Expert: Tom Webster Date: 3/31/2007 Subject: lobster season and more
Question I'm planning a vacation to Maine and especially Bar Harbor. I can't decide whether or not to come in late June, early August or mid-September. I really want to come when we can get the best lobster--can't find the dates of the lobster season anywhere. I figure the leaves might be starting to change color in September. We want to go to Acadia in particular and I'd like to be in Bar Harbor when the shops, etc are open. If you could give me some idea of a date range for each, I'd appreciate it.
Answer Hi Vicki,
There is really no season for lobster at all in Maine. Except for bad days in the winter months, lobstermen are out there bringing them in. More tend to be caught in the summer months because the tourist demands are much higher. The best lobster is not dependant upon any particular month at all. Generally speaking, the better restaurants get the choice of the catch, provided they are willing to pay a little more to get the best. That is generally related to size and freshness. So how can you tell, you can't. You can ask if they are fresh, but that is no guarantee.
I would not recommend coming in June, because the black flies will be out and the weather may still be on the cool side. Early August is usually very good for weather, but be prepared to fight the crowds as it is the height of the tourist season. Mid September is usually quite good also. Not only would you get to see the foliage, but you will get to avoid the huge crowds. The only drawback is that you can have some cooler days and the nights are usually much cooler.
So far as the shops are concerned, I believe very few of them would be closed in September. However, they may not stay open as late as they do in July and August.
