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

[Steve_B_]

Hopefully, Acadia will reopen by the time you get there. It is my favorite place to camp. I also head north along the coast and would recommend Sunset Point Campground in Harrington. Small, scenic. Beyond where most folks head. If the park is reopened, you should also head over to Schoodic Pt. It's also part of Acadia and a lovely spot. A loop road takes you all along the coastline there.

[Vet_Man]

KOA in Bar Harbor is a nice ocean front campground. The Park is a big part of what is there but not everything. Big tides, drive your truck at low tide out to an island you can see from town. Hurry back before the tide comes in, it will be under several feet of water at high tide! Fun drive.

[soricobob]

The State Parks in Maine are great. Popham, Camden Hills, Cobscook, Sebago, and of course Baxter! Bar Harbor is a beautiful area, but as mentioned by others, so is Pemaquid, New Harbor, Rockland, etc.

[livelylittlecam]

Camden Hills and Rockland are both awesome and very different.

[Crowe]

Yes-go to Bar Harbor anyway. There's still sailing, whale watching, and other sight-seeing along the coast of Mt. Desert Island. About an hour away is the Fort Knox Historic Site/Penobscot Observatory in Prospect, ME. This is state run, so it will be open.

[Gene_Ginny]

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 )

[Jtermini30]

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.

[bobjogone]

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.

[yankeeflyer]

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

[K_Charles]

Yes, go to Bar Harbor.