Exploring the Maine Coastline
Maine Coastline Road Trip Exploration - Discovering Natural Beauty and Coastal Delights
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/20/2024
This trip was all about the NHRA New England Nationals drag race in Epping NH combined with a desire to visit areas of Maine that none of us had ever visited; Bar Harbor, Acadia Park, Portland, etc. Since we have a number of family members in the New England area, plus we are huge seafood enthusiasts, making this trip was a very easy decision!
The secondary concept of wrapping the trip around a stay with one of Celest's brothers before beginning our Maine exploration, was icing on the cake!
This trip started with a telephone conversation with Chris, who invited us up to watch the NHRA New England Nationals drag race. Chris is a NHRA fan (as I am), and as we continued to discuss the idea, we agreed to combine the Drag Races with a trip up into areas of Maine that none of us had ever visited - including some side trips to visit other family members at Wells Beach, ME.
Interesting Facts about Maine
- Maine is the only state that shares its borders with only one other US state.
- Since 2005, Maine’s annual lobster yield has weighed in at more than 60 million pounds, with nearly 124 million pounds caught in 2014. (That’s almost 90 percent of the United States’ lobster supply.)
- Maine is the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States.
- Maine is the country's third coldest state in spring (coldest is Alaska).
- The origin of the state's name is unclear.
- Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast. Named for explorer Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac — for whom the car company is also named — Cadillac Mountain is 1530 feet tall, and, from October through March, is the first place to experience the sunrise in the United States.
- Portland, Oregon is named after Portland, Maine. The Oregon city was founded by two New Englanders, one from Massachusetts, and the other from Maine. After a coin flip, Francis Pettygrove of Maine got to choose the city’s name. He picked Portland to honor his hometown.
- Maine used to be part of Massachusetts. The former Massachusetts province spent decades after the American Revolution campaigning for independence, and finally gained official statehood in 1820.
Trip Itinerary & Route Flow
Our arrival and destination locations were both Boston Logan International Airport, all other destinations are listed below, select any and click it to view that location.
Click above Image to view larger Google Map- Boston, MA
- Kennebunkport, ME
- Biddeford Pool, ME
- Wells Beach, ME
- Freeport, ME
- Bath, ME
- Bar Harbor, ME
- Acadia National Park, ME
- Boston, MA
Kennebunkport, ME Map
This is a scenic & interesting place to visit, plus we had a fantastic dinner with some old friends of ours. Situated on the southern coast of Maine, is a charming seaside town renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic charm, and vibrant coastal culture. Visitors flock to its sandy beaches, like Goose Rocks Beach and Gooch's Beach, for sunbathing and water activities. The town's Dock Square offers a delightful mix of boutiques, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. Kennebunkport is also famous for its stately mansions, including the Bush family compound at Walker's Point. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge or take scenic boat tours along the rugged coastline. Kennebunkport offers a quintessential New England coastal experience.
Click here to read more about our Kennebunkport visit
Biddeford Pool, ME Map
This is an example of the tidal variation in Maine, the tide is at it's lowest level when this picture was taken. That is "Stage Island" on the right, and "Basket Island" on the left, both can be easily walked to when the tide is this low.
Biddeford Pool in Maine experiences notable tidal variations due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The area witnesses semi-diurnal tides, with two high tides and two low tides occurring each day. These tidal fluctuations are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. During high tide, the water inundates the sandy shores and marsh areas, creating dynamic landscapes. Conversely, at low tide, extensive tidal flats are exposed, revealing rich marine life like crabs, clams, and shorebirds.
NHRA New England Nationals
After our Kennebunkport, ME visit concluded, we drove to Manchester, NH to stay with Celeste's brother Chris, and to attend the drag races that Sunday. The 2018 NHRA New England Nationals event took place at the drag strip in Epping, NH. I was supposed to go with them, but I had tweaked my back (once again) to the point where sitting in bleacher-style seats all day was not an option, so I stayed at Chris's house and watched the races on TV. This wasn't the way I had expected to view the races, but it allowed me to keep icing my back, to stretch and prepare for the car ride into Maine.
Wells Beach, ME Map
Wells Beach, ME is one of those "off the beaten path" places that are unique, not crowded and enjoyable to visit. Located on the southern coast of Maine, is a scenic and family-friendly destination known for its long stretch of sandy shoreline and picturesque views. The beach offers visitors ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, making it a popular spot for relaxation and recreation during the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, ensuring a safe experience for beachgoers of all ages. Additionally, Wells Beach boasts convenient amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and nearby restaurants. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge or take a leisurely stroll along the Marginal Way coastal path. Wells Beach provides an idyllic coastal retreat for visitors seeking sun, sea, and serenity.
Click here to read more about our Wells Beach visit
Freeport, ME Map
People visit the iconic L.L. Bean store in Freeport, Maine, for its unique shopping experience, outdoor inspiration, and immersive brand history. Established in 1912, this flagship store is open 24/7, 365 days a year, offering a landmark experience for outdoor enthusiasts and curious tourists alike. The store spans multiple buildings, each dedicated to specific categories, including apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, and home goods.
One of the main attractions is the store's outdoor discovery programs, which provide hands-on experiences like kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, and fly-casting. Visitors often come for these classes to learn new skills under expert guidance and with high-quality equipment. The L.L. Bean campus also includes family-friendly activities, such as trout ponds, a 16-foot-tall boot sculpture, and beautiful seasonal displays, making it a favorite destination for families and travelers exploring New England.
Bath, ME Map
During the drive north from the Wells area, we decided to stop in Bath to drive by the Bath Iron Workds (BIW) Shipyard and to visit the Maritime Museum. In image #1, you can see a new Zumwalt class Destroyer being built for the U.S. Navy.
In images 2 & 3 there are several other ships were being built next to the destroyer, the ships are built in a modular fashion, and then assembled inside these "sheds".
Founded in 1884, BIW has a rich history of constructing naval vessels, particularly renowned for its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Specializing in advanced ship design and construction, BIW plays a crucial role in supporting the U.S. Navy's fleet. The shipyard employs cutting-edge technologies and a skilled workforce to produce sophisticated warships. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Bath Iron Works remains a key contributor to national defense, crafting vessels that embody excellence in maritime engineering and technology. It is now the largest public employer in Maine.
Bar Harbor, ME Map
Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine, is a charming town celebrated for its coastal beauty and proximity to Acadia National Park. Established in the 18th century, it evolved into a popular tourist destination with a vibrant downtown featuring shops, restaurants, and galleries. Serving as the gateway to Acadia, visitors can explore scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and landmarks like Cadillac Mountain. The town also offers boat tours, whale watching, and opportunities to savor fresh seafood. Bar Harbor's rich maritime history and stunning natural surroundings make it a delightful blend of culture, recreation, and coastal allure.
Want to read more about Bar Harbor? Then click here to view our Bar Harbor page.
Acadia National Park, ME Map
Acadia National Park in Maine is a natural masterpiece, encompassing 49,075 acres of rugged coastal beauty. Established in 1919, it is renowned for its granite peaks, pristine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Cadillac Mountain offers the first glimpse of sunrise in the United States, a captivating experience. The park's network of hiking trails, including the iconic Jordan Pond Path, provides access to panoramic vistas and serene landscapes. Coastal wonders like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach add to the allure. Visitors can explore carriage roads, bike trails, and engage in birdwatching, making Acadia a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking the wonders of the Maine wilderness.
Want to read more about Acadia National Park? Then click here to view our Acadia National Park page.
Sand Beach, ME Map
Sand Beach, located within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine, is a stunning coastal gem. Known for its unique blend of sandy shores and rugged cliffs, the beach offers a picturesque escape. The crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand is framed by pink granite formations and surrounded by evergreen forests. Despite its name, the water can be chilly, as it's part of the colder northern Atlantic. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, picnics, and exploration of nearby trails like the Great Head Trail. The beach, with its scenic vistas and tidal pools, exemplifies the natural beauty of the Maine coastline.
Schoodic Point, ME Map
As you can see on the map (click the map link above), Schoodic Peninsula is only 4 miles east of Bar Harbor by boat or bird, but it is 48 miles by road. We had decided to explore that side of the Acadia National Park, because we felt that it would not be as crowded as Bar Harbor and because there were some interesting hikes and a beautiful point.
Schoodic Peninsula comprises 5% of the Acadia National Park, and it is similar in that it is heavily forested with a lot of rocky geography. As can be seen in some of the images below, the black color granite was caused by later volcanic activity - that black granite is called diabase or black igneous rock. Those black rock areas are over 200 million years old !
Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Fort Knox, ME Map
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge in Maine is a marvel of engineering and a striking architectural landmark. Spanning the Penobscot River, it connects Prospect and Verona Island, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Notably, the bridge features an observation tower, the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, rising 420 feet above sea level. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for unparalleled vistas of the river, mountains, and coastal scenery. Completed in 2006, this cable-stayed bridge serves as a vital transportation link and a unique attraction, providing a memorable experience for both motorists and sightseers.
More Info for the Penobscot Narrows Bridge
Image Credits:
- All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
This is a view of the Penobscot River, looking down from the Tower Observatory. The highway in the right side of this image, is the road we will be traveling upon, to continue our journey back to Manchester, NH.
This is a view of the Penobscot River, looking north from the Tower Observatory, with Bucksport in the distance. You can just see Fort Knox on the left, facing Bucksport, which is our next stop.
This is a better view of Fort Knox from the bridge tower. Built in the 1800's and never really put to use as no enemy of the United States ever came around again.
Not sure why a U-Haul truck was parked at the entrance to Fort Knox - it may have belonged to a group of people preparing an exhibit inside the Fort. In fact, there were exhibits being setup for public viewing once we got inside.
The heavy artillery inside the Fort were comprised of 15 inch guns, however these artillery pieces are obviously not 15 inch units. To put that size artillery into perspective, a 15 inch weapon is the same size as WW1 battleships used to have as their main armament.
Each artillery piece had their own portal (or "firing port"), to be able to fire upon anyone on the river. The firing ports provided only a limited traversal space, because the next artillery portal was expected to cover the additional areas.
The Fort had some very large spaces, probably originally utilized for storage of artillery shells, etc. And then each "firing port" and storage area, was connected by long protected walkways such that men could be rushed back & forth to resupply or to render aid as necessary.
More Info for Fort Knox, ME
Image Credits:
- All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Boston, MA Limoncello Restaurant Map
My sister and her husband drove up from Cape Cod, and we had a fantastic dinner at the Limoncello Restaurant in Boston's North-end. It is not possible to describe how good the food was, everything was absolutely perfect and we highly recommend it to one and all.
Ristorante Limoncello is a family-run Italian restaurant located in the heart of Boston's North End. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with murals of Italy on the walls and a menu of classic Italian dishes. The restaurant is known for its award-winning meatballs, as well as its veal, chicken, and fish dishes. The restaurant also has a wide selection of wines and Italian beers. If you ever are in the Boston area, do yourself a favor and go to this restaurant and enjoy a meal, you will be glad you did!
The dining experience at Limoncello Restaurant in Boston, MA, is a delightful journey into authentic Italian cuisine, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. Located in the vibrant South End, Limoncello combines traditional flavors with modern touches, serving classic Italian dishes made from the finest, locally-sourced ingredients.
Limoncello’s menu features a variety of fresh pastas, hand-tossed pizzas, and seafood dishes, all expertly prepared with bold flavors and rich textures. Standout dishes include their signature pasta primavera, made with seasonal vegetables, and the veal marsala, a perfectly tender dish complemented by a rich, flavorful sauce. The wine list offers a curated selection of Italian wines, which pair perfectly with the dishes, elevating the overall dining experience.
More Info for Ristorante Limoncello
Image Credits:
- Image # 2 (right side) is the property of Ristorante Limoncello via their website.
- All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Back to Florida
This part of the trip was rather mundane, so we're not going to show any pics or text about flying out of Logan to Newark, and then onwards to Tampa. We got our car out of economy parking and motored back to Sarasota.
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