Expert: Tom Webster Date: 3/28/2008 Subject: Maine in Mid May
Question Hi,
I'm visiting Maine for four days, 21st to 25th May, and was wondering if I'm going to get to see any signs of flora in bloom.
Also, can you suggest an itinerary of sorts for four days? We'll be driving, and I am very fond of the coast and of rolling hills. I'll be looking to maybe do some hiking, and hopefully get some stunning vistas. We'll be starting and ending in Boston. The only idea I've had so far, is to drive along the coast a little further north from Acadia, and then head back through the inland. I figured that way we'd get to see the rocky coast and lighthouse, as well as the gorgeous hills and lakes. Could you suggest any specifics?
Thanks!
Answer Hi Rish,
I would recommend that you consider the following itinerary. Since I am not too familiar with the southern Maine coast, I will have to leave that part up to you and suggest you might want to save that part for the return trip. I would travel up Interstate 95 to South Portland and switch to Interstate 295 there to the Brunswick/Bath, Maine exit. This will put you on US Route 1 and take you along the coast all the way to Bucksport. You might wish to take a side trip to Boothbay Harbor, a good half hour from US Route 1 on Route 27. The film Carousel was filmed there. I would then proceed to Rockland and either stay there or go on to Camden and stay there.
From that point I would proceed to Bucksport and then into Ellsworth and from there comes the second decision. US Route 1 north of Ellsworth doesn't touch the coast very often without going out of the way like you probably will do to see Boothbay Harbor. Since Acadia National Park offers significantly greater vistas and some good hiking, I would highly recommend going into Bar Harbor and staying there. I would give Acadia National Park at least a full day, if not a day and one half. There is just so much to see there and it is awesome.
