Need some suggestions for Maine mainly (rimshot) but also the rest of NE

[FSUTribe76]

I've got a wedding coming up in New Hampshire and the closest and best flight was to take Allegiance to Bangor Maine. So I'll be there on a Thursday morning through Monday night, with the wedding in New Hampshire on Sat.

My initial thought is:

Thursday- Drop down to Harpswell and get the three 1.25 lb lobster deal for $30 from the Estes Lobster House and hike around the Giant Stairs. Go to Portland and maybe see if there's any quick but good coastal hikes then taste test around the Maine Craft Distillery, Maine Meade Works, Sweetgrass winery and Allagash Brewery (I don't need Seadog and Shipyard, I've tasted plenty of both in Orlando). Spend the night around Portland.

Friday- Sunrise photos at the Portland head light, then heading to Boston for the day as my wife wants me to try food at Parker House. So Parker House for early lunch, walk around the Freedom Trail on my own, do Warren Tavern, Harpoon Brewery and Sams Adams tours then Reginas for a pizza snack for early dinner, then drive to Mohegan Sun for a tiny bit of late night gambling and Frank Pepes pizza as a late night snack.

Saturday- Up around nine to a couple of hours in Mystic Seaport and grab a slice to split of Mystic Pizza. (So 3 different slices of pizza in 24 hours but two of the best and one that's iconic) try the beers at Mystic Brewing and maybe spend a little more time in Mystic Seaport. Backtrack a bit to Iggys Doughboys in RI to try the clam cakes, stuffies, clear RI style chowder and maybe split a lobster roll. Then driving back to the wedding in New Hampshire. After the wedding, probably drive back a little towards Maine.

After that, I've got all day Sunday and most of Monday (flight leaves Bangor at 6:45 pm) to do whatever else I want to do in Maine. I haven't definitively decided on this yet other than at least part of one day if not the whole day will be in Acadia.

 

[FSUTribe76]

#^#^^ it posted too soon when I bumped it while trying to deal with a popup notifications. I'll finish later.

 

[Semiologist]

I'll be in Maine from Thursday to Tuesday. Flying in to Portland. We're doing the Bar Harbor food festival Thursday (Dessert Night) and Friday (Pub Tour). Doing Acadia Nat'l park in between. Taking the Camden, Rockport, Rockland area Saturday and Sunday Morning. Going to Round Pond for the Lobster Co-op on Sunday afternoon. And staying in Cape Elizabeth for the rest of the trip (commuting to Portland).

 

[fsufantoo]

Wife and I are making plans to go somewhere in Maine in Aug when the Tally weather is bad hot. I'm going to get a little cabin on VRBO or ABnB and sit in the cool shade, drink beer and then go down to the docks or grab a seat at a pounder and eat lobsters until I am sick of them.

 

[FSUTribe76]

I'll be going in June or I'd suggest meeting up.

I'm definitely looking forward to the popover sundaes at Jordan Pond House and we'll be doing at least the Ocean Path, Cadilac Summit Loop and Gorham mountain trail in Acadia plus a driving loop I've forgotten the name of but we might skip for times sake the more popular Beehive and Precipice Trail. I've looked at the hikes themselves plus the end results (photos from the summits) and they both look like a lot of work for mediocre views. My wife and I just did the Big Five in Utah last month so I'm partially spoiled, but honestly the shots from Gorham and Cadilac look a LOT better.

 

[Bartdog]

There's this guy on a message board I frequent who's pretty much been everwhere. You can't bring up a place or food topic without him chiming in Sometimes it seems like he might be pasting from wikipedia or just googling stuff, but other times it seems like he's actually been all these places. Of course, he tends to spend very little time in them, doing a rush tour to cover more ground. I guess that's how that works.

anyhoo, I'll check with him and see what he says.

 

[cfbfan23]

Hit Round Top Ice Cream in Damariscotta. Lobster and steamers at either Pemaquid or Round Pond Co-Op.

 

[FSUTribe76]

Wife and I are making plans to go somewhere in Maine in Aug when the Tally weather is bad hot. I'm going to get a little cabin on VRBO or ABnB and sit in the cool shade, drink beer and then go down to the docks or grab a seat at a pounder and eat lobsters until I am sick of them.

Look into flying Allegiant out of Sanford, you'll save at least half your money on the flight. If you don't need a specific day (like I did), it's only $70 a leg. Because the wedding means I have to be there on a specific day on one leg I had to pay $158 but still got $70 on the other. Allegiant doesn't show up on Kayak, Travelocity or anything like that, they ONLY sell direct on their website.

Out of curiousity I ran a flight from Tally to Bangor in the middle of August on Kayak and the cheapest flight was $760 with two stops on the way. Cheapest Tally to Portland was $795 with one stops on the way. Through Allegiant the cheapest I found was $100 legs in August as that must be a popular time, but for $200 you can take a direct flight from Sanford FL to Bangor Maine.

 

[FSUTribe76]

I'm probably only going to have one meal in Portland, so I'm trying to decide between Miyaki, Duckfat, East Ender and maybe Eventide.

 

[cfbfan23]

I'm probably only going to have one meal in Portland, so I'm trying to decide between Miyaki, Duckfat, East Ender and maybe Eventide.

You need to slum it at J's Oyster Bar. I love that place.

 

[FSUTribe76]

You need to slum it at J's Oyster Bar. I love that place.

I'm thinking about it. I saw that they and Eventide claim to have belon oysters which I've only had once (Grand Central Station), even in Paris I couldn't come across them for some reason. Apparently they grow Belons/"Flats" in Boothbay Bay in Maine.

 

[montconole]

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/05/12/food-blogger-told-hes-had-last-meal-at-3-portland-restaurants/

 

[FSUTribe76]

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/05/12/food-blogger-told-hes-had-last-meal-at-3-portland-restaurants/

Well that makes my decision easier. Even tide is definitely off my schedule. The owner sounds like a douche.

 

[kooterridesagain]

FSUTribe76,
i can't believe Bangor was easier than the much bigger airport in manchester NH, but Maine is fun so who cares.

I live in NH and just did a long weekend around Kennebunk/Portland hit most of the breweries again as i do every few months.

Honestly, driving around the costal roads of Kennebunk south and stopping for a quick walk around the cliff walk at Ogunquit, Maine is as good as it gets IMHO. Ogunquit has a few restaurants on the water too, but better lobster rolls are in the shacks along the way.

In Portland, you are right on brews, Sebago/Shipyard are the two worst in Portland. Allagash now has 3 breweries directly across the street from it in a new building complex, so that's 4 breweries in 40 yards. Foundation and Bissell Brothers breweries are worth it, you can skip Austin Street.

In downtown Portland, the best brewery right now is Oxbow blending and bottling, the best bar food is Liquid Riot(was Infinit, but beer not great). The best beer bar not a brewery is Novare Res, mostly a pretty good belgian selection of a few hundred beers, and some german beers, and some awesome meat/cheese plates.

Food wise, yep Duck Fat is awesome.

I ate at Eventide last weekend. Overrated, we were not impressed by anything other than Paris prices for a variety of oysters. They were fine, but the rest of the food was ridiculously small portions and overpriced. Many better places in Portland, i won't go back there and since they just got nominated for james Beard they're just increase prices.

i'm not as familiar with Boston or RI though i've been to each a few times, but i'm a much bigger fan of Portsmouth and would fit that in, a more upscale and smaller version of Portland with a great state park close by Odiorne Point State Park has amazing views. If you go there must hit Earth Eagle Brewery and walk around downtown a bit, and Tributary Brewing in Kittery on the way in is excellent. Tons of great food in downtown Portsmouth can't find a bad meal.

Glad you mentioned Pepes though that's a bit of a drive and not as tasty as Wooster Sq, still close to perfection! i'd skip Mystic and they're pizza, after Pepes what' the use? haha

Have a great trip!

 

[FSUTribe76]

FSUTribe76,
i can't believe Bangor was easier than the much bigger airport in manchester NH, but Maine is fun so who cares.

I live in NH and just did a long weekend around Kennebunk/Portland hit most of the breweries again as i do every few months.

Honestly, driving around the costal roads of Kennebunk south and stopping for a quick walk around the cliff walk at Ogunquit, Maine is as good as it gets IMHO. Ogunquit has a few restaurants on the water too, but better lobster rolls are in the shacks along the way.

In Portland, you are right on brews, Sebago/Shipyard are the two worst in Portland. Allagash now has 3 breweries directly across the street from it in a new building complex, so that's 4 breweries in 40 yards. Foundation and Bissell Brothers breweries are worth it, you can skip Austin Street.

In downtown Portland, the best brewery right now is Oxbow blending and bottling, the best bar food is Liquid Riot(was Infinit, but beer not great). The best beer bar not a brewery is Novare Res, mostly a pretty good belgian selection of a few hundred beers, and some german beers, and some awesome meat/cheese plates.

Food wise, yep Duck Fat is awesome.

I ate at Eventide last weekend. Overrated, we were not impressed by anything other than Paris prices for a variety of oysters. They were fine, but the rest of the food was ridiculously small portions and overpriced. Many better places in Portland, i won't go back there and since they just got nominated for james Beard they're just increase prices.

i'm not as familiar with Boston or RI though i've been to each a few times, but i'm a much bigger fan of Portsmouth and would fit that in, a more upscale and smaller version of Portland with a great state park close by Odiorne Point State Park has amazing views. If you go there must hit Earth Eagle Brewery and walk around downtown a bit, and Tributary Brewing in Kittery on the way in is excellent. Tons of great food in downtown Portsmouth can't find a bad meal.

Glad you mentioned Pepes though that's a bit of a drive and not as tasty as Wooster Sq, still close to perfection! i'd skip Mystic and they're pizza, after Pepes what' the use? haha

Have a great trip!

Thanks for the advice!

I haven't given much thought to Portsmouth and wasn't planning on stopping there just driving through to Boston, but I'll do some research on it.

Your advice on the breweries around Allagash is particularly much appreciated.

 

[Manch.]

Kooter's here for a month and knows all the ropes!

Bangor to NH is a long drive, flying into Manchester would have been a lot easier, a lot!

The breweries and restaurants in the Portsmouth area are phenomenal.

The lobster/seafood in NH is the same as Maine, they tried opening a Red Lobster in Concord but it closed after about 3 months because there were at least 3 fresh seafood restaurants in the area.

Not sure what you have for time, but it is a tough time of year as the snow sports have just ended and the lakes and beaches are not really open yet.

Kooter(every time I type kooter, auto correct changes it to looter), back in 1987, I took my scuba test at Odiorne State Park.

 

[kooterridesagain]

Manch that must have been sweet!

To be fair, my 7 years in Connecticut gave me many early scouting trips of the area, just a lot closer drive now!

Manchester airport is great and I've used it a few times already, much cheaper parking then Boston, no traffic and no lines. If only it went to more of Europe direct, but Boston really doesn't either it looks like.

 

[FSUTribe76]

Kooter's here for a month and knows all the ropes!

Bangor to NH is a long drive, flying into Manchester would have been a lot easier, a lot!

The breweries and restaurants in the Portsmouth area are phenomenal.

The lobster/seafood in NH is the same as Maine, they tried opening a Red Lobster in Concord but it closed after about 3 months because there were at least 3 fresh seafood restaurants in the area.

Not sure what you have for time, but it is a tough time of year as the snow sports have just ended and the lakes and beaches are not really open yet.

Kooter(every time I type kooter, auto correct changes it to looter), back in 1987, I took my scuba test at Odiorne State Park.

What's your suggestion for breweries in Portsmouth, on paper it looks like Portsmouth brewery and Earth Eagle seem the best.

 

[kooterridesagain]

What's your suggestion for breweries in Portsmouth, on paper it looks like Portsmouth brewery and Earth Eagle seem the best.

Fsu tribe76,
Brewery wise
Yes I'd hit tributary brewery in kittery, Maine on the way in its 2 miles from Portsmouth. The Black Birch is a tremendous beer bar also in kittery.

Then earth eagle and Portsmouth for sure. Portsmouth brewery has solid food and a fun bar downstairs later at night that sometimes has unusual local beers.

Some interesting bars are

 

[kooterridesagain]

Sorry new update is weird on phone.

Thirsty moose has like 100 drafts, book and bar is worth a visit, and some great views on water but names escape me.

 

[FSUTribe76]

Thanks!

Provided the weather, airplane and roads comply and we get to see (and take pics as I'm an amateur photobuff) the Maine coast coming down on Thursday, we'll spend Saturday afternoon in Portsmouth.

My new plan assuming the weather is good each day is to land in Bangor and immediately go down to Harpswell for lobster and the Giant Stairs then hit some wineries, breweries and distilleries in and north of Portland. Eat dinner at Miyaki. Then get up for the sunrise at Portland Head Light. Spend much of the day in Boston mainly doing breweries and some selfguided historical hiking. Spend Friday night at Mohegan Sun. Skip sunrise but get up around 9 at Mystic. Spend a couple of hours in Mystic at the Seaport and then eat early dinner/late lunch at Iggys Doughboys in RI then go to the New Hampshire wedding. THEN go to Portsmouth or close to it for the night. We'll pend the afternoon day drinking around breweries you've mentioned and going Ogunquit to hike around a bit. Then hopefully make it to Bar Harbor to catch the sunset someplace good at 8. Monday we'll just do some of the short hikes that have better views (from others photos) than the longer hikes in Acadia and do the little tourist loop in Squoodic Peninsula before flying back that night out of Bangor.

 

[Manch.]

What's your suggestion for breweries in Portsmouth, on paper it looks like Portsmouth brewery and Earth Eagle seem the best.

Earth Eagle is good from what I hear. I am not the micro brewery type of guy, but years ago Red Hook did a lot of sponsorship for our summer men's league soccer team and we went up there a few times and I really liked them.

 

[FSUTribe76]

Earth Eagle is good from what I hear. I am not the micro brewery type of guy, but years ago Red Hook did a lot of sponsorship for our summer men's league soccer team and we went up there a few times and I really liked them.

My wife and I enjoyed Red Hook's brewery while we were in Seattle. But since it's not a "native" Maine brewery we'll skip that (and Seadog and Shipyard as they have tasting rooms in Florida I've been to. Unlike someone else on here I actually liked Seadog especially their Sunfish brew).

 

[kooterridesagain]

Sounds like an awesome trip enjoy!