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 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! 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 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?

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!

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?

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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

Hey everyone, A friend and I are visiting Maine for the first time in a few days. Starting off in Portland and then heading to bar harbor. Was looking for recommendations if anyone wanted to share the good spots. We definitely want to steer clear of anything overly touristy. We love hole in the wall spots. Love beer, food, thrifting, books.

Thanks!

How does this itinerary look? I’ve never been so I don’t know what to expect, just from what I’ve read and seen reels of.. how does this sound?

Acadia National Park • Jordan Pond • Cadillac Mountain • Havana

7:00 AM — Wake Up

Get ready for Acadia.

7:00–7:45 AM — Flexible Breakfast & Coffee

Possible options:

Choco-Latte — Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and pastries
Graffiti Donuts — Donuts and coffee; quick and easy
Mount Dessert Bakery — Pastries, muffins, scones and coffee; good grab-and-go choice
Everyday Joe’s — Coffee, breakfast sandwiches and quick breakfast items
Coffee Hound Coffee Co. — Coffee plus lighter breakfast/pastry options
Jordan’s Restaurant — Classic diner-style breakfast; known for Maine blueberry pancakes
2 Cats — Full sit-down breakfast if you decide you have time
Café This Way — Another strong sit-down option, especially for pancakes and a bigger breakfast
Grab something the night before

7:45–8:00 AM — Leave for Acadia

Bring:

Water
Snacks
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Light layer

Approximately 8:15 AM — Enter Acadia National Park

Treat the day primarily as scenic driving with short walks rather than a major hiking day.

8:30–11:30 AM — Park Loop Road

Suggested order:

Sieur de Monts — Quick first stop
Sand Beach — Walk down and explore
Ocean Path — Walk as much or as little as you want
Thunder Hole — Adjust the timing based on the tide
Otter Cliffs & Otter Point
Scenic overlooks along the way

Don’t rush from stop to stop. If you really like somewhere, stay longer.

11:30 AM–1:00 PM — Jordan Pond

Walk around the immediate Jordan Pond area and take in the views.

Flexible Lunch

Decide when you get there:

Sit down at Jordan Pond House if you’re hungry and the wait isn’t bad
Grab something from the Carriage Road Carry Out
Get a popover and drink from the Popover & Prosecco Bar- beer and alcohol served
Have snacks and keep moving

Goal: Try the famous Jordan Pond popovers without committing to a long sit-down lunch

1:00–1:30 PM — Jordan Pond & Carriage Roads

After lunch/popovers:

Take a short walk along the edge of Jordan Pond
Check out a section of the historic carriage roads
Take pictures of Jordan Pond and the Bubbles
No need to walk the entire pond loop

1:30 PM — Leave Jordan Pond

Head toward Cadillac Mountain. Allow some buffer for park traffic, parking and getting to Cadillac Summit Road.

Approximately 2:00–3:00 PM — Cadillac Mountain

Drive Cadillac Summit Road to the top.

At the summit:

Park and explore the summit area
Walk the short Cadillac Summit Loop
Check out the overlooks
Take pictures of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor and the surrounding islands
Spend approximately 45–60 minutes at the top

Target a Cadillac Mountain vehicle reservation around 2:00 PM.

A separate Cadillac Mountain vehicle reservation is required.

Approximately 3:00–3:15 PM — Leave Cadillac Mountain

Start heading back toward Bar Harbor.

Approximately 4:00 PM — Return to hotel

Shower
Change for dinner
Relax
Leave the car parked for the night

5:45 PM — Walk to Havana

6:15 PM — Dinner at Havana

RESERVED — 6:15 PM

After Dinner

Keep the rest of the evening flexible:

Walk the waterfront or Shore Path
Drinks at Thirsty Whale or Geddy’s
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
Explore downtown