“Do you think we could find some woods for a walk?” asks my outdoorsy 12-year-old occasionally. As a child in New York City, Anton loves the skate parks and bagel shops but also yearns for nature in every sense.
So, when school ended, I proposed a weekend trip to Maine, where we’d find not only forests but also lakes, rocks, and periwinkles that emerge from their shells when you hum. We were both thrilled.
The first night, we were lucky enough to secure a room at Aragosta, a beautiful small hotel in Deer Isle recommended by Alison.
The chef-owner, Devin Finigan, is well-known for her seasonal tasting menus, but we focused on the breakfast accompanying the room, featuring Maine blueberry pancakes. I don’t typically enjoy pancakes, but these were exceptional.
We also played a LOT of chess on our small travel board.
After breakfast, we went on a hike up Blue Hill Mountain.
This is the summit!
In the afternoon, we visited the charming fishing town of Stonington…
…then met my friend Julie (of Rudy Jude fame) and her family for dinner at the Burnt Cove Boil.
Essentially, a crab is placed before you, followed by corn on the cob, then a lobster, then a traditional ice-cream sandwich. Julie and her husband Anthony showed us how to extract all the meat. (Their kids were already experts.)
Afterward, the four boys clambered over rocks, while the adults conversed. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with locals while visiting a place, don’t you agree? Julie and Anthony recounted how they brought their newly hatched chicks inside to keep them warm, amid a cacophony of peeping, and then a cricket entered and added to the chaos which everyone found hilarious. Quite unlike city life!
The following day, Anton and I stayed at the lovely Asticou Hotel near Acadia National Park.
We drove to several trailheads but they were CROWDED — waiting in long lines just to commence the hike! Fortunately, we located a quieter spot and took a lengthy walk around Jordan Pond, playing Would You Rather and Categories as we went. Do you have any favorite travel games?
Finally, we skipped stones on our last afternoon before heading back to Brooklyn.
Amazing travel companion
Oh, Maine, such a magical place! Not shown, of course: traffic, moody preteen moments, misplacing our keys in the rental car, etc., but all of that is part of the experience.
Have you ever visited Maine? Do you reside there? Which parts do you adore? Any expert tips? I’d be delighted to hear. xoxo
P.S. Our Maine journey — and another fantastic hotel — when the boys were younger, plus a Maine home with a bedroom offering a waterfront view.
