Drive From Boston
This trip to Maine is a continuation of my husband and I’s East Coast road trip. We began in Boston and then we headed north to Maine, specifically Bar Harbor and Acadia.
Leaving Boston we took made sure our route had us stopping in Freeport for the LL Bean Campus. We stopped at the outlet first and picked out a few clearance items before heading over to the main campus to see the famous boot car and see the rest of the stores. I ended up with a classic tote, but in purse size with some patched to sew on. I didn’t have time to get it personalized this time around, so that just means we will have to go again!
Also want to note that apparently the best pizza is right in Freeport as well at Maine Beer Co. We didn’t have time to stay and eat, but I have heard nothing but incredible things. If you have time, I suggest stopping in.
After our stop here, we continued on our way. Originally we were going to stop at Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum since it is featured in the film Forrest Gump. Unfortunately we spent too much time in Freeport and couldn’t afford the extra two hour detour to the lighthouse, so headed to Bar Harbor. We took a slightly more scenic route though, this way we could see some of the smaller towns along the way.
Bar Harbor Itinerary
We arrived in Bar Harbor on a chilly 60 degree June night and coming from 90 degree heat in Boston, it felt like winter! We check into our hotel, The Bar Harbor Villager Motel (which was a 5 start hotel in our eyes, not a typical motel at all), bundled up, and hit the town. We loved this hotel and felt so welcomed. Upon arrival they present you with a pre-stamped postcard and a homemade whoopie pie. Each room takes an effort to be as sustainable as possible which was such a refreshing thing to see, especially in the hospitality industry.
We arrived on a Sunday Night so it was fairly quiet in the town and we didn’t feel overly crowded. We walked down to the bay and grabbed a table at the patio Terrace Grille Restaurant. We sat outside and enjoyed watching the boats and the sunset. This might be a crazy unpopular opinion, but the clam chowder and lobster roll from this specific location were the best I have ever had. The lobster flavor was incredible and so fresh and clam chowder was perfectly proportioned and full of delicious flavor. This was one of our favorite meals the whole trip.
After dinner, we walked up and down the street to pop in some shops and walk off dinner. Once we did a loop we decided to stop in Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium and grab a scoop of fresh Maine blueberry ice cream. I now consider this one of my favorite ice cream flavours! You have to try it at least once while you’re there. After our ice cream we wanted to watch the World Cup match for a bit and the Stanley Cup final before calling it a night. We went to Leary’s Landing Irish Pub for a night cap and to watch the games. This was a great spot and it was right across from our hotel. If you ever swing by, try their blueberry moscow mule!
The next morning we woke up to some warmer temperatures, but rain. We knew it was only going to rain until around noon so we took this opportunity to go get some breakfast and do our souvenir shopping. We ate breakfast at the brand new breakfast spot in Bar Harbor, the Bar Harbor Pancake Factory. This was right next to our hotel and since it was raining we wanted to find somewhere quick. We would have loved to have eaten at 2 Cats Breakfast or Jordan’s Pancakes, but with the rain and wind we didn’t feel like making the walking journey. The breakfast was good enough, the pancakes looked insanely good, but we opted for the omelets. A great breakfast spot that gets the job done.
We continued on the strip grabbing our souvenirs and trying to avoid the rain. We loved all the shops, but I highly suggest stopping in Sherman’s Book & Stationery shop. I buy a book that takes place in whatever location we are visiting so I picked up a copy of Emily Henry’s Happy Place (which takes place in Maine). We then went to The Stadium for a coffee before heading into the park. We loved their cold brew so I highly recommend stopping by!
We spent the rest of the time in the park other than one evening when we came back to town for pizza at Rosalie’s Pizza. I highly recommend it!
We loved our time in Bar Harbor and we really enjoyed being there during June and early in the week. It helped with crowds and it was never too hot. It ended up being perfect weather other than one morning of rain. Bar Harbor is a town that you can just walk around and take in the views for hours. Getting to experience it in both rain and shine was such a treat and we will always hold our time in Bar Harbor close to our hearts. If you want to visit somewhere that is a breath of fresh air and you can take life slowly, this is the spot for you.
After we left Bar Harbor, we put our hiking shoes on and prepared to make camp for a few nights in Acadia… and Acadia immediately became our favorite National Park.
Guided By Curiosity 