Coast of Maine
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
Likes: 37
From: Western MD
Coast of Maine
We are planning to trailer the bikes from Maryland to Maine (750 miles)... want to spend the week riding in mid August. Unfortunately, the people we have going with us want to do day trips only.
Looking for advice on:
1. Where to stay
2. Where to eat, and
3. What to see (where to ride).
Already planning on at least one day in Acadia and another in Eastport (US Rt 1). Looking for places near Belfast or Ellsworth, but open to suggestions.
TIA,
Greg
Looking for advice on:
1. Where to stay
2. Where to eat, and
3. What to see (where to ride).
Already planning on at least one day in Acadia and another in Eastport (US Rt 1). Looking for places near Belfast or Ellsworth, but open to suggestions.
TIA,
Greg
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 927
Likes: 256
From: North Arkansas
We didn't make it quite that far 'down east.' We were closer to Portland. Exploring the small coast towns and the old houses surrounding the bays were a big thing for us. Lighthouses. There was one we could climb.
Rockland Camden area had a lot of positive feedback. We looked at but didn't ferry out to one of the islands. We had two young ones with us.
Whale watching trip was great. Saw several. Not the west coast dramatic breeching humpbacks, but very cool.
Traffic was slow and regular. Not great riding, but not stop and go. Several small tourist ville areas and historical spots
Up in the mountains might be more riding friendly?
Sorry no specifics... just my memories and ideas.
Rockland Camden area had a lot of positive feedback. We looked at but didn't ferry out to one of the islands. We had two young ones with us.
Whale watching trip was great. Saw several. Not the west coast dramatic breeching humpbacks, but very cool.
Traffic was slow and regular. Not great riding, but not stop and go. Several small tourist ville areas and historical spots
Up in the mountains might be more riding friendly?
Sorry no specifics... just my memories and ideas.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
Likes: 37
From: Western MD
@road king Q comment is a bit concerning... I was concerned it may be slow going up route 1. We definitely want to do the coast, but mountains are right up my alley.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 927
Likes: 256
From: North Arkansas
We spent a lot of time at Boothbay Harbor. Pemaquid point/Yellow Head too
Crossed my mind a lot of the tourists up there were from Canada. Has that border opened up again? Might mean less people??
You may have noticed, a lot of the coast areas are mom and pop places to stay. Not a lot of the common chains of hotels. Many rent houses B&B etc...
Travel agent set us up close to LL Bean and we day tripped from there
Crossed my mind a lot of the tourists up there were from Canada. Has that border opened up again? Might mean less people??
You may have noticed, a lot of the coast areas are mom and pop places to stay. Not a lot of the common chains of hotels. Many rent houses B&B etc...
Travel agent set us up close to LL Bean and we day tripped from there
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 604
From: Michigan
++ On Booth Bay, it’s a fishing village unlike the t-shirts shops in Bar Harbor. Stop in at Reds on 1 for some fresh seafood.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,280
Likes: 3,411
From: Idaho Panhandle
I grew up in Maine. Route 1 is a great trip if you make the side trips out to the smaller ports. Now I left 45 years ago, but in 2019, we rode cross country. The inland back roads of Maine were just as magnificent as they were 50 years ago. Belgrade lakes, Kingston, Rangley, and so much more.
On Leaving Maine, I took 202 all the way from Gray to Pennsylvania. Great ride, two lanes, fun people.
My response, there is so much more to Maine than Acadia National Park and the Route 1 tourist route. Make a difference, explore inland. 10 miles from the coast and the world opens up to you. Now, I do admit I knew Maine, NH and Vermont well 45 years ago. What I can tell you is that it still is a refreshing and gorgeous ride with little traffic except around the bigger lakes.
We just winged it and had a wonderful visit and rides.
Of course, Acadia is nice, but it not better than a lot of the other parts of the coast. Route 9 in kennebunk, 77 in cape Elizabeth, new harbor and pemaquid point, friendship, and so much more. You’ll see so much more at your own pace than Acadia.
I know I did not answer your specific question, maybe some other maniac will give you specific places and contacts.
PS. Bring mosquito repellent.
On Leaving Maine, I took 202 all the way from Gray to Pennsylvania. Great ride, two lanes, fun people.
My response, there is so much more to Maine than Acadia National Park and the Route 1 tourist route. Make a difference, explore inland. 10 miles from the coast and the world opens up to you. Now, I do admit I knew Maine, NH and Vermont well 45 years ago. What I can tell you is that it still is a refreshing and gorgeous ride with little traffic except around the bigger lakes.
We just winged it and had a wonderful visit and rides.
Of course, Acadia is nice, but it not better than a lot of the other parts of the coast. Route 9 in kennebunk, 77 in cape Elizabeth, new harbor and pemaquid point, friendship, and so much more. You’ll see so much more at your own pace than Acadia.
I know I did not answer your specific question, maybe some other maniac will give you specific places and contacts.
PS. Bring mosquito repellent.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 7,591
From: NH
I grew up in Maine. Route 1 is a great trip if you make the side trips out to the smaller ports. Now I left 45 years ago, but in 2019, we rode cross country. The inland back roads of Maine were just as magnificent as they were 50 years ago. Belgrade lakes, Kingston, Rangley, and so much more.
On Leaving Maine, I took 202 all the way from Gray to Pennsylvania. Great ride, two lanes, fun people.
My response, there is so much more to Maine than Acadia National Park and the Route 1 tourist route. Make a difference, explore inland. 10 miles from the coast and the world opens up to you. Now, I do admit I knew Maine, NH and Vermont well 45 years ago. What I can tell you is that it still is a refreshing and gorgeous ride with little traffic except around the bigger lakes.
We just winged it and had a wonderful visit and rides.
Of course, Acadia is nice, but it not better than a lot of the other parts of the coast. Route 9 in kennebunk, 77 in cape Elizabeth, new harbor and pemaquid point, friendship, and so much more. Youll see so much more at your own pace than Acadia.
I know I did not answer your specific question, maybe some other maniac will give you specific places and contacts.
PS. Bring mosquito repellent.
On Leaving Maine, I took 202 all the way from Gray to Pennsylvania. Great ride, two lanes, fun people.
My response, there is so much more to Maine than Acadia National Park and the Route 1 tourist route. Make a difference, explore inland. 10 miles from the coast and the world opens up to you. Now, I do admit I knew Maine, NH and Vermont well 45 years ago. What I can tell you is that it still is a refreshing and gorgeous ride with little traffic except around the bigger lakes.
We just winged it and had a wonderful visit and rides.
Of course, Acadia is nice, but it not better than a lot of the other parts of the coast. Route 9 in kennebunk, 77 in cape Elizabeth, new harbor and pemaquid point, friendship, and so much more. Youll see so much more at your own pace than Acadia.
I know I did not answer your specific question, maybe some other maniac will give you specific places and contacts.
PS. Bring mosquito repellent.
I would do Cadilac MT if you are staying in Ellsworth area just because you are that close, but very touristy in August . Reds Eats in Wiscasset gets crowded/the one across the street is just as good[Spragues Lobster] many of the interior rides far out weigh crowded Bar Harbor scene for enjoyable and picturesque Maine ----you have the ability to do both while there for a week
Have fun /ride safe