When people plan a trip to Vacationland, there are the usual suspects: Kennebunkport, Portland, and Bar Harbor. The good news? All of these popular spots sit right off Route One, the coastal alternative road that winds through the state and hugs the Atlantic from the southern border with New Hampshire all the way north to the Canadian border. Not only is the route loaded with some of the best seafood shacks in the state, but it’s also studded with antique shops, local makers, and boutique hotels that are worth the trip.
Here’s how to plan a trip along Maine’s Route One.
Kittery
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A fishing harbor in Kittery, Maine.
Eat
Located on the New Hampshire border, Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier is a seasonal gem that’s been open since the 1930s. The casual spot is just past Kittery Point on the shore of the river, and regulars come by boat or car to stake out a picnic table on the dock. The menu is simple but classic: think steamed lobsters, clam chowder, and crab rolls. Chauncey Creek is BYOB, so be sure to stop at a nearby package store for one of the state’s many locally made craft beers.
Stay
Take a quick 15-minute detour south to stay in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The small town is a great place to kick off your trip, and there’s nowhere better than one of Lark Hotels’ properties in the heart of town, The Bow and Hotel Portsmouth. Each boutique hotel has a distinct feel. Hotel Portsmouth’s rooms are bright and quirky, while the newly renovated rooms at The Bow have a more serene and subdued ambiance. Both are centrally located in town, putting you a stone’s throw from some of the best restaurants in Portsmouth, like Moxy, Black Trumpet, Row 34, and of course, Gilley’s Diner for late-night hot dogs.
Do
Wander through downtown Kittery, pick up a world-famous cruller at Lil’s Cafe, and sip a cocktail at Black Birch. Hit up Bob’s for fried clams, shop at the Kittery Outlets, stop by Stonewall Kitchen to stock up on pantry staples like Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, and place an order with Slack Tide Sea Salt—a hand-harvested sea salt made with local ocean water from neighboring York—for an excellent reminder of your trip.
Kennebunkport
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The Lighthouse in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Eat
Many places will force you to choose between steamed or fried seafood, due to slammed kitchens with limited room, but that’s not a problem at The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport. Sitting on the bridge and overlooking the Kennebunk River, this small shack has been open since 1968 and offers something for every seafood enthusiast. From boxes of flawlessly fried clam strips to a potentially life-changing lobster roll served in an unassuming burger bun and absolutely stuffed with whole lobster tails, this is a must-visit.
Stay
If you can’t tear yourself away from the sailboat-studded Kennebunk River, don’t worry—thanks to the newest accommodations at The White Barn Inn, you won’t have to. The Cora Houseboat offers guests the chance to spend the night anchored to the White Barn’s private dock in a bespoke 512-square-foot houseboat, complete with a rooftop sun deck. Another ocean-inspired option is the Kennebunkport Captain’s Collection, four homes built in the 1800s that once belonged to sea captains and have been renovated into boutique accommodations. Just steps from Dock Square, Michelin Key winner AWOL Kennebunkport offers 17 cabins and suites with firepits, gas fireplaces, and some with Japanese soaking tubs.
Do
Stop by Bev’s for breakfast or a sandwich for the road; if the pork and broccoli rabe sandwich is on the menu, don’t miss it. You can browse the upscale and trendy Bliss Boutique, shop for souvenirs at the incredibly curated Seacraft Vintage, or stroll over to Dock Square and check out shops like Daytrip Society, which stocks goods from small and local makers. And since you’ll need to work up an appetite, take a walk alongside the popular Parson’s Way, which overlooks the Bush Compound on neighboring Walker’s Point. If you’re looking to hit the beach, Goose Rocks is a favorite. In this region, Route One is an antiquer’s delight—find half a dozen stores, many with deals if you’re willing to dig. Antiques USA and Bo-Mar in nearby Wells are favorites.
Wiscasset
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The road leading into Wiscasset, Maine.
Eat
When you’re approaching the bridge in Wiscasset and heading over the Sheepscot River, you’ll likely see a long line of people waiting for lobster rolls at Red’s. I prefer Sprague’s Lobster across the street. Both make fantastic rolls, but I’d rather spend my afternoon stopping around the corner at Jolie Rogers Raw Bar or taking a 15-minute drive north to Glidden Point, an oyster bar overlooking the Damariscotta River.
Stay
Take a short detour to the Squire Tarbox Inn on Westport Island. The tiny 11-room inn, originally built in 1763, is set on 12 acres of farmland and includes breakfast. Alternatively, head slightly farther north to Boothbay and spend the night at the Linekin Bay Resort. The resort feels like a summer camp, complete with sailing lessons, kayaks, and a saltwater pool overlooking the bay. Choose between oceanfront lodge rooms or cozy, dog-friendly cabins.
Do
Explore the 300-acre Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, take a ferry to Cabbage Island for a clam bake, visit horse-powered natural wine producer Oyster River Winegrowers, and stock up on road trip provisions at Morse’s Sauerkraut.
South Thomaston
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A red fishing shack in South Thomaston, Maine.
Eat
There’s no doubt that McLoons Lobster Shack is one of the most picturesque places for a meal in the state. 15 minutes south of Route One in Rockland, the red wooden shack on Spruce Head Island faces out to the harbor and looks like it belongs on a postcard. You won’t find any fried seafood here, but expect steamed clams, lobster dinners, and rolls—including the extra-large Lobster Rolls Royce. Don’t leave without a slice of blueberry pie à la mode.
Stay
The Midcoast has a range of wonderful hotels to choose from, with something for every type of traveler. If you’re a fan of historic properties, opt for a night at The Norumbega. The recently refurbished boutique hotel sits minutes outside of downtown Camden, offering guests unparalleled views of Penobscot Bay. If you’re looking to unplug after a couple of days on the road, book a stay at The Samoset, a 178-room resort on 230 acres overlooking Penobscot Bay. Take a walk down the mile-long granite pathway to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse or relax in a chaise by the pool and order piña coladas straight to your seat. If you want to get a head start on the journey ahead, consider Camp DeForest in Lincolnville, one of the Midcoast’s newest properties. The completely renovated mid-century motel and cabins capture the spirit of summer camp, complete with s’mores by the campfire, lawn games, and kayak rentals.
Do
Take a hike around the Owls Head lighthouse and catch an exhibit at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland. And when you’ve worked up an appetite again, spend some more time exploring Midcoast Maine’s food scene. Order pastries at the life-changing The Place Bakery in Camden, stop by Primo in Rockland for Oyster Sunday, grab a table at Sammy’s Deluxe for dinner in Rockland—it may be the best meal you’ll have in Maine—and visit Long Grain in Camden. Head to First Fig in Camden for a stellar selection of wines by the bottle or the glass, or grab a seat at Lucky Betty’s for a cocktail and pizza from local favorites Uproot Pie Co on select nights.
Penobscot
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Drone view of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and beautiful fall foliage.
Eat
Bagaduce Lunch is a short drive after you cross the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, the gateway that will lead you to Deer Isle. The family-owned seafood shack won a James Beard Award, named an American Classic in 2008. The riverside restaurant serves larger-than-life slabs of fried haddock sandwiched between buns, lobster rolls dressed with the ideal amount of mayo, and constantly rotating soft serve flavors.
Stay
Keep heading south, and in about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Aragosta. Chef Devin Finigan runs an award-winning restaurant and a collection of nine cottages spread across the 21-acre waterfront property on Goose Cove. If you can’t score a table for dinner, try to visit on a Sunday when the deck serves a casual à la carte menu paired with sweeping views of the bay.
Do
Take the ferry from Stonington to Isle au Haut, one of Maine’s last inhabited and unbridged islands, visit the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and take a walk around the one-of-a-kind sculpture garden at Nervous Nellie’s Jams and Jellies. Stop for a coffee at 44 North, browse for bottles at the Blue Hill Wine Shop, and make a reservation for pizza at Tinder Hearth.
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