Exploring the Maine Coastline

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 Celeste's brothers before beginning our Maine exploration, was icing on the cake!

• 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.

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.

To maximize our time in New England, we decided to fly from Tampa to Boston, drive to Manchester and met with my brother-in-law Chris. All of us then drove north to Bar Harbor, and back again.

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.

Click here to view the details of how we plan trips..

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

NOTE: Parking is limited here and what there is gets used quickly on nice days. If you plan to go here, you should go early or all the parking will be utilized. The Park Service does not allow parking except for designated parking lots and specific road side areas, other areas are blocked by large stones.

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 !

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.

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!

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.