Seeking advice on trip to Maine

[CaptainNemo]

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

[Gene_Ginny]

NCBounder wrote:
... We tried all the Lobster Pounds we could find and the only one we returned to was Down East Lobster Pound.. ..

They are "closed for the season". 😞 Will have to try them next year when we come back to Mt. Desert Island, maybe Acadia will be open by then.

[ryegatevt]

The folks at Trenton Bridge say they have lobster sandwiches "Because that's how Mother used to make them." I agree that the bread is delicious and the sandwich is big. On our yearly visits to MDI we're committed to sample as many lobster (or Maine Crab) rolls/sandwiches as possible, and haven't found a really bad one yet!

[Gene_Ginny]

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

Exactly.

After the fights as to which NC BBQ style is best you have the NC verses Texas BBQ. :B

Note, the Trenton Bridge Lobster salad sandwich it on their own homemade sweetbread which I really like. Most people say the tradiional is a buttered, toasted hot dog roll.

[Crowe]

Or, are Lobster Rolls in NE like BBQ styles here in NC?

Sort of. A "traditional" NE lobster roll is served on what we call a steamed "top loader" roll (which is also our traditional hot dog roll, split on the top, not side). Generally it's just lobster meat and butter. LOTS of lobster meat, overflowing the bun and served with chips or fries. There are variations that use mayo and might mix in celery and other spices, but for a purist (may my mother rest in peace) it's a steamed roll, lobster and butter ONLY.

[NCBounder]

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

[ryegatevt]

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!

[Gene_Ginny]

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.

[CaptainNemo]

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!

[fwed]

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.

[NCBounder]

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.

[keepmotoring]

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!

[CaptainNemo]

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)!

[ryegatevt]

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).

[kitch251]

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.