Maine Lighthouses & Arcadia National Park active vacations
With a possible extension to New Hampshire
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Day 1: Portland for 1 night
Pick up car at Portland airport
1 double room, city view, VAT taxes included at Portland Harbor Hotel****
The hotel is 400 m from Wadsworth Longfellow House, 500 m from Portland Downtown Historic District and 600 m from Victoria Mansion.
It offers a restaurant and a fitness centre,. ree WiFi access is available in this luxury hotel.
Flat-screen TVs are included in every guestroom, as well as a refrigerator and desk. Some rooms include a sofa, spa bath and a view.
Private convenient parking underground and free bikes!
Portland International Jetport Airport is 4 km away.
Explore Portland on own
If you are looking for more active activities, you could drive 15 minutes out towards Pine Point Beach and either go for a walk on the beach or go canoe in tidal marsh, salt creeks, freshwater marsh, and uplands.
Portland
The scenic town is a year-round destination that offers picturesque cobblestone streets, art galleries, fresh seafood restaurants and plenty of history. Located on the water, Portland was originally a fishing city. Over the years, the bustling port has grown into a diverse community that’s worth a visit (or two, or three!).
Things Not To Miss in Portland, ME
- Taking the scenic route on the mailboat. Many residents of Maine’s islands get their mail by boat. The charming three-hour ride through the Casco Bay gives riders a chance to see Great Diamond, Little Diamond, the Cliff islands, and plenty more.
- Watching a baseball game at Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs. The 7,368-seat stadium includes a lighthouse that pops up whenever a home run is hit, and a mascot named Slugger the Sea Dog.
- Strolling through the Portland Museum of Art. The building houses works by Edward Hopper, Picasso, Matisse, Monet, and many more.
Cape Elizabeth’s Portland Headlight is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Cape Elizabeth, Maine is also home to the 94-acre Fort Williams Park, where you’ll find ruins of an old fort that housed troops in World Wars I and II. At Two Lights State Park, you can view Casco Bay and the two lighthouses for which the park is named. One of these towers was the subject of Edward Hopper’s famous painting, « Lighthouse at Two Lights. » At Crescent Beach State Park, you can go swimming, boating or fishing. It is a popular spot for families because the crescent shape of the mile-long beach keeps big waves at bay.
Fort Williams Park is located at 1000 Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. Admission is free and parking is available within the park.
Have lunch at the Lobster shack in Port Elizabeth : http://lobstershacktwolights.com/
Or on the wooden pier of Bayley’s lobster shack: http://bayleysseafood.com/
Make sure to have dinner in Portland in one of these amazing restaurants
Our favorite spots are Miyake for Japanese addicts, Honey Paw for fusion cuisine, Eventide Oyster Co. for the best sea food and buttery lobster rolls, Chaval for Portuguese cuisine, Piccolo for Italian, Duck Fat for French fries and of course Hugo’s for a more formal but still fun dining experience.
And check out Browne Trading Company, where you can stock up on grand crus, caviar, sea urchins and the finest seafood!


Day 2: Camden for 3 nights
Drive to Camden (about 2 hour drive)
On the road, you can have a stop in Freeport to go shopping and eat lobster at Harraseeket lobster shack
http://www.harraseeketlunchandlobster.com/
1 king room, breakfast and VAT taxes included at Hotel Whitelhall***
This property offers non-smoking rooms and free parking.
Set in Camden, 300 m from High Street Historic District, Whitehall features a garden and a terrace. The property is situated 900 m from Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, 1 km from Chestnut Street Baptist Church and 2 km from Camden Hills State Park. Free WiFi is available and Camden Snow Bowl is 6 km away.
At the hotel, rooms have a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
A continental breakfast is served daily at the property.
https://www.whitehallmaine.com/
Day 3 and 4
Days at leisure to discover do fun activities.
The town of Camden is the self-described Jewel of the Maine coast. Located mid-coast Maine, Camden is a haven for ocean lovers, shoppers and outdoor adventurers. In the summer months, the population more than triples due to visitors and seasonal residents, many of whom reside in gorgeous ocean view estates around the Harbor.
Things to do in Camden
There is something for every traveler, whether you are looking to actively hike and explore Camden Hills State Park or relax on a sailboat as it glides over the cool ocean waves in Penobscot Bay, Camden has it all.
Downtown
Downtown Camden is delight of upscale shops, antique shops, general stores, seafood eateries and cafes, plus the most beautiful waterfront Camden Public Library which is surrounded by a lovely park for picnicking.
Camden Hills State Park
Looking for things to do in Camden, Maine? A trip to Camden Hills State Park will give visitors the opportunity to view a gorgeous sunrise or sunset over Penobscot Bay from the top of Mt. Battie. Camden Hill State Park encompasses 5,700 acres, including over 30 miles of hiking and walking trails. You may choose to tour the park on your own or with a local Maine Guide. Camden Hills State Park is great for families with children because the hiking trails are not very strenuous or long and usually have very moderate inclines. However, if you don’t feel like hiking, drive the Auto Road up Mt. Battie for panoramic views of the Bay and nearby islands. The Park is also home to over a hundred campsites and a large picnic area for those visitors who wish to stay a little longer. Maiden’s Cliff is one of the more popular hiking trails, an 800-foot rock cliff that provides spectacular views of Lake Megunticook and the Maine countryside.
Beaches
Beach goers will love a trip to Barret’s Cove, a fresh water beach on Megunticook Lake. This beach is a quiet and relaxing escape from notoriously busy Camden in the summer months. It is often not crowded and the lake water remains relatively warm during prime season. The beach is open to the public with designated swimming areas, public restrooms and showers. There is also a grassy picnic area with tables and outdoor grills and a playground for the kids to enjoy.
Laite Beach is small but scenic, overlooking beautiful views of Camden Harbor just a short distance from downtown. Laite Beach is part of a grassy park that slopes down to a pebble beach along the water, perfect for searching for shells, sea glass and other ocean treasures. The park itself has swings, picnic tables, grills and restroom facilities. There is a swimming platform off shore for those brave enough to swim in the chilly harbor waters.
Take a lobster cruise: great opportunity to learn whether the lobster is a hard shell, soft shell, male or female while admiring the rugged coast and lighthouses.
Feel the wind: Cruise Camden’s scenic coast aboard an historic wooden schooner. This is a real taste of traditional Maine sailing. Take the helm, raise the sails, or just find a comfortable spot on deck; an environmentally-friendly alternative to motorized cruises,
Ride Icelandic horses: Like Iceland, Maine has a stunning landscape and a ride is a wonderful way to enjoy it and discover nature.
Follow the Light Houses: Maine’s 65 historic lighthouses beckon to visitors today just as they have drawn and guided ships into safe harbors for centuries along the state’s rocky coastline. One of our favorite and most singular one is Marshall Point Lighthouse: Port Clyde, Maine. You may recognize this light station from the movie « Forest Gump. » Tom Hanks ran out on the wooden runway to the tower and back during his long cross-country trek.
There is a very good Lobster shack:. Mc Loons https://mcloonslobster.com/
Or
You could go for the Lobster/Crab roll at Port Clyde General Store overlooking the picturesque fishing pier.
A number of noted artists — including Greg Mort, Gary Akers, and Barbara Ernst Prey — also live and/or work in the area. Their work captures the essence of Maine, so be sure to ask if studio showings are being offered while you’re here.
Mountain Bike: The Camden Hills offer an impressively varied 6-mile trail network at Camden Snow Bowl and the adjacent Ragged Mountain Preserve.
Dining suggestions :
Camden is also known for its gourmet food and top Maine chefs. There are many delicious restaurants lining the downtown and waterfront areas, where guests may enjoy freshly caught seafood and other scrumptious meals or take an order to go and head to one of the many public parks in the area for a scenic picnic.
Or for a special dinner: Natalie’s fabulous gourmet French cuisine.


Day 5: Stonington for 2 nights
Take a 2-hour scenic drive from Camden to Stonington
Follow Rte. 1 over the Penobscot River, then following Rte. 15 south along the Blue Hill Peninsula and onto Deer Isle.
1 double room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Pilgrim’s Inn B&B
This is the place where to stay, the house was built in the mid-island town of Deer Isle in 1793.
It is tastefully decorated with antiques and colonial colors, some lace and flowery prints.
Each room is different, some have impressive diagonal beams, others private staircases, cherry beds, antique tubs, gas-burning stoves, and fireplaces.
You will be offered a big breakfast, which will get ready for your outdoor activities. Three cottages near the main building allow pets and have kitchenettes for fixing your own meals.
There is also a tavern-style dining room that serves authentic and local cuisine such as steaks, fish, lobsters, and racks of lamb.
Day 6 and 7
Days at leisure
Sea kayaking: the best way to discover some of the 60 islands, and their glittering waters. Many of the islands are tiny! You’re likely to spot eagles, osprey, harbor seals, and porpoises.
Hike: Catch the first mailboat out to Isle au Haut leaves Stonington at 7am
If you are ready to wake up early, you will have an amazing day and 8-hours on this gorgeous island outpost of Acadia National Park.
idge Trail for some great views of the Atlantic, and hang out in the horseshoe cove of Barred Harbor to spot sea ducks. (chances are you will be alone on Earth).
Catch the 4:30pm mailboat back to Stonington
You could have an early dinner at Aragosta, just steps from the dock.
This restaurant was recently named “Best Waterfront Restaurant in Maine”
It sits among one of Maine’s most spectacular and pristine oceanfront locations. The fine dining reflects the seasonal flavors of the coastal region and the creative culinary palate of Chef Finigan.
The chef only works directly with local fishermen and farmers.


Day 8: Arcadia National Park Bar Harbor for 3 nights
Driver along Rte. 15 and then Rte. 172 through Blue Hill to Ellsworth, about an hour’s drive.
From there, Rte. 3 leads south onto Mount Desert Island and into Bar Harbor
1 double room, breakfast & taxes included at B&B The Inn on Mount Desert***
Located 1.6 km from Acadia National Park, this Bar Harbor, Maine accommodation boasts free Wi-Fi. The waterfront and various shops and restaurants are within 5 minutes’ walk.
A microwave and a refrigerator are featured in every room at The Inn on Mount Desert. A flat-screen cable TV and a coffee machine are also included in the rooms. Select rooms offer a private balcony or terrace.
The Bar Harbor Inn on Mount Desert offers a complimentary continental breakfast. There is a billiards room and fitness room.
The Village Green and the free shuttle to Acadia National Park is 5 minutes’ walk. Bar Harbor Whale Watch is half a kilometer away.
https://www.innonmountdesert.com/
Day 9 and 10
Bike and Hike and drive scenic roads
Some of trails, you should not miss are
The Precipice Trail, The Bubbles, and Acadia Mountain
You will be hiking trails, through maritime pine, birch and maple forests.
If you are looking for more secluded and less crowded section of Acadia, drive to Schoodic Peninsula.
Drive the Loop Road (29 miles) you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of lakes, shores with crashing waves, and pink granite mountains. There are 500 species of plants and 300 varieties of birds on some 16,000 hectares: this is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in New England.
Paddle a canoe on Long Pond
Day 11
Drive back to Portland
Skip the coastal route and take Rte. 1A about 30 miles between Ellsworth and Bangor. From Bangor, take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) south 180 miles to the state line at Kittery. With no stops, it takes less than 3 hours.
OR
We could add the below extension


Day 11 : White Mountains for 2 nights
Drive to Bretton Woods (286 miles)
It was here, in 1944, that it was decided that the dollar would become the reference currency in international trade.
1 double room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Omni Mount Washington Resort****
The Mount Washington Hotel is an historical place in itself. New Hampshire business magnate Joseph Stickney, spared no expense in its construction. To build this enormous structure, Stickney employed 250 Italian craftsman to complete his vision. The latest in heating and plumbing were installed at The Mount Washington Hotel; even today, the hotel uses its own telephone system and personal post office. The craftsmen broke ground in 1900 and labored for two years until the hotel’s completion.
On July 28, 1902, The Mount Washington Hotel opened its doors to guests, boasting a staff of over 350. The resort soon became a haunt for the elite of New York, Philadelphia, and Boston as well as numerous celebrities such as Thomas Edison.
Ski equipment hire, bike hire and car hire are available at Omni Mount Washington Resort and the area is popular for hiking and skiing.
Day 12:
Day at leisure to discover the White Mountains and climb Mount Washington
Hike through forests and waterfalls.
Take a ride on the typical small train Cog Railway which climbs on the side of the cliff. It has been since 1869.


Day 13: Meredith for 2 nights
Drive along Lake Winnipesaukee which is the largest lake in New Hampshire with 448 km² of shoreline and hundreds of wooded islands.
1 double room, lake view, taxes included at Hotel The Inn at Mill Falls***
Overlooking Meredith Bay, this restored 19th-century linen mill combines old-world charm with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi. A covered bridge, which features a 40-foot waterfall, connects it to the historic Marketplace.
Rooms at The Mill Falls Inn are decorated in soft colors and wood furniture. Each offers cable TV, a small refrigerator and a comfortable seating area.
The Inn at Mill Falls has an indoor pool and guests have free access to the gym at Church Landing. The large common area offers a fireplace and a public computer station.
The Marketplace is home to 13 shops and 2 restaurants. Waterfall Café offers a light menu, while the full-service Giuseppés Italian Pizzeria & Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is a 5-minute walk from this charming inn and Chemung State Forest is 8.9 km away. American Classic Arcade Museum is 5 minutes’ drive away.
We suggest dinner at Town Docks Restaurant
Town Docks is the place to be in Meredith, N.H. during the summer, offering lake-side outdoor seating on Lake Winnipesaukee, free tie-ups to come by boat, and a sandy outdoor Tiki Bar where you can dig in your toes and relax by the water.
Day 14:
Day at leisure
Canoe, kayak, paddle board, sail and swim on the Lake Winnipesaukee
Campfires & S’mores: Relax, enjoy stories and maybe a few s’mores at our lakeside fire-pit.
Antique Speedboat ride: Enjoy a thrilling speedboat ride aboard Miss Meredith, 28 ft – 1931 Triple Cockpit, Chris Craft runabout! Experience one of the age-old thrills of Lake Winnipesaukee!
Wine Tastings & Tours: Food and Wine Magazine included Hermit Woods Winery on their 2017 wine guide of “500 Best Wineries in America.”
Golf: Located just minutes from Mill Falls, enjoy 18 holes designed by Dr. Melvyn Hale, who opened the course in 1958.
Cruise: Mount Washington Cruises offers Scenic Cruises and Sunset Dinner Dance Cruises.
Located at the foothills of the White Mountains and surrounded by mountain ranges, Winnipesaukee contains more than 300 islands and covers 44,000 acres of crystal clear water. A Proud NH Tradition since 1872!
Day 15
Drop off car in either Boston (1h40 minutes) or Portland (1h44 minutes)
CONTACT
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT FOR A QUOTE
Operations & Reservations
3477 Rushbrooke street, Suite 302
Verdun, QC, H4G 1S8 CANADA
Corporate Headquarters
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Forest Hill, NY 11375
Phone: 1-514-285-8758
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Fax: 1-514-285-9128
Email: info@eatvl.com