Maine Bed and Breakfast

Food and Drink

Maine is all about seafood, and the coastal towns throughout the state offer succulent dishes that’ll satisfy your cravings. Lobster rolls are the most iconic delicacy in the region, and you shouldn’t end your vacation without trying a few different varieties. The majority of America’s lobsters come from Maine, and chefs across the state have added special touches to their lobster roll recipes for decades.Sticking with Maine’s seafood prowess, chowder is another soothing dish that has nourished residents for generations. While cod was once the fish of choice, haddock and other types of seafood are added to the dish nowadays. Other delicious seafood choices available when you visit Maine include clams, scallops, oysters, crabs, mussels, and more.If you’re looking for something sweet, blueberry pie and whoopie pies are two of the tastiest dishes to end your meal. When you visit Downeast Maine, stop by Helen’s Restaurant for a homemade recipe that’ll send your taste buds in a frenzy.

History

Maine gained statehood in 1820 and quickly industrialized to become one of the world’s leading lumber producers. Coastal towns such as Portland and Bangor transformed into strategic ports, and this fueled the Maine economy for decades. The extensive Maine coast led to a bustling shipbuilding industry, and many towns supported textile mills. Due to its booming industries, residents of Maine played a vital role in the westward expansion of the 19th century.The state’s natural beauty attracted wealthy residents from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia that wanted a relaxed vacation setting. By the mid-19th century, beautiful cottages sprung up along the coast and hosted lots of East Coast vacationers. Eventually, the shipbuilding and textile industries declined as tourism began to power the economy.

Activities

With its rocky coastline and rugged mountains, Maine offers tons of outdoor recreation for visitors. The Southern Maine Coast is a fantastic place to start, especially if you’re looking for family fun by the ocean. Funtown Splashtown USA offers an exciting combination of amusement rides, water slides, and arcade games for all ages. Located in the beautiful Old Orchard Beach, the seasonal Palace Playground entertains you with rides and games along the waterfront. A little farther up the coast, Boothbay is a coastal paradise that invites families and couples with its unmatched charm.Kennebunkport is one of Southern Maine’s most beautiful coastal towns and enchants tourists with its sandy beaches, gorgeous lighthouses, and summer cottages. Stroll along Colony Beach to watch boats docked in the harbor or cast your line to catch local fish. The nearby Goose Rocks Beach enchants beachgoers with its soft sands, seaside inns, and picturesque views of Timber Island.Acadia National Park continues to be the state’s star attraction and among the most visited natural wonders on the East Coast. The dense woodlands, rocky beaches, and diverse wildlife on Mount Desert Island have intrigued nature lovers for decades. Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sweeping views of the island or take a refreshing dip in the waters around Sand Beach. Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, and you’ll find lots of charming bed and breakfasts for your Maine vacation. The entire DownEast region captures Maine’s rich maritime history, and it’s the perfect location to discover the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Wander around historic port towns, watch the ocean tides, and tackle hundreds of miles of hiking trails.

Natural Features

Maine presents some of the most dramatic scenery along the Atlantic coast, but its interior also astonishes visitors with its natural beauty. You’ll find everything from rugged mountaintops and lush woodlands to sandy beaches and mesmerizing tide pools. From the coast to the mountains, few places east of the Mississippi River offer the immense diversity of landscapes like Maine.One of America’s most visited national parks, Acadia National Park is undoubtedly the place that best showcases the state’s wild terrain. Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the Atlantic Coast and an exciting place to watch the sunrise. Driving around the 27-mile Park Loop Road takes you to other beautiful sights such as Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Although its waters are frigid year-round, Sand Beach attracts many visitors for its wide, sandy shores and granite mountains.Acadia National Park brings over 3.5 million yearly visitors to Maine, but it’s hardly the only natural wonder within the state. Located in north-central Maine, Baxter State Park highlights the ruggedness of the state’s inland region. Hiking trails lead to crystal-clear lakes as you gaze upwards at jagged peaks. Mount Katahdin is the centerpiece of the park and the northern terminus for the famous Appalachian Trail. Engulfed by granite mountaintops, Chimney Pond captures Maine’s raw beauty, unlike any other location.Heading back towards the Maine coast, Two Lights State Park mimics the scenic MidCoast despite being only a few miles from Portland. The 41-acre park offers uninterrupted views of Casco Bay, and you can visit two of Maine’s historic lighthouses.

Things to Do

There are dozens of quaint towns to visit along Maine’s rugged coastline, but most tourists start their getaway in Portland. The largest city in Maine, Portland offers a wide range of activities for an unforgettable introduction to the state. Portland has a rich shipping history, and the Old Port neighborhood transports you to the 19th century with its beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets. Satisfy your cravings at delicious seafood restaurants or cast away on boating trips to the nearby Casco Bay Islands. To soak up more of Southern Maine’s coastal beauty, head to the stunning resort town of Ogunquit. Marginal Way provides enchanting views of the rocky coastline, while Ogunquit Beach attracts swimmers and sunbathers.Rockland lies farther up the rocky coastline and features several museums to connect with the cultural side of Maine. The Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Coastal Children’s Museum, and Maine Lighthouse Museum are among the top places to visit in town. Don’t leave Rockland without lounging around the harbor to watch boats and marine life. Venture inland towards Bangor to see more of Maine’s historic gems and cultural attractions. Take a snapshot of the famous Stephen King House or admire innovative vehicles at the Cole Land Transportation Museum. Wander around the Broadway Historic District to check out 19th-century homes owned by powerful lumber barons of the time.Bangor is a convenient launching pad to Mount Desert Island and the charming communities around Acadia National Park. Ringed by forested mountains, Bar Harbor gives you access to endless outdoor recreation and world-class bed & breakfasts. Southwest Harbor provides more solitude on the other side of Mount Desert Island and offers boat trips to the nearby Cranberry Islands. You’ll find several shops, restaurants, and friendly innkeepers for a delightful Acadia National Park vacation.

Weather

Maine is defined by four distinct seasons, with slight variations between its rocky coast and inland mountains. Summer temperatures generally reach the 70s and 80s along the Atlantic coast but may hit the 90s in the interior regions. The balmy weather makes the long summer days ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, cycling, horseback riding, and camping. July is the warmest month of the year, but nights are generally cool this time of year.Winter temperatures are usually as average temperatures can drop below 25°F along the coast and below 15°F within inland areas. The state’s interior regions receive more snowfall, but the coast sees an occasional Northeaster storm that pummels communities with nearly a foot of snow. January is the snowiest month on average, and the late winter months occasionally produce increased precipitation.

Maine Bed and Breakfast FAQ

Why stay at a bed & breakfast in Maine?

By staying at a Maine bed & breakfast, you’ll be treated to a Victorian getaway with some of the friendliest innkeepers anywhere in America. Many of the state’s award-winning country inns offer oceanfront views and put you within walking distance of incredible attractions. Maine features numerous seaport towns that each boast a rustic charm that enhances your vacation experience. Relax inside historic inns and enjoy harbor views outside your window before strolling to shops, restaurants, and art galleries.The historic 19th-century homes create the ideal accommodations for romantic getaways or family vacations. Whether eloping or planning an extravagant celebration, some bed & breakfasts can help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Invite the whole family or have your innkeepers arrange a private event with your lover. If you have a furry friend in the family, you can find pet-friendly bed & breakfasts to bring your pooch.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a bed and breakfast in Maine?

Although many of the award-winning Maine bed and breakfasts are inside historic homes and cottages, they’ve been modernized with the latest amenities for your comfort. In today’s digital society, internet access is crucial to stay in touch with family or even complete work. You won’t have any difficulty finding free WIFI by residing in one of Maine’s timeless accommodations. You’ll have unmatched privacy in your bedroom, and upgraded private bathrooms usually come with a hot tub or jacuzzi. Rooms are spacious, come with exquisite décor, and sometimes offer ocean views from your window. Don’t be surprised to find a gas fireplace to keep your room toasty if you visit during cooler months.Common areas inside the Victorian mansions and scenic cottages give you the chance to socialize with other visitors. Enjoy breakfast in cozy dining rooms or take your meal outside to smell the fresh air beside the coast. For balmy summer days, you’ll have the luxury of air conditioning inside your room. Many rooms and suites also have private decks that give you sweeping oceanfront views. Once you’re settled in your room, wander around the property to find on-site gardens, lounge areas, or beach equipment for guests. There are often on-site bars to grab a drink, concierge service, and there's often free parking for guests with a vehicle.

How can I get around Maine?

With major airports in Portland and Bangor, you’ll have zero difficulties flying into Maine. However, public transportation across the state is limited, and we recommend renting a car during your vacation. While you’ll find some train and bus routes within the state, it will be difficult to reach your desired destinations without a car. Whether you arrive by plane, bus, or train, there are plenty of car rental options.Once you reach the bed and breakfast, don’t be surprised to keep your car parked the entire time unless you drive outside of town. Most attractions are within walking distance, and you’ll likely be staying just a few minutes from the town’s main street.

What are the different types of B&Bs in Maine?

Many of the best bed and breakfasts in Maine are located in popular summer resort towns. From 19th century Victorian homes to seaside cottages, you’ll have cozy accommodations along the beautiful Maine coast. Maine has been a popular New England getaway for decades, and you get the chance to stay inside guest rooms once frequented by wealthy politicians and industrialists.Camden has always attracted vacationers, and theHawthorn Inn offers one of the town’s highest-rated bed and breakfasts. Just a short walk from downtown Camden, the inn offers guests spacious guest rooms, whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, private decks, and harbor views. A quintessential New England town, Camden has fantastic eateries, antique shops, and stunning nature around you.Named the top hotel in Maine, theTopside Inn gives couples the romantic experience of residing inside a sea captain’s home. The summer guesthouses of this Boothbay Harbor estate are on private property and overlook the waterfront. If you’re looking for accommodations near Acadia National Park, theSaltair Inn Waterfront B&B places you in the heart of the Bar Harbor community. The 19th century home retains its beautiful architecture but retains modern amenities while you explore the park.TheBerry Manor Inn has earned its status among America’s most romantic bed and breakfasts, and this Rockland guesthouse stands out for its homemade pies. In addition to its genuine hospitality, the inn’s MidCoast location gives you easy access to Maine’s coastal beauty, cultural attractions, and scenic lighthouses.