Maine Travel Questions

[rkresge]

DW and I are planning a trip to Maine in mid-Sept. Assuming we deal successfully with the whole Covid-19 issue, looking for recent experiences in coastal Maine. What's open, what's not? We're planning a couple of days at Moody Beach, then on to Bucksport, not far from Acadia. We have our National Park senior pass.

Just for example, am I right in thinking Bar Harbor might be fairly uncrowded, since cruise ships aren't happening?

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

Roger

[R.Wold]

Headed that way in Oct....

[RonLC]

There now...in Shore Hills RV park. Recent stays were The Moorings Ocean Front, Sea View, Smugglers Den, and Wild Duck. All were great except Wild Duck. Campgrounds are not crowded. Some still have closed facilities. No problem with getting spots.

They are taking the Maine Covid 19 rules very seriously. The easiest way to comply is to get a test right before you enter Maine. We got one in Burlington, VT on a Tuesday, received a phone call with results on Wednesday and entered Maine on Thursday.

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by RonLC

There now...in Shore Hills RV park. Recent stays were The Moorings Ocean Front, Sea View, Smugglers Den, and Wild Duck. All were great except Wild Duck. Campgrounds are not crowded. Some still have closed facilities. No problem with getting spots.

They are taking the Maine Covid 19 rules very seriously. The easiest way to comply is to get a test right before you enter Maine. We got one in Burlington, VT on a Tuesday, received a phone call with results on Wednesday and entered Maine on Thursday.

What was the issue with Wild Duck?

[rkresge]

OP again. To clarify, I'm not asking about campgrounds. We have our reservations. I'm interested in attractions, activities, restaurants and such. Don't want to spend time and $$$ getting there to find there's nothing to do. DW cannot hike, so our options are a bit limited. Thanks!

[PanJH]

We recently left Maine after a month and a half. Most places (restaurants) are open at limited capacity. Museums were not open when we were there. Things like local boat cruises, minigolf ,etc are open. Bars that don't serve food were not open. Bar Harbor was really quiet in early July, but started picking up by the end of July, but it is still much quieter than normal. Parking in Acadia was no problem and parking in Bar Harbor was a breeze.

[RonLC]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

What was the issue with Wild Duck?

Very tight turns for bigger RV and the old fashioned cable tv system where they loan you a box which you hook up to your tv to get it. If you don't want to pull the tv off the wall you will be out of luck.

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by RonLC

Very tight turns for bigger RV and the old fashioned cable tv system where they loan you a box which you hook up to your tv to get it. If you don't want to pull the tv off the wall you will be out of luck.

Thanks. My coach is 35’ and I don’t watch TV so it sounds like I can give this one a try. I like the area and would like to canoe on the salt marsh and shoot bird pics.

[RonLC]

Originally Posted by rkresge

OP again. To clarify, I'm not asking about campgrounds. We have our reservations. I'm interested in attractions, activities, restaurants and such. Don't want to spend time and $$$ getting there to find there's nothing to do. DW cannot hike, so our options are a bit limited. Thanks!

You will be disappointed. Mostly outside dining with social distancing, closed museums and attractions. Maine is pretty strict. But, if you like lobster, it is cheap when you buy it live or pick it up steamed to go as many places. The lobster men are starving because inside dining is mostly closed but the restaurants are still charging high prices just to make ends meet.

[RonLC]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

Thanks. My coach is 35’ and I don’t watch TV so it sounds like I can give this one a try. I like the area and would like to canoe on the salt marsh and shoot bird pics.

The place is covered up with birders. You may have to stand in line for a good shot down at the cul de sac.

Are you one of those folks who, when someone mentions a TV show, wrinkles their nose and says "Well, we don't watch much tv" ?

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by RonLC

The place is covered up with birders. You may have to stand in line for a good shot down at the cul de sac.

Are you one of those folks who, when someone mentions a TV show, wrinkles their nose and says "Well, we don't watch much tv" ?

Not in to crowds or line either so out on the marsh is probably my best bet. But a crowd of bird photographers might be interesting for a while. I’m always trying to learn more. Shot these yesterday hand held at 500mm on my property.

[Gladie]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

What was the issue with Wild Duck?

From what I’ve read, most people find the spots just too close together at Wild Duck, and they are! We have stayed there twice and like the location and quietness for two overnights. There is a big campground few miles away but too big, noisy and busy for us. There are a few nice, spacious spots at a Wild Duck. We’ve lucked out both times.

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by Gladie

Attachment 297531

From what I’ve read, most people find the spots just too close together at Wild Duck, and they are! We have stayed there twice and like the location and quietness for two overnights. There is a big campground few miles away but too big, noisy and busy for us. There are a few nice, spacious spots at a Wild Duck. We’ve lucked out both times.

Looks good to me - I’ll shoot for mid week and see what I can do - thanks!

[spuds]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

Headed that way in Oct....

Realize that pretty much all parks in Maine (and most of New England) close Columbus Day, which means you must leave that day. Many in Maine are closed by October 1.

Don't go without reservations. That way you know for sure the park is open and you have a space in one of the few open ones which will be full of leafpeepers.