One of the many perks of living in the Portland area is that a 1-1.5 hour drive in essentially any direction will often lead you to one of the more spectacular settings you’ve encountered. Head south and you’ve got the beautiful beaches of Southern Maine. Fancy a postcard worthy drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountains? Easy, 1.5 hours to the northwest and you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of its stunning scenery.
Another area that’s absolutely worth checking out is Maine’s MidCoast. Whether it’s a weekender you’re seeking or just an extended day trip, you’re just looking at an easy shot up the coast. My recent trip up there included a stop in Rockland, which is a quaint little coastal community that has a surprisingly thriving arts scene. Independent art galleries complement the larger Farnsworth Art Museum and Center for Maine Contemporary Art.
After getting acquainted with Rockland, you can continue up the coast to Camden, which is another coastal village that is quintessentially Maine. Whether it’s perusing the shops dotting Main Street or sampling some of the local culinary delights, you’d be hard pressed to find a more charming town. To experience a bird’s eye view of Camden Harbor and a panoramic view of the surrounding areas, be sure to head up to Mt. Battie. The views are nothing short of spectacular and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!