Friday: Arrival and First Impressions
Our adventure began with an upgraded first-class flight from CLT to PWM, a delightful surprise that set the tone for our trip. Our fellow passenger was an absolute gentlemen! 😉 Upon landing, Shaun’s dad’s girlfriend warmly greeted us and took us to Shaun’s dad’s home in Southern Maine. From there, we embarked on our journey north in Shaun’s dad’s 2005 Honda S2000, a sleek convertible that offered breathtaking views but posed some challenges with its limited trunk space.
Our first stop was a visit to “The Farm,” Shaun’s grandparents’ former property. Now a thriving homestead with chickens, turkeys, and pigs, it was heartwarming to see the new owners continuing the farming tradition. After a nostalgic tour, we resumed our drive to Bar Harbor.
We encountered a hiccup with our hotel reservation, but luck was on our side. We were upgraded from a lower-rated motel to the high-rated West Hotel, perfectly located near numerous restaurants and shops. Our first meal was a late dinner at the Thirsty Whale Tavern, where we enjoyed a fried fisherman’s platter, cider, and blueberry ale. The food was delicious, and the traditional Maine-ahs’ quick service was impressive.
Saturday: Exploring Bar Harbor
Saturday started with a visit to Acadia National Park. Despite the rain and crowds, the beauty of the park was undeniable. We took a brief nap to recharge before Shaun ventured out to capture stunning drone footage of the harbor post-storm.
Emily and I later explored the hotel’s amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool and a top-floor pool table. That evening, we dined at Geddy’s with Emily’s out-of-state friends. The Mini Lobster Bake and half-pound lobster roll were highlights, and we finished the night with blueberry pie and chocolate cake. Geddy’s popularity meant a long wait for others, so reservations are a must during peak season.
We concluded the evening with drinks at Finback Alehouse, where a band struggled with technical issues, adding an unexpected twist to our night out.
Sunday: Acadia and Scenic Views
Sunday’s clear weather called for another visit to Acadia National Park. We enjoyed breakfast at Jordan Pond House, known for its popovers. The lobster popover was unique but a bit too soft due to the warm butter.
Our drive to Bass Harbor Headlight revealed Acadia’s vastness, with eerie fog adding to the scenic experience. Later, we visited Cadillac Mountain, where the panoramic views and rolling clouds were mesmerizing.
Dinner at Testa’s was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip. The charming restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and inviting atmosphere, did not disappoint. We were fortunate to walk right in for an early dinner, avoiding the usual peak-time crowds. The weather was perfect, allowing the restaurant to open its windows, giving us a delightful view down to the harbor from our table.
Emily decided to try the fish tacos, and she was thrilled with her choice. She declared them the best fish tacos she’d ever had, thanks to the generous serving of perfectly cooked fish, fresh toppings, and flavorful sauces. The combination of textures and flavors was simply outstanding.
Shaun opted for the lobster mac and cheese, which initially raised some eyebrows due to the unusually pink lobster meat. However, any doubts quickly vanished after the first bite. The dish was rich, creamy, and packed with succulent lobster, making it one of the best lobster mac and cheese dishes Shaun had ever tasted.
After our delicious meal, we took a leisurely stroll around town before deciding to return to Testa’s later that evening for drinks. The bar area was cozy and inviting, and we were lucky enough to be served by Jordan, a bartender whose friendly and personable service made our experience even better. Jordan was quick to make drink recommendations and engage in pleasant conversation, adding a personal touch to our evening.
We enjoyed a couple of well-crafted cocktails, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and reflecting on the wonderful time we’d had in Bar Harbor. Our evening at Testa’s was a perfect blend of excellent food, delightful company, and exceptional service, making it a standout memory from our trip.
Monday: Heading South
Packing the S2000 was a challenge, but we managed to fit everything back in, thanks to some strategic maneuvering. We started our day with breakfast at The Stadium, a popular spot known for its delicious popovers. Emily couldn’t resist ordering a few more popovers, despite some being slightly undercooked. They came with homemade blueberry jam, which was absolutely delicious.
Shaun tried The Downeaster, a unique breakfast sandwich featuring a homemade toasted roll stuffed with 2 oz of fresh-picked lobster meat, egg soufflé, brown butter aioli, and smashed avocado. It was unlike anything he had tasted before, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
With no seating available at The Stadium, we took our breakfast to a nearby bench. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy our meal. Afterward, we treated ourselves to some goodies from Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, located right next door. Their array of treats, especially the ice cream, was a delightful way to end our breakfast outing.
Our drive south included a stop at Shaun’s mom’s workplace in Falmouth, followed by dinner at Ken’s in Scarborough. Despite mixed reviews, the fried food left us satisfied. We then settled in at Shaun’s dad’s home for the night.
Tuesday: Old Orchard Beach
Tuesday took us to Old Orchard Beach (OOB), reminiscent of a smaller Myrtle Beach filled with Quebecers. We savored Lisa’s Pizza onion rings and fish tacos from JJs. A beer on the Pier provided the perfect people-watching spot.
One of the most memorable stops was at Dairy Corner, a beloved ice cream stand that holds a special place in Shaun’s heart. Growing up, Shaun’s parents would often bring him and his brother here, and the tradition continues every time he visits Maine. Naturally, he couldn’t resist getting his favorite treat, the peanut butter cup sundae. The rich, creamy ice cream loaded with chunks of peanut butter cups was as delightful as he remembered, bringing back fond childhood memories with each bite. Dinner at the Clambake in Scarborough capped off our day with more delectable fried seafood.
Wednesday: Relaxation and Farewells
Our final day was low-key, with breakfast sandwiches from a local store and dinner at Sea Salt. The lobster mac and cheese and fish tacos were fantastic, and blueberry drinks were a fitting end to our Maine culinary adventures. Another visit to Dairy Corner for ice cream rounded out our day.
Thursday: Departure
An early start and a smooth TSA experience at PWM contrasted with the construction chaos at CLT. Despite this, our return home was hassle-free, capping off an unforgettable trip.
Shaun, a lifelong Mainer, discovered the beauty of Bar Harbor for the first time and looks forward to returning. Next time, we plan to bring the trailer for a longer stay, ready to explore more of Maine’s stunning landscapes and charming towns.
