YAS' GUIDE TO MAINE
I’ve been wanting to go to Maine in the fall for a long time, but every year, work would get so busy that I never found the time. Jason and I made the time to get out there towards the end of September as the fall foliage was in full swing. Let me just say, it was one of the coziest and lovely places, I’ve visited. Do you sometimes go on a trip and feel at home? Well, I felt this way in Maine. We flew into Boston and road-tripped up the coast as far north as Camden and loved every minute of it. Anywhere along the coast is gorgeous, but I’m sharing where we stayed, ate and what we did.
WHERE TO STAY:
CLIFF HOUSE in Ogunquit in a stunning ocean front hotel with gorgeous views.
WHITE BARN INN - A boutique Auberge Resort Collection Bed & Breakfast in the small town of Kennebunk. This B&B has such a rich history and is a great little place in a cute town.
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:
LOBSTER SHACK is a non pretentious little shack in the heart of Perkins Cove in Ogunquit. These lobsters are literally strait from the ocean, made fresh daily with potato chips. Gotta say, it’s a solid lobster roll.
BALD HEAD COFFEE - great coffee shop located inside Cliff House hotel with delicious pastries. I would grab two cups of coffee and some pastries to take back to our room and enjoy them on our patio looking out at the ocean and all the gorgeous fall colors.
THE TILLER RESTAURANT - The Tiller restaurant at Cliff House is suspended above the ocean, offering panoramic views of spectacular sunrises, romantic sunsets, and the Atlantic horizon, providing the perfect Maine oceanfront dining experience.
PORTLAND, ME
In 2018, Bon Appetit rated Portland, ME the Restaurant City of the Year. While we were staying in about an hour south at Cliff House, we ended up going to the city twice just because of their food and craft beer. Honestly, I’m sure Portland has a lot more to offer, but going from restaurants to breweries took all our time! Here are just a few of the amazing restaurants and breweries.
DUCK FAT - a little eatery tucked away on Middle Street. They sell everything from panini, soups, salads, charcuterie, sodas and milkshakes all made in house. Add a killer beer and wine list. Make sure you order their fries cooked in duck fat!
AUSTIN STREET BREWERY recommend going here if you are a beer lover! Jason loved getting a tasting from pale ales to darker beers.
THE SHOP OYSTER BAR has great quality oysters ranging between $1 - $3. You can try oysters throughout the east coast for like $20 - winner!
DRIFTER’S WIFE is a fun and unique dinning experience with great food and wine list. I recommend making a reservation before going to the restaurant.
THE HONEY PAW menu is absolutely irresistible and will tantalize your tastebuds. East-meets-New England approach is evident in their recent dishes, including smoked lamb khao soi, with house-made noodles, fermented mustard greens, lime and Burmese coconut curry, and lobster won tons with confit mushrooms - OH MY YUM! Make a reservation before going.
EVENTIDE OYSTER CO. craft cocktails, laid back vibe with a variety of oysters and lobster rolls and list of different soups and chowders that will make your belly happy.
WHAT TO DO:
Go to Portland, Maine for days of eating.
Portland Head Light is one of the many beautiful light houses to visit while in Maine.
President Bush’s Summer Estate is a must see compound located on Walker's Point. Touristy but beautiful to see from a far. Can not get close due to security.
Puzzles by the fireplace at the White Barn Inn. Such a cozy night in activity.
Marshall Point Lighthouse stands on a rocky point at the end of the St. George peninsula in Maine.
Spiller Farm is a great place to go apple picking in the fall. You can pick corn, zucchini, squash and an unlimited varieties of produce all for a cost per pound. They only accept cash - no card/credit.
Hike up Mount Battie is a must do activity in Camden, Maine. You can drive to the top or hike up top. What seemed like an innocent hike took a turn when we had to crawl up some massive rocks. Let’s just say I wasn’t prepared for steep and dangerous (I kept cussing all the way up) but the view from the top was well worth the effort especially in the fall. I recommend driving to the top and back down - much safer :)
Have a wonderful time, if you decide to visit! Feel free to drop me a line if you visit any of my recommended locations.