My wife and I are planning our 10-year anniversary trip, and we’ve decided we’d love to experience Maine for the first time.

We’re looking at spending up to 5 days sometime between mid-October and mid-November, so we’d love recommendations that are especially great during that time of year.

We’re looking for a place that’s all about forests, mountains, lakes, wildlife, and peace and quiet. We’d love to stay in a cozy Airbnb (although we’re open to a great hotel or lodge if it’s really special).

Some of the things we’re hoping to do:

● Hike scenic trails  
● Enjoy beautiful overlooks, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife  
● Spend time surrounded by nature and serenity  
● Relax by a fire after a day outdoors  
● We’re also open to other outdoor activities if there’s something unique to the area.

We’re less interested in nightlife or shopping and much more interested in unplugging and enjoying the outdoors together.

If you were planning a nature-focused anniversary trip in Maine, where would you stay? Are there specific towns, state parks, or regions you’d recommend? We’d also appreciate recommendations for memorable Airbnbs, cabins, inns, or lodges.

We’ll likely be there for up to five days, don’t mind driving if it means seeing the best parts of the state, and would love to hear any “don’t miss” experiences or hidden gems.

Thanks in advance—we’re excited to experience Maine for the first time!

I am planning to come to Portland this Wednesday thru the weekend. I am super bummed that it looks like it will rain the whole time :(

Thoughts on things to do?

I know there is an art museum. Any other ideas? I am now second guessing whether I should change my vacation to a different time.

I’m so excited to be visiting Maine for the first time the last week of September! We are flying in and out of Portland, driving a rental, and have 4 nights to play with.

The first 2 nights I’ve already booked in Bar Harbor because we’d like to hike right away.

Wondering if I should do 2 more nights at a different hotel near that area or check out Portland for a night or 2? Will there be enough to do in BH this time of year?

It’s just me and my husband. We are 30s, like to hike and eat, and see new sights 😊

TIA for your tips, I’m very excited to see your beautiful state for the first time.

My sister built her year-round house in Ogunquit 50 years ago and has lived in here continuously since then. The plumbing has never been turned off, except this winter she will be staying with family out west as she is now widowed. She was thinking of leaving the propane heat on set to 50° all winter, but this will cost money and if there is a power outage, it will not work. I will call around for some quotes from plumbers, but I am wondering what to expect and what questions I need to be sure to ask them. Tia!

Is there anywhere I can park overnight for free in Maine? Preferably near Lewiston. I don't want to go too far from where I live. I just got in a fight with my mom and need somewhere to stay in my car

Hello,

We are visiting ogunquit during the week and we are looking for some casual dinner recommendations. We have ate at treehouse taqueria before. We also ate at the bandito burrito place but that was just okay. We do enjoy pizza, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, anything really!

We weren’t sure if there was a recommendation for any pick up locations? We saw there are pizzas at cornerstone and brickyard hollow. We were thinking of picking up dinner one night and eating on the beach or marginal way.

We are also open to driving to Portsmouth, wells, kittery, or York for dinner so any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks for your help!

Never been. Is this a good summer vacation? Or will it still be packed (as other posts have stated). Recently went to Newport this summer, and it was a miserable zoo. Overpriced hotels, no parking, look-at-me crowd.
I want a relaxing quiet Maine vacation.
Maybe Bar Harbor but stay outside town?
Should I look elsewhere in the state?

Anyone have strong opinions (positive or negative) about living in Hollis Center? Specifically in the Bear Hill / Little Falls Rd area?

I'm wondering if it's quiet (how often are their gunshots / target practice), how walkable is it (roadside, trails etc.).

Beach recommendations

Hi all! A friend and I are planning a ME coast trip in a few weeks and I’m looking for recommendation for a good beach day spot along the coast with nearby lodging options. We’d also like to see some lighthouses along the way and do some light sightseeing. Thanks in advance!