We know that your vacation time may be limited, and you want to maximize both the fun and relaxation quotient. Consider an extended getaway to Maine, specifically Penobscot Bay, Maine. To show you just an inkling of why we love this area so much, we have put together a 3-day itinerary exploring Penobscot Bay, Maine. If you are a bed and breakfast newbie, we will also give you a taste of why millions of people choose to exclusively stay at B&B’s!
Our historic inn is located right on the rugged coastline of Searsport, Maine, smack dab in the middle of many vacation destinations. Using our inn as a hub for your getaway adventures, you can easily visit Acadia National Park, climb (or drive up) Mt. Battie, and spend an afternoon on a lobster boat, all within three days! Continue reading for the details, but don’t wait too long if you are thinking of a visit during prime summertime or leaf-peeping seasons! Pick your dates, and book your stay! If you need additional suggestions or details, just call us, we are more than happy to help.
Day 1 – Arrival/Tour Belfast and Searsport
Start your adventure in true Maine style! Let us help you book a genuine Lobster Boat Experience! Maine is associated with lobster, so what better way to get a taste of Maine than to see how and where they are caught! Captain Travis will turn you into a lobster expert!
Once off the boat, stop in at the Young’s Lobster Pound on Belfast Harbor for a taste of those marvelous crustaceans! The best way to eat lobster is right on the water at a picnic table, where you can be as messy as you need to be to get every last morsel. Wipe the butter and juice off your hands and stroll through the shops in downtown Belfast, voted this past year as Maine’s favorite town.
Next, you’ll head over towards Searsport, where Captain Nickels Inn is located, and check in to your choice of one of our ten amazing rooms! You may decide to enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine or beer as you relax in a cozy Adirondack chair while overlooking the crashing waves. Or, if you are ambitious, you could visit Moose Point State Park for an easy hike, with some nice views.
At the end of this very full day, where should you go for dinner? We have lots of suggestions, but some of our favorites are The Hichborn (for casual elegance), Hey Sailor (for tacos, art, and booze), or sit on the outside patio of Rio’s Spiked Cafe.
What a day! Go back to your room (aren’t you glad you chose the Captain’s Suite with the balcony and firepit), put on your fluffy robe, and breathe in the salty air.
Day 2 – Trip to Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor
Do you want to start the day early, or snooze in a bit? That’s your choice. Breakfast is served from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at your private table in the dining room or solarium. Eat up, you have a full day ahead of you! There are two ways to go on your adventure today. You can either go directly into the park, and trek up Cadillac Mountain, (reservations are now required.) or take a less-populated approach and start with a visit to the Schoodic Peninsula, which is the only part of the park that is on the mainland. Maybe you will decide to do both!
Bar Harbor is fun but can be a bit crowded. If you want to eat in or near Acadia and are ready for more lobster, try Beal’s Lobster Pier or Abel’s Lobster, both of which are on Mt Desert Island. Other choices a bit further from the tourists are either the Upper Deck Restaurant for more of that great seafood, or Eat a Pita, both are in Southwest Harbor.
Back to the park, to finish the day with things you like to do best; is it hiking, kayaking, or birding? If you book it in advance, how about a carriage ride on the trails? If you are a garden lover, check out the Wild Gardens of Acadia!
As you head back to the Inn, stop at the 1874 Tavern for a drink before dinner. After dinner, are you up for a game of croquet, or corn hole? Or maybe you would rather take a long soak in the tub, and then sink into your luxurious bed.
Day 3 – Departure/Trip through Wiscasset/Mt. Battie
Start your final day with another amazing breakfast. Sad, I know!
Since most folks are heading south from us, we have planned your final day accordingly. We want to send you away with a magnificent view of the Maine coast that you have been exploring for the past few days. Head towards Camden, (which you could spend more than a day exploring on its own), and visit the Camden Hills State Park. There are 30 miles of hiking trails, but we want to direct you to the summit of Mt. Battie (don’t worry, it’s not a super long hike – or you can cheat and drive). From the summit, you can see the entire Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor!
Continue south with a stop in Wiscasset, which is billed as one of the prettiest towns in Maine. There are several shops and galleries downtown to meander through. You will also probably see a line at Red’s Eats, famous for lobster rolls. If you don’t want to wait in line, we also love Spragues, just across the street. There is also a steam railroad to ride and some grand mansions to visit depending on your schedule.
Plan Your Stay
Certainly, a whirlwind few days! If you prefer a more relaxing getaway, it’s easy to just trim our list to one activity per day. But this 3-day itinerary exploring Penobscot Bay, ME is only the beginning! There is so much more that we want you to see! Call us, or book your room online; don’t wait until the last minute. We love our corner of paradise, and want to share our love of Maine with you!
Published: July 2022; Updated March 2024