Photo: Courtesy of Jumping Rocks Photography
For a honeymoon that’s equal parts scenic cruising, New England charm, and delicious eats, look no further than Maine, whose rugged coasts and maritime ports of call are home to more than 60 lighthouses — the most of any New England state — and where the fresh catch of the day always includes local Maine lobster.
The best way to divvy up a week-long honeymoon so that you and your new hubby have time to see the sights (without needing to be on the move every day) is to spend two nights in three different locales along the coast, plus one or more nights in downtown Portland, an eclectic mix of Maine past and present.
Photo: Courtesy of PJ Walter Photo
The road trip follows Maine’s picturesque Route 1, beginning with two nights along the state’s southern coast in the historic Kennebunkport area, which is home to some of the state’s best beaches and numerous lighthouses. Two must-see sights: The Nubble Lighthouse in York and the Portland Head Lighthouse, the state’s oldest lighthouse (built 1787-1790), which stands at the entrance to Portland Harbor.
From here, head north towards the Rockland-Camden area, two quintessentially Maine towns. Home to the Maine Lighthouse Museum and the new Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockland is the Maine coast’s cultural and creative hub, while Camden is known for its boutique shopping, luxe lodging, and world-class dining. Note that to see the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, time your visit accordingly — the mile-long breakwater path is only accessible during low tide.
Photo: Courtesy of MM Photo
No Maine road trip would be complete without a stop in Bar Harbor, the picturesque gateway to Maine’s Acadia National Park, which happens to be celebrating its centennial this year. One of the nation’s oldest national parks, Acadia embodies Maine’s rugged, natural beauty in all its splendor: rocky bluffs, untamed wilderness, and the smell of fresh sea air. After driving the park’s 27-mile Loop Road, get out and explore by foot; the park features more than 130 miles of hiking trails.
Where to stay? From historic inns, to B&Bs, to boutique hotels, Maine’s coastal towns offer an array of lodging options. The New England Inns & Resorts Association has an easy-to-use search feature that’s integrated with Google Maps, and Maine’s official visitor website, VisitMaine.com, is another a great resource. Recent openings include boutique hotel 16 Bayview in downtown Camden and the Press Hotel in downtown Portland; the Cliff House, a Destination Hotel, is a luxe new property slated to open this summer along Maine’s southern coast.
Photo: Courtesy of PJ Walter Photography
Don’t have time to plan a honeymoon on top of all the wedding planning? Inns Along the Coast, a collection of eight historic inns, offers a 6-night package where the only decision that you’ll have to make is at which property to stay. The site also has a “Plan Your Trip” section with itineraries geared towards adventure, the arts and culinary interests — a helpful resource for any bride thinking about a Maine honeymoon. Add the Lobsters, Lighthouses & Luxury Along the Coast package to part or all of your honeymoon for a truly memorable experience, and why not? It is your honeymoon, after all!
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