Avoid Bar Harbor and Portland on dates when large cruise ships are docked. They unload thousands of passengers that overwhelm the otherwise lovely towns. The ship schedules are available online.
Call me crazy but I love Bar Harbor when it's nuts! Yes, parking is at a premium but you can take the shuttle that runs from the campgrounds. Eat further out or at your campsite to avoid the crowds in restaurants. Take a sail or a whale watch out of Bar Harbor. Explore little towns like Blue Hill. Check out some of the fairs that will be going on. The National Forest along the Kancamagus Hwy offers some excellent hiking. Enjoy strolling through Kennebunkport, ME, Portsmouth, NH, Rockport, Newburyport and Gloucester, MA. No matter what area you go to it will be crowded as you will be here during peak season.
