traveling coast soon, reservations?

Question

Hello, We are traveling the Maine coast soon (fly into Boston with lodging reservations in Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor, Camden, and Boothbay Harbor). Sadly, my husband is terminally ill and we are not sure how he will feel day to day. We want to be able to see and do what he feels up to each day but I'm not sure what we would need reservations for in advance. I have a reservation to drive up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, and definitely want to see the Botanical Garden in Boothbay but I hate to make all these reservations and then my husband doesn't feel good. On the other hand, if he feels good and we have no reservations for anything, that's no good either. Some things, I'm hoping we can decide on the very day we would like to go. Besides the two things I mentioned, what else must we have reservations for in advance? Restaurant reservations? I hate canceling (especially if we lose money) but we will do our best to make it work out. If you suggest I post in each locale's forum, I can do that as well. Thanks

Answer

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's health, and I completely understand your desire to make the trip flexible and as stress-free as possible. Traveling along the Maine coast can be a wonderful and peaceful experience, and the good news is that many places in Maine allow for last-minute flexibility, especially if you’re able to avoid peak season crowds. Here’s some advice to help you plan while keeping things adaptable:

### What You Should Definitely Make Reservations For:

Cadillac Mountain Drive: You mentioned having a reservation for driving up Cadillac Mountain, which is essential since the summit road often requires a timed entry ticket during peak seasons, especially in Acadia National Park. It’s a popular spot, and getting in without a reservation can be difficult, so this one is definitely a must-have.
Restaurant Reservations: For dinner reservations, especially in popular places like Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor, it's a good idea to make reservations in advance. Even if you don’t know exactly when you’ll feel up for dinner, you can always call and modify or cancel with advance notice. Some well-known spots can get very busy, particularly during the summer and fall months.
- Examples: In Bar Harbor, restaurants like Havana or Stewman's Lobster Pound tend to fill up quickly.
- For Boothbay Harbor, Ocean Point Inn and The Boothbay Harbor Inn are popular choices.
Botanical Gardens (Boothbay): Since you’ve mentioned visiting the Botanical Gardens, it's a good idea to check their website for any possible reservations or timed entry. If you want to guarantee entry on a specific day, making a reservation would be the safest option, but they might also allow for walk-ins depending on availability.

### Flexible Options (No Reservations Needed):

Acadia National Park: Outside of the Cadillac Mountain summit road reservation, you generally don’t need reservations for hiking or exploring the park. You can decide on the spot whether you feel up to visiting other parts of the park, such as Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, or taking a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road.
Coastal Drives: Maine’s coastal towns are all lovely to explore with beautiful drives and viewpoints. The scenic byways don’t require reservations, so you can easily decide on the day whether you want to do a leisurely drive through places like Camden, Rockport, and Boothbay.
Walking and Exploring Downtown Areas: Towns like Kennebunkport, Camden, and Bar Harbor are small enough that you can stroll around the shops, galleries, and waterfronts without needing to commit to anything in advance. It’s a great way to enjoy the sights without pressure.

### Things You Don’t Need to Reserve but Should Consider:

Boat Tours/Whale Watching: If you’re interested in taking a boat tour, some of them do accept walk-ins, but in peak season, they can get fully booked. I’d suggest making a reservation a few days ahead of time if you think you’d like to do one, but again, it’s not a necessity if your plans are more flexible.
Kayaking/Canoeing: If you’re interested in a more active day, you can rent kayaks or canoes in places like Bar Harbor or Camden. These rentals typically don’t require reservations, although calling ahead to confirm availability could help, especially on nice weather days.

### Cancellation Policies:

Regarding cancellations, many places, especially restaurants and some attractions, will allow you to cancel or reschedule if needed. Be sure to check their policies when you make reservations. Most will offer flexibility, but it’s always a good idea to confirm any cancellation fees or windows for changes in advance.

### Conclusion:

Ultimately, your best strategy might be to book the more popular or time-sensitive activities (like Cadillac Mountain and some restaurants) but keep the rest of your itinerary flexible. Maine is a great place for spontaneous exploration, and there’s no shortage of beautiful places you can enjoy without worrying about reservations.

I hope this advice helps ease some of the pressure of planning and allows you and your family to enjoy this special trip to Maine together. Wishing you both comfort and joy during your travels!

traveling coast soon, reservations?

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