|
|
 |
|
||
| If
you’re an outdoors-lover, shopper, foodie, or retiree, you’re
probably going to love what Maine’s coast has to offer. With mild
weather and many spots for recreation, nature exploration, live entertainment,
and great food, you don’t want to miss out. So join me as we explore
Casco Bay via Freeport, Portland, and other nearby areas, and find out
what the locals are up to. Greater Portland is a four-season destination in southern Maine, which offers scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and a wealth of historic and cultural attractions. Maine’s metropolitan area sits right on Casco Bay, a gateway to historic forts and lighthouses. Day and night, Portland’s bustling waterfront is alive with activity and people: fishermen and ferries; sightseeing cruises and pleasure boats; restaurants and shops. With over 100 islands, let’s start off with a relaxing but breathtaking paddle on an island kayak camping trip. L.L. Bean’s Paddling Center on Casco Bay in Freeport has awesome three-day tours, in my opinion. In addition to navigating the waters, paddlers can discover the hidden details of the surrounding area as guides share their knowledge of plants, animals, and local history. The evenings are spent at the L.L. Bean island base camp, which gives visitors plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and feel more like a native and less like a tourist. Or you can opt for the Belgrade Lakes Canoe Camping Trip, which is a two-day journey in Maine’s Belgrade Lake region. L.L. Bean’s company headquarters are in Freeport. You can be sure that whatever outdoor activity you want to try, there will probably be a class or tour for you to explore. I talked with two locals, Kevin Gove and Charlene Williams, about what they think the top three reasons are to visit Casco Bay. Within the unique mix of cities, towns, and island communities: the food, the arts, and the islands. Speaking of food, everyone wants to know where to get the best lobster and clam chowder in Maine. Locals and visitors agree that Cappy’s Chowder House in Camden has the best. Kevin advises to “Zero in on Penobscot Bay for lobster. Restaurants and lobster pounds lining the stretch of coastline from Port Clyde to Stonington are a best bet for lobster pulled from a nearby trap.” For a delicious breakfast, I’m told to visit the Maine Diner in Wells, A-1 Diner in Gardiner, and Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro. After major shopping at the outlets in Freeport has worked up your appetite, you might want to try a “To Thai For” wrap at Bay Wrap in Augusta or Belfast (my mouth is watering). And after you take your bike tour through the quiet neighborhoods, rolling marshland and countryside, and stretches along tidal rivers and ocean, you should be nice and ready for dinner. Portland is Maine’s most diverse culinary destination, offering traditional and contemporary tastes from cultures around the world. Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries are said to be among the best in the state thanks to their partnerships with local fishermen and farmers who provide fresh seafood, meats, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and dairy products year-round. South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Freeport, and Brunswick are said to have outstanding dinner spots. A local favorite is the Fore Street Restaurant in Portland. On the coast, try Primo Restaurant in Rockland. And a visit to Casco Bay isn’t complete without a make-your-own ice cream cookie at the Island Candy Company on Orrs Island. So another day rolls around and you need more ideas for sightseeing. A trip to Maine is not complete without a day of sailing. Sailing in Maine is, in one word, “spectacular,” in my opinion. Day sailors or private charters can be found at most major harbors along the coast. Soak in views of the coastline, islands, and marine life while someone else does the navigating. If the tides are right (and your sailboat also has a motor), check out Old Sow Whirlpool. This tidal whirlpool, which can be seen from ferries near the harbor of Eastport, is the largest of its kind in the western hemisphere. The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is a must-see if you have half a day. It is the only public bridge observatory in North America, and it provides a spectacular 360-degree view of mountains, lakes, and Penobscot Bay 420 feet above the Penobscot River. Plus, the Fort Knox State Historic Site is next door. The Portland Observatory is America’s last standing 19th century maritime signal station. The 86-foot-tall observatory was built in 1807 overlooking Portland Harbor and Casco Bay and offers the best view of the harbor and bay islands. Make sure to save a day to explore some of Maine’s wineries. Take a trip to Bartlett Maine Estate Winery in Gouldsboro (especially after a scenic hike in Acadia National Park) and taste a few of their 20 varieties of fruit wines. In South Casco, Blacksmiths Winery produces sparkling wine with local fruit and traditional table wines from imported grapes. They only offer their wines in Maine, and the popular ones often sell out. If you visit in August, the town of Union has an awesome blueberry festival. Did you know that most of the blueberries we eat come from Maine? While in Union, don’t forget to stop by their two wineries: Savage Oakes Vineyard & Winery, which grows nine varieties of grapes and offers its own naturally raised beef and pork to complement the wine choices; and Sweetgrass Farm, where visitors can experience Maine’s only combination winery and distillery. Here Keith and Constance Bodine handcraft a semi-dry Bleujolais blueberry wine, Cranberry Smash dessert wine, and Back River gin, an American-style dry gin that is getting rave reviews for its unique aroma and smooth taste. So whether you’re exploring Maine’s coasts by boat, kayak, pedaling, or by foot, I think you’ll absolutely love what they have to offer. The natives are friendly and the food is great. Whatever you end up doing, you’ll more than likely bring home great pictures and awesome memories! |
Maine’s Coastline Adventures |
||
|
