Mid-Coast Maine Guide
One of my biggest priorities before moving to the other side of the country was a trip to Maine. Honestly, if we weren't moving to California, we would 100% be moving to Maine. It is, and always has been, one of my favorite states, from the moment I first visited so many years ago. The coastline is like no other, the lobster is unreal (But, of course, right?!), you can't go wrong with the blueberries, whoopie pies or diners, there's some pretty crazy wildlife (Hey, Moose!), the people are great and the overall atmosphere is just so calming and peaceful. I mean, I'm pretty sure I could go on for at least another 10 pages because my crush on Maine is just that big. But I'll try to keep the words to a minimum and let the pictures do more of the talking, because TBH, they're probably better at it than I am.
Where We Stayed // We've stayed all over the state, but typically tend to be in the more southern areas, so this was our first time staying in Mid-Coast Maine. We happened to find a quintessentially Maine-style cottage at the last moment and immediately booked it. I couldn't be happier that we did. It was nothing fancy, but everything we needed, and, most importantly, it allowed us to completely relax and take in the simple joys of Maine living.
It already felt and looked like fall when we arrived, but I wasn't upset about that one bit. Weather like that is just another one of my favorite things in Maine, and in all honesty, it's also why fall is my favorite season to visit (I always tell everyone to visit after Labor Day for amazing weather + less tourists). This meant we spent plenty of time in cozy sweaters, eating chowder and sipping hot chocolate. I wasn't mad about it one bit.
The town we were closest to was Rockport so when we did venture out, that's where we ended up spending most of our time. However, we did also venture to Camden for a few hours.
Camden
Seadog Brewing Company // We love Seadog's Blueberry Ale, so we stopped for a glass and ended up grabbing a bite to eat, too. The food was alright, although nothing to go out of your way for, but there is at least a great view of the water from the back deck so make sure you ask to sit out there.
Antiques at 10 Mechanic // So many great little vintage shops to browse in for treasures, but this one was our favorite (probably because of the things we managed to score).
Walk Around the Harbor // There's a path that goes right along the water that has some great views and plenty of benches or park lawn from which to take them in (or enjoy a picnic and relax).
And, while I know it's not Mid-Coast Maine, we did make a quick stop in Portland on our way back to New York to grab a few of our faves, namely the chocolate sea salt donut at The Holy Donut, beers at Allagash and pizza at Otto (The butternut squash is ev-errrry-thang!).
Have you been to Maine? If so, what's one of your favorite places there?
Rockport
Rock City Coffee // Definitely some of my favorite coffee ever! We bought a bag to make at the house there and to bring home, and my only problem is that we didn't buy a bigger bag! You can visit the actual roastery, or you can go to their coffee shop. They have lots of bites for lunch or breakfast, homemade baked goods (which were delicious), free wifi and lots of seating (aka it's a great place if you need to do some work). Don't miss the bookstore in the back (or the section of the bookstore dedicated entirely to books about all things Maine).
Atlantic Baking Co. // They had an incredible selection of bread (include demi baguettes, which are perfect for just two people). They also had lots of fresh grab + go breakfast and lunch options (We had one of their chicken salad sandwiches, which was super fresh and flavorful.) and an assortment of baked goods (The cookies are a must!). We grabbed a bag of their granola to bring home, and while it was pretty pricey, it was seriously delicious. FYI, they also have free wifi.
Primo // If there's one place you go out to eat, make sure it's Primo's (and make sure you have a reservation). It's a farm-to-table restaurant in a converted home, with the farm right out back. I mean, you just can't get more farm-to-table than this. And it shows in the taste of the food. Everything was to-die-for.
Claws // If you're looking for a seafood shack, Claw's is the place to go. They have an extensive menu (and an even more extensive collection of sauces...if you've ever been you'll know what I'm referring to!) and outdoor seating. Just beware of long lines and waits. The lobster rolls, lobster chowder, and blueberry lemonades will be worth it though, I promise.
Farm Stands // We picked up fresh eggs, blueberries, tomatoes, squash, flowers and other produce from roadside stands (There were so many selling all sorts of things!).
Fresh Lobsters // We picked up fresh lobsters (to cook at home) from Miller's Lobster Co. (which you can also eat at). It was a bit off the beaten path, but almost everyone there had Maine licenses plates aka you know if the locals are there it's a good place to go. The lobster we got certainly did not disappoint (although I'm sure all of the melted butter we dipped it in probably helped).
Owl's Head Lighthouse // A quick little hike but very pretty views. We even saw a seal swimming in the sea when we looked out from the lighthouse.
