Sometime back, I saved a National Geographic article “Delightful detours to visit along Maine’s Route 1“. This article inspired us to start our coastal drive from the most northern coastal town of Eastport and follow Rt. 1 to Maines most southern tip. Maines Rt 1 is a two lane highway that follows the Atlantic Ocean, it cuts through many small towns and provide gorgeous ocean views. Today, we set off for a 120 mile trip from Eastport to Ellsworth. Ellsworth will be our home base for the next few days as we explore Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
Winters are harsh here along the northern coastline and that explains why this part of Rt. 1 reminded me of our drive on Alaskan Highway. Our speed was limited to around 45 and I got plenty of practice dodging bad pavement. I also had one eye constantly on my rear view mirror, checking for fallen parts. About 30 miles before getting into Ellsworth, the road turned to good and the forest opened up to many blueberry farms. It was harvest time! We love blueberry jam. Of course, we got some.
After getting settled into our campsite, tired from the drive, it was time for some fresh “lobsta”. We asked several people where to get the best and everyone said; Union River Lobster Pot.
We are staying at Timberland Acres RV Park in Ellsworth. It is about 15 miles away from Acadia NP. On Thursday we entered the park and drove the 27 mile park loop road. We were warned about amount of traffic that will be in the park. I’m thinking, it’s Thursday….we will be ok….we started around 11am, stopping at various turn off’s and by noon the road was crowded with cars. It was literally bumper to bumper. It took us a couple of hours to finally crawl our way out. We just laughed, it’s all part of our journey.
Friday, we decided to take a more leisure day of exploring. We booked a boat for a water tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia NP.
Our guide told us that 75% of America’s wealth lived in Bar Harbor during the summer from 1880s to the 1920s. Many of the residence have been kept in the family still today. Below are a few their homes.
Saturday, we drove 40 miles to Schoodic P0int, at Acadia NP northern park. It across the Bar Harbor bay. It’s less popular and there were not many people visiting. We were told that the campground is very nice, one of the best in the NP system. We couldn’t check it out, it was closed, blocked off due to the pandemic.
I’m so happy for you guys. Maine and new Hampshire are 2 of the 9 states I haven’t been to but one day hope to get up that way. Stay safe and thirsty my friends.