Maine – it’s a classic summer vacation but this one had some unique twists. Bar Harbor, Acadia trails, sailing on a 1922 vintage schooner. the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and a couple of busy days in Portland with history guides, lighthouses and culinary stops. All made for an enjoyable trip for guests, some of which had never sailed or been to Maine. With a group of four good friends and some new ones + a daughter, there were many memorable experiences we all hold. Who can beat the cool sea air, watching the sailing wizards at work, seeing the coastline breeze by and tasting Maine’s fresh farm-to-table cuisine?

 

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Acadia National Park

A day in stunning Acadia with a walk on Ocean Path, Cadillac Mountain summit, stops in Northeast Harbor and Asticou Gardens. Lobster rolls and creative salads, too.

 

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Schooner Ladona, Rockland

A 4-day sailing cruise, stunning Penobscot Bay scenery on a beautiful wooden sail boat/yacht. Anna, our chef, prepared 3 full meals/day complete with charcuterie trays and wine every evening. Captain JR Braugh and crew did an amazing job sailing the boat. (Almost) no rain – what a gift! Everyone loved the ‘gathering spot’ over good food complete with party lights – so much silliness and many good belly laughs!

 

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Evenings on the Schooner

Always good conversation, new friends and wine! A great time to throw all our cares away.

 

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The Captain & Crew’s Onshore Lobster Bake

The best lobster anyone had ever eaten – freshly steamed in seaweed – eating lobster on the beach with your fingers, butter running down – I am convinced lobster will never be the same.

 

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Simple Daily Activities

Onshore visits to fishing villages, paddleboarding and swimming. Very chilly water and very starry nights! Some thought ahead and brought their sleeping bags to sleep on deck. I love that no one took themselves too seriously, turned off their phones (most of the time) and got back to basics.

 

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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

The beautiful botanical gardens in Boothbay Harbor. They were founded by locals who had a great idea and made it happen. It is still run by local volunteers. Some of it is on the coast. Do not miss this if ever in the area!

 

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Portland

Lighthouses, historic sites, the working harbor and glorious food. Hand-cut Belgian duckfat fries, craft beer, Standard Baking Company treats and the BEST closing dinner at Scales Restaurant!

“There is nothing that brings me more joy than to see a group of people make new friends through shared travel experiences! My job is complete.” ~ Patty

 

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What would a unique and adventurous summer tour to Maine look like for my guests – many of which had never been to Maine?  What could we do that would leave lasting memories and allow new friendships through shared experiences?  What about the stunning coastal scenery, the outstanding seafood offerings and the smorgasbord of outdoor activities Maine has to offer? There is also, of course, the important history of Maine, the Portland port and its ships throughout America’s history. My goal was to give everyone a nice combination of experiences and integrate Maine’s stunning scenery, outdoor activities and its unforgettable sea/farm-to-table local cuisine. The sense of getting away, learning, making new friends and having old-fashioned belly laughs is what life is about.  In that, I think we succeeded!

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Portland 5-Lighthouse Bike Tour
A 25-mile ride (some opted for the van), the Portland breakwater, important lighthouses and historic sites, beautiful scenery of the city, fantastic lobster rolls enjoyed in the park

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Luke’s Lobster, Portland
A sustainable lobster industry presentation (given by Luke’s dad, a lobster fisherman), learning how to open and eat a lobster, our tour leader, Cristina’s, big birthday celebration, sorry, ‘Larry the Lobster’, but you were delicious!

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Sailing on a 150-year old Maine Schooner
Penobscot Bay scenery, an adventure a minute, helping raise the sails and lift the anchor (no engine or modern equipment on this boat!), a fantastic crew, the sea breeze, a great chef who prepared 3 full meals/day, beautiful sunsets, many laughs, the incomparable Captain Noah – and, a hurricane that missed us!

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Captain & Crew’s Onshore Lobster Bake
The best lobster anyone had ever eaten – ever –  freshly steamed in seaweed, eating lobster on the beach, cracking open the lobster shells with a rock, more lobsters eaten than anyone cares to admit. So basic and so perfect!

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Samoset Resort
Time for a good shower and a really comfy bed, creature comforts for a couple of days.

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Garden/Farm Tour & Dinner at Primo Restaurant
A private tour by the garden manager with tips for how he grows their extensive produce for the restaurant, an unforgettable farm-to-table meal; great wine selected by our tour leader, Claude. Owner/Chef Melissa Kelly is a two-time James Beard award winner and you know why once you take the first taste!  So fresh, so delicious with subtle flavors from the garden.

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Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park 
(optional add-on tour)
Ocean Path – incredibly beautiful! 

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Testimonials

“Thank you for a great trip! We saw and did things that we might not have done had we been on our own.”

M.R., Boulder, CO

“The best trip I have ever taken!” 

J.P., Kansas City, KS

“Sailing on a historical schooner.. the cool breeze is blowing my hair and sweeping across my body. Am I dreaming? No, this is real.”

L.P., Sonora, CA