Mother Daughter Maine Trip September 2026
Madeline and Eileen took a week long trip to the Maine coast to celebrate her 30th Bday. Mom’s idea and Madeline went for it! Eileen had been to Maine 8 yrs ago to see fall colors but Maine was new for Madeline.
We flew out of Milwaukee convenient to the airport 10 min drive! We flew Delta on a small jet (20) rows thru NYC (JFK & LaGuardia). We both enjoyed the roomier seating and on time (even early) schedules. Madeline rented a Turo 2022 Prius that got 50 MPG and gas was $4.45 so our frugal ways were rewarded.
Our itinerary was 6 nights so we chose Portland, Camden and Bar Harbor as our locales.
Portland
Landed Saturday afternoon to fine weather and found a cool ‘hood with lots of breweries and had a tasting of GF beer. Checked into the Percy Inn which is located in West End, area of town with many restaurants and bars. Walked around the corner and had good ramen and sushi. We are good at sharing food so we have more variety.
Sunday we walked our ‘hood for an hour before the rain started. Many large older homes with great architecture. We drove to Light Head park with iconic lighthouse setting even in the grey weather. We had our raincoats and large umbrella. Drove to Freeport to see LL Bean outlet. Dinner at Street & Co, fantastic sole and tuna fish dinners in cave like setting. Found Fore restaurant where we ate back in 2018, cool brick walkways with no cars.
Monday we walked by the Port then drove to Camden. Stops along the way include Bath (big ship building town) and Wicasset.
Camden
Drove to Camden Hills SP and hiked Mt. Battie, good climb with some bouldering and terrific views on clear day. Met Kip Kircher for dinner in downtown, he’s at a woodworking camp for 9 months. Blackberry Inn was our B&B with twin beds yay and excellent breakfast, a find! Met 2 nice gals who introduced Madeline to Tess/Van (her daughter/SIL) that live in BayView so Madeline has new friends to lookup. Tuesday we hit gorgeous Camden library (part museum) and took an Eco boat tour that educated us on lobster fishing and local sealife. Drove to Rockland for a Thai takeout dinner picnic style by their harbor.
Acadia
Visitor Center stop to board bus to Jordan Pond for a nice hike around the lake, some bouldering and plank walking. Dinner at Lompoc café with local beer. Thursday we did a 4 hour fat tire e-bike tour with Ian, nice loop around the park with interesting info. Dinner at Havana a Cuban restaurant (Obama ate there) excellent mussels, halibut and steak. Hiked a tough rock path at Sand Beach to arrive at lovely view on east side of park.
Friday we made the trek back to Portland for late evening flight. Madeline was my driver, porter and companion and we only squabbled a few times Very memorable trip for both of us!
Eileen got up early Saturday am to drive to Madison for UW football game in the Mike Tressel suite with her pickleball buddies. Super fun event with tailgate, day drinking and yakking. Totally spent after a week of big fun and partying!
Photos here.