Maine Road Trip Guide: Insider Tips for Coastal Summer Travel

A Vogue article offers a comprehensive guide to a summer road trip along Maine's coast, emphasizing spontaneity and insider recommendations. The author recounts a weeklong drive from Portland to Acadia National Park, highlighting key stops and local advice from Tony DeLois, co-owner of Portland's Longfellow Hotel. DeLois suggests allocating at least four days for the trip and recommends Portland as either a starting or ending point. The guide advises structuring the route around notable accommodations such as Longfellow Hotel in Portland, Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, The Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor, and Under Canvas Acadia near the national park. Spontaneous roadside stops are encouraged, particularly for seasonal berries and pre-cooked lobsters from local fish co-ops. Checking tide tables is essential for beach activities and tide pooling. To avoid crowds, the article recommends visiting less popular villages, arriving at Acadia before 8 a.m., and asking locals for dining recommendations. Antique shopping is highlighted in Wiscasset and at Indian Trail Antiques in Newcastle, with local ceramics studios ANK Ceramics and Campfire Pottery in Portland. Culinary highlights include lobster rolls from McCloons and The Travelin' Lobster, oysters at The Shop by Island Creek Oysters, and coffee at Green Tree Coffee and Tea in Lincolnville Beach.