Things To Do in Coastal Maine and Inn By The Sea

Inn by the Sea

Portland people are steadied by the vistas that play a large part in their lives–vistas of sea and sky, of islands in the bay, of coves, of lighthouses outlined against craggy rocks. ~ Philip Hamburger

Coastal Maine

With the warm and longer days signaling a return of spring, many of us are thinking about summer travel plans and unique places to visit that offer memorable experiences. Summer travel can be busy and expensive, so it’s nice to find an elegant and relaxing resort or hotel that you can return to at the end of a hectic day, leaving the crowds behind to enjoy the views and amenities of your home away from home. One of our favorite travel destinations is coastal Maine. With its cooler temperatures, spectacular scenery, an abundance of fresh local seafood (especially lobster from spring to fall), the quintessential New England summer vacation is waiting to be discovered along the rocky shores and beaches of Maine.

The rocky coastline of Maine

The rocky coastline of Maine

The view from a friend's house along the coast of Maine

The view from a friend’s house along the coast of Maine

Maine – A destination for all 4 seasons

Having lived in Boston a number of years ago, I was fortunate to make the trip to the state of Maine on many occasions. During that time I discovered that Maine is not just a summertime destination. Winters were beautiful with the snow-covered mountains in ski resort areas such as Sugar Loaf and Sunday River and the fall also offered stunning scenery with the changing colors of the autumn leaves. I remember one trip to Bangor, Maine and Acadia National Park in early October when the fog hung heavily over the coastline. As we drove back toward Boston, the fog gradually lifted and the charming seaside towns and villages began to appear one by one. The ever-changing sunlight, clouds, and fog along the coast created a new experience and scenery with the arrival into each coastal town.

On the road to Portland

Just outside Portland

One of the lighthouses at Two Lights State Park

One of the lighthouses at Two Lights State Park

Summers were particularly memorable in Maine with quick weekend trips to some of the closer towns to Boston, like Oguinquit. The name means “beautiful town by the sea” and it is that. A very popular resort area and quite lively in season, a visit to this charming seaside town was a nice break from summertime in the city and a great way to spend time by the ocean, and of course, enjoy plenty of fresh Maine lobster. With 230 miles of coastline from one tip of Maine to the other, there are many towns like Oguinquit to visit.

The scenery is picturesque

The scenery is picturesque at the harbors

Steamed lobster is a must when in Maine

Steamed lobster with drawn butter is a must when in Maine

Last October, we traveled from Boston to Portland to immerse ourselves in the coastal beauty and indulge in lobster and clams. Late fall is an ideal time to visit the lower coastal area of Maine, right after the crowds have gone home and when the brilliant fall colors are still on the trees, just before the daily frost, and while the afternoons are still warm. Yet most of us still think of summer in Maine with the warm days, the smell of salt air wafting through the breeze, and the beautiful blue skies and ocean merged as if they were painted across a canvas. The truth is, Maine has so much to offer and experience regardless of the season you chose to visit.

On the road to Maine

On the road to Maine

Happy to be back along the coast of Maine

Happy to be back along the coast of Maine

Celebrating fall at Inn By The Sea

Celebrating fall at Inn By The Sea

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