I’ve always wanted to go to Maine. I have no idea why, it’s just one of those places that has always called to me. I even placed my Young Adult novel, The Mind Readers (which is free right now, btw), in Maine. Well, last week we finally got to go and it was everything I hoped it would be! We started off flying into Portland, which is a great city… not too big, but not too small. We then drove a few hours north to Bar Harbor, a town on an island off the coast. This was definitely one of my favorite places. Rocky beaches, seafood restaurants, a super cute downtown.
We went on a couple boat tours and saw a whale, but our favorite were the seals. They would pop their heads up out of the water and watch us curiously. I loved the many historical homes. I really had no idea how old some of the buildings are in Maine! From the 1700s, even the 1600s!
Next we headed south of Portland where the beaches have sand! The area is a bit more crowded,but there are still lots of lovely places; quaint New England towns, and many lighthouses. One of my 
favorite towns was Kennebunkport where there is this pretty little stone church near the water.
We also headed into Portland one day and visited the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow house where he lived as a boy. If you love history, it’s a must! Most of the fu
rniture is original, which is pretty unheard of for a house museum. When I was a young teen I found a small leatherback volume of the poem Evangeline, written by Longfellow. I fell in love with that poem and the romance of it all! It was one of the first “romance” stories I read.
It was a wonderful trip and I’d love to go back again. How about you… is there a place you’ve always wanted to visit?
Oh, Lori, you made me so homesick! I spent all my childhood summers in Deer Isle, Maine, about 45 minutes from Bar Harbor. My family still owns the big ol’ house (and former bookstore my mom ran) up there. So glad you got to experience the beauty and history of the state.
For me, the one part of the U.S. that I’ve never visited and would really like to is the Pacific Northwest. I want to see the Cascades and the Columbia River and visit Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I know so many creative and talented people from that region, I’m curious to see why they’ve all settled there!
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How cool Amy! I loved it; I’d seriously move there in a second if we could. And you’re right, there are so many artists and writers in the NW! Maybe its the rain, keeps them inside. I’ve never been either, but it looks so green and beautiful. I certainly wouldn’t mind going there either!
Speaking of green… I think our next big family trip (next year) is going to be to Ireland. Fingers crossed!
Lori, I’ve wanted to go to Maine for a long time. It calls to me. I wonder if I lived there in a former life. The thing is, I live in Wisconsin, and most of our beautiful weather happens during their beautiful weather. lol It’s not the time when we travel.
There are other places I want to visit, but Scotland, Ireland and Wales are definitely on my list. I see that happening in a year or two.
Edie, we’re hoping to go to Ireland next year! Fingers crossed! I so love to travel
I’ve actually been to Scotland and Wales, both are beautiful!
Lighthouses are so cool. Your trip sounds like a great getaway and I’m going to look up that poem by Longsfellow. It’s been years since I read him.
I’d love to visit Italy. I read everything I can get my hands on, fiction and nonfiction, having to do with Italy. Here in the States, I want to go to New York City, Charleston and Miami.
Have fun on your next trip, Lori!
It’s a long “poem” Misty. More like a short story. But sooo good, and spoiler, sad. I’d love to go to Italy too, but it def. sounds like you have a huge connection to it!
I’ve been to Charleston SC and it was amazing! I’d move there too. lol. It really was pretty and sooo many amazing historical homes.
Well, as I finish up Cynthia Eden’s Angel of Darkness I am not sure I want to visit New Orleans, so that location is our right now (ha ha). The only thing stories I have read with Maine in them all seem to be cold and rainy. Your trip doesn’t sound like that at all. Maine or anywhere in the Northeast would be fun to visit as I haven’t been out there before. I am pretty much up for anything in a romantic setting where time seems to slow down. I have grown up in IL, where everything is flat and open here. When I travel I want to visit places where you have access to the ocean or mountains with waterfalls.
Ohhh, New Orleans is the one Southern city I haven’t been to yet that I would like to see. I’m from Indiana, Amy, so I know how you feel! But I’ve been in the south for a few years and i’m trying to see all the southern cities I can. Talk about time slowing down and the north, have you been to Mackinac Island in MI? Probably not close for you, but its sooo beautiful and neat!
Hi Lori,
Maine sounds lovely. I’ve always been interested in going, but haven’t had the chance yet. Like so many travel blogs they make me hanker for foreign lands.
I had no idea there was that much history in Maine. Sounds marvellous!
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I was able to go to Ireland this last year, as well as Hawaii. Two places I’d always wanted to see. Both exceeded my expectations! I’ve been to Maine for a conference but didn’t get to see much of it. I’d love to spend a lot of time exploring the East Coast.