EXPLORING MAINE WITH INNS ALONG THE COAST
SHOP OUR OUTFITS
It’s finally here- The LONG AWAITED review of our tour along the coast of Maine with Inns Along the Coast (check them out on Facebook here). I traveled to Maine this past October with my best friend and fellow blogger, Madison Freeman. We flew into Portland, rented a car, drove to a different town each day, and stayed at a new Inn every night for an entire week. It was quite the adventure and an absolute BLAST to say the least. Overall, I definitely recommend adding the Inns Along the Coast tour to your fall bucket list. It was one of the coolest experiences and we made memories that I will forever cherish. With that being said, let’s dive in to my coast of Maine travel guide. Below I’ve outlined each day of our trip, where we stayed, where we ate + drank, and what we did. I’m also linking the outfits I wore below the correlating photos- You can simply click the links to shop my looks. Enjoy!!!
DAY ONE: KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE
Sunday, October 20
WHERE TO STAY: The Captain Jefferds Inn
We absolutely loved our stay at The Captain Jefferds Inn and especially appreciated the fact that the Inn was pet-friendly! We got to hang out with the cutest furry friends during our time here. We were placed in a huge suite for the night overlooking the spacious, gorgeous property and the beds were very comfortable. The common areas at this Inn were huge and the snack station was definitely one of my favorites. Not to mention the breakfast and conversation in the morning was fantastic. There was tons to do in the quaint town of Kennebunkport and it was seriously the most charming place- Seriously, a picture perfect coastal Maine town!! Read more about our day in Kennebunkport here.
WHERE TO EAT: Breakfast at the Inn, Lunch or Dinner at Federal Jack’s Restaurant
WHAT TO DO:
Stroll to Dock Square and Kennebunkport’s shopping scene
Enjoy a walk on the beach
Borrow the inn’s bikes and ride to see Walker’s Point
Visit to Federal Jack’s Restaurant and Brew Pub, home of the Kennebunkport Brewery Company, and spend an afternoon learning how their popular Pumpkinhead ale is made. (a stop on the “Drink your way up the Coast itinerary)
Apple picking: Apple Picking – Spiller Farm (Wells, ME)
Pumpkin picking – Seacoast Trolley Museum (Kennebunkport, ME)
SHOP MY LOOK
READ MORE ABOUT OUR DAY TRIP TO KENNEBUNKPORT HERE.
DAY TWO: NEWCASTLE, MAINE
Monday, October 21
WHERE TO STAY: Newcastle Inn
We loved the gorgeous backyard views of the Damariscotta River. We were the only people staying at the inn the night we visited, and we enjoyed the rare quiet time. The french toast in the morning was absolutely delicious and our room was very comfortable! The town itself wasn’t our favorite and is probably better to visit if you’re looking for a more “local” and less touristy feel. A lot of the restaurants and shops were already closed for the season during our visit. We did have a dinner arranged that night at King Eiders Pub that was absolutely fantastic. We visited the Pemaquid Lighthouse at sunset and I would definitely consider that a must-see. On the way to our next location we went apple picking which was so much fun and definitely a check mark on my fall bucket list!!
WHERE TO EAT: Breakfast at the Inn, Lunch or Dinner at King Eiders Pub
WHAT TO DO:
Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay. Be sure to stop there on your way up to Newcastle – great photo op! This is a stop on the Fall Foliage 7 Day Leaf Peeping Tour offered by Inns Along the Coast.
Visit Split Rock Distilling in Newcastle – a stop on the “Drink Your Way up the Coast” itinerary
Apple picking: Biscay Orchards, Damariscotta, ME
Stroll through the shops in Darmariscotta & don’t miss the pumpkins on display from the Damariscotta pumpkin festival!
Visit the Pemaquid Lighthouse at sunset
SHOP THIS LOOK
DAY THREE: ROCKLAND, MAINE
Tuesday, October 22
WHERE TO STAY: Berry Manor Inn
The Berry Manor was by far the most unique and entertaining Inn we visited during our trip along the coast of Maine. The Inn itself was gorgeous and so historic!! The staff were so friendly and funny- We had fabulous, lengthy conversation with the Innkeepers that have definitely stuck with me. She recommends always booking directly through their website or over phone and to avoid going through outside booking websites for many great reasons. During our day in Rockland we walked the Harbor path to the Breakwater Lighthouse. It was definitely a chilly walk, but worth it to see the gorgeous lighthouse in the middle of the water. The breakfast at the Inn was delicious and we loved our dinner at ‘Fresh’ that night located in Camden, Maine.
WHERE TO EAT: Breakfast at the Inn, Lunch or Dinner at Fresh in Camden, ME.
WHAT TO DO:
On the way to Berry Manor Inn from Newcastle Inn, be sure to make a stop at Beth’s Farm Market, 1986 Western Rd, Warren, ME to find apples, pumpkins and so much more!
Be sure to tour the shops on Main Street in Rockland & be sure to stop by Fiore Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars for a taste.
Visit the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum
Visit Bixby Chocolate Co & taste locally made Chocolates (this is a stop on the Foodies Alongthe Coast itinerary)
Apple picking: Hope Orchards, Hope, ME, Handy Farms Orchards, Hope, ME
OTHER OPTIONS: LIMEROCK INN & GRANITE INN (PICTURED BELOW)
SHOP THIS LOOK
DAY FOUR: CAMDEN, MAINE
Wednesday, October 23
WHERE TO STAY: Hawthorn Inn
We had a very comfortable stay at the Hawthorn Inn. It was in a great location and was only a short walk to the downtown and waterfront. Camden is so gorgeous and there was a ton to do there, which we appreciated! We had the absolutely BEST time at Cellardoor Winery and I highly recommend doing a tour and wine tasting if you ever find yourself in Camden. That was by far one of the biggest highlights of our trip to Maine. After that we drove up to see the most gorgeous scenery at the top of Mount Battie- Seriously STUNNING views!! The locals recommended that we eat dinner at Long Grain, it was delicious but beware that the food is super spicy! Definitely the most authentic thai food that I’ve probably ever had.
WHERE TO EAT: Breakfast at the Inn, Lunch at Cellardoor Winery, Dinner at Long Grain
WHAT TO DO:
Be sure to tour Camden’s lovely Main Street & Harbor area
Take a drive to the top of Mount Battie for fabulous views over the harbor
Visit Cellardoor Winery (also on the Drink Your Way up the Coast itinerary). Don’t miss their 2:00pm daily tour.
Apple picking: Sewall Organic Orchard, Lincolnville, ME
DAY FIVE AND SIX: BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Thursday, October 24 and 25
WHERE TO STAY: Aysgarth Station B&B and Saltair Waterfront Inn B&B
Our first night in Bar Harbor we stayed at the Aysgarth Station and it was definitely one of my favorite Inns probably for the sole reason that the Innkeeper was the absolute BEST. She was so kind, laid-back, funny, and one of my favorite people we met during the trip along the coast. We also loved playing with her sweet, chubby black cat. The breakfast was delicious and we loved our room as well! The second night we moved to the Saltair Waterfront Inn B&B and we also really enjoyed our stay here. It had the most stunning waterfront view of The Frenchman’s Bay. Our room was so spacious and we loved the suite they placed us in. I caught up on sleep that morning and unfortunately skipped out on breakfast, but Madison said it was fantastic. During the day we walked the shore path, located directly behind the inn, which gets completely covered by water at high tide. Our favorite spot to eat in Bar Harbor had to be Sidestreet Cafe, the food was great. If you are looking to visit one place for the leaves and fall color I would definitely recommend Bar Harbor, which is a short drive from the scenic and national renown, Acadia National Park. The views there were absolutely breathtaking and that is where a majority of our vibrant photos were taken on the trip.
WHERE TO EAT: Breakfast at the Inn, Lunch at Sidestreet Cafe, Dinner at Jordan’s Restaurant
WHAT TO DO:
Get up very early and drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain to be the first to see the sun rise (great photo op)
Rent bikes and ride on the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park (part of the Adventure Along the Coast itinerary).
Take a driving tour through Acadia National Park
Go for a hike on any of the innkeepers’ favorite trails – they’ll be happy to explain
Explore downtown Bar Harbor
SHOP THIS LOOK
DAY SEVEN: FREEPORT, MAINE
Saturday, October 26
WHERE TO STAY: Brewster House Inn
Our final night of the trip we stayed at The Brewster House Inn in Freeport, Maine. This town is a short drive to the airport and although our time there was limited, we still thoroughly enjoyed our stay! We absolutely loved the Inn and the Innkeepers were so nice and accommodating! My personal favorite part was the beer that they have on tap at the Inn. I got to try a flight of beer and everything was so tasty- Especially the beer that the Innkeepers brew themselves- So neat!! Every Inn had homemade cookies and sweets for the guests to enjoy and out of all the Inns, the cookies here were hands down the most delicious. I was really sad that we had to miss breakfast the next morning to catch our flight, because I hear it’s one of the best… Which is likely true because one of the Innkeepers is a professional chef!! We hope to return some day soon to try the breakfast. :) But how sweet is this- The innkeepers made us to-go breakfast parfaits to take with us to the airport, which is just one small example of how accommodating these Innkeepers are. They seriously went above and beyond for us and for that we are so appreciative!
WHERE TO EAT: Breakfast at the Inn, Lunch or Dinner at Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro
WHAT TO DO:
Stroll down to LL Bean and be sure to explore the flagship store
Apple picking: Thompsons Apple Orchard in New Gloucester (if time allows)
Corn Maze at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester
Walk “The Shore Path” while it’s low tide to an island
The Brewster House Inn had hand selected wine and beer on tap from the #BigBrewstah
MAINE Q&A
I put a question box up on my Instagram stories and here are some of the questions I received from you guys!
Q- Were the people in Maine nice?
A- Surprisingly every single person we met was so nice and helpful! I specifically want to brag on the Innkeepers at every Inn we stayed at in Maine. I swear they were all the kindest, most genuine people. They went above and beyond to accommodate our needs and make us feel so welcome!
Q- What was your favorite Inn you stayed at?
A- Okay, this is such a hard question because each Inn was very different. I honestly couldn’t say a bad thing about any of the Inns and we loved them each for different reasons. If I had to pick one, I would probably say The Caption Jefferds Inn in Kennebunkport- We had the cutest suite with an amazing view!
Q- Is it cold there in October? What was the weather like?
A- Everyone was telling us that it’s usually much colder in Maine during the month of October. It actually wasn’t that cold during the day, some nights it did get a little chilly.
Q- What were your favorite restaurants on the trip?
A- Interestingly enough, the breakfast each morning at our Inn's were the meals I looked most forward to. There is just something about waking up to hot coffee and a warm meal. Each meal was homemade by the Innkeepers and SO delicious.
Q- If you had to pick one town to stay in which one?!
A- Each of the towns were so charming and we enjoyed them all for different reasons. If I had to narrow it down to two I would either pick Kennebunkport, just because it was adorable and there was lots to do. Or Bar Harbor/Acadia because the foliage there was unbelievable and the national parks were SO gorgeous. Lot’s of outdoor activities in that area.