Looking for Ideas

Question

I love Maine and have visited many times. Usually traveling/driving with my dog and winging it. I’m flying out by myself for a week in September to see the coast again. As far as the coast goes, I have been as far east as Eastport and down the coast to Portland several times. I’ve was in Bar Harbor in the good old days before it got so crowded and a few more times since. Now my questions….

I am flying into Bangor Sept 12. I depart Sept 19 from Portland. I plan to spend a night in/near Bangor the first night as I might be too tired to drive. Where should I stay? I realize Bar Harbor isn’t that far, but I haven’t decided if I will go there. From Bangor I was thinking about Arcadia for a couple days but now I’m wondering if I should skip Arcadia and go somewhere else for a couple of days. I’ve been to Castine which I loved but it was pretty much closed down when I was there. Any suggestions? Blue Hill? Other spots? I will then wander down the coast filling up on lobster, hitting Camden for a night, somewhere for a night (not sure where) and then Portland for a night or two before I leave. I might do some easy hikes. I’m an older senior but can still skip, hop and jump : ). All suggestions for my little adventure are appreciated including locations and eateries. Thank you!

Answer

Flying into Bangor on September 12, it’s a good idea to stay near the airport or in a nearby town to rest before starting your coastal exploration. Bangor has several comfortable and convenient options.

For your first night near Bangor:

Hollywood Casino Hotel: Near Bangor International Airport, comfortable, quiet, and easy access after a late flight.
Residence Inn by Marriott Bangor: Offers spacious rooms and suites, good for relaxing after travel.
Hampton Inn Bangor: Centrally located with easy access to dining and casual evening walks.

From Bangor, heading east towards Mount Desert Island is classic, but since you’re reconsidering Bar Harbor, there are several quieter alternatives that still offer the charm and coastal Maine scenery you love.

Alternative spots to Arcadia/Bar Harbor for 2–3 days:

Blue Hill: A beautiful, artistic village with galleries, shops, and a small harbor. You can enjoy easy walks, casual local dining, and some scenic hikes nearby.
Castine (again): If you liked it previously, it can be a peaceful stop; even if shops are limited, the harbor and historic architecture are delightful for photography and gentle strolls.
Penobscot Bay area: Consider towns like Rockland, Owls Head, or Stonington. Rockland has the Farnsworth Art Museum, a nice downtown, and coastal views. Owls Head Lighthouse and nearby easy walking trails make for pleasant half-day outings.

After your mid-coast stops, continue south along the coast:

Camden: A charming town with Mt. Battie for an easy hike and sweeping views, shops, and restaurants along the harbor. A night here is ideal to enjoy the harbor at sunset and have dinner with views.
Boothbay Harbor: Consider a night here for its quintessential Maine harbor feel. You can walk around the shops, enjoy a lobster dinner, or take a short harbor cruise if you’re up for it.
Portland: For your final night or two, stay downtown or in the Old Port area for easy walking access to restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and scenic views along the waterfront.

Dining suggestions along the way:

Mid-coast Maine: Standard Maine lobster shacks such as Thurston’s Lobster Pound (Belfast area) or Young’s Lobster Pound (Southport). Blue Hill has some excellent small cafes and bakeries.
Camden: Francine Bistro, Long Grain, or Cappy’s Chowder House for seafood classics.
Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Lobster Wharf, The Lobster Dock, or Ports of Italy for casual yet flavorful meals.
Portland: Eventide Oyster Co. for seafood, The Honey Paw for casual but creative dishes, and Duckfat for a fun, local favorite.

Easy hikes and walks suitable for gentle activity:

Blue Hill Peninsula: Blue Hill Mountain Trail or Shipyard Trail for scenic coastal and forest views.
Camden Hills State Park: Mt. Battie Trail is a short, moderate hike with panoramic views over Penobscot Bay.
Portland: Eastern Promenade offers an easy waterfront walk with views of Casco Bay and lighthouses.

This itinerary gives a blend of coastal charm, easy outdoor activity, and excellent seafood experiences while keeping crowds and overly touristy areas manageable in September.