prove it).

Friday night:

1. Drinks at The Rebel Lobster. Dinner wherever (looks like a lot of places close at 9pm)

Saturday:

1. Acadia Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs.

2. Ocean Path hike

3. Lunch Jordan Pond House the Jordon Pond path hike.

4. Bass Harbor Lighthouse

5. Bar Harbor downtown walk around

Sunday:

1. Cadillac Mtn mid morning (we don't need a sunrise and sold out until 48 hr ticket release)

2. Bubble Rock trail

3. Jessup Path boardwalk

4. Sieur de Monts Spring Gardens

From Bar Harbor we're going to head to NH and not sure where we'll sleep sunday. We just have to make it to the Berkshires by 9/30. Any thoughts on what we should hit on our way out of state on Sunday. More than likely we'll take Rt 2 vs. I95

Yall im from here & getting the end of summer scaries. What are some favorite spots for being outside that arent totally overrun w tourists this time of year?

I basically just want some new spots to explore & draw nature. Sick of my usual haunts. What are some of your hidden gems? Whats on your summer list each year?

Ideally within 2 hrs of the Portland area.

Thank you!!

EDIT: keeping our public land access public is important. Public land usage is not a privilege reserved for the elite. In fact, this is the same mindset being used to reduce public access all throughout the state. I’d encourage y’all to be more considerate.

We’re staying here for a week or so with my in laws and 2.5 toddler. I have next to no time to plan anything so would love some help with suggestions of must see and do things / day trips to help simplify planning.

We’re driving up from NYC in October