Heading to Maine in June 04

[FD5]

My wife wants to go see the lighthouses of Maine so we are going up in June. Can anyone tell me what to expect weather wise for the 1st 2 weeks in June? Also any campground recommendations would be helpful around the center of the state on the coast. We will most likely do lighthouse day trip tours up and down the coast.



Thanks,

 

[Dean Upson]

Weather is anybodies guess anytime here in New England, but it should be pleasant at that time. If you are going to stay in the Bar Harbor area, the Bar Harbor Campground is good. There are no reservations, however and if you go after school is out, you may have a problem getting a site with full hookups. There are other campgrounds in that area that do accept reservations. We have been going to that area every fall for many years and never tire of it. Have a good trip and enjoy the beauty of New England.



Dean

 

[QRTRHRS]

It's been a bit of time since I was in Maine but I used to target the last week in May and the first week in June. I would rather put on a sweater then deal with more crowds once school is out. Too early then some places may not be open but there should be enough to not go lacking for food, etc. Planning on seeing Acadia National Park? I highly recommend it as being one of "our" crown jewels. Get through the Freeport area, hit Route 1 for a more scenic and less hectic drive then 95 can be.



For inland Maine, I like the Rangely Lakes area about two hours north of Portland followed by a run down Rt 16 to the White Mtns.



New England campgrounds used to be a bit pricy compared to other areas, especially the south. Prepare for that. You should be able to dig up some pricing on line.

 

[FJfonda]

Well, if you want to see lighthouses... . Maine is the place. We rarely stop south of Portland due to the vacationing crowds. Areas like Old Orchard Beach are nice to visit off season and a full horror story during the tourist season. Casco Bay, Muscongus Bay and Penobscot Bay are wonderful places loaded with light houses. Owls Head light house has an auto museum close by and Rockland lighthouse is at the end of a 1 mile walk across the breakwater made of granite (huge) stones. Mt Desert Island and Acadia is more commercial but done quite well and worth the visit. The 1st 2 weeks of June will still be what I call volatile weather... . or as the Mainers say, if you don't like the weather, just wait 10 min. Pretty much expect highs in the low to mid 60's, morning fog on the coast that may last until early afternoon. Nights will be brisk and could still be in the upper 40's inland. The crowds won't be bad until July 4th but I would still stay out of areas like Old Orchard Beach. If you are going inland... be prepared for the black flies. Oh, and btw... mosquito's are the state bird!! Searsport, at the top of Penobscot Bay is supposed to have nice camping facilities but I have not been there personally. We are traveling up this xmas... pm me if you want us to swing by the travel booth and grab some info.

 

[FJfonda]

John,

I pulled a few links off my favorite list.....



Dep of tourism. .

http://usa.visitmaine.com/home.php?flash=1





Moose/deer collision stats... check out month and time of day charts

http://www.state.me.us/ifw/wildlife/collisions.htm







Chipb

 

[Dean Upson]

If you get around Ellsworth, be sure to take the wife to The Big Chicken Barn. She will love you forever .



Dean

 

[FD5]

Who needs a travel planner when you have the fine members of TDR. We will try to visit everyones favorite places the 2 weeks we are in Maine.

Thanks and keep info coming,

John

 

[skobylenski]

Freeport is the outlet capitol of the east! L. L. Bean, The North Face, The Horny Toad, and a whole bunch more. There are probably 100+ stores in Freeport.



Have fun planning your trip!

Scott

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by skobylenski

Freeport is the outlet capitol of the east! L. L. Bean, The North Face, The Horny Toad, and a whole bunch more. There are probably 100+ stores in Freeport.



Have fun planning your trip!

Scott

FREEport is a misnomer:-laf :-laf



Dean

 

[Casey Balvert]

And to think, I was going to take my better half to Maine next fall. Silly me. Somebody slap me along side the head!!



Allergic to Outlet Malls Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by Casey Balvert

And to think, I was going to take my better half to Maine next fall. Silly me. Somebody slap me along side the head!!



Allergic to Outlet Malls Casey

Gee, Casey, I though we were really enjoying Pigeon Forge while the girls were shopping:-laf :-laf .



Dean

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

FREEport is a misnomer:-laf :-laf



Dean

Yeah buddy, don't dare park in a "compromised" situation if you don't want to pay the piperl, either.

 

[KR4HS]

John,

I can recommend The Little Ponderosa Campground in Boothbay, Region of central Maine. Take the Maine Turnpike to Exit 9, then take Interstate 95 to Rt 1 in Brunswick (Exit 22). Stay on Rt 1 through Wiscasset then turn right on Rt 27 (to Boothbay Harbor Region) They are about 5 miles down on the right. I was stationed in Brunswick for 10 years and though we never went to all the light houses on the coast of Maine we did go to Portland Head Light, Owls Head, and our favorite Pemaquid Lighthouse. Pemaquid is built on the most unusual rock formations you will ever see. Boothbay region is an excellent place to stay for a few days to take in the beautiful coastal area and the town of Boothbay is full of quaint gift shops and many fine seafood restaurants. We like eating Lobster and Steamers on the dock at the Lobstermans Co-Op.

We go back to New England (Maine, New Hampshire) every Fall.

Have Fun and PM me if I can be of any help.



George Smith

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

Gee, Casey, I though we were really enjoying Pigeon Forge while the girls were shopping:-laf :-laf .



Dean

I DID enjoy sitting in the park with the dogs while the girls shopped. Thank God for the park. But Dean, there is a limit to what a man should be expected to endure. Why camp next to an OUTLET MALL? Man, I can't even say "PIGEON FORGE" without breaking out into a rash. :{

 

[Qualey]

PM me if you want to see some more of the real Maine (that is if the Acadia/Freeport thing isn't for you). It is in the 60s, highs of 70s in May, but can be quite windy depending on where you are heading. Subtract ~10 degrees for coastal wind if you are heading along Route 1.



Matt