159282 Mon Jun 30 16:37:38 -0700 2003 43 13 New England 0 855627 Here goes: My husband and I cancelled our trip to China a few weeks ago after dealing with a bit of SARS fear coupled with my pregnancy. We thought we'd subsitute with Italy, Bermuda, or Mustique. Fine. Then my feet started to swell and I decided I didn't want any part of airplanes. We 've been up and down the Eastern seaboard many times, but for whatever the reason have neglected Maine. The other day I was in my local bookstore perusing Rebecca Charles' new cookbook/childhood memoir, "Lobster Rolls and Blueberries" and I decided we HAD to go to Maine. I'm not quite sure what area of Maine we should focus on. Everyone seems to point us in the Acadia/Bar Bar Harbor direction, so I'll start from there since I haven't done any formal research yet. All I can say is that if Maine were like Cape Cod I wouldn't want to be in the Chatham part, but more the casual, flip-flops, clam shacks all over Truro part. havent; quite figured out what part that is, but I will. For now, however, my question is this: If I were to stay in the Bar Harbour environs what would the Maine experts deem the essential chowhound Top ten experiences?...Everything from b-fast to roadside stands and anything essential on the way up from New York. Someone recently mentioned a place called "Ted's" on Rt. 1 somewhere that supposedly has unbelievably fresh lobster rolls.... I have to do some more research. Thanks in advance, lisa Mon Jun 30 16:37:38 -0700 2003 0 Lisa 1 855634 Try to plan a stop at the Clam Shack at Kennebunkport. The best fried clams in Maine (in my opinion) and wonderful lobster rolls -- with mayo or with melted butter, your choice. Mon Jun 30 21:15:45 -0700 2003 855627 0 jhammon 2 855838 For lobster in the rough, Nunan's Lobster Hut is a lot of fun. Located in Cape Porpoise, outside Kennebunkport on Rt 9. Painted black, red and yellow on the outside, picnic tables on the inside, sinks along the walls to wash up after you get down and dirty with your lobster (served with a pickle, roll and a bag of chips). Also in Cape Porpoise, The Wayfarer has great breakfasts, some terrific home made roast beef hash, kicks butt over any corned beef hash I've ever had. Wed Jul 09 13:15:21 -0700 2003 855634 0 Sheila 3 855865 Yep, The Clam Shack at the bridge has the best fried clams I've ever tasted. Ditto the fried scallops. And the Lobster Roll. What a place! No place to sit, and the seagulls constantly attack, but the food is heaven. And the Wayfarer has the greatest Lobster Stew around. Also, nobody does a simple fish chowder like the Wayfarer. I had Noonan's lobster stew last weekend and it was one of the poorest in recent memory ('tho the steamed lobster was fine). Thu Jul 10 02:43:44 -0700 2003 855838 0 Win (Boston) 2 855876 Not to be disagreeable but I'd pick Bob's in Kittery over this in part because of their tartar sauce. Bob's also has a great lobster roll. I'd probably pick Woodman's of Essex over Bob's for clams, though. The real negative about Bob's is that it has grown too much. Thu Jul 10 11:23:47 -0700 2003 855634 0 Joe H. 3 855890 Visited Bob's of Kittery for the first time last Friday (the Fourth). The fried clams were the best meal I had in Maine, period. Thu Jul 10 16:35:52 -0700 2003 855876 0 Marty L. 4 855891 God, I'm jealous. Serious caloric investment. Serious return. Especially with a lot of their homemade tartar sauce and maybe a lobster roll just in case the clams aren't filling enough!!! Kinkead's has them here but I actually like Bob's better in part because of the "negative" ambience and the tartar sauce. Thu Jul 10 17:28:18 -0700 2003 855890 0 Joe H. 4 855892 Marty, did you happen to try Fore Street in Portland? Thu Jul 10 17:29:19 -0700 2003 855890 0 Joe H. 5 855895 No, unfortunately I didn't, because we had the kids with us. The menu looked awfully enticing, though. And I did have several breads and pastries from the Streets' Standard Baking Company, which is just great (perhaps even better than a combo of Breadline (for bread) and Marvelous Market (for pastries)). I can also recommend the Lobster Shack at Two Lights (mostly the wonderful setting, actually, although the lobsters themselves and the crabmeat rolls are pretty good); the Bayou for a great breakfast (Becky's wasn't as good foodwise as I remembered it -- although it's still a required stop); Uffa! for a very nice Sunday brunch; Woody's for a decent burger and *great* hand-cut (thin) fries; and the Good Table for a surprisingly decent (and not bank-breaking) dinner (but skip the chowder). I looked longingly into not only Fore Street, but also Street & Co., Hugo's, Local 188, Katahdin, and Michaela's. All seemed worthy of further attention -- especially the latter two. Thu Jul 10 18:01:30 -0700 2003 855892 0 Marty L. 6 855896 I've been to Fore Street twice sitting at the bar both times-I didn't have a reservation and was by myself. I thought it was excellent. Sort of a Kinkead's of Portland if you will. There's also a truly outstanding restaurant in Ogunquit that James G. really likes, Arrows. I've only been once and it was two or three years ago but it was incredible. Probably what The Inn at Little Washington is SUPPOSE to be. I've been to the Twin Lights lobster shack but not the other ones. I've been going to the Maine coast for over 20 years with two or three trips a year on business and have been fortunate to try a lot of places. I really like "downeast" Maine a lot. Having said all this, Marty, the Macaroni Grill at Portland Mall does NOT have any veggies on their menu at all. Thu Jul 10 18:50:24 -0700 2003 855895 0 Joe H. 4 855943 Bob's Clam Hut, in Kittery? An oldie but (usually) a goodie. Favorite of Kittery locals; my uncle wouldn't eat fried clams anywhere else. Bob Kraft, the guy who used to own the place, died just recently. He was a nice man. Link: http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/05302003/obituari/31489.htm Fri Jul 11 22:58:37 -0700 2003 855890 0 Vacationland 1 855636 If you will be driving thru York Beach, you MUST MUST MUST go to Pie in the Sky, Route 1, Cape Neddick. 363-2656. The best pie I ever had, with fresh berries and a nice thick, crisp, flaky shortbread crust. YUM. Mon Jun 30 23:52:35 -0700 2003 855627 0 velvetfist 2 855646 Where exactly is Pie in the Sky? We drove up Rt. 1 and hit the Nubble Lighthouse then down to York Beach and thru York Harbor (I think) and I don't remember seeing it. I love a good piece of pie, sorry I missed it. If you're driving up Rt. 1, you might enjoy the hot dog stand Flo's in the Wells area that people stand in line for. We just tried Nana Mal's hot dogs on Rt. 1 in Hampton which was very good. Plus of course Red's in Wiscasset for their famous lobster roll. There's a ton of stuff on Rt. 1 if you decide to skip 95. Tue Jul 01 08:36:38 -0700 2003 855636 0 Joanie 3 855744 Pie in the Sky is within walking distance of Flo's. It is in a red house on a corner ~ .5 mile south of Flo's. Be prepared to take out a loan for a pie, very expensive, sorry but I don't think it's worth it. Sat Jul 05 22:35:44 -0700 2003 855646 0 humin 3 856909 pie in the sky in is on Route 1, in Cape Neddick, ME. just north of the York exit on the route 95. Wells is another ten miles north. Flo's Hot Dog's are just north of Pie in the sky on the same side of the street, east side. Mon Aug 25 17:55:29 -0700 2003 855646 0 mh lager 1 855637 Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, is practically split in two by what passes for a fiord this side of Norway. On the east side is Bar Harbor and the most dramatic scenery. On the west side is even more park acreage, beautiful but less dramatic. It's also where the more work-a-day fishing villages are located (but this is still tourist country, just not as extreme as Bar Harbor). On this "back side" of the island you'll find plenty of accommodations in the Southwest Harbor area. But reservations are highly recommended. This side of the island is more akin to the "casual, flip-flop" environment you seek than the high intensity tourist life of Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor may be a tourist town, but you won't do better than George's for a special meal. Wonderful decor, even better food. Two or three years ago, George sold this restaurant, but I found the new owners have kept up the quality (though the service, while still superb, lacks the crisp perfection that George instilled in his staff). George's is behind the two banks on Bar Harbor's main drag. Reservations are an absolute necessity. I'd recommend calling at least two weeks ahead if you can. For breakfast get thee to The Deacon Seat in Southwest Harbor for blueberry pancakes or any other breakfast treat. Another must is XYZ in Manset (across Southwest Harbor from Southwest Harbor). XYZ Restaurant serves Mexican food, which seems like a ridiculous cuisine to offer in the midst of Lobstah Lahnd. But fear not. This is not Chi Chi's. Decent mole, a great braised tongue (a peasant dish, to be sure, but a tasty one), and margueritas to kill for, if they don't kill you first. (If I plan on drinking more than one, I find it adviseable to book a room at the Docksider, the six-room motel above XYZ, under the same ownership.) Also on the "back side" of the island: Thurston's Lobster Pound in Bernard (opp. Bass Harbor) for the outdoor lobster pound experience, tho some of the Trenton spots aren't bad, either. Likewise, there's nothing wrong with Beal's in Southwest Harbor, next to the Coast Guard station. I just prefer the view and ambience from Thurston's wharf. There's no reason to go to Jordan Pond House for dinner. But tea and popovers on the lawn, touristy tho it may seem, is a quintessential MDI experience. By all means go. It's especially good when you end your island interior mountain hike there. I would avoid the Burning Tree in Otter Creek. Others disagree with me, however, and sing its praises. It's non-red meat, not quite vegetarian but almost. They do try to use local produce and products; it's just that I find they don't do anything interesting with them. But then again, others do rave about this place. Well, you can't argue with Gus. The food isn't special, but the view is, at the Bar Harbor Inn. Make a reservation for the Sunday brunch. Walk it off on Bar Harbor's "cottage" studded shore path. For ice cream, I recommend any place that sells Giffords. While not up on the first tier with my beloved Bassetts (especially their Raspberry Truffle), it's firmly ensconsed near the top of the second tier. Giffords can be obtained at the Ocean Drive Dairy Bar, just south of town at the triangle formed by Rt. 3 and Schooner Head Road. If you're on the "back side" of the island, head to SW Harbor; there's an ice cream parlor in the center of the village that sells Giffords. Across Frenchman's Bay from Bar Habor (about a 45-60 minute drive) is the Schoodic Peninsula, which is home to another, smaller part of Acadia National Park. Quite dramatic scenery there, too, including the views across the water back to Mount Desert Island. Winter Harbor is the gateway village to Schoodic, and the local restaurant is Chase's. I re-visited this spot after a 15-year hiatus and found that it hs hardly changed. The fish stew was wonderful, and quite reasonably priced. Little Notch in SW Harbor makes good pizza and sandwiches. Tue Jul 01 01:27:19 -0700 2003 855627 0 Bob Libkind 1 855650 I'm just going to list a few places that you can get to quick from Route 1 or 95, as you travel through the state. These are cheap lunch or breakfast type options...remember, you can't eat lobster or fried clams EVERY meal (although I know it sounds good). -I second the Gifford's Ice Cream recommendation, and there is one in Waterville, which is on 95. Try a frappe. -There is also Big G's, a great deli with gigantic sandwiches, on Outer Benton Ave in Winslow, across the river from Waterville. -Fat Boy's Drive-In is fun, off Route 1 near the Brunswick Naval Air Base in Brunswick. Good greasy stuff, fried clams, nice thick frappes here too. Feels like summer, eating at Fat Boy's. -Moody's Diner, on Route 1, in Waldoboro. Great pie, good food all around, plus I think the chowder is great, if you like authentic chowder and not that thick gooey crud. -Red's Eats, Wiscasset, Route 1. Sometimes the line is wicked long. But the lobster roll is huge, and fresh. -Dysart's Truck Stop, just west of Bangor, off 95. Great fresh bread, rolls, pies, good hearty food. -Bolley's Famous Franks, Augusta, off 95. Probably too far off 95 for you. It's on the road out of Augusta towards Hallowell. Still, good hot dogs, and damn good french fries. So there are a few cheap places to grab some food on the road. I would also make sure to have some Geary's Ale, a Whoopie Pie, and some Moxie. Just to say you've had the Maine experience. Tue Jul 01 10:19:54 -0700 2003 855627 0 johnnym 2 855653 Speaking of Waterville, I will add to the recommendation of Gifford's. Try one of their original Maine-inspired flavors like Moose Tracks. Two things that I haven't seen mentioned yet but are certainly part of the Maine culinary canon are Italian sandwiches (Maine variation on subs) and dagwoods (basically Italians in pita bread). Waterville has lots of little corner stores that sell these babies -- unfortunately our long-time favorite, Boles' Market, is no more. Another place we've always liked is on the road to the golf course (it's the road towards Vassalboro if that helps). The name of it is two letters, like L&J or K&M. Great ham and cheese Italians -- always get extra bacon. Sorry for the lack of specifics. Portland is supposed to have great Italians -- Amato's in particular -- but sadly I've never had the pleasure of trying one. If you're in Waterville around breakfast time, go to Waterville House Of Pancakes, and definitely get a grilled blueberry or raspberry muffin. Tue Jul 01 11:24:45 -0700 2003 855650 0 Bob W. 3 855657 Oh, I got a chowhoundy one for you. If you happen to either come or go from Mt. Desert Is. via 95, and you are in Bangor at breakfast time, there is a little bakery right in the middle of downtown (central st?) that is run by monks. The Friar's bakehouse or something? It's only open a few days a week, I think it is closed Sun-Tues. But they have great muffins and cakes (strawberry shortcake in season), and it is a really friendly little place. Happy monks, merrily making muffins. After you finish your muffin, you can peruse the used book stores and hope to bump into Stephen King. That would be a Maine experience if ever there was one. If they are closed, Bagel Central next door is good too. Tue Jul 01 12:41:08 -0700 2003 855653 0 johnnym 3 855898 Mainers take their Italian Sandwiches almost as seriously as they take their Lobsters and their Baked Beans. Amato's Italian Sandwiches are just OK at the main/original store over near Munjoy Hill. But, Amato's has expanded into zillions of offshoots. In gasoline stations even. Those sell an inferior product. I had to throw one out that I purchased late night in Wells. Even the OJ that I purchased had gone bad. For Italian's I like Terroni's across from Deering Oaks. I think Calvin Trillan was absolutely right when he said that the best hamburger, BBQ, etc... is likely made in your own hometown. In the interest of complete candor I must admit that Terroni's is located directly across from MY old junior high school. I stand by my Terroni's recommendation none the less. By the way, the best Italian's in Maine are ALWAYS made in little Mom & Pop grocery stores. And the size of the sandwich making area relative to the rest of the store is a very good indication of the quality of product. Thu Jul 10 19:23:23 -0700 2003 855653 0 Win (Boston) 4 855905 Win, you wrote "By the way, the best Italian's in Maine are ALWAYS made in little Mom & Pop grocery stores. And the size of the sandwich making area relative to the rest of the store is a very good indication of the quality of product." This is SO true! I moved back to Maine (from Boston) after 15 years away and I swear the taste of my first Italian from a nearby mom & pop store (Moran's, on Forest Ave.) was the thing that made me realize I was back home! This place is a little grocery/convenience store with a sandwich area that takes up about a third of the floor space (always a good sign). There's another good one just over the Westbrook line on 302, going out towards Windham, where the "store" is about 1/4 of the floor space, and the rest given over to sandwich-making (needless to say, the sandwiches are wicked good). Another place that has great Italians is -- god, I'm blanking on the name -- a little place over by the Doubletree Hotel/Concord Trailways/Amtrak station, on Congress St, starts with an A...argh, sorry. But it's the only mom 'n pop grocery on that stretch of Congress St. Amato's do vary in quality, but I've actually had some good luck with the one on Munjoy; also the one on Washington near Allen Ave. is not bad. DiPetrio's on the Hill is my Dad's fave (he lived on Munjoy when he was in jr. high and high school) -- it's got a less puffy bun, and more meat and pickles. To each his -- or her -- own, I guess. I'd definitely recommend Italians as a must-try for visitors to Maine. We like 'em like New Orleans folks like their Po Boys and Beignets...perhaps even as much as Seattlites enjoy their overpriced espresso-based beverages. Fri Jul 11 02:12:18 -0700 2003 855898 0 Vacationland 5 855913 Vacationland and Win: thanks for the mouthwatering posts. Does Portland also have Dagwoods? Up in the Waterville area -- not exactly a chowhound paradise, whether to get a Dagwood or an Italian was never taken lightly. Back in the days when some of us were being molded into Chowhounds (mid-70s) the big news one summer was "Whipper's [a long-gone Waterville eatery] puts bacon on their Dagwoods!" Fri Jul 11 09:45:28 -0700 2003 855905 0 Bob W. 6 855918 Jeez I remember that. Was that in '74-'76? From 1970 to 1980 as a kid and teen I spent three months in a cabin on a lake in the Waterville area every summer. There were big arguements as to whether it was new, innovative, and cool... or the work of subversive, big city types trying to ruin the good, honest, small town living. I personally didn't care, I ate everything as long as it was good. Fri Jul 11 10:43:38 -0700 2003 855913 0 The Rogue 7 855939 Hmm...haven't seen Dagwoods on any sandwich menus in Portland, but that doesn't mean they're not here, only that I haven't found 'em yet! I know what you're talking about, though -- I remember getting them one drunken night in Waterville a hundred years ago or so (okay, 20 years ago or so). My Waterville drinking buddy swore they were THE thing to eat there. I think they're more of a Central Maine delicacy, but they have 'em as far South as L/A (Lewiston/Auburn for those From Away)...I asked a co-worker and he raved about them for 10 minutes, saying he used to live on them when he was growing up. Drove past Terroni's this evening...had already had dinner, but if I hadn't, man, I would've been all over it. There was a line of kids out the door when we went by (some kind of event just getting out at the school). Talked to my Dad tonight and mentioned this thread, and he laughed and admitted that he is a loyal DiPietro's guy because he went to school and played football with the DiPietro boys and they used to get free sandwiches from the store all the time after practice. Lucky bums. Fri Jul 11 21:54:25 -0700 2003 855918 0 Vacationland 8 876147 Its my impression that every Dagwood is different. The term means that the sandwich is piled high with whatever is handy; the more the better. Dagwood was in the Blondie comic strip and the sandwich reached a memorable height in that cartoon. Wed Mar 01 16:06:21 -0800 2006 855939 0 Win (Boston) 5 876047 I disagree. The best italian are at TownLanding Market on rt 88 in falmouth. Fri Feb 24 15:47:21 -0800 2006 855905 0 Courtney White 3 864813 If you're near/around Waterville, think Colby College, Thomas College - you have to go to Big G's in Winslow, Maine - never have I seen sandwiches so huge in my life, ever. Another place for HUGE desserts (not food) go to Governor's. You won't be sorry...my sil came up from Massachusetts, took her to Big G's & was she ever impressed! Mon Oct 18 11:21:34 -0700 2004 855653 0 Dorothy Uhlman 2 858835 I own Big G's Deli in Winslow... THANK YOU! Geeeeeeeee Tue Jan 13 18:28:34 -0800 2004 855650 0 Gerry Michaud 2 866063 I've always had the best dogs at the Bolley's in Waterville... somehow they just taste better... and Big G's...OH YEAH! Home of the SeaPig! Big G's is the Best Deli anywhere and don't forget to pickup an enormous Whoopie Pie or a tub of their apple crisp... Gerry can cook like a madman! Tue Dec 28 14:41:48 -0800 2004 855650 0 chris 2 2026241 This is not a very chowhoundy post. Even my kids think no longer like Fat Boy. I can't say I'd recommend a single place on this list, and there is lots of good food in Maine. Thu Nov 16 11:30:20 -0800 2006 855650 23705 MangiaMuse 1 855659 My first "Maine Must" in the summer is to stay off Route 1 from York Beach, PARTICULARLY Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunkport, through Freeport and around Rockland/Camden unless you want to sit at the light in Camden and window shop. That said, I can't avoid Route 1 since Scarborough Marsh and Biddeford Pool are in the no-no zone; so is Nubble; so is Portland Headlight. I've acquired a Metro-NY strategy (for those of us who hate stopping for lights) and will select carefully, and zig-zag from 1 to I-95 and back again. Now to the chow... The burger/dog/ice cream joint by Brunswick NAS is on the Old Bath Road. I usually scoot through the back of the Bowdoin campus. In Bath, Kristina's Bakery on the Route 1 overpass is easy to get to -- exit at the Holiday Inn. I think it's Congress St. but check on that. Take your pick --breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon coffee/tea. All excellent in an attractive atmostphere on the porch. Some quite nice restaurants in town, too. If you feel flush, there's Robinhood Free Meetinghouse in Georgetown on the north side of the Carelton Bridge. The next, but too close, food-fest place is Wiscasset where on and just off Route 1 are Sea Basket, Red's and the Round Top ice cream stand at the bridge (where you can have your lobster roll AND dessert in the car while you wait to get across the bridge), Sarah's, and the Garage. Move on to Newcastle and Damariscotta, unless you detour to mid-coast tourist trap Boothbay (someone else can pick this up -- too much comment for me; will be there next month), and pig out properly at the Round Top ice cream barn. I know there are Gifford's aficionados, but RT outdoes any I've ever had other than truly homemade and sometimes even that. My homemade blueberry was a disaster compared with theirs. If you take run to Pemaquid, one of THE calendar lighthouses, stop at Round Pond Inn and or one of the lobster shacks in Round Pond, Bristol, New Harbor or Pemaquid. I'm about tuckered out on this journey. Someone else's turn. Tue Jul 01 14:31:14 -0700 2003 855627 0 M-L. 1 855663 So many good suggestions! I'd like to add three places I particularly like. King Eider's Pub in Damariscotta is fun and I had the best salmon there. Another good spot for lobster in the rough is Shaw's in New Harbor. Just sit out on the deck and watch the boats going by. BTW "Message In A Bottle" was partly filmed there in that cove. Very scenic. For lunch, give Lily's Cafe in Stonington a try. I had a wonderful oriental salad with noodles, smoked turkey, green onions and walnuts. To die for! Good luck on your trip. Tue Jul 01 15:56:58 -0700 2003 855627 0 Lindsay 2 855667 If you are a fan of oysters on the half shell, have some while at King Eider's. Damariscotta is famous for their oysters so why not, Tue Jul 01 19:27:48 -0700 2003 855663 0 chuck s 1 855665 Two words: Reds Eats. We have driven 3 hours from our home in Massachusetts up to Wiscasset just to have their lobster rolls. Now that I think about it, we may head up there this weekend! Tue Jul 01 18:11:37 -0700 2003 855627 0 Lisa N. 1 855670 While in Arcadia stop at Jordon Pond for tea and fresh popovers. In downtown Bar Harbor we really like Gayln's. Wed Jul 02 13:02:11 -0700 2003 855627 0 RideToEat 2 855756 Thats Acadia. Sun Jul 06 23:02:18 -0700 2003 855670 0 Shaebones 1 855684 Me too please! Thu Jul 03 11:04:46 -0700 2003 855627 0 Michelle 1 855709 I do a lot business tripping in the Portland area and a restaurant called Fore Street, coinsidently on Fore Street, has to be one of my top 3 restaurants overall anywhere. The menu changes daily and the food is SUPERB!!!!!!!! The hangar steak, open grilled roast pork and Quail are absolutely great. The rope mussels appetizer is also beyond words. This place is a definite winner - go early - opens at 5:30 cause it fills up quick. If you can call ahead for a reservation do it. This place is definitely worth the trip!!!!! Thu Jul 03 18:39:20 -0700 2003 855627 0 Stu Laribee 2 855866 The Dolphin Marina in Harpswell has the best fish chowder I've ever had. It's worth the trip. Thu Jul 10 02:58:18 -0700 2003 855709 0 Carol 3 2026243 Small menu, but everything at the Dolphin is very good. Try the rhubarb crisp in season. YUM! Thu Nov 16 11:38:34 -0800 2006 855866 23705 MangiaMuse 1 1973195 Big G's in Winslow is worth a trip itself. Best breakfast in the state is Dysart's Truck Stop just off 95 South of Bangor. Try the cinnamon rolls on Saturday or Sunday. Excellent barbecue at "Beale Street" in South Portland, Bath, or Augusta. Thu Oct 26 01:54:50 -0700 2006 855627 49082 AHilde 1 1973720 I cant believe everyone wants to send you to upper Maine. I'm not saying that its bad but from Kittery North to Keneybunkport there are many places to stop. Unfortinatly you are going at a time when a lot of places are closing for the Winter season. But you can visit all the (discount Shops) and I use that word with caution. in the Kittery area. then travel north thur York and travel along Rt 1A for some great views of the ocean. You will arive in Ogunquit on Shore Drive . Go to a place called Perkings cove you wont be disapointed.There are a couple of nice restaurants there, Nice place for lunch called MC perkins cove,and a place called Jackie's two. Both are a little different. There are some nice places to stay in the Ogunquit area also. My wife and I like a Place called Medowmere resort right on Rt.1 before you get into the center of town at the rotary. and there are some nice places to eat along Rt 1 headed North. We like a Place called Vinnie's East Coast Grill Its a great sports bar and the food is very good. They have the most wonderful salad dressing. Or at least we think so. Any way I hope this gives you some thing else to think about as you plan your trip. Please let us on chowhound know how your trip went and what you liked or didnt like from our recomendations , Sorry about the spelling of some words. Earle Thu Oct 26 12:19:31 -0700 2006 855627 12036 Earle 1 1973937 In Kittery, I would recommend the Bagel Caboose for some of the best bagels and bagel sandwiches in the area. They are located off of the Remick's Corner rotary that leads one to Rt. 1, the Rt. 1 bypass, Rt. 236, and downtown Kittery. Not Maine, I know, but when travelling on Rt. 95, take a five minute side trip to downtown Portsmouth to have a few pints of excellent craft brew at the Portsmouth Brewery, followed by dinner at the nearby Lindbergh's Crossing or Green Monkey. Thu Oct 26 14:22:14 -0700 2006 855627 46700 Truh 1 2026242 If you are in the Bar Harbor area, and want VERY wonderful French food, hop on over to Hancock and go to Le Domaine. It is on Route 1, about 9 miles west of Ellsworth, and easy to miss, but Nicole Purslow prepares absolutely top rate French cuisine, and has a few lovely rooms to stay in as well. Haven't been there in a few years, but each visit was very memorable. Also, Kristina's is now Mae's Place, but very similar, and owned by a former Kristina's employee. Very good, great bakery. I agree with everyone about Fore Street. Has anyone mentioned Primo? Right up there with the best in Maine, located in Rockland. Head chef Melissa Kelly gets a fair amount of press nationally because of her great food and she's pretty. Like Fore Street, everything is very fresh and delicious. The cuisine is a bit more European/eclectic than Fore Street, but it is worth a side trip for a true chowhounder. I met cookbook author Elinor Klivans there with her husband one night, and she is a Primo regular. Thu Nov 16 11:37:09 -0800 2006 855627 23705 MangiaMuse