Your Ultimate Guide to Maine: Portland & Bar Harbor
I’ve been on several road trips around the United States…
… and I do mean several.
I’ve driven up and down the East Coast from Maryland to Florida at least half a dozen times, all over California, and across the country…
… twice.
However, driving through New England smack in the middle of fall, has got to be one of the best road trips I’ve ever taken in the U.S.
Exploring near Lake Sebago in Maine; October 2016
One of the many places we hit was Maine.
Maine is…
Driving Towards Sebago Lake in Maine; October 2016
… just…
… stunning, if you’re able to see it during peak foliage season.
Acadia National Park in Maine in October 2016
Wondering where to go and what to do?
Here’s what my dad and I did in Maine:
1. Visit Portland
It’s a small, funky downtown – and it’s very walkable.
Walking the streets of Portland; October 2016
We walked down to Fort Allen for a quintessential stroll filled with fall foliage.
Walking through the park nearby Fort Allen in Portland with fiery red trees; October 2016
Fort Allen in Portland, Maine; October 2016
2. Discover the Bakeries
Portland has a handful of off-beat bakeries to check out, the most popular one being, ‘The Holy Donut’ – where they make donuts out of potatoes.
While that one was closed when I was there, I did go to Two Fat Cats…
… and had a very good latte and cookie.
At Two Fat Cats in Portland; October 2016
3. Sebago Lake
When we were leaving Portland on our way to Bar Harbor, the front desk told us to drive by a lake…
… Sebago Lake.
We had never even heard of it, but boy…
Walking through the picnic areas near Sebago Lake; October 2016
… am I sure glad that we eventually did.
Sebago Lake in Maine; October 2016
This is a true hidden gem. When in Maine, especially in the fall – you need to stop here.
4. Acadia National Park
This was the highlight of our time in Maine, and probably one of the most (if not, the most) gorgeous national parks I have ever been to.
The views of the fall foliage at Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine; October 2016
Be sure to take the path to Jordan’s Pond…
so you get the chance to run into this…
Jordan’s Pond in Acadia Nation Park in October 2016
… it’s an all-around stunning park for out-of-this-world scenery.
Acadia Nation Park; October 2016
Truly, the perfect place for pictures of the striking fall foliage.
Absolutely unreal, right?!
5. Explore Bar Harbor
Like Portland, it’s small – but this is the place to try a lobster roll.
Trying a lobster roll in downtown Bar Harbor; October 2016
They also have tons of little ice cream shops to check out!
If you’re looking for other things to do in New England, click here.