The Maine Highlights of Our Fall Trip During the Pandemic
It’s been a weird year for leisurely travel. And since we’re adding one more Proaño to the mix, we’re especially leery of traveling and leaving the house much these days. Like most of the world, we got a little stir crazy during recent months and decided to look up states in our country with the least amount of Covid-19 cases and were excited to know that Maine, which had been on our bucket list for so long anyways, has very few cases compared to the rest of the US. We started to do some research and before we knew it, had a full itinerary and plan for a quick trip to Maine.
Our view from the plane while landing in Bangor, Maine.
Preparing and Planning for Our Trip During the Pandemic
We first visited Maine’s visitor website while preparing for the trip where we learned that many Airbnbs are allowed to ask for proof of negative Covid-19 test results that are no more than 72 hours old. So we decided to get tested a few days before to have those results handy. To be totally honest, we didn’t get asked by any place we went to except for an Eco-Tour excursion we did in Camden, Maine (which we loved and will tell you more about below). Just in case, we do recommend you get tested so that your plans don’t get ruined. Better safe than sorry.
We were required to wear a mask upon entering the airport we flew out of until we got into our rental car when we landed in Maine. Be sure to pack extras! Maine is very serious about masks.
Our Maine Itinerary; Landing in Bangor
We decided to fly to Bangor, rent a car, and drive down the coast. Upon arrival in Bangor, we headed to Stephen King’s house which is only an 8-minute drive from the airport. We’re not much into books these days, but it was actually a really neat experience. His home is unique and spooky, much like his writings. It’s definitely worth the stop if you have time!
Stephen King’s Home in Bangor, Maine
Day 1; Bangor to Ellsworth
Since we had a whole afternoon and evening to enjoy Maine, we decided to head to Ellsworth where our Airbnb was (a 41-minute drive from the Bangor Airport) because we had planned to visit Bar Harbour and Acadia National Park for a few days. We found that lodging was cheaper in Ellsworth and ended up finding a Victorian home on Airbnb with great reviews. We are glad we stayed where we did because the host on-site, Paul, was very kind and the home was really neat. It had a very “Maine” vibe to it and it had two coffee and tea bars (one on each floor). The place was very clean and we definitely recommend it if you plan to spend some time in Bar Harbour and are looking to save on lodging.
We checked into the Airbnb and decided to head over to Bar Harbor to find a place to eat. We decided on The Thirsty Whale which has great fried seafood and the best Lobster bisque I’ve ever had. They also have a full bar and great beer selections. Most of the restaurants in Bar Harbour (and Maine actually) are fairly small to medium in size. After dinner, we walked next door to the Atlantic Brewing Company (the Midtown location in Bar Harbor). The beer selection was great and their fall beers are definitely worth a try.
Because of the pandemic, everywhere you go will ask for your name and phone number for contact tracing. I guess there’s a reason Maine has so few Covid-19 cases.
Day 2; Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor
On day 2, we got an early start so we could visit Acadia National Park. We stopped in Bar Harbor first to eat breakfast at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast. The portions were huge, the food was delicious, but we both agreed that the blueberry pancakes (Maine is known for blueberries in case you didn’t know) were overrated. They may still be worth a try since it’s such a Maine thing to do. There was a 30-45 minute wait, so be sure to get there early, just in case!
We drove to Acadia National Park where you’ll need a vehicle pass to enter. Our car rental company gave us one, so we were covered. You also have to book certain areas in advance because some areas require a $2 fee to be paid prior. All of that information can be found on the Acadia National Park website. This was the case for us when we drove to Cadillac Mountain, Sandy Beach, and Thunder Hole. Cadillac Mountain had amazing views from up high.
Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park.
The rock formation is unlike anything we’d ever seen. It’s a great place to sit and relax and take it all in. Thunder hole was neat because you can sit out on the rocky coast and watch the caves crash in. Both places are fun for those who do less hiking and more sightseeing. There are plenty of trails throughout the park, so if you do like to hike, you’ll have plenty of options as you are driving through.
Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park.
We had a great day at the park and spent the late afternoon and evening exploring more of Bar Harbor. We had late lunch at Stewman’s Lobster Pound which had amazing food and really great cocktails but is a bit on the pricey side, just FYI. Christopher highly recommends their blueberry mojito.
After lunch, we got dessert at The Pink Pastry Shop which had AMAZING Whoopie pies. Do not leave Bar Harbor without going to get one! The chocolate chip Whoopie pie was so good that I wish I could get some delivered to our home in Louisville, KY. Truly one of the best desserts we have ever had.
The Pink Pastry Shop, Bar Harbor, Maine.
Day 3; Bar Harbor to Camden
We decided to spend a day and night in Camden because we heard it was the “jewel” of Maine, and we don’t disagree. It’s a small town and it gave us a great feel for how locals live since it’s mostly locals and fewer tourists there. It was an easy hour and 45-minute drive from Bar Harbour. We stayed in an Airbnb which was walking distance from the main part of town. So we didn’t have to drive at all while in Camden.
Our main excursion in Camden, Maine was an eco-tour with Camden Harbor Cruises. We were only two of the three passengers on the noon cruise which was great. We had a captain and a tour guide. Masks were required the entire time unless you were eating or drinking, which didn’t bother us at all. We enjoyed learning about lobsters and the lobster fishing industry in Maine. We saw seals, bald eagles, and porpoises. It was an amazing experience. Being out in the Camden harbor was such a neat experience in and of itself.
After the excursion, we rested up a bit and headed back out for dinner. Blaze, which was separated into two parts; a taproom, pizza American-style restaurant, and the other side is an Asian fusion restaurant which is where we decided to have dinner. The ramen was perfect after a chilly day outside. The sushi was great and so were the brick oven wings. Christopher said the beer was incredible as well. We definitely recommend stopping here if you decide to visit Camden!
Day 4 and 5; Portland, Maine
We decided to end our trip in Portland, Maine and after much research, decided to make our first stop The Holy Donut. The Holy Donut is known for its unique potato-based donuts. At the risk of sounding like terrible foodie travelers, we actually did not find these donuts to be anything out of this world. They are much thicker than normal donuts which are fine, but in our opinion, they really lacked flavor. They were very heavy in oil which you could feel when you bit into them, and they’re not as sweet as regular donuts. They do stay very busy, especially with tourists, so you’ll want to take some time to wait in line. We waited for 30 minutes or so.
We enjoyed walking around Portland and popping into local shops and enjoying the restaurants. Many breweries were takeout only and due to Covid-19, it was almost entirely outside seating since restaurants in Maine are small and have even more limited seating with the 6 feet apart precaution, but we still managed to find some great places to eat and enjoy drinks. Here are some of the highlights of our time in Portland:
They had giant jars of tequila where they had different flavors infusing such as strawberry jalapeño and mango habanero. The margaritas were incredible, even the virgin one I had (you know -- for the baby). The food portions were massive and the flavors were incredible.
It’s a bit more on the TexMex side of things but we definitely recommend stopping in for a meal here while you’re in Portland! Oh, and save room for their churros!
This was a great go-to for a hearty, All-American breakfast.
This food truck was located outside of the Portland Headlight which made for a fun afternoon of sightseeing and relaxation. The view of the coast was perfect and the Bite Into Maine lobster roll was the best we’ve ever had. The roll was buttery and the lobster was so fresh. We also enjoyed a blueberry soda which we highly recommend.
There are local artists set up at the Portland Headlight, so be sure to take cash if you plan on bringing back some local art!
Great service, food, and drinks. Don’t skip the sloppy joe fries!
This place was fun to visit during the day. They have plenty of fresh seafood options. It also has a pretty decent view off of the dock which was a plus.
When You Should Visit Maine
Between the weather and fall foliage, we felt like this was the absolute best time of year to visit. Locals said the summertime is beautiful too, but we enjoyed the scenery 24/7 during our fall trip to Maine. We can’t wait to return one day soon.