I am a single mom that has a couple of weeks off while my 14 yr old drama queen is at her grandparents. Love her, but if you have a teenage daughter, you understand the need for a little peace and quiet. Since she has made it clear that she does not want to go on vacation with me (unless it is to the beach, and I am NOT a beach person....pale pale pale), I am going to take at least a weekend trjp by myself. I would like to go up to Maine or somewhere north where it is a little cooler temperature wise. Has anyone had a good experience up in that area? I would probably make a long weekend out if it. I would like to go on a couple of sailing trips (maybe whale watching too), and I would like to learn how to canoe or kayak......bit in calm waters only as I am NOT the best swimmer. Also, want to be as cost effective as possible, but do not want to stay in a dump. Any suggestions on packages or places that you have gone up in Maine, etc that would be good for a single gal like me? Any info would be great! Have a great 4th of July holiday to all you moms out there!!
D.
Nancy is much more qualified than me to answer this, but my sister lives in Maine so I did visit once. She is near Portland Maine and we had a lot to do there. Portland is still a pretty small town, but big enough to be able to easily spend a day. It is right on the water as well, so I'm sure there are water activities available.
Maine is lovely, I know you'll be fine wherever you end up!
Nancy W. nailed it! I LOVE Acadia Nat'l Park! You can do all the things you listed. There's a hotel w/ kitchen in the room to cook the freshest day caught seafood. Amazing!!
**Kennebunkport is just awesome too!!**
When we went to Maine a few years ago, we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast outside of Portland, Maine. It was called Pine Crest Bed and Breakfast and the innkeepers were wonderful, very knowledgeable about things to do in the area. LL Bean is not far from Portland, we went there and did some shopping--there is a little "village" there with lots of shops. Have fun!
It is beautiful up there.
I fly up there every year of two and love Maine. A great place for a long weekend is Acadia National Park. When I go, I fly into Bangor, rent a car from Budget (sign up for the email specials for the best deal) and drive to Bar Harbor, about an hour from the airport.
Quimby Inn in Bar Harbor has lovely Queen rooms for around $100, ask for AAA discount if you have it. Ask for a room in the main part of the house which gets locked at night, it's extra safe if you are travelling alone. You can walk from the hotel all over Bar Harbor, there is whale watching and shopping in town. Eat a lobster of course.
You'll need your car to see Acadia National Park. Oh, I think during high season in summer there is also a bus for around $20 that will take you around the park but I was there too early and had to drive. My favorite things to do are hike the carriage trails around Jordan Pond, and walk the trail along the cliffs from Sand Beach to Otter point, making many stops along the way just to sit on the large flat stone clifftops and watch the ocean.
If you really want peace and quiet and are willing to drive a little further, Lubec Maine, at the Easternmost point of the state (and US) is a wonderful place to get away from it all. It's a 3 hour drive from BGR. You can stay at a BB like Peacock or Home Port Inn, or get a room at the Inn at the Wharf with an ocean view. Take your passport and drive over the bridge to Campobello Island, Canada. The other really fun thing to do is drive the Quoddy Loop which takes you on 2 ferries to the Canadian mainland, Stop in St. Andrews for lunch and shopping,then drive back around to Maine. There's not much else to do in Lubec but walk along the beach - park at the water treatment facility and go when the tide is receding so you don't get stuck out there.
Both Bar Harbor and Lubec are tourist destinations so check online about kayaking and whale watching. Have a great trip, wherever you decide to go!
