If you are looking for a unique weekend escape from Boston, Maine is the ideal getaway. Here is a list of great places to start in Maine.
Cape Neddick
Cape Neddick is in York County, Maine just across the New Hampshire border. It’s situated on the coast providing visitors with picturesque views of the Atlantic. As with many quaint New England towns, Cape Neddick is rich in history. Preserving the past for visitors today, Cape Neddick boasts two landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Peter's By-The-Sea Protestant Episcopal Church was built in 1897 and still holds weekly worship services. Cape Neddick Light, known as Nubble Light, is also listed on the National Register and Sohier Park offers visitors a great vantage point of the lighthouse. For visitors looking to stay active, Cape Neddick Country Club offers golfing on an 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross.
Another hidden gem in Cape Neddick is Clay Hill Farm, which is an upscale American restaurant and event space on a sprawling, lush property with strolling trails. If you find yourself in the area for the evening, Clay Hill Farm serves modern cuisine inspired by coastal Maine. Nightly live music and the beauty of their 11 acre nature sanctuary is an experience you can’t miss on your visit to Cape Neddick.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is appealing to those looking for a tranquil seaside town as well as visitors looking for adventure. On any given day in Bar Harbor, you can look at a shoreline, climb one of Acadia National Park's numerous mountains, or do both. Climbing the Beehive is a strenuous and steep climb up 520 feet but offers spectacular views from the top. From Boston, Bar Harbor is about a 5-hour drive and with so many things to see and do you might want to save this trip for a 3day weekend. If your first visit is for hiking, you’ll need to plan another trip to experience the water activities such as kayaking and whale watching.
Portland
A definite must-see on your trip itinerary from Boston to Maine is Portland, Maine. Portland is the biggest city in Maine and boasts a blend of present day and traditional experiences. Spend a day (or the entire weekend) touring and taste testing at 18 microbreweries. Window shop on Commercial Street and visit the newly opened Maine Craft Portland where Maine craft artists sell their work. There are also a lot of open air activities in Portland. Fishing charters and boat tours are popular for this coastal location.
Bangor
On your visit to Bangor, Maine, you'll find there are numerous activities. In Bangor, the 31-foot statue of unbelievable logger Paul Bunyan still stands tall over what was before the "Lumber Capital of the World." In the 1830s, the city was home to more than 300 sawmills, and you can even now observe the Federal-style houses built during the boom of the lumber industry. Make sure to visit the Mount Hope Garden Cemetery which is where the first Civil War memorial was built. Present day author Stephen King resides in this area and numerous scenes from his books and motion pictures were taken from genuine locales in Bangor. You can take a "Tommyknockers" tour that highlights the Bangor landmarks referenced in King's book. Bangor is both rich in history and plentiful in things to see.
Augusta
Maine’s capital of Augusta lies inland between Portland and Bangor. The 180-foot vault of the State House, built of Maine stone, is a standout among the most recognizing design highlights of the capital city. You can take in more about Maine and Augusta at The Maine State Museum which is adjoining the State House. Visit the oldest surviving wooden post of Old Fort Western built in 1754 as settlers came to the region. Benedict Arnold utilized this fort in his attack on Quebec during the American Revolution. Augusta, Maine and the encompassing Kennebec Valley are the ideal spots to visit for historical culture and a relaxing weekend getaway.
Rockland
Rockland is a classic Maine waterfront town. Downtown Rockland has a lot of wonderful bistros and eateries serving neighborhood fish. Seaside festivals are held throughout the year like the Maine Lobster Festival in August. Rockland is additionally home to The Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center where an amazing gathering of Maine craftsmanship is featured including artistic creations by the three ages of the Wyeth family. And a visit to a coastal town wouldn’t be complete without seeing a lighthouse. Rockland Breakwater Light is an active lighthouse and open to visitors on the weekends during the summer.
Freeport
Freeport, Maine is situated along the shores of Casco Bay, around 20 minutes north of Portland. It is eminent for its outlet shopping and is the home of the world well-known L.L.Bean Flagship Store. You can likewise discover numerous privately claimed shops and boutiques all through the memorable and beautiful town that offer Maine-made things. If you are looking for outdoor activities, you have to visit Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. Visitors describe it as the perfect blend of Maine forest and coast. It’s open year-round where visitors can hiking in the summer, view the beautiful fall colors, or snowshoe in the winter.
Maine offers many different getaway options that are within driving distance from Boston. If you need a break from the busy city life, Maine’s quaint towns can offer the perfect weekend trip. Be sure to check out the Clay Hill Farm dinner and lodging packages.
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