Maine is my home away from home. I am most familiar with the coast from York up to Camden. I was lucky to live on the coast of Maine for two years and during that time explore different areas and live as they say “The Way Life Should Be”. It’s true I can’t argue that slogan one bit. Picturesque, miles of coastline, an abundance of spectacular restaurants, dog friendly, beautiful, welcoming, peaceful, and traffic is nearly non-existent. One thing I love about coastal Maine is that you have the mountains tucked close to the coast. The best of both worlds. I have put together some of my favorite places and hope whoever reads my blog will be able to enjoy these places as much as I do. All the places I listed hold a special place in my heart and have allowed me to share great memories with the important people in my life. I try to get up to Maine four to fives times a year. No matter what season you visit Maine there is something to enjoy. It surely is VACATION LAND.
Pubs:
The Great Lost Bear- With up to 65 taps this place has the best beer menu I have ever come across. The food menu is a” think outside of the box” pub menu. There is one dish called Mother and Child Reunion, which consists of fried chicken, bacon, fried eggs, and melted cheese. If you are in Maine and enjoy local beer you can’t miss out on the craft beers brewed up here. I come to the Great Lost Bear for their buffalo chicken sandwich. I always want to order something different and try something new but I can never do it. I only get to come here so often…I would also suggest their slab and crab and another slab sandwich. (My second favorite dish). This is a crab salad grilled with American and Swiss cheese. If you like pubs you can’t go wrong with this place. Home of the best buffalo chicken sandwich in New England…at least in my opinion. Fried to perfection with a one of a kind sauce.
http://www.greatlostbear.com/
Gritty’s- Freeport Maine location. Gritty’s is an authentic Maine brewpub. The atmosphere is fabulous and so is the pub food. The jalapeno mac and cheese dish is a delicious recipe with a kick that comes with some toasty cornbread on the side. By far one of my favorite dishes on their menu. The jalapenos appear to be fried in some sort of beer batter, which makes them very tasty. If you are not into spicy foods give the other mac and cheese entrees a try. The beer they brew is quite tasty and will always refresh you on a summer day or warm you up on a chilly night. My favorite brews are their seasonal selections.
http://www.grittys.com/freeport.php
Tavern/Restaurants
Linda Bean’s- Located in the heart of Freeport the restaurant itself has beautiful woodwork throughout and offers an extensive menu with great beers on tap. Clean, charming, relaxing, and great food. This place rocks an amazing lobster roll and offers the best lobster bisque I have ever slurped down. I would also suggest some raw oysters as an appetizer. The downstairs is loud and what I call sensory overload. This is where you can find the “family friendly” area. If you are like me and want a quiet spot I would suggest avoiding downstairs at all costs unless it is a nice day and you can sit outside. Sit upstairs in the lounge area at the bar or at one of the tables with the comfy chairs and couches.
http://www.lindabeansperfectmaine.com/
Broad Arrow Tavern- Located in the Harraseeket Inn right in downtown Freeport this upscale pub offers a diversified menu of local and fresh ingredients in a warm and cozy setting. The décor makes you feel as if you are in a rustic hunting lodge with traditional Maine hunting and camp decor. The restaurant has an open concept kitchen, which allows you to watch as the chefs prepare your meal using the wood fired oven as you enjoy a nice glass of wine and enjoy the fireplace. The service is pleasant and I have never felt rushed. My favorite dish is the turkey potpie and their clam chowder. I have always left this place feeling satisfied.
http://www.harraseeketinn.com/maine-inn/dining/broad-arrow-tavernis also top notch.
Diners
The Maine Diner- Well’s Maine.
This family owned institution offers quality diner food with energetic and efficient service. The only downside is that it is located in a location where tourists tend to travel and therefore you may encounter a wait. Trust me it’s worth the wait but if you can go at non-peak hours go for it!
Moody’s Diner- Waldoboro, Maine
Great food at a great price. Where the locals go…this says something. A+
http://www.moodysdiner.com/
One isn’t better than the other. If you are looking for quality diner food these are the places to go. Old school diner style at its best. Moody’s is a great place to stop if you are heading home from the Camden area and The Maine Diner is a great place to stop if you are in the Southern Maine region. Moody’s also sell a great cookbook which I have enjoyed using.
Restaurants
Street and Company- located in the heart of the Old Port of Portland among the cobblestones this fine dining establishment specializes in fresh, local seafood. The menu in innovative, the décor is inviting, and the oysters served at the bar are delicious. This restaurant is on the pricey side but worth every penny. Hands down for fresh seafood, service, and atmosphere. If you are waiting for a table I would highly recommend sitting at the bar and trying some oysters. This was the place where I tried my first raw oyster thanks to the patient bartender who helped me along in the process…..now I am hooked. I didn't know what to do with the little guys when we first met. Now I know! The drinks are fabulous both cocktails and the wine menu.
http://www.streetandcompany.net/
The Good Table- Located in Cape Elizabeth this well run family establishment offers delicious food, with gracious service with inviting and warm ambiance. In the warmer months enjoy sitting on the enclosed porch with strung up lights. The menu offers classic Maine dishes as well as some Greek influenced items. The food is comfortable uncomplicated, with great daily seafood specials. The owner/manager is a woman named Lisa who will usually greet you at the door with a warm smile. You will not leave disappointed.
Lobster Dinners
In my experience the best lobster meals I have had for the best prices were in Harpswell, Maine. Harpswell is north of Freeport and is an enchanting find if you want to experience Maine’s natural beauty that is “out of the way”. This is not a touristy place and neither are the restaurants. If you are looking for an authentic Maine lobster dinner don’t miss out on Harpswell. It is a great place to rent a house or stay at one of the charming inns and enjoy the coastal Maine life off in a unique way. The restaurants I have tried and highly recommend are Estes, Cooks, and Dolphin’s.
http://www.harpswell.maine.gov/
Movies
The Evening Star Cinema located in Brunswick, Maine is a small community theater filled with character. You will either love it or hate it. The seating consists of regular theater seats, rocking chairs, and coaches. No stadium seating here! Make it your goal to arrive early so you can make yourself comfortable on one of the couches situated up front. The theater plays great films and they even have a piano they utilize during silent films. Refreshments are available at decent prices. If you enjoy the movies this is a place you must visit if you are in the area. The last time I was here an older man proposed to his girlfriend. It could never have been pulled off the way he did it in a large theater. It was touching and to top it off the movie was excellent. The staff popped the question on the screen during the pre show advertisements and the staff came down with beverages and flowers. What a special night for everyone.
http://eveningstarcinema.com/
Freeport Experience
Freeport, Maine has come a long way over the years. More stores, renovations, and making Freeport not only a destination but also an experience. Not only can you shop but also you will see what must be the prettiest McDonalds in America thanks to strict zoning laws. The storefronts are beautiful and good eats are everywhere. You can get something quick on a food cart or try out one of the many restaurants…..or go to McDonalds but please don’t do that. You didn’t come all the way to Freeport for a Big Mac!
Where to stay? If you want a quaint and charming setting and don’t mind splurging I would definitely recommend the Harraseeket Inn. There are also an abundance of bed and breakfasts in the area. I personally am not a B&B type of person I prefer Inns or hotels and don’t like to feel as if I am in someone’s home. However, if you are into B&Bs there are plenty and I hear they are nice. My recommendations depending on what you are looking for and how much you want to spend are:
http://www.harraseeketinn.com/- New England elegant inn with charm and is ..DOG FRIENDLY! (That always gives extra points in my book)
Hilton Garden Freeport- Modern, great amenities, updated, close to town. http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=PWMFDGI
Fairfield Inn, Brunswick Maine- about 10 min north of Freeport. Clean rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, continental breakfast. Save some $$ if you don’t need to be directly in Freeport…..then you can go to the Evening Star Theater….:-)
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pwmbw-fairfield-inn-and-suites-brunswick-freeport/
Maine Idyll Motor Court- If you are looking for a rustic cottage experience during the warmer months check this place out. Pets are welcome as long as they are well behaved. This is a family run business open May 6-October 29th. You will feel as if you have stepped in a time capsule while on vacation. This is how I envisioned family vacations to be in 1950. Cottages accommodate up to six people. Fireplaces are available in select cottages and firewood is provided on premise. A light breakfast is will be served daily during your stay. A classic!
http://www.maineidyll.com/
I love L.L.Bean for their outdoor gear, home section, and footwear. I consider myself as having relatively tasteful style and in the past wouldn’t be caught dead wearing any of L.L. Bean’s clothing unless is was a winter coat, hat, gloves, or boots. Dowdy and Mother Hubbard were the only words that used to come to mind with this stuff. I don’t wear Irish armor to bed nor do I wear “mom” jeans. However, L.L. Bean has done a great job making a separate high-end fashionable line called LLBean signature. Think of it as a combination of Brooks Brothers, Orvis and Banana Republic. A classic and attractive look with a rustic flare. This line has made me a committed customer. L.LBean: We have become great friends and I see you are more than just outerwear and a slipcover.
my awesome bike basket from Beans
our lovely throw pillows from Beans
aaaaahhh nice fashionable clothes (Signature)
my awesome bike basket from Beansour lovely throw pillows from Beansaaaaahhh nice fashionable clothes (Signature)Coffee
While in the L.L.Bean flagship store enjoy a cup of exceptional coffee in the Coffee By Design coffee shop located in the downstairs area of the store. This is a one of a kind coffee shop. The coffee is bold, tasty, and fair trade. Browse a vast selection of Maine themed books while you sip on your brew and get your buzz on. There is also a great view of the street so if you like to people watch this is a great spot to do so. Kick back, read, people watch, wait for your wife to finish shopping…whatever it may be while you sip on caffeine heaven.
When Nature Calls
If you are itching to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors while in the Freeport area head over to Bradbury Mountain State Park. Bradbury State park is located in Pownall, Maine, which is about 15 min outside of Freeport and a very picturesque drive. Bradbury Mountain is a wonderful spot to hike, hang out with your dog, mountain bike, have a picnic, cross-country ski, or snow shoe. Whether you are looking for something flat, hilly, or steep you will be able to find a trail that meets your needs. I am sure it is also good for other activities that I know nothing about like horseback riding and snowmobiling but those are very much activities outside of my comfort zone so I won’t touch on that. (Just like the bed and breakfasts). There are also bathroom facilities on site, which is a bonus. Who wants to squat in the woods? Not me.
While we are on the subject the cleanest rest area I have ever been to is in Kennebunk, Maine. The Kennebunk Service Center is the Four Seasons of rest areas. As Miss Hannigan would say it "shines like the top of the Chrysler Building". Spick and Span clean, friendly service, Starbucks on site, and a place you can go and not feel like you have to take a bath in hand sanitizer after thirty seconds in.
While we are on the subject the cleanest rest area I have ever been to is in Kennebunk, Maine. The Kennebunk Service Center is the Four Seasons of rest areas. As Miss Hannigan would say it "shines like the top of the Chrysler Building". Spick and Span clean, friendly service, Starbucks on site, and a place you can go and not feel like you have to take a bath in hand sanitizer after thirty seconds in.
Emergency
If you get sick, ill, or injured while on your vacation and happen to be in Southern Maine I highly recommend York Hospital. This place is like a hotel. The medical care is exceptional and so is the service. The medical staff is sympathetic, understanding, and won’t treat you like a number. This is a small community hospital that will put you first and cater to you and your health care needs in ways I never imagined any hospital would ever succeed in doing. The lobby has the ambiance of a quaint New England Inn with complimentary cookies, coffee, water in the emergency room waiting area with a beautiful aquarium to gaze at while you wait your turn if you a) don’t want to read Architectural Digest b) need some time to think c) or you forgot your iPhone to fool around on. The hospital itself is as great as the staff that will meet your needs throughout your stay. The hospital gowns are even nice. Plush and flannel you can’t go wrong! As a patient you can order a lobster roll everyday if you would like. I worked here, as my first job as a nurse and the place was pretty special. Not that anyone wants to spend their Maine vacation in a hospital but if worse comes to worse and an emergency comes up this is the hospital I would want to go to.
http://www.yorkhospital.com/
Enjoy your stay in Maine and what it has to offer. A home away from home. Just try to stay away from the hospital part. I felt I would throw that in as a “in case of emergency break glass” guide. Also, there are a bunch more places in Maine which I adore but I will save those for the winter. Stay tuned!
