Hi there,We're weest-coasters in the middle of a long-planned trip to New England with plans to head to Maine tomorrow. Our originally scheduled destination was Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Of course, the National Park may well be closed, depending on how long the government shutdown lasts. So, we're looking for input from those familiar with the area. If we have four days to spend in Maine, do you recommend going to Bar Harbor even if Acadia is closed? Are there other areas you recommend?We're interested primarily in coastal locations and places to get good Maine lobster, but are open to other suggestions if you have them.Thanks in advance for your advice. Nemo

Lubec ,Eastport,and Campebello Island are my favorites.Check my Family Travels link for pics.

Depends on where you are now - Bar Harbor is a long drive up. There are closer places to get lobster with great Maine Scenery.Cook's Restaurant on Bailey's Island. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.North Country Wind Bells.

Try the Popham Beach area as a starting point. You should be able to use that as a base camp. There are a variety of State and local campground o. Or near the ocean that should work for you.

If you have never been, Bar Harbor is worth seeing even though the park is closed. Saw a picture this morning of the rangers locking the gate to Cadillac Mt. at 9am after they kicked out some cars and a tour buss. The rest of the park will also be gated and locked. :(The village of Bar Harbor is quaint and interesting and this time of year there is always at least one LARGE cruise ship in the harbor. Some other places to see on Mt. Desert Island are the village of Somesville just for the photo ops. Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor are 2 more villages to see.IMHO, the best Lobster is at Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound which is just before the bridge to Mt Desert Island. (disclaimer, everyone has a favorite and may not be the same as mine. :B )

Seeking advice on trip to Maine | Good Sam Community

kitch251
Explorer
Oct 04, 2013
We have been to Bar Harbor/Acadia NP and it is very, very nice, but............the last 4 trips we have stayed in Boothbay Harbor and much prefer this quaint, wonderful little Paradise. Shore Hills Campground is super, but this, like others close in the Winter.
ryegatevt
Explorer II
Oct 05, 2013
Just got back from Bar Harbor. The fall foliage across NH is at peak and brilliant. Just about everything on MDI is open now except the Park and Park CGs & attractions. We stayed at the Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA - plenty of empty sites and now the waterfront sites have cable TV! Be advised that many campgrounds and some restaurants and attractions close on Columbus Day (true of all Northern New England).
CaptainNemo
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
A huge thank you to everyone who responded. We really appreciate all the suggestions and are looking forward to an enjoyable Maine visit (and some of that delicious lobster)!
keepmotoring
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
kitch251, agree with you. We are at Shore Hills now. Last 3 visits to Maine we have stayed here. We enjoy Boothbay more than Bar Harbor. We feel this area allows us to go south and north easily.

Off the subject but if/when you are this way, if you haven't tried Robinson's Wharf in Southport, try them. So far they have the best, sweetest lobster we have eaten in 4 years. We just keep returning.

CaptainNemo, you better hurry - things will be closing in another 7/8 days. Be safe!
NCBounder
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
Gene&Ginny wrote:

IMHO, the best Lobster is at Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound which is just before the bridge to Mt Desert Island. (disclaimer, everyone has a favorite and may not be the same as mine. :B )

We just got back from there. We tried all the Lobster Pounds we could find and the only one we returned to was Down East Lobster Pound.. right across the road from Trenton Bridge LP. Good rolls and better prices IMHO.
fwed
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013
I don't know where you are at present, but you should be aware that most places up this way close around October 15. Getting cold here already.

Fred.
CaptainNemo
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013
Thanks so much for all your help. We had a great trip to Maine, opting to stay in the Portland area and make day trips to the beautiful small towns in the area. It's a beautiful area and we enjoyed our visit. Perhaps one day we'll be able to come back and see the park!
Gene_Ginny
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013
NCBounder wrote:
... We just got back from there. We tried all the Lobster Pounds we could find and the only one we returned to was Down East Lobster Pound.. right across the road from Trenton Bridge LP. Good rolls and better prices IMHO.
Thanks, I think that is the only one I haven't tried yet. Will try it next time.
ryegatevt
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2013
Gene&Ginny wrote:
NCBounder wrote:
... We just got back from there. We tried all the Lobster Pounds we could find and the only one we returned to was Down East Lobster Pound.. right across the road from Trenton Bridge LP. Good rolls and better prices IMHO.
Thanks, I think that is the only one I haven't tried yet. Will try it next time.

We tried Lunts twice last week and were very satisfied. Also in Trenton, beyond the Trenton Bridge LP on the left. Great Lobster rolls!
NCBounder
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013
Gene&Ginny wrote:
Thanks, I think that is the only one I haven't tried yet. Will try it next time.

ryegatevt wrote:
We tried Lunts twice last week and were very satisfied. Also in Trenton, beyond the Trenton Bridge LP on the left. Great Lobster rolls!

So for you seasoned New Englanders, let the first timer explain: I got hooked on what I think are traditional Lobster Rolls. Trenton Bridge LP doesn't have them. They have a Lobster Salad Sandwich on sandwich bread.

Or, are Lobster Rolls in NE like BBQ styles here in NC?.. you could start a fight discussing which is "best". :W