Maine 10/9 - 10/20 Itinerary Help

Question

Hello...My wife and I will be flying into Portland on 10/9 we will be in Maine until 10/20. We are mid fifties & wanting to see some of the fabulous fall colors as well as experiencing some of the culinary delights.

We will be renting a car & looking for help on an itinerary, places to stay & eat.

We don't mind some walks, however not looking for long hikes.

Thank you, we look forward to some input.

Answer

Visiting Maine in early to mid-October is a fantastic time to see the fall foliage and enjoy seasonal culinary treats. With your timeframe from 10/9 to 10/20, you have about 11 days to explore, and a mix of coastal towns, scenic drives, and local food experiences will make for a memorable trip. Since you prefer short walks rather than long hikes, I’ve tailored suggestions accordingly.

Here’s a sample itinerary:

Days 1-2: Portland – After flying into Portland, spend a couple of days exploring the Old Port district with its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants. Consider a lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Co. or a casual dinner at The Honey Paw. You can also take a scenic drive along the Portland Head Light and the Cape Elizabeth coastline.
Days 3-5: Mid-Coast Maine – Camden & Rockland – Drive north along Route 1 to Camden and Rockland. Camden Hills State Park offers short, scenic walks and overlooks the harbor. Stay in a charming inn or B&B in Camden. Enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Natalie’s or Long Grain.
Days 6-9: Acadia National Park / Mount Desert Island – Head further northeast to Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island. Acadia’s Park Loop Drive provides easy access to stunning vistas without long hikes. Jordan Pond has a nice paved path for gentle walking. Consider a lobster dinner at Thurston’s Lobster Pound. Stay in Bar Harbor or nearby inns with ocean views.
Days 10-11: Return south via Mid-Coast / Boothbay Harbor – On your way back to Portland, stop in Boothbay Harbor for scenic harbor views, local shops, and a relaxing lunch. If timing allows, take a short boat tour or stroll along the waterfront.

Accommodations:

Portland: Portland Harbor Hotel or Press Hotel for central location and comfortable amenities.
Camden: Camden Harbour Inn or Lord Camden Inn for ocean views and easy walking to town.
Bar Harbor: Bar Harbor Inn or Harborside Hotel for oceanfront views and proximity to restaurants and park entrances.
Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor Inn or Spruce Point Inn for a cozy coastal retreat.

Restaurants / Culinary Highlights:

Portland: Eventide Oyster Co., Duckfat (famous fries), Fore Street.
Mid-Coast: Long Grain (Camden), Primo (Rockland – farm-to-table dining).
Acadia/Bar Harbor: Thurston’s Lobster Pound, Havana (upscale seafood & tapas), Jordan Pond House (popovers and tea).
Boothbay Harbor: The Lobster Dock, Boothbay Craft Brewery for casual bites.

Tips:

October weather is cool, typically mid-50s to low 60s during the day; layers and a waterproof jacket are recommended.
Check for peak foliage forecasts – northern areas like Mount Desert Island may be at peak earlier than southern towns.
Reservations for accommodations and popular restaurants are strongly recommended due to fall foliage season.

This itinerary balances scenic drives, short walks, culinary experiences, and charming towns, giving you a relaxed yet fulfilling Maine experience without strenuous hiking.

Maine 10/9 - 10/20 Itinerary Help

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