Trips on a Tank-full

BIG HITS STAFF PICKS

What's your favorite hidden gem?
Chuck: Quoddy Head State Park is fairly well hidden, up in the top-right ocean-front corner of Maine.  The drive is very relaxing, and the sight of whales swimming between the park and nearby Grand Manan Island are breath-taking.

Rick: Grafton Notch state park. Just as beautiful as Acadia, but less crowded and easier to get to.

Chris: 30 years ago it was Kettle Cove but now everyone knows about it.

Matty: Not really hidden – but my favorite is Bar Harbor.

Jon S: A few years ago, we found a cool little campground right on the ocean in Rockport called Megunticook.  It's Indian for "leaves dancing on the water", I think.  Great one room cabins, and unbeatable views for around $75 a night!

Brian: There is a quiet spot on the banks of the Androscoggin River on the Lewiston side of the bridge.  For the most part, all that can be heard is wildlife and the river.

Megan: The Heath at Thompson Lake in Casco.  The Heath doesn't allow motorized boats, and you'd have to look hard to find a quieter lake so close to Portland.

Favorite spot for a picnic with a view?
Chuck: As a boy scout, we would spend a day each Summer hiking & exploring Mt.Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH. 

Rick: Seaside cabins in Camden.

Chris: Eastern prom is always a good spot.

Matty: Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth.

Jon S: Other than my own backyard, the top of Fort Hill in Gorham has a view from Gorham to Mt Washington.

Megan: Snow Falls in West Paris.  It's technically a rest area; go past the picnic tables in the parking lot and plop down next to the falls for a better view.

Favorite beach?
Chuck: My first "Maine beach" experience was Popham Beach, which I still enjoy to this day.  It's also an educational visit with historic Ft.Popham right there at the mouth of the Kennebec River.

Rick: Pine Point in Scarborough.

Chris: Wells Beach.

Matty: Popham Beach.

Jon S: Pine Point when we want to enjoy some quiet, OOB when we want it LOUD!

Brian: Old Orchard Beach.  Between the ocean, Palace Playland, and of course Lisa's Pizza, the area had it all.

Megan: Bayview Beach in Saco.  It's out-of-the way, and has a small parking lot so the beach is rarely crowded.  
 
Favorite place to take out-of-towners?
Chuck: Don't get to do it very often, but a trip to Bootbay Harbor for lunch, sight-seeing and maybe some off-the-track shopping.  Plus, you never know who you'll bump into.

Rick: LL Bean! Everybody loves the big Duck Boot!

Chris: Porthole Restaurant in Portland for brunch.

Jon S: Portland Head Light is too obvious.  Try a walk through Kennebunkport to please anyone from "away."

Megan: Blacksmith's Winery in South Casco.  No one believes Maine would have a decent winery; until they try the Blueberry wine (or the Commissure, the Rhubarb...).

Favorite rainy day spot?
Rick: When it rains, I go shopping. What do I shop for? Records!! The Record Connection in Waterville is the best used record store in the whole state, bar none.

Chris: Home.

Matty: North Conway, NH.

Jon S: Downtown Freeport!  You can make it from one store to another without even getting wet.

Megan: We like to try out different bowling alleys.  Unlike most states, Maine offers both candlepin and big ball bowling!
 
Unexpected downtown with a lot of charm?
Chuck: My most-unexpected "downtown" surprise was Rockland.  Having travelled there for a hockey tournament with my son, we had the chance to explore the Lighthouse Museum, some fabulous Art Galleries and more.

Rick: Blue Hill. Cozy little downtown with great restaurants. Had the most amazing sticky buns at a bakery on Main St.  Lots of fun canoeing and watching loons on nearby Toddy Pond.

Chris: Always fun to stop in Wiscasset.

Matty: Saco.
 
Jon S: Camden is one of the prettiest place in Maine.  We visit every summer.
 
Brian: The downtown area in Auburn has changed and grown for the better over the last couple of years.  With new businesses opening and the Androscoggin River not too far away, the area has really drawn a lot of attention.
 
Megan: Stonington.  It's quite a drive, but it's beautiful, right on the water, and you'll find an art gallery on every corner.  
 
Best scenic drive?
Chuck: Route 1, Bar Harbor to Cutler.

Rick: It's Maine! They're all scenic!

Matty: Up the coast on Route 1.
 
Jon S: Take a ride down Route 9 in Kennebunkport, turn onto Beach Road and keep going.  You won't regret it.
 
Brian: Travelling up Route 4 in Auburn to the Rangeley Lakes Area in the fall is a treat.  At the peak of the foliage season and on a clear day, one can see for miles once in Rangeley.  Mount Washington can also be seen in the background on the clearest of days. 
 
Absolute favorite day trip you ever took?
Rick: My favorite day trips are the ones where we had absolutely no destination in mind. Packed a light overnight bag, filled up the car, picked a direction, and just drove until we found someplace cool. And since we live in Vacation land, you never have to drive too far!

Chris:  Congdon’s Donuts in Wells, Long Sands at York Beach for the day, Martel’s Ice Cream in Saco on the way back to Portland.

Matty: Cruising throughout the Lakes Region.

Jon S: Any day we can drive along the Kangamangus Highway in the White Mountains is fantastic.  You can't beat the view, and there are lots of places to stop and cool off on a hot day.

Brian: I went up to Rangeley in the middle of October and then traveled through the notches in Maine and New Hampshire.  The foliage was breathtaking and the drive was amazing and peaceful.