trip to maine last minute love meaningful input!

Question

onsidering going to portland saturday to do 6 days in maine from portland to bar harbor and back any recs re absolute best places to stay and also best foodie spots! serious about food and really nice accomodation ... will def do acadia but love input on top places to stay and eat like amazing farm to table type of restaurants would love any input.. thought we would stay first day in portland then start the drive up to bar harbor then return to portland to leave

Answer

It sounds like you're in for a fantastic 6-day Maine trip, filled with gorgeous scenery and amazing food. Maine has become a foodie destination, with an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants and charming accommodations. Here's a guide to some of the best places to stay and eat along your route from Portland to Bar Harbor and back:

Day 1: Portland
Portland is a great starting point, with a vibrant food scene, craft breweries, and some beautiful boutique hotels.

Where to stay:
- The Press Hotel – A stylish and upscale option, housed in a former newspaper building. The Press Hotel offers modern, chic accommodations with a historic feel and is located near the heart of Portland's Old Port.
- Portland Harbor Hotel – Located in the waterfront district, this is a classic luxury hotel that’s perfect for a peaceful start to your trip. The rooms are lovely, and it’s an easy walk to the best of Portland’s dining and shopping.
- St. Lawrence House – For a more intimate, boutique experience, St. Lawrence House offers cozy accommodations in a historic building, right in the heart of Portland. It’s perfect for those who love charm with a modern twist.
Where to eat:
- Eventide Oyster Co. – A must-visit in Portland, known for its creative seafood dishes. Don’t miss their famous brown butter lobster roll.
- Fore Street – A top-tier farm-to-table spot, Fore Street offers an exceptional menu focused on local ingredients. Their wood-fired dishes are incredible, and they have a fantastic wine list to pair with your meal.
- The Honey Paw – A modern take on Asian cuisine, focusing on noodles and other dishes that are locally sourced. The flavors here are bold and unique.

Day 2-3: Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
Make your way up the coast to Bar Harbor, where you'll be surrounded by stunning nature, quaint streets, and some of the best food Maine has to offer.

Where to stay:
- Jordan Pond House – Located right inside Acadia National Park, this historic spot is perfect for nature lovers. You can enjoy a meal with beautiful views of the pond and surrounding mountains. It's also a great spot to start your hike around the park.
- Bar Harbor Inn – A classic and elegant hotel with beautiful ocean views. It’s just a short walk to the shops and restaurants in Bar Harbor and offers a lovely place to relax after exploring Acadia.
- The Bayview Hotel – A more intimate and boutique hotel option with sweeping views of Frenchman Bay. Located a bit outside of the town center, it offers a peaceful retreat.
Where to eat:
- Havana – One of Bar Harbor’s best restaurants, known for its creative menu that blends local Maine ingredients with flavors from around the world. The atmosphere is cozy, and the food is top-notch.
- Stewman’s Lobster Pound – A must for a traditional Maine lobster bake. While it's a bit more casual, the lobster is fresh, and the waterfront setting is unbeatable.
- Jordan Pond House – The iconic tea house inside Acadia National Park serves a famous popover and Maine blueberry jam. Perfect for a light, scenic lunch after a hike.

Day 4-5: The Return Journey to Portland
As you make your way back south, there are a few spots to check out on the way, including Camden and Rockland, both of which offer incredible food and beautiful scenery.

Where to stay:
- Lord Camden Inn – A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Camden, offering cozy accommodations and easy access to local restaurants and shops.
- Rockland Harbor Hotel – A more budget-friendly option that offers great views of the harbor and is close to some of the best restaurants and galleries in Rockland.
Where to eat:
- Fresh off the Farm – Located in Rockland, this place focuses on local, seasonal ingredients. The food is fresh, simple, and delicious.
- Camden Harbour Inn – The restaurant here, Natalie's, is one of the best in the area. They serve innovative farm-to-table dishes with an emphasis on local produce and seafood.

Day 6: Final Day in Portland
Finish your Maine adventure back in Portland, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch before heading back.

Where to eat:
- Standard Baking Co. – For breakfast or lunch, this bakery is a Portland institution. Their pastries and breads are incredible, especially the croissants and morning buns.
- Central Provisions – A great spot for brunch, with a menu that focuses on small plates made with fresh, local ingredients. Their cocktails are also fantastic!

With these suggestions, you’ll get the perfect mix of Maine’s breathtaking scenery, amazing farm-to-table dining, and fantastic accommodations. Enjoy your trip! Maine truly offers something special for every traveler, whether you're after outdoor adventure or a relaxing food-filled getaway.

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