Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Maine this summer! Join us as we recount our incredible road trip adventure across Maine, powered by the delightful snacks from Love with Food. From the rugged peaks and breathtaking coastline of Acadia National Park to the vibrant culinary scene of Portland, Maine, this comprehensive guide will take you through every scenic turn and memorable moment of our coastal exploration. Get ready to discover why Maine is the ultimate road trip destination!
Before diving into the detailed itinerary of our Maine adventure, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you. Your incredible support, kind words, and invaluable feedback on my recent post have truly meant the world to me. It’s your encouragement that fuels my passion and motivates me to share these experiences every single day. From the depths of my heart, thank you for being an amazing community.
Now, let’s talk about Maine – a state that completely redefined my perception of the outdoors.
From City Girl to Outdoor Enthusiast: My Unexpected Maine Revelation
For most of my life, I’ve proudly identified as a city girl. Having always lived amidst urban landscapes, it seemed like an intrinsic part of my identity. Even after spending eleven summers surrounded by the verdant hills of New Hampshire, the idea of being “outdoorsy” never quite resonated with me. I preferred pavement to hiking trails, bustling cafes to quiet campsites. Yet, something profound shifted within me.
Perhaps it was a spontaneous spiritual awakening, a “Freaky Friday” moment where I swapped personalities with a wilderness woman alter ego. Or, more plausibly, it might have been the influence of dating a man whose soul belongs to the mountains. I’ll let you decide which scenario sounds more accurate.
Five years spent alongside someone who embraces solo winter camping trips and meticulously crafts leather sheaths for his knife collection (a hobby far less alarming than it sounds, I promise!) inevitably began to rub off on me. Slowly but surely, my urban inclinations gave way to a burgeoning desire for nature. Now, I seize every opportunity to escape the concrete jungle and immerse myself in the great outdoors.
So, when C mentioned he had a conference scheduled in Portland, Maine, my mind immediately began to race with possibilities. This was it – our chance for an epic Maine road trip! I wasted no time planning an itinerary that would take us from the majestic Acadia National Park, winding down the picturesque coastline, all the way to the charming city of Portland. And believe it or not, this entire adventure was spontaneously mapped out in less than 48 hours. Talk about embracing the spirit of the open road!
To be entirely frank, my knowledge of Maine’s must-see destinations was quite limited. Acadia and Portland were on my radar, and I’d made a few summer trips to Ogunquit years ago, but beyond that, I was largely unaware of the state’s hidden gems. What unfolded over the next few days, however, was an experience far richer and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Maine completely captivated me.
With our camping gear packed and a spirit of adventure guiding us, C and I set off on the long drive, traversing the vast landscapes of Ontario and Quebec before finally crossing into the rugged beauty of Northern Maine. From there, our route led us eastward to Acadia, then south along the iconic Coastal Route 1, culminating in the vibrant city of Portland. I am absolutely thrilled to share every detail of this unforgettable journey with you. Buckle up, and let’s relive the ride!
The Journey East: A Long Drive Paves the Way to Adventure
Our grand adventure commenced on a bright Saturday morning with the essential first stop: picking up our rental car. Our ambitious plan was to complete a twelve-hour drive in a single day, a decision that, in hindsight, was perhaps a tad overly optimistic. And while I use the term “we” quite generously, it must be admitted that I contributed approximately 0.5% of the total driving, primarily to allow C to catch up on some much-needed rest while I navigated the open highway.
Despite its length, the initial leg of our journey was surprisingly uneventful and passed quickly, thanks in large part to the engaging Startup podcast, which kept our minds entertained, and a generous supply of delicious snacks from Love with Food. Beyond the notoriously monotonous stretch between Toronto and Montreal, a route we’ve traversed countless times, the scenery was unexpectedly captivating. The landscape gradually transformed, becoming increasingly picturesque as we approached and finally crossed the border into the majestic state of Maine. The anticipation of the adventures ahead filled the air, making every mile worthwhile.
Acadia National Park: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Upon entering Maine, we navigated our way “Down East” to our first major destination: Acadia National Park. Our home for the next few nights was Mount Desert Campground, a serene spot nestled amidst nature. We arrived at 10:00 PM, pitching our tent under the cloak of darkness and immediately lighting a roaring campfire. This moment marked the official beginning of our immersive camping experience, a true embrace of the wilderness.
Our first morning in Acadia greeted us with pouring rain. Instead of succumbing to disappointment over missed hiking opportunities, we embraced the unexpected. We retreated into the cozy confines of our tent, indulging in some quiet reading, brainstorming ideas, and simply reveling in the peace and solitude of nature’s symphony. Eventually, the clouds parted, and the sun emerged, signaling it was time to hit the trails and discover Acadia’s famous paths.
Conquering The Beehive: An Adrenaline-Fueled Ascent
Before our trip, I had asked for your recommendations on trails, and “The Beehive” was mentioned countless times. Little did I know what I was getting myself into! Thankfully, I have no fear of heights; otherwise, my shouts of protest would have echoed across the mountain. What we quickly learned about Acadia’s trails is that they are renowned for being short but incredibly steep, and The Beehive is no exception. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a thrilling, near-vertical ascent featuring iron rungs and ladders bolted directly into the rock face. It’s more of a via ferrata or free climb experience than a traditional walk, offering unparalleled exhilaration and truly breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. It was challenging, a little crazy, but absolutely an incredible and unforgettable experience that pushed us out of our comfort zone.
Serenity on The Bowl Trail and Gorham Mountain
From the adrenaline rush of The Beehive, we transitioned to the more serene paths of The Bowl Trail, which eventually led us to the summit of Gorham Mountain. This part of the hike offered a wonderful contrast, with gentler slopes and lush scenery. At the Gorham Mountain summit, we discovered an unexpected bounty: wild blueberries! We spent a delightful time picking and savoring these fresh, sweet berries amidst a gentle fog that enveloped the peak, creating a truly magical and peaceful moment. These trails come highly recommended for anyone planning a visit to Acadia, offering a diverse range of hiking experiences. However, if you have a fear of heights or are prone to clumsiness, it might be wise to admire The Beehive from afar and stick to the equally beautiful, but less precipitous, Gorham Mountain trails.
Evening at the Campsite: Relaxation and Culinary Delights
After a full day of invigorating hiking, we drove the scenic park loop back to our campsite. The evening routine was a comforting rhythm of nature: preparing a delicious dinner over an open flame, unwinding by the crackling fire with good books, and C diligently working on his leather sheath – a persistent hobby that, despite my playful exasperation, I’ve grown to appreciate as part of his unique charm. We embraced an early bedtime, anticipating a very early morning wake-up call to catch the legendary sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
For dinner, we concocted a simple yet satisfying meal of pasta with fresh vegetables. Our Love with Food box had thoughtfully included a package of Banza chickpea pasta, which, when combined with a selection of locally sourced vegetables, created the perfect, nourishing meal after a day of physical exertion. It was a testament to how easy and delicious camp cooking can be with the right provisions.
Cadillac Mountain and Sand Beach: Iconic Acadia Views
As fate would have it, one of us (not me, thankfully!) experienced a significant bout of dehydration, which, unfortunately, meant our planned sunrise expedition to Cadillac Mountain had to be postponed. While initially a slight disappointment, we quickly found solace in sleeping in, enjoying a leisurely breakfast by the warmth of our campfire, and then driving up Cadillac Mountain around lunchtime instead. The views from the summit were nothing short of spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Although hiking it at dawn would have been magnificent, we were immensely grateful to simply be there, absorbing the incredible scenery under the midday sun. Following our visit to Cadillac, we descended back down the park loop, making our way to the renowned Sand Beach, where we were mesmerized by the stunning interplay of rugged cliffs and picturesque coastal landscape. It was the perfect way to cap off our Acadia exploration, combining majestic mountain views with serene beach beauty.
Coastal Route 1: A Scenic Drive to Portland
After a quick but satisfying lunch stop in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor, it was time to redirect our road trip south towards our next destination: Portland. Opting for the more picturesque, albeit slightly longer, journey, we chose to follow the iconic Coastal Route 1. This scenic highway meanders through a series of quaint New England towns, each boasting its own unique character and charm. We thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely drive, taking in the breathtaking coastal vistas and stopping periodically to stretch our legs. One such stop was in the idyllic town of Camden, where we paused for a revitalizing coffee and a snack, indulging in some delightful window shopping along its historic streets. While we would have loved to embark on a whale watching tour or explore some of Maine’s famous lighthouses, our desire to reach Portland before nightfall prioritized getting us to our hotel. This simply means those experiences are now on our list for a return visit!
Portland, Maine: A Culinary and Cultural Gem
Upon our arrival in Portland, we quickly settled into our hotel room in South Portland, conveniently located near C’s conference venue. With the camping gear swapped for city clothes, we made our way to downtown Portland, eager to explore its renowned culinary scene. Following several enthusiastic recommendations, we chose Boda for dinner, and it did not disappoint! The Thai Shrimp Skewers, in particular, were an absolute revelation – truly unreal in their flavor and presentation. (Apologies, I was so engrossed in the deliciousness that I completely forgot to capture any photos!)
A Solo Day of Exploration and Indulgence in Portland
The following day, with C occupied by his conference, I seized the opportunity to explore Portland at my own pace. My solo adventure quickly transformed into a delightful culinary tour. My day began with a rich coffee from Bard Coffee, providing the perfect fuel for catching up on some work in a cozy atmosphere. For lunch, I enjoyed a delicious meal at Flatbread Company, known for its organic, wood-fired pizzas. However, the undisputed highlight of my gastronomic journey was undoubtedly The Holy Donut. Seriously, if you find yourself in Portland, you absolutely MUST visit this place! Their potato donuts are beyond exquisite – moist, flavorful, and truly a highlight of our entire trip. I also made a hopeful stop at Bam Bam Bakery, seeking a gluten-free whoopie pie, but alas, they were all out during my visit. A reason to return, perhaps!
Over the course of my two days exploring Portland, I took a refreshing walk along the scenic Eastern Promenade, offering stunning views of Casco Bay. I also indulged in another excellent coffee at Speckled Ax and enjoyed a fresh, wholesome lunch at Local Sprouts Coop, known for its locally sourced ingredients. Had we been blessed with more time, I would have absolutely loved to experience the fresh seafood at Eventide Oyster Co. and sampled the famous duck fat fries at Duckfat. But, as all seasoned travelers know, leaving a few things unexplored only provides the perfect excuse to plan a return trip to this charming city!
The Journey Home and a Special Thank You
As all good things must come to an end, we eventually embarked on our long drive home, traversing the landscapes of Massachusetts and New York, with the timeless tunes of James Taylor accompanying us every mile of the way. The memories of Maine, however, continued to play vividly in our minds.
A colossal thank you is absolutely due to Love with Food for playing such an integral role in making this road trip not only possible but also incredibly enjoyable and stress-free. I honestly cannot overstate the sheer convenience of having a thoughtfully curated, pre-packaged snack box filled with delicious and wholesome options. It ensured that we were never left hungry, even during long stretches on the road or challenging hikes. The element of surprise, opening the box to discover a variety of tasty treats, added an extra layer of fun to our journey. I wholeheartedly recommend subscribing to their service if you’re planning any kind of road trip, whether it’s a solo adventure or a family getaway with picky eaters. It caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Furthermore, their commitment to social good is inspiring: for every month you’re a member and for each purchase you make, they generously donate one meal to a food bank. It’s a brand that truly aligns with making a positive impact.
On an exciting note, I’m thrilled to share that Love with Food is now **launching in Canada!** For all my Canadian readers, be sure to sign up to be among the first to receive their amazing boxes in Canada (they also ship extensively across the US). As a special welcome, you can receive **40% off your first Deluxe Box order**! I have no doubt that you will fall in love with their selections, just as we did.
I genuinely hope you enjoyed accompanying me on this spectacular virtual road trip through Maine. I experimented a bit with the layout and storytelling in this post, and I hope you found it engaging and informative. It was truly a pleasure to bring you along for every twist and turn of our journey. And as always, for an even deeper dive into our adventures, including behind-the-scenes moments and a peek at all the delicious snacks we enjoyed, be sure to check out the accompanying video!
Disclaimer: This unforgettable road trip was made possible through a collaboration with Love with Food. I received compensation for my time and contributions in sharing this experience. Your support for THM is deeply appreciated!