Can someone recommend where the best place is to go in Maine

[babylonsister]

to whale watch? We're going for a few days the end of August; will be staying in/near Rockland. We'll be there to witness the Windjammer Festival, a first for me.

And any other must-see's while there? We're hoping to spend most of our time on the coast and cool off from this gross hot, humid TX summer.

Thanks!

[jpak]

1. Capt. Fish's out of Boothbay is a good one (humpbacks, minkes, fins)

http://www.mainewhales.com/

but Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. might be a better bet from Rockland.

http://www.barharborwhales.com/default.php

Be sure to bring some *warm* coats (a thick fleece pullover and a windbreaker will do) and a *good* rain suit (jacket and pants) - it can get pretty chilly on the water up here even in August.

on edit:

A visit to Acadia National Park and Camden Hills State Park should be on your "to do" list...

[babylonsister]

4. Thanks for your recommendations and links, jpak!

:hi: I'll put those 2 parks on the list and hope we get to them.

And that's a lot of clothes! We're going to pack a bit warm, but I don't even own raingear like that. Guess we'll have to pick a nice day for the whale watching, if we can. I hear it's been pretty rainy up there this summer.

[eShirl]

6. You could always pop over to Freeport if you're so inclined

and pick up some good quality polar fleece and rain gear at LL Bean.

Some people even come up here just for Bean's; they literally never close.

[babylonsister]

7. I've thought about going there, eShirl, just to see the place.

The thing is, I live in TX, and it rarely ever freezes here, so just the thought of polar fleece makes me itch.
We might make it there, as I do like some of their clothes and get their catalogues. Might even do a bit of X-mas shopping.
Thanks for the idea.

[eShirl]

9. I understand... (oh btw there's no wool or itchiness in polar fleece)

just 100% warm synthetic fluff :D

[jpak]

10. You can always dress in layers too

Big long sleeved shirt on top

Short sleeved shirt underneath

Tee-shirt under that

Full length pants

thick socks and a warm hat

If they are synthetic fabrics - so much the better

It's damp and breezy 60 degrees here today - quite a bit different from August in TX!

(But then again it could be sunny and 90 degrees while you're here too)

Have a great trip!

[Maine-ah]

2. Hey, babylonsister,

I'm in Rockland, and we just recently had another DU'er move to Camden! :hi:

[babylonsister]

3. Lucky you-it looks beautiful!

Are you familiar with the Duck Trap Hotel (it's in or near Rockland, I think)? That's where we're staying; look cute on the internet, and it's pretty centrally located. I hope it's not a dump!
We're very excited; going to the Windjammer Fest., then heading to I think Bar Harbor for the whales, also some island we'll be taking a ferry to. Vinalhaven? Not too many plans other than to cool off and eat seafood!
:hi:

[luckyleftyme2]

5. good luck

you might see one any time now thru september! IT'S even possible from a bluff over looking the sea this time of year. If you have time check out acadia national park the view is fabulous on a clear day!

[babylonsister]

8. Goody! I'll be looking! nt

[Maine-ah]

11. is that the place with the little cabins in Lincolnville?

would be the Duck Trap Motel, if I recall correctly. I'm not familiar with it, though I do know where it is, so I wouldn't be able to provide reviews for you. I do know quite a few of the B&B's through out Rockland and Camden, and know many of the owners from when I was working at a local foodservice.

You can take ferries out to Vinalhaven, North Haven, & Monhegan. All can be done in day trips or you can stay over night out there.

For seafood in Camden, go to Bayview Lobster which is right on Camden Harbor and right across from Bayview Lobster is Atlantica for a more finer dining experience. I know the owners for both restaurants, I actually bought my house from the owner of Bayview Lobster. :hi:

I highly recommend bikes, or parking (good luck) and walking. Trying to drive through Camden this time of year makes my head want to explode. Lots of fabulous shops and restaurants. If you get a chance take the hikers path (or you can drive it too) up Mt. Battie.

[babylonsister]

12. Yes, I'm thinking. Rick and Elaine run it. Lincolnville or Belfast?

http://www.ducktrapmotel.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40714-d621122-Reviews-Ducktrap_Motel-Lincolnville_Maine.html

And thanks for the recommendations!

[fight4my3sons]

13. you must see Camden

I just moved here! :) really cute town with lots of nice little stores and wonderful library and harbor. Camden Hills is nice to hike or drive up with wonderful views of Penobscot Bay.

http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=14

http://www.camdenme.org/

edited to say that you can come and park in front of my house so that you don't have to worry about finding a space downtown :)

[janet118]

14. Livermore Falls . . .

just kidding.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

15. Did you say Chiselmore Falls? n/t