Anniversary Maine Trip

Question

Hello! We are planning a 2 week trip, and I'm looking for advice/suggestions. We are spending 2 days in Portland (which we've been to). From there (we're traveling in the beginning of September), we'd like to see the following - just not sure about where to get a hotel or whether these are destinations that are 1/2 day to see them. Rockland, Rockport, Camden, Acadia (2 days if they don't get shut down), Bar Harbor, then we'll be driving through Bangor to get to Montpelier. We had hoped to maybe Kayak while in either Acadia or Bar Harbor, but other than that I'm overwhelmed with all the choices from REASONABLE (I can't for the life of me justify $800 a night( - there has to be something more reasonable) accomodations, restaurants etc. Any and all feedback would be most appreciated! Thank you so much.

Answer

It sounds like you’ve planned an amazing trip through Maine, and I can definitely help with some advice to make it easier and more affordable! Maine is full of beautiful places, and September is an excellent time to visit with the crisp air, fewer crowds, and the fall colors starting to emerge. Here’s a breakdown of your trip, including where to stay and what to do:

Portland (2 days) Since you’ve already been to Portland, I assume you know the must-sees like the Old Port, Casco Bay, and maybe a lighthouse or two (try Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park). Since you’re in Portland for only 2 days, I’d suggest focusing on good local restaurants and maybe a brewery tour (Portland has a fantastic beer scene). For accommodations, consider more budget-friendly options like:

Portland Harbor Hotel – Centrally located and affordable for Portland standards.
The Francis – A stylish boutique hotel with good rates.

Rockland, Rockport, Camden These are all small coastal towns, but they’re close to each other, so you can easily visit all three in a day. The towns are charming with local shops, scenic harbors, and beautiful views. A few highlights:

Rockport – Check out the scenic harbor and quaint shops. Visit the Andre the Giant mural in the town.
Camden – Perfect for walking along the harbor, enjoying the quaint streets, and going up Mount Battie for panoramic views.
Rockland – Known for its arts scene, you can explore the Farnsworth Art Museum and enjoy the waterfront.

These towns are best explored leisurely, so a half-day in each should be enough. Stay in Camden for a reasonable and charming place like:

Camden Riverhouse Hotel – A more affordable, central location.
The Inn at Camden Place – A great, budget-friendly option close to the center.

Acadia National Park (2 days) Acadia is absolutely gorgeous and a must-see. Two days in Acadia should be sufficient, but if it’s very busy, you might need to plan your hikes early. Some of the must-see spots:

Cadillac Mountain – Sunrise or sunset views are incredible!
Jordan Pond – A great spot for a scenic walk or picnic.
Sand Beach – A picturesque place to relax or swim (if you’re brave!).
Bar Harbor – Enjoy the shops, restaurants, and lovely waterfront.

For kayaking, Bar Harbor is a great place to book a guided tour or rent equipment. Be sure to check for outfitters like Acadia Kayak Tours or National Park Canoe and Kayak Rentals. For accommodations, consider staying just outside the park for a more affordable stay, such as:

Bar Harbor Inn – Comfortable and reasonably priced.
The Harborside Hotel – Another great choice near the water with good views.
Ellsworth – A bit further from the park, but much cheaper, with a variety of budget hotels and motels.

Bangor Bangor is worth a brief stop, mainly for a quick lunch or a look at Stephen King’s house if you're a fan. There's not too much to do here, but it’s a good place to break up the drive to Montpelier. Look for a place like the Bangor Motor Inn or a budget option near the city center.

Montpelier Once you reach Montpelier, you’ll find a charming, small-town atmosphere perfect for a relaxing evening. As the capital of Vermont, it's a nice place to wind down after your Maine adventure. The Capitol Plaza Hotel is a decent and reasonably priced option to stay here.

Other Recommendations In terms of activities and attractions, if you’re interested in other outdoor activities, Maine has fantastic hiking, biking, and scenic drives. The Kennebec River Rail Trail is great for biking and runs near the towns you're visiting. September is also apple-picking season, so you may want to check out some of the orchards around Portland or Camden.

Restaurants Maine is known for its lobster rolls and fresh seafood. While in Portland, try places like Eventide Oyster Co. or J’s Oyster. Bar Harbor has amazing seafood at places like The Chart Room and McKay’s Public House.

Overall, your itinerary looks great! Try to book accommodations early, as September can still be quite popular in the coastal areas of Maine. If you’d like a more relaxed pace, don’t hesitate to take it easy in certain towns and just enjoy the scenery. I hope this helps make your trip planning a little less overwhelming!