My history with the state of Maine is limited and not all together positive. Even though it’s been close to 25 years since I visited Portland and Camden on a lifetime ago anniversary weekend, I’ve retained a few distinct impressions from that trip.
- It’s far, like really far. I remember thinking that the license plate phrase “Vacationland USA” should be changed to “Maine. It’s really f’n far.” Perhaps after all of my years driving to Wellfleet (4+ hours), I’ll be more tolerant of the drive this time around. We’ll see.
- I recall thinking that Portland was kind of classic New England and Camden charming, but I honestly don’t have any memories of the views or coastline. I don’t have a single photo from that weekend.
- This is not the fault of Maine, but we had specifically gone to Maine because we wanted to dine at Primo, chef Melissa Kelly’s (from the OG Olde Chatham Sheepherding Company) restaurant. Unfortunately, the radioactive iodine I had recently been treated with resulted in damage to my taste buds and I literally could not taste a single bite of our celebratory meal. That absolutely sucked, but I’m confident that experience will finally be put to rest after I revisit Primo this week, taste buds intact.
- The pair of Levi’s I bought in an outlet in southern Maine still fit, but since the knees are shot and they’re speckled with various colors of paint, it may be time to replace them.
So, those are my thoughts on Maine based upon a single visit a lifetime ago.
In an attempt to eradicate my poor opinion of the state, my friend and I have developed an itinerary for an upcoming visit that I believe is going to be fun and, perhaps, even mind changing.
First, we’re going to directly to Rockland, home to Primo, where we have dinner reservations. I’m really excited to taste Melissa Kelly’s food for the first time in decades and we intentionally booked a hotel that was nearby enough to walk, if we choose.
After checkout, we’ll be driving via Camden to Bar Harbor, our home for three nights. We’ll be right on the fringes of Acadia National Park, where we will direct most of our attention during our stay. The loose plan is to hike, catch both a sunrise and a sunset from a vantage point on Cadillac Mountain, and ride bikes.* We’ll probably try to find a yoga studio, too.
The weather forecast keeps changing, but I’ll be packing sweaters and rain gear, along with my hiking boots and swimsuit. Swimsuit, you ask? Yes, I’ll need it for the sauna that I found for us to enjoy over the weekend. I’m not sure if I’ll muster the courage for a cold ocean plunge, but it’s an option.
We have no plans for meals beyond our first night at Primo, but I imagine there will be a lobster roll or two consumed. We’ll have a kitchen in our cabin, but I see it more as a locale for breakfast and snacks than any real cooking. On a trip like this, I’m happy enough with takeout, simple meals and snacking.
Unless, of course, you have suggestions…
*I will be renting a bike once we’re there because I don’t like the thought of my sweet old Trek exposed to the elements on the highways for hours and hours. The cost isn’t too much of a price for peace of mind.
DelSo 