Maine Maritime Museum offers historic boat collection and tours of state's lighthouses by water
Boasting an historic boat collection of more than 140 vessels and multiple temporary and permanent exhibits, the campus of the Maine Maritime Museum spans 20 acres along the banks of the scenic Kennebec River in Bath, Maine. Visitors can also cruise out to see up to ten of the state's lighthouses by water.
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Travel + Leisure
13 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Scenic Road Trip Along Maine's Coast Is Packed With Lobster Shacks, Boutique Hotels, and Classic New England Charm
When people plan a trip to Vacationland, there are the usual suspects: Kennebunkport, Portland, and Bar Harbor. The good news? All of these popular spots sit right off Route One, the coastal alternative road that winds through the state and hugs the Atlantic from the southern border with New Hampshire all the way north to the Canadian border. Not only is the route loaded with some of the best seafood shacks in the state, but it's also studded with antique shops, local makers, and boutique hotels that are worth the trip. Here's how to plan a trip along Maine's Route One. A fishing harbor in Kittery, Maine. Located on the New Hampshire border, Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier is a seasonal gem that's been open since the 1930s. The casual spot is just past Kittery Point on the shore of the river, and regulars come by boat or car to stake out a picnic table on the dock. The menu is simple but classic: think steamed lobsters, clam chowder, and crab rolls. Chauncey Creek is BYOB, so be sure to stop at a nearby package store for one of the state's many locally made craft beers. Take a quick 15-minute detour south to stay in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The small town is a great place to kick off your trip, and there's nowhere better than one of Lark Hotels' properties in the heart of town, The Bow and Hotel Portsmouth. Each boutique hotel has a distinct feel. Hotel Portsmouth's rooms are bright and quirky, while the newly renovated rooms at The Bow have a more serene and subdued ambiance. Both are centrally located in town, putting you a stone's throw from some of the best restaurants in Portsmouth, like Moxy, Black Trumpet, Row 34, and of course, Gilley's Diner for late-night hot dogs. Wander through downtown Kittery, pick up a world-famous cruller at Lil's Cafe, and sip a cocktail at Black Birch. Hit up Bob's for fried clams, shop at the Kittery Outlets, stop by Stonewall Kitchen to stock up on pantry staples like Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, and place an order with Slack Tide Sea Salt—a hand-harvested sea salt made with local ocean water from neighboring York—for an excellent reminder of your trip. The Lighthouse in Kennebunkport, Maine. Many places will force you to choose between steamed or fried seafood, due to slammed kitchens with limited room, but that's not a problem at The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport. Sitting on the bridge and overlooking the Kennebunk River, this small shack has been open since 1968 and offers something for every seafood enthusiast. From boxes of flawlessly fried clam strips to a potentially life-changing lobster roll served in an unassuming burger bun and absolutely stuffed with whole lobster tails, this is a must-visit. If you can't tear yourself away from the sailboat-studded Kennebunk River, don't worry—thanks to the newest accommodations at The White Barn Inn, you won't have to. The Cora Houseboat offers guests the chance to spend the night anchored to the White Barn's private dock in a bespoke 512-square-foot houseboat, complete with a rooftop sun deck. Another ocean-inspired option is the Kennebunkport Captain's Collection, four homes built in the 1800s that once belonged to sea captains and have been renovated into boutique accommodations. Just steps from Dock Square, Michelin Key winner AWOL Kennebunkport offers 17 cabins and suites with firepits, gas fireplaces, and some with Japanese soaking tubs. Stop by Bev's for breakfast or a sandwich for the road; if the pork and broccoli rabe sandwich is on the menu, don't miss it. You can browse the upscale and trendy Bliss Boutique, shop for souvenirs at the incredibly curated Seacraft Vintage, or stroll over to Dock Square and check out shops like Daytrip Society, which stocks goods from small and local makers. And since you'll need to work up an appetite, take a walk alongside the popular Parson's Way, which overlooks the Bush Compound on neighboring Walker's Point. If you're looking to hit the beach, Goose Rocks is a favorite. In this region, Route One is an antiquer's delight—find half a dozen stores, many with deals if you're willing to dig. Antiques USA and Bo-Mar in nearby Wells are favorites. The road leading into Wiscasset, Maine. Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock When you're approaching the bridge in Wiscasset and heading over the Sheepscot River, you'll likely see a long line of people waiting for lobster rolls at Red's. I prefer Sprague's Lobster across the street. Both make fantastic rolls, but I'd rather spend my afternoon stopping around the corner at Jolie Rogers Raw Bar or taking a 15-minute drive north to Glidden Point, an oyster bar overlooking the Damariscotta River. Take a short detour to the Squire Tarbox Inn on Westport Island. The tiny 11-room inn, originally built in 1763, is set on 12 acres of farmland and includes breakfast. Alternatively, head slightly farther north to Boothbay and spend the night at the Linekin Bay Resort. The resort feels like a summer camp, complete with sailing lessons, kayaks, and a saltwater pool overlooking the bay. Choose between oceanfront lodge rooms or cozy, dog-friendly cabins. Explore the 300-acre Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, take a ferry to Cabbage Island for a clam bake, visit horse-powered natural wine producer Oyster River Winegrowers, and stock up on road trip provisions at Morse's Sauerkraut. A red fishing shack in South Thomaston, Maine. There's no doubt that McLoons Lobster Shack is one of the most picturesque places for a meal in the state. 15 minutes south of Route One in Rockland, the red wooden shack on Spruce Head Island faces out to the harbor and looks like it belongs on a postcard. You won't find any fried seafood here, but expect steamed clams, lobster dinners, and rolls—including the extra-large Lobster Rolls Royce. Don't leave without a slice of blueberry pie à la mode. The Midcoast has a range of wonderful hotels to choose from, with something for every type of traveler. If you're a fan of historic properties, opt for a night at The Norumbega. The recently refurbished boutique hotel sits minutes outside of downtown Camden, offering guests unparalleled views of Penobscot Bay. If you're looking to unplug after a couple of days on the road, book a stay at The Samoset, a 178-room resort on 230 acres overlooking Penobscot Bay. Take a walk down the mile-long granite pathway to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse or relax in a chaise by the pool and order piña coladas straight to your seat. If you want to get a head start on the journey ahead, consider Camp DeForest in Lincolnville, one of the Midcoast's newest properties. The completely renovated mid-century motel and cabins capture the spirit of summer camp, complete with s'mores by the campfire, lawn games, and kayak rentals. Take a hike around the Owls Head lighthouse and catch an exhibit at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland. And when you've worked up an appetite again, spend some more time exploring Midcoast Maine's food scene. Order pastries at the life-changing The Place Bakery in Camden, stop by Primo in Rockland for Oyster Sunday, grab a table at Sammy's Deluxe for dinner in Rockland—it may be the best meal you'll have in Maine—and visit Long Grain in Camden. Head to First Fig in Camden for a stellar selection of wines by the bottle or the glass, or grab a seat at Lucky Betty's for a cocktail and pizza from local favorites Uproot Pie Co on select nights. Drone view of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and beautiful fall Lunch is a short drive after you cross the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, the gateway that will lead you to Deer Isle. The family-owned seafood shack won a James Beard Award, named an American Classic in 2008. The riverside restaurant serves larger-than-life slabs of fried haddock sandwiched between buns, lobster rolls dressed with the ideal amount of mayo, and constantly rotating soft serve flavors. Keep heading south, and in about 30 minutes, you'll reach Aragosta. Chef Devin Finigan runs an award-winning restaurant and a collection of nine cottages spread across the 21-acre waterfront property on Goose Cove. If you can't score a table for dinner, try to visit on a Sunday when the deck serves a casual à la carte menu paired with sweeping views of the bay. Take the ferry from Stonington to Isle au Haut, one of Maine's last inhabited and unbridged islands, visit the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and take a walk around the one-of-a-kind sculpture garden at Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies. Stop for a coffee at 44 North, browse for bottles at the Blue Hill Wine Shop, and make a reservation for pizza at Tinder Hearth.
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Lived in Portland, Maine, for 8 Years—Here's My Insider's Guide to the City
Book a stay at The Docent's Collection and cook with some of Maine's locally sourced produce and seafood. Catch a Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field. Head to Eventide for the can't-miss brown butter lobster roll and a round of oysters. Carve out some time to browse Washington Avenue for everything from ferment-forward pantry staples to vintage cookbooks. Stroll on the Eastern Promenade to work up an appetite and take in views of Casco Bay. I first started visiting Portland regularly a little over 10 years ago, taking the quick trip north from Boston every spare weekend I could. Well regarded as a culinary hot spot that's soaked in seaside charm, the easily walkable city is the perfect place to spend a long weekend—or more. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to beloved local haunts on Washington Avenue and the West End, it's easy to feel at home here instantly, while still sometimes experiencing it like a tourist. Guest room inside The Blind Tiger hotel. Longfellow Hotel is not only situated in the heart of one of Portland's best neighborhoods, the West End, but it's also relatively large by the city's standards. If you need another reason to book, though, the property is just a stone's throw from Tandem Coffee + Bakery, putting you at a distinct advantage to be first in line for one of their legendary breakfast sandwiches. The 48-room boutique hotel has a focus on wellness, housing an on-site spa with private infrared saunas and guest rooms designed for a great night's rest. The Francis is a small boutique property from the same team behind the Longfellow Hotel, Uncommon Hospitality. It's housed in a building from 1881, and each of the 15 rooms has its own unique charm. Like all historic properties, it has some quirks. While the free parking and included breakfast are big perks, one of the hotel's best features is that it shares a building with Wayside Tavern, a top restaurant in the city. Finn Naylor, marketing director at Rosemont Market & Bakery, says, 'Wayside Tavern is at the top of my list. Their food is always seasonal and thoughtful, the wine list is excellent, and the vibe is unfussy in the best way.' If you've ever wanted to try living in one of downtown Portland's best neighborhoods, the Old Port, this is the place to do it. The Docent's Collection offers a handful of loft-style apartments, complete with kitchens. Jordan Nugent, director of travel and events with Experience Maine, says, 'I love The Docent's Collection because it feels more like apartments, each with its own kitchen and living area, located in the heart of the Old Port. It's great for larger groups traveling together or longer stays.' Blind Tiger is made up of two historic buildings in Portland's West End. When traveling throughout New England, I always go out of my way to see if there's a Lark Hotels property nearby. No two rooms are ever identical and each location is engrained in its individual neighborhood, with Blind Tiger being no different. The property offers a complimentary light breakfast, and free parking and ample (and comfortable) public space on the first floor make it easy to linger between jaunts to one of the many amazing restaurants and bakeries in the neighborhood. The Press Hotel is in downtown Portland, operating in the historic headquarters of the Portland Press Herald . The 110-room property, operated by Marriott, has a boutique feel and welcome amenities such as valet parking and room service. Don't skip out on breakfast at Union, where you'll contemplate where blueberry breakfast sausage has been all your life. Boats docked in Portland's harbor. Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure Take a quick drive over to Cape Elizabeth and stroll through Fort Williams Park. Roughly 15 minutes from downtown Portland, the park spans more than 90 acres, with dramatic cliffs and the iconic Portland Head Light. Pack a picnic lunch or grab one of the city's best lobster rolls from Bite Into Maine. The best way to appreciate the beauty of Portland is to see it from the water, and luckily, there's no shortage of ways to do it. Nugent says, 'Get out on the water when the weather is nice. We have so much access to neighboring islands and boat tours.' You can enjoy a wine tasting aboard a sailboat with Wine Wise Wine Sails, see how lobsters are caught with Lucky Catch, hop on a low-key sunset lighthouse tour with Portland Schooner Co., or take a casual cruise onboard the mail boat. According to Naylor, 'If you haven't taken a sunset cruise on Casco Bay Lines, add it to your list. It's the best midweek reset—affordable, BYO everything, and totally magical. My move? Stop by Rosemont beforehand for a chilled bottle of rosé, a fresh baguette, and some charcuterie, then hop on the ferry and let the sea do the rest.' If you find yourself in Portland during baseball season, don't miss the opportunity to catch a Sea Dogs game. Hadlock Field is a quick drive from downtown, and the energy here is unparalleled. Nothing feels quite like summer in Maine than watching a game on a sun-drenched afternoon with a Sea Dogs Biscuit ice cream sandwich in hand. There's nothing like packing up a cooler full of snacks and spending a couple of hours by the shore. Stop by Mr. Tuna for a bento box, Ramona's for a hoagie, or Rosemont Market & Bakery to build your own snack platter before heading to Willard Beach in South Portland, Crescent Beach in South Portland, and local's favorite Ferry Beach in Scarborough. Naylor says, 'I'm a big believer in the beach being a year-round activity. My friends and I are at Kettle Cove most Saturday mornings in January, breakfast burritos in hand. The proximity to beaches is part of what makes Portland so special—15 minutes in any direction and you're there.' If there's one thing Maine does well, it's craft beer. With more than 100 breweries in the state, you're nearly guaranteed to find your favorite style around Portland. If you're a beer enthusiast, it's worth carving out some time to spend a few hours hopping between some breweries. Oxbow, Allagash Brewing Company, Bissell Brothers, and Bunker Brewing Co. are all local favorites. A variety of oysters on ice. Crispy Gai will make you rethink your entire evening whenever you find yourself in its orbit, suddenly scanning the block for a parking spot to sneak in a quick visit. Between its stellar bar program with original takes on tiki-style classics and crave-worthy wings dusted with spices you'll be dreaming of for weeks, Crispy Gai is an absolute must-visit. Magissa is a Greek-style taverna in East Bayside that's owned and operated by the team who was behind The Greeks of Peaks food truck. The menu features small bites, meze, and shareable dishes that are exactly what you'll need after spending a day hopping from breweries, beaches, or both. The food and cocktails are creative, expertly executed, and made with care. It's impossible to talk about Portland without mentioning Eventide. Its brown butter lobster roll—made with warm lobster meat and piled high on a pillowy soft bao bun—and flights of oysters from here and away make vying for a parking spot and facing the ever-present waitlist more than worth it. If visiting Portland has you conjuring up visions of feasting on fresh fish while gazing out across the docks in Old Port, Scales is the place for you. The restaurant is slightly upscale, without being fussy, and part of a powerhouse group that operates Street & Co., Fore Street, and Standard Baking Co.. Don't miss the cloverleaf rolls, halibut with brown butter and hazelnuts, and whatever the custard of the day is. Nestled on Thames Street, Twelve is doing something truly special. The front and back of the house are armed with stellar resumes—and it shows. The team at Twelve puts their spin on classic Maine dishes and ingredients, (think: a martini crafted with kombu). Stop by for a cocktail, order dishes a la carte, or go all in on the prix fixe, but whatever you do, don't miss out on the lobster roll served on a flaky croissant. People walking around Portland's Wharf area. Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure If budget isn't a consideration, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better time to visit Maine than late June through mid-September. Of course, you won't be the only one with this idea, so be prepared to pay a premium for lodging and book your reservations well ahead of time. If you're willing to trade in a far less crowded city for some cooler temperatures, consider planning a visit during late Spring (April-May) or early fall (late September-October). The weather will still be mild, but the uptick in visitors during high season is stark and the city may be much more enjoyable in the shoulder seasons. If you're lucky, you can catch a direct flight into Portland International Jetport (PWM), which is just 15 minutes from downtown Portland. Otherwise, fly into Boston's Logan International Airport and either rent a car to drive the roughly two hours north to Portland, take a bus via Concord Coach, or hop on the Amtrak Downeaster for the approximately 2.5-hour journey. Both operate year-round. Buildings in Portland's old historic neighborhood. Tamme Wichmann/Adobe Stock While visitors may flock to the Old Port, Washington Avenue is where you'll find locals on their days and nights off. Be sure to carve out a couple of hours to explore the bars, restaurants, and shops on Washington Avenue. Stop by Maine & Loire for a bottle of wine (or two) to bring back to your hotel, peruse Onggi for some ferment-forward pantry staples, snag some snacks from Sissle & Daughters, and browse through rare and vintage cookbooks at Rabelais. Since there's so much great food in Portland, you're going to need a place to work up an appetite before your next meal. Enter: the Eastern Promenade. The 78-acre park features a two-mile harborside stroll that has sweeping views of Casco Bay and the Portland harbor, plus plenty of benches and green space if you just need a place with great views to relax. Naylor says, 'I love strolling down the Eastern Promenade Trail—it drops you right onto Commercial Street, which is perfect for a little shopping, restaurant hopping, or just watching the working waterfront in action.' Just across the bridge from the Old Port is South Portland, home to stellar beaches and some standout food. Don't miss Night Moves Bread, SoPo Seafood, and Red's Dairy Freeze—all ideal stops before or after a walk on Willard Beach. Home to the working waterfront and souvenir shops galore, the Old Port is a popular area in the city. While there are tourist traps here, some gems do exist in this part of town, too. Room for Improvement is a cozy dive bar serving up fun takes on classic cocktails and snacks like the Red Snapper, Maine's illustrious neon-red hot dogs. If your accommodations have a kitchen, be sure to visit Harbor Fish Market, where you'll find Maine lobsters, clams, mussels, and more. Grab a lobster roll at Luke's Lobster and get ready—the team will be reopening Portland's legendary Dry Dock restaurant later this summer with chef Matt Ginn at the helm. Cars driving past pedestrians in Portland, Maine. Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure Portland is a walkable city, but if you want to venture outside of downtown to visit nearby beaches, you'll want to have a car. Ride-share services are fairly available and affordable, but wait times can be longer during off-peak travel times. You can take the Amtrak Downeaster to nearby towns up the coast as well. There are rental car companies based at Portland International Jetport, but be sure to book in advance if you're visiting during the summer or other busy times throughout the year, as rentals can hit capacity quickly.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
130 million people on alert as hot, sticky weather expected from Texas to Maine
At least 130 million people from Texas to Maine are under alert for dangerous heat and humidity over the next few days. Hot and sticky temperatures will make it feel as high as 115 degrees in parts of the Mississippi River Valley. Even Niagara Falls will get no relief from the sweltering conditions; the tourist destination will feel like the mid-to-upper 90s on Thursday. The heat index in Chicago, which factors in humidity, will make it feel in the triple digits and nighttime and early-morning temperatures will provide little comfort. As of 4 a.m. Thursday, the actual temperature was 80 degrees, or 85 with the heat index. Texas will be just as hot on Thursday, as the heat index is expected to make it feel 107. Up north in Detroit, it's forecast to feel 102. Dangerous heat will spread to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast as temperatures in the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Portland, Maine, will make it feel like it's in the mid-90s on Thursday. Maine is under a heat advisory mainly for Friday as the heat index will make Portland, Maine, feel like it's 100 degrees. New York City, Boston and Philadelphia are also bracing for extreme temperatures. On Friday, the feels-like temperature is expected to be reach 104 in New York City, 103 in Boston, 106 in Philadelphia and 109 in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Meanwhile, the Midwest and the Southeast is expected to see hot and humid weather stretch into the weekend and into early next, as the heat indices are expected to make it feel 110 degrees in some parts. MORE: Congressional committees push back on Trump administration's proposed NOAA budget cuts Most of the Southeast, including Atlanta, is expected to see a level four out four "extreme heat risk" on Monday and Tuesday as a potentially life-threatening heat wave continues in the region. Besides the heat, the Midwest, specifically Kansas and Missouri, is expected to see a summer flash flooding continue. Strong thunderstorms on Thursday could cause flooding across the region, which is still recovering from flash floods earlier this week. MORE: Body of missing woman found as death toll from Texas floods reaches at least 136 Heavy thunderstorms are expected to develop over the Midwest on Thursday afternoon and through the night, with rainfall totals forecast to reach 2 to 4 inches or higher in some areas along the I-70 corridor. The Kansas City region may see the brunt of storms with multiple rounds of heavy rain possible.
