dress code and laundromats

Question

Hello, starting to pack and wondering if there are any restaurants that have a specific dress code? My husband prefers jeans and shorts but I can throw in a pair of khakis too. He wears collared shirts in the evening instead of t-shirts. I will have a variety of clothing, and we won't eat fancy all the time, just like quiet places when possible, which tend to be the more expensive places unfortunately.

Our trip is nearly two weeks long and I'm thinking midway through, I may need to do a couple loads of laundry. Has anyone been to the laundromat in Bar Harbor or Camden? We are not light packers anyway and staying 5 different places, (Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor, Camden, Boothbay Harbor, and Boston last night). It will be embarrassing to bring all of our luggage in each place! We will minimize as much as possible.

Weather in mid-July looks like high of around mid-80's, low's mid 50's so we will bring layers and wear as much as we can on the plane! Thanks everyone.

Answer

For your trip to Maine, it's great that you're planning ahead! Here’s some advice on dress codes for restaurants and laundry options, plus what to expect for the weather.

Regarding restaurant dress codes, most places in Bar Harbor, Camden, and the other coastal towns in Maine are fairly casual, but there are a few spots that may have a slightly more elevated atmosphere or require "resort casual" attire. Based on your description of your husband's preferred clothing (jeans and shorts, collared shirts), you should be fine at most restaurants. Here’s a breakdown:

Casual restaurants: Many restaurants in Bar Harbor and Camden are laid-back and welcome people in jeans, shorts, and collared shirts. Some of the more casual, seafood-focused places won’t have any issues with this type of attire.
More upscale restaurants: For finer dining or more upscale places (think waterfront dining spots or those with a bit of a "resort feel"), wearing khakis or nice jeans and a collared shirt is a good choice. You might want to avoid wearing shorts at these establishments, but they’re generally pretty flexible about it, especially for evening meals. Restaurants like Stewman's Lobster Pound or McKays Public House would be great choices, and you’ll likely see others in smart casual attire.
Fancy places: If you’re planning to go to a more formal place, you might want to throw in something a little more polished, but most coastal Maine restaurants are not excessively formal.

For laundromats, both Bar Harbor and Camden have laundromats that should be able to help you out if you need to do laundry during your trip. Here are a few options:

Bar Harbor:
- Bar Harbor Laundry – Located at 18 Cottage Street, it’s a well-regarded laundromat with self-service options. It’s a good spot for washing clothes if you're in town for a few days and need to do a load or two.
- Atlantic Laundry – Another option in Bar Harbor, located at 125 Cottage Street, this laundromat also offers self-service laundry with coin-operated machines and is clean and easy to use.
Camden:
- Camden Laundry – Located on Washington Street, this laundromat is an easy stop if you find yourself needing to freshen up your clothes while staying in Camden.

Mid-July weather in Maine can be quite pleasant, but there’s always the chance of it being cooler in the evenings, especially by the coast. With highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 50s, layers will be very helpful for staying comfortable. You might want to pack a light sweater or jacket for the evenings when it cools down by the water, and you can wear layers during the day to adjust for changing temperatures. It's also worth packing sunscreen for the daytime and maybe a hat or sunglasses for extra protection.

Overall, Maine in mid-July is beautiful, and you'll have lots of options for both casual and more refined dining. Laundry options are available to help keep your bags manageable, and the weather should be fairly warm with a cool breeze in the evening.

Have a wonderful trip, and don’t hesitate to ask if you need more specific advice!