Lighthouses of Maine

Autumn is by far my favorite time to visit New England and I’ve always found it to be the perfect way to unwind from a busy wedding season. After a $47 round-trip flight from AirTran caught my eye, the decision was made to make a last minute trip to Maine in October.

I checked into the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa and was overjoyed with the glorious views from my room. For much of my stay I left the door open to enjoy the salt air and the sound of crashing waves. After getting settled I headed off down the historic shore path for dinner on the town. On my way back to the hotel I found myself entranced by the incredible number of stars I could see in the sky.

The next morning I hopped on the Historic Lighthouse Tour with the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Much to my excitement I was finally able to see Acadia National Park, even if it was only from the water (my trip fell during the government shut down and as a result the park was closed at the time). The tour was fun, despite being quite chilly with a catamaran going up to 40 knots. All in all, we saw five lighthouses, a lifesaving station and my most favorite animal of all, seals!

After the tour I set off for the only restaurant that was a must-do on my list, Cap’n Nemo’s. When searching for various eateries I stumbled upon this restaurant and knew I had to visit. There is random décor hanging on the wall and ceiling, the chairs and tables seem to have no apparent order and the music is pumping throughout the establishment. I was greeted by a wonderfully friendly woman (whom I think is the owner) and enjoyed a decadent lunch that included a perfectly delicious hamburger.

That afternoon I headed off to Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse and was amazed by the number of people visiting. I joined the masses and walked the mile down the road to the lighthouse. If you’re visiting, I recommend taking the steep set of stairs for the best view of the lighthouse.

On my journey back to Bar Harbor I decided to stop along the way at Eagle Lake to take in the Fall colors on the carriage roads and bridges. I ended the light of the day taking in the sunset at Seal Harbor, where Martha Stewart has a summer home.

The last segment of my adventure included traveling to Rockland. My first stop along the way was at the utterly charming Dyce Head Lighthouse, which I explored before crossing the picturesque Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The bridge has an observatory almost 500 feet atop the structure and the views are absolutely amazing! I loved that they even had a detailed map to show us just exactly what we were seeing.

After a jaunt through the quaint little town of Camden, I stopped to check in at the Berry Manor Inn. I was in love with the place from the moment I arrived. The staff was incredibly hospitable and more than helpful in giving restaurant and city recommendations. I ended up exploring two final lighthouses in the area before the darkness of sunset arrived. Owl’s Head, a cute and tiny lighthouse perched atop the hill, and Rockland Breakwater were the perfect places to round out my trip.

Once the sunset changed from the pinks and purples and headed towards the reds, I realized the quickly fading light meant it was time to head back to town. I ended the evening at the Inn, soaking in the deep tub with the fireplace going and reflecting on my amazing time in Maine – it was true bliss!

Captain Daniel Stone Inn
10 Water St, Brunswick, ME 04011
(207)373-1824

Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
1 Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3351

Berry Manor Inn
81 Talbot Ave, Rockland, ME 04841
(207) 596-7696