Maine is such a faraway place for Texans, but getting there is easy with a direct flight into Boston Logan International Airport. Pick up your rental car, and within an hour you’ll be soaking in the natural beauty of the state that’s aptly nicknamed “Vacationland.”
But First, Lobster.
Don’t miss Rye Harbor Lobster Pound in New Hampshire. It’s on the way, and it serves two classic lobster rolls—one lightly tossed with mayo and minced celery then piled high in a split-top bun; the other bathed in warm sherry butter and served in a toasted bun. Pair them with a cup of “fluffy” clam chowder crowned with a generous mound of more lobster!
Make Portland Your Home Base.
Spend three nights at The Press Hotel or Canopy Portland Waterfront. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district, browsing the local boutiques and galleries. Take a lobster boat tour of Casco Bay to see the residential islands and area lighthouses, including the iconic Portland Head Light.
Portland’s celebrated culinary scene includes many award-winning restaurants. Eventide offers a raw bar and serves Maine seafood classics; the hyper-local menu at Leeward is anchored by house-made pastas; and the dishes at Fore Street reflect its longstanding relationships with area farmers, foragers and fisheries. Don’t miss the Maine potato donuts at The Holy Donut and coffee at Bard, Tandem, or Small’s, where you can also sample wine and oysters.
Day-Trip to the Southern Coast.
Start your day near York at Nubble Lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Then head to Ogunquit’s Marginal Way, a seaside cliff walk. It’s a short drive from there to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport (“The Kennebunks”), known for their shipbuilding heritage and historic architecture. Feast on boiled lobster and perfectly fried scallops and whole-belly clams at The Clam Shack, a favorite of the Bush family. (Swing by Walker’s Point after lunch to view the Bush compound before returning to Portland.)
Discover the Midcoast.
The midcoast communities of Camden, Rockland and Rockport are replete with charming cottages, antique shops, and their idyllic harbor settings. Stay two nights at The Samoset Resort, with its sweeping bay views and access to the Rockland Breakwater, a walkable 4,000-foot granite jetty leading to a historic lighthouse. The waterfront Rock Harbor Hotel is another great option. Dine next door at 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill.
In the morning, tour Farnsworth Art Museum, home to works by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer and others. Visit the local lighthouses and sip a latte at Rock City Coffee Roasters.
A Mount Desert Ending.
Your journey concludes with two nights on Mount Desert Island. The historic, maritime town of Bar Harbor is a mix of historic inns, cute shops, and striking views of Frenchmen Bay. Treat yourself to wild blueberry soft serve at CJ’s Big Dipper, a delicious cone at Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream, or a Maine whoopie pie at Pink Pastry Shop. The Bar Harbor Inn offers excellent accommodations and dining at The Reading Room. Nearby Southwest Harbor is home to the Claremont Hotel, a chic historic property overlooking Somes Sound. Just down the road is the Wendell Gilley Museum of exquisite bird carvings.
Purchase a park pass and reserve a timed entry in advance for your trip's culmination, the stunning Cadillac Summit Road Drive in Acadia National Park. You’ll head to Bangor the next day for your flight home. Don’t be surprised if Maine beckons again before you even land!