Maine
Sitting here in the bitter cold, I am dreaming about our trip last September to Maine. We visited Portland and Lamoine (outside of Bar Harbor). Living most of my life on the east coast between NYC and DC, I feel that Maine is truly an under-discovered treasure. There is a reason artists take refuge there, although most Mainer’s will tell you they deserve to covet their summer gem as a reward for suffering through the harsh winters.
In Bar Harbor, I had lobster for the first time ever. I had been told what to expect, but it was still so surprising to pick out your lobster and sit outside in an adirondack while they are steamed in big smoke-stacked pots by the water. With plastic bibs and silverware, the $10 lobster was juicier and way more fun to eat than shelling crabs. I loved people-watching as everyone had their own methods for plucking the lobster out of its shell.
Growing up going to the Jersey shore, I was absolutely shocked at the lack of crowds. There was no traffic, nobody else at the beach, no lines at the ice cream stand. One evening our host told us about a neighborhood “pond” that was much warmer than the ocean. We drove by after our trip to the beach and had the entire lake to ourselves.
We used airbnb, my absolute favorite method of travel. We stayed with Anne, a lovely artist who made fresh bread every morning with Maine country butter. Her house was exquisite and filled with antique furniture you see so often in local stores. She also had a chef’s kitchen, a barn studio for her artwork, and a huge garden with veggies, fruit, and butterflies!
Acadia National Park exceeded my expectations. We only spent the day there, but I would love to go back for an entire week with my bike. There is a charming beach area, tons of hiking trails, guided tours, and bike paths. I cannot wait to return…
