Whether it's going to a rocky beach to sit in the New England sun, getting a great seafood dinner in a small port town, or enjoying the more urban experience of Portland, the coast of Maine offers lots of choices for vacation entertainment. Unlike many coastal vacation destinations, the coast of Maine is quite reasonable price-wise, even during peak summer season. The coastal towns and cities of Maine are safe, clean and pleasant.
It probably goes without saying that summer is considered a peak season for tourist destinations such as coastal Maine. Lodging deals still abound, however, and for the purpose of this section, the term "low cost" will be interpreted as meaning $100 or less. Here are three coastal inns and hotels where a traveler can get a decent room at under $100 during peak season.
Rates of rooms at the Penobscot Bay Inn in Belfast vary according to season, and summer is -- unsurprisingly -- the most expensive. For those unfamiliar with Belfast, it's a quaint harbor town, with lots of antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The Penobscot Bay Inn can be reached at (207) 338-5715.
Camden is located on the midcoast of Maine. The Birchwood Motel is a little over two miles north of the harbor area. Just across the street from the ocean, this motel has a 200-foot long porch from which travelers can take in beautiful views of Penobscot Bay. The Birchwood Motel can be reached at (207) 236-4204.
While not the most luxurious hotel in Maine, the Travelodge in Portland offers a comfortable and safe place to sleep. Portland offers the beach, of course, but so much more in the state's largest city, such as restaurants, shops, theaters and galleries. You can call Travelodge at (800) 578-7878.
Maine offers great culinary experiences, particularly for those who enjoy fresh seafood. Lobster and clams are the specialty on coastal Maine, and chowder is almost considered a requirement for visitors. Prices at the various eateries on coastal Maine don't change from season to season the way that lodging prices do, but do expect restaurants to be crowded during the month of June.
Going to Maine for vacation and not getting a classic bowl of Maine clam chowder would be tragic. With a long list of other seafood choices--everything from clams to haddock to lobster--seafood lovers will have a field day here.
The most expensive items on the menu at Poor Boy's Gourmet in Bar Harbor, the steak and seafood dishes, are no more than $22, with the chicken and pasta dinners costing somewhere between $11-$14. It's a great place to go for quality food in a nice atmosphere, without breaking the bank account.
Museums and art galleries are great and interesting low-cost vacation ideas. Everything from historical artifacts to folk art to contemporary art can be found in Portland.
For outdoor activities in other coastal towns, there are many beautiful beaches all along the coast of Maine, though the temperature of the water in June can be a bit hit-or-miss. Public beaches can be found off York Harbor, Wells, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard, Freeport, Georgetown, and Bar Harbor. Aside from the cost of parking, this is a wonderful way of basking in the sun, letting children run free, and not paying an arm and a leg for your entertainment.
