So you just dropped the kids off at overnight camp in Maine now what? Three or four weeks with no children to entertain can be liberating. If you are not jetting off to Europe or racing back to work, you may want to enjoy the local area at least for a few days. With the tag line ‘Vacationland’ Maine is the perfect place to be in the summer so why not extend your camp drop off or pick up trip and have a few days of relaxation and vacation time before heading back south.
With a myriad of things to do or not do Maine provides opportunity for everyone, from the outdoor enthusiast to those that love nothing more than a beautiful view and a good book. With places that are great to take the kids and places to just have some quality adult time, Maine really does have it all. Here is a brief snap shot of some of our favorite places to visit.
Local to Camp Runoia
The beautiful and peaceful Belgrade Lakes region has all of the quintessential charm of lake life. Renting a cottage on one of the large and quiet lakes is a perfectly relaxing choice. The village hosts a number of interesting curio type shops and some great food experiences. Days Stores has everything you never knew you needed including Lakeside Scoops Ice Cream. Our friend Shari is always cooking up a storm at Hello Good Pie – it’s not just pie! and the Village Inn is also an excellent dining option. Ranked best public course in Maine and with a world class view the Belgrade Lakes golf course is worth a round. Spend a few days hanging out in the local area and you’ll be feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in no time.
Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park
A little further afield but worth the drive up 95, the bustling coastal town of Bar Harbor is a great place to stay and check Maine’s National Park off your ‘must see’ list. From car camping to deluxe accommodations, hiking to scenic drives there is something for everyone. Acadia’s Mt Cadillac boasts the earliest sunrise in the US and we are pretty fond of biking on the carriage trails around the park.
Portland – Foodie City
If you don’t have time for a long stay and are heading back south as soon as drop off is done at least take time to stop for a bite to eat in Portland. The little city of the east coast has fast become a food haven with so many choices everyone will be happy. Got a little more time? Shop the Old Port, take a stroll at the most photographed lighthouse – the Portland Head Light, take the ferry out to Peaks Island or visit one of the many attractions in town the Victoria Mansion and Museum of Art are always popular.
This is obviously just a few of the spectacular Maine opportunities. Hopefully on the way too and from Camp Runoia you will have time to enjoy our great state. Still need inspiration? We have a Pinterest board for that!
We can’t wait to see you this summer.