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Random Quote: Who cares, I scheduled this trip with the wife and we're going somewhere rain or shine.
Since this is such a diverse group of people, I have a question that some on this Board may be able to provide assistance/advice/direction.
I am a charter boat captain in the Chesapeake Bay and it appears that all of my weekend charters will be cancelled due to an approaching hurricane/tropical storm. Since my wife has been "agressively suggesting" a weekend get-a-way, maybe this weekend is the time to do it. As such, I am trying to plan a 4-day vacation to the coastline of Maine. Probably the southern coast - somewhere as far north as Boothbay Harbor but not too much further since I want to limit the driving time.
Anyone have any specific recommendations on 1) what specific location to visit, 2)where to stay. We are trying to stay out of the real "swanky" locations -- ie trying to stay out of the new "art districts" which seem to have popped up in many Maine towns. And we want to stay out of the commercialized town who have overly played to the tourists.
We want to stay in a cabin, cottage or even a nice hotel is fine. Want to be able to take the 2-year old son to the coastline so taht he can swim and play in the inter-tidal pools. Any suggestions? Thanks for your time.
Chrisrack: Nutty to cancel so far in advance, too bad; the fishing is even decent. The water in Maine is on the cool side, even in tide pools if they get splashed. I love the area around Port Clyde, and the boat ride to Monhegan Island is fun, as is a day trip there or even an overnight. Nice old hotel there called the Ocean House; incredible breakfasts, you're about on the water, there's a nice restaurant nearby called the DipNet; pleasant place to explore. But there are some artists around....About 1.5 hours east of Portland, which might be too far. Portland also is a very nice small city but it's not a beach spot, although not far from beaches. Maine is a long way for a short vacation, though, especially if you're driving from the Chesapeake; how about Rhode Island, where the water will be warm and it's closer?
Chris - Maine has been one of our preferred vacation spots for years. We've covered almost all of the coast. For real sand beaches Crescent Beach State Park a lttle south of Portland shouold satisfy your 2 year old. Also close by are Two Lights State Park, and Cape Elizabeth (probably the most photographed American lighthouse). Portland has a decent revitalized waterfront area with many restaurants and shops. Lodging available in Scarborough, Orchard Beach, South Portland and Portland. Gentle introduction to Maine without going further up the coast to Boothbay, Camden or Bar Harbor.
Portland s about 8 1/2 to 9 hours from Salisbury, MD on the Eastern Shore. Website for Casco Bay region and Portland is:
Since this is such a diverse group of people, I have a question that some on this Board may be able to provide assistance/advice/direction.
I am a charter boat captain in the Chesapeake Bay and it appears that all of my weekend charters will be cancelled due to an approaching hurricane/tropical storm. Since my wife has been "agressively suggesting" a weekend get-a-way, maybe this weekend is the time to do it. As such, I am trying to plan a 4-day vacation to the coastline of Maine. Probably the southern coast - somewhere as far north as Boothbay Harbor but not too much further since I want to limit the driving time.
Anyone have any specific recommendations on 1) what specific location to visit, 2)where to stay. We are trying to stay out of the real "swanky" locations -- ie trying to stay out of the new "art districts" which seem to have popped up in many Maine towns. And we want to stay out of the commercialized town who have overly played to the tourists.
We want to stay in a cabin, cottage or even a nice hotel is fine. Want to be able to take the 2-year old son to the coastline so taht he can swim and play in the inter-tidal pools. Any suggestions? Thanks for your time.
Chris
Hey Chris,
I think its a little early to cancel trips on the chessy as well. The susky flats are my old stomping grounds. I guide the flats ocasionally still. However if you are looking to south maine let me male a suggestion. www.newmeadowsrivercottages.com Rick and Sue own the place... it's in Old Bath, ME. Ask for one of the old cabins back on the New meadows river. The one with the kitchen. You want to launch right accross the street on the New Meadows public launch....You have about 3-4 miles of headway before you hit the calender islands...Once you hit the open flat out of the river follow your markers to your right. After rounding the flat you will see two points and two coves on your left. Work both points on an incoming. and the second cove (strawberry cove) on the last half of outgoing. There is a third cove past strawberry called Dam Cove. Its also good on the outgoing for linesiders. Any of the islands are good on the tide side of the incoming. If you work your way to the offshore of the calenders you will see Bald head point. A beautiful spot, usually inhabited by seals. Work it on the incoming. After that, your a little late but one-three miles out it is not unusual to get into BF in the 500 pound class. You can also jig cod off of some of the lumps. You'll get plent of dogfish as well unforunately.
This is more of late july spot but all of maine is. Stripers really stop their migration around south maine. Like the chessy though there are residents... You'll love the New Meadows inn though. My wife loved it. It does'nt get much prettier than the calender islands...
PM me if you want any more info...
Tight lines, Bob
__________________ "My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it." Koos Brandt
I like the area foulhook is suggesting. The greater Brunswick and Bath area would be my choice for the "road less traveled". You can still hop over to Freeport and visit L.L. Bean but these 2 towns aren't nearly as gentrified as Boothbay, Wiscasset, Rockland or Camden, further along the coast.
With a 2 y.o., stay more south. York Harbor Inn in York Maine. Nice restaurant, walking distance to downtown, harbor and crabbing across the street. Near Portsmouth, NH and the Children's Museum. Plenty to do in Portsmouth, York, Kittery area alone for a weekend. Not much between York and Portland, but Portland is only 1 hour up I-95. Can't go wrong in Boothbay/Bath, but definately tougher with the young ones.
__________________ Recently divorced. Now searching for a much larger lady.
I second the idea of Port Clyde: it's a great little working harbor with lots of boats. Check out www.martinsvillemaine.com for rental possibilites. Nice thing about PC is that it is convenient to Camden, Rockland, and Rockport(30-40 min ride). Check out Tenant's Harbor, Owl's Head, and surrounding areas.
__________________ Hubs Tub
Scout 162 w/90 Yammie
Johns Island, SC USA
The water is pretty cold up here for swimming. If you are interested in treking up this far, I have two vacation homes available for rent. Go to www.lakeandsea.com and click the green "Vacation Rentals" button on the left.
My in laws live on Bailey Island Maine which is my official favorite spot on the earth. Close to Freeport, Portland and has some nice local restaurants to sample. If you are looking for rentals and would be interested in that area, let me know as my mother in law knows everybody on the island. I live in the town of Camden Maine which is about 1/2 hour north of Boothbay. I have lived here my entire life and traveled tip to tip so let me know if you want any more info......Mark
I don like southern Maine - my inlaws live there - I start drinking when we cross the NH line. There are good retaurants and some lousy tourist traps - listen to the locals above...
Oh and yea - watch out for that tide!!!!!
__________________ 1st Cav Div Air Assault Infantry RVN
-Can Do........ and .......Carry On -
They predict the weather to turn rainy up here on Sunday with continuing cool temperatures. If that's the case, it won't be much of a beach weekend. Therefore, I'd stay somewhere around Portland like the Black Point Inn in Prouts Neck. Great Hotel with beautiful views of the ocean from most spots with a trail running the perimeter of this pennisula jutting out into the Atlantic.
Within 20 minutes of the Hotel is the Old Port (Portland - great dining), Two Lights (lighthouse), Old Orchard Beach (amusement park), lots of parks with very nice beaches like Cresent Beach and Ferry Beach State Park and much, much more than you can see in a long weekend.
But, I'll admit I'm biased since we have a place in Saco.
If you don't mind traveling inland, Point Sebago Campground on Sebago Lake is a great spot. It's more of a resort type place. They have a beach on the lake, boat rentals, cottages, a restaurant, and family oriented. Well run and very pretty area. http://pointsebago.com/
You might want to fly to Manchester, N.H. Then drive over to Maine. I can't imagine driving that distance on labor day weekend. You may only make it to D.C.
__________________ USCG 100 TON MASTER
Pursuit 2870 CC
Palm Beach 161
1984 Mckee Craft 14'
Sunset on the ICW
Madeira Beach, Fl
Honeymoon Harbor
Bimini
"Many times life gives you the test, before you learn the lesson!"
To get away from my inlaws I recommend going up Down East and you'll be in the real Maine. North of Penobscot bay up to where lakeandsea is. Now that's what I would call Maine, ayah. Its a bit of a drive, though - which I guess is why Southern ME has become so popular....
Enjoy....
__________________ 1st Cav Div Air Assault Infantry RVN
-Can Do........ and .......Carry On -
I knoiw taht we are a bit late in planning all of this but sometimes, you've got to roll with the punches. I agree taht it is a bit early to cancel a charter fishing trip so far out, especially given the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and hurricane tracking but experience has taught me that a hurricane makiung landfall anywhere on the Eastern seaboard will cause the clients to backout. One of my 4 weekend charters has already cancelled due to weather concerns!! And I fully expect the others to back out as well. The life of a charter boat captain.......
Anyway, please keep any/all suggestions coming. Well probably make some reservations tonight for a 4-day vacation.
There are a few exceptions to the rule but not many. Gladly the summer is over. That should put an end to the 5+ hour rides and bring them back down to 4.
__________________ 2003 Boston Whaler 255 Conquest w/ twin 200 HPDI's
I've never been a racist. I don't like the white half either.
If you want quiet with a great lobster wharf down the road. Take a look at The Grey Havens Inn about 20 min north of Bath (greyhavens.com). One of the nicest views of the ocean and pine studded islands that you can also sit and admire with a cocktail (from the honor bar) on the porch or yard of the inn. There is also a beautiful state park beach down the road with classic Maine granite shoreline and more views. Not to mention Maine is striper heaven! This place does book up though; give'em a call.
Nobody has mentioned BoothBay which suprises me. It was my original understanding that Boothbay was a waterman's community. Is this no longer true? Is it now a tourist trap?
Agree with those who have said the greater Brunswick/Bath area. I slip my boat in Yarmouth and we head up the New Meadows River alot in Qauhog Bay. THe Basin is probably one of the best places for kids to go swiming; traditionally its the warmest anywhere on the coats. It is also accessible by road; though I've never personally done that. Think about Seabasco Resort in Seabasco Harbor. Pretty inexpensive and lots to do in that area; especially for the little ones. Might be tough getting a reservation.
Another great location is East Boothbay (another 30-40mins past Brunswick/Bath); doesn't have the commercialism/tourism you do in BB Harbor but still close enough to do all the shops, etc. A Great inn that is on the tip of Ocean Point in Linnekin Bay is the Ocean Point Inn. Super place as well. More expensive than Seabasco.
Vacation in South Maine - Question? 
"My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it." Koos Brandt 
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1st Cav Div Air Assault Infantry RVN
