The Maine Bucket List
Growing up, my parents took us up to Maine to see my great grandmother a few times. I remember it being a long drive and kind of chilly in the summer, but so beautiful. Maine is a state we often forget about, yet it’s rich with natural beauty. Check out my bucket list of things to explore there.
Jump To:
Acadia/Bar Harbor
Kind of Visit: Outdoor adventure
Since Acadia is all National Park, almost all visitors stay in Bar Harbor and spend the day exploring the park.
WHERE to stay
Bass Cottage Inn - Top rated!
WHERE to dine/drink
2 Cats Bar Harbor - Get there early for breakfast as they serve between 300-500 a day!
Route 66 Restaurant - It’s so Disney-esque, you have to stop in!
Things to see & do
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - Go there at sunset.
Cadillac Mountain - it is the first spot in the U.S. to see the sunrise and is popular for that reason - get up early!
Carriage Roads- John D. Rockefeller Jr. helped fund these roads between 1913 and 1940 for horse drawn carriages. They are open to hikers, walkers, and cyclists.
Jordan Pond House - They are famous for their popovers and are only open from late May - late October. Tip: Go after midday - it gets so busy there’s no parking.
Bangor
Kind of Visit: Outdoor adventure, relaxing weekend - If you’re a Stephen King fan, then this is the town for you!
WHERE to stay
The Brewster Inn - The Brewster Inn is on National Register of Historic Places. Former Maine Governor and Senators family home. Close to Bangor Maine. Owen Brewster played by Alan Alda in Oscar winning movie “The Aviator” starring Leonardo DiCaprio (as Howard Hughes). Noted visitors here inc Presidents Truman and Taft, Louis Mayer (founder of MGM Films). In June 2008, featured on national TV on HGTV.
The Tarratine Inn on French Street - Top rated!
Where to dine & drink
Things to see & do
Penobscot Narrows Bridge - About 35 minutes from Bangor.
Stephen King Book Tour - See all the places that inspired Stephen King’s novels.
Stephen King’s House - It’s still his private residence, so you can only admire it from the sidewalk.
Freeport
Kind of Visit: Relaxing weekend, but don’t miss the chocolate factory tour!
WHERE to stay
Bliss Farm Inn - Top rated!
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast - Top rated!
WHERE to dine & drink
Athena's Cantina - Top rated!
Derosier's - Established in 1904 and still run by the same family!
Maggie Mae’s (Yarmouth)
Wolfe's Neck Farms Café (Yarmouth)
Things to see & do
Kennebunkport
Kind of Visit: Historical, relaxing weekend - Drink some mead, eat some whoopie pies, and leisurely explore this upscale seaside town.
WHERE to stay
The Colony Hotel - Built in 1914.
WHERE to dine & drink
Mabel’s Lobster (also known for their blueberry pie)
Things to see & do
H B Provisions - Known for their whoopie pies.
Wedding Cake House - The most photographed house in Maine - it’s still privately owned .
Portland
Kind of Visit: Historical, relaxing weekend - Learn more about Bigfoot, the Lochness Monster, and mermaids! Also, snack on some homemade donuts while you’re at it.
WHERE to stay
WHERE to dine & drink
Hot Suppa - Very gluten-free-friendly.
Lincoln’s (Speakeasy)
The Holy Donut - They have a whole selection of gluten-free donuts!
The Porthole - Has been open since 1929 and was established to fuel fishermen before they went off to sea!
The Sinful Kitchen - VERY Celiac-friendly!
ViA VECCHiA - A must-experience - snag an outdoor table!
Things to see & do
International Cryptozoology Museum - Learn more about Bigfoot, the Lochness Monster, mermaids and more!
