Portwalk of Searsport Maine

We are so excited!   This will be our third year of hosting.  When we created the space our goal was always to make it a...
05/23/2024

We are so excited! This will be our third year of hosting. When we created the space our goal was always to make it a place where people would want to gather. They could relax after a day of discovery in our area. Stretch their legs.

So when we curated the lower unit, I knew we had to put in an outdoor patio space. What we didn’t know for sure was how receptive people would be to it. As our guests came and left, most commented on the outdoor space and how they enjoyed having it.

So this year we could not wait to put in a formal patio. The builders did a fantastic job! We are thrilled and cannot wait for our guests to enjoy it! They may not realize the difference but we will! Now to make it comfortable again!

Day Hiking!  There is a wealth of information around the many hiking trails in Maine.  After all…Mount Katahdin in Baxte...
03/03/2024

Day Hiking! There is a wealth of information around the many hiking trails in Maine. After all…Mount Katahdin in Baxter State a park is where the Appalachian Trail (referred to as the AT) ends! Imagine living 3-6 months carrying everything you need in a backpack from Georgia to Maine. Where that trip culminates would have to be pretty special. I promise you it is!

There are tons and tons of books available about the AT. That is not what I want to discuss here. If you are interested in that…let me know. I can definitely point you to some helpful resources.

The trips I would like to outline here are for amateur day hikers. Even amateur day hikers need to be prepared. Lots of water, snacks, light meal, cell phone, trail map, weather awareness, and leave plenty of time (and energy) for the return trip to your car. These are a few of our must-do short hikes that are lesser known to tourists.

1. Jockey Cap Trail in Fryeburg, Maine is, by far, my favorite hike to surprise people with. It is slightly less than a mile at .8 miles long. With an incline. And is considered moderate because of a short scramble over some rocks. We did it with our blind, old dog two years ago. It is a short hike with massive views! There is a monument that is essentially a panoramic compass identifying all of the summits in the 360 degree view! Then head over to the brewery across the street or downtown to reward yourself! Follow the link here to see more about the https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/jockey-cap

2. Camden Hills State Park trail system. This is a two for one. Also a must see for any of our visitors when we tour Maine for the first time. We love it because it is rarely crowded. There are two trails in this park.

The first is shoreline and starts from the lower parking lot. Easy short .10 mile hike. Follow the trail to the shoreline and enjoy a picnic lunch while watching the boats nearby. https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/camden-hills-state-park-shoreline-trail

The second is actually a network of trails that compile Camden Hills and offer views of the yachts in Camden Bay and surrounding communities from Mount Battie. Check the trails on the link to find one that fits your difficulty level. You just cannot go wrong here! Plus dinner in Camden and shopping afterwards! https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/camden-hills-state-park-interior-trail-network

3. Screw Auger Falls Trail in Grafton Notch State Park. Newry, Maine. This is a quick hike with less that .20 mile of easy terrain. And waterfalls! Combine this with #1 hike and stay 3 days minimum to enjoy other trails in Grafton Notch area or head to Mount Washington. I have never had anyone regret this trip! Plus there is a brewery! https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/maine/grafton-notch-state-park

4. I am kind of cheating here. This is about Baxter State Park and the AT. Spend the night near the end of the trail in a campground or a motel. Just experience backpackers in August coming off the AT! Getting ready to hike Katahdin. Take a hike up Blueberry Ledges. Instead of scrambling to the gorge side head up the ledges for stunning views! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/blueberry-ledges-trail

I hope this helps you find some less crowded trails. Out of the way. And can help add to your already brimming itinerary!

Fall in Maine.  This is the time we elected to bring my 90 year old Mother In Law five years ago.  Our goal was two fold...
02/26/2024

Fall in Maine. This is the time we elected to bring my 90 year old Mother In Law five years ago. Our goal was two fold. 1. View the fall foliage. 2. Show her out of the way areas most tourists miss.

We decided to fly into Boston arriving October 2 through October 12. After collecting our bags and easily navigating through Boston traffic with our rental car...we beelined it to Southern Maine.

Our first stop will always be at Stonewall Kitchen in York, Maine. https://www.stonewallkitchen.com We have followed their journey since they opened in 1991. Their products are exceptional and presentation is charming. We picked up plenty of snacks for our next 10 days and a few souvenirs. We may or may not have stopped on the way home for more!

Our next stop is the Old Port in Portland, Maine. This area offers cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings, and fishing piers. There is an active ferry line that takes you to islands in the bay. Most visitors find themselves walking the narrow streets to shop and visit the many restaurants.

Our first restaurant stop always includes a lobster roll from Portland Lobster Company. https://portlandlobstercompany.com/ Their vibe is very relaxed. Order at the counter, grab a number, make your way out to the patio seating to enjoy your drink and listen to live music most days. They bring the lobster roll to you while you take in the waterfront vibe. There are other restaurants that offer formal seating. I like the relaxed atmosphere. Before I forget. Oddly enough, they also have the only coleslaw I will eat. It is so good!

From here, we move away from the water to our AirBNB in Western Maine. The Bethel area offers that mountain town experience in the fall. An extremely small town with large ski resorts. Local restaurants are all you will find here. Local breweries. With the exception of a Dunkin. Breakfast was always at Gemini Cafe on Main Street. https://www.thegeminicafe.com/

Our days were spent on this trip negotiating our way up Mount Washington in New Hampshire. This is the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. And is well known for its erratic weather. The Weather Station reports from here often. The views in the fall are stunning. Take the drive up. You will not regret it.

We spent some time driving in the White Mountains, Franconia Notch, and what is considered parts of the Northern Appalachian Trail.

We did not do it on this trip, there are many hiking trails and canoe/kayaking in this area. I will include that on my next post. This one is reserved for foliage and low-key adventures.

From here we made our way to Central Maine. We found another AirBNB in Liberty, Maine on Lake Saint George. Keep in mind, this was before we purchased our AirBNB property. Now, we would stay in Searsport. Just know that there are a lot of options. All with their own positives! The fall foliage followed us to this area. We spent day 5-9 here. The colors were spectacular. We ate lunch at a tiny local restaurant Lori's Cafe. Very few chairs. Homemade food with down to earth locals serving you. Have dessert! Their pies are just like grandma made.

This location made it easy to avoid Route 1 traffic. Our day trips involved going to Boothbay Harbor. Which is always very hard difficult to navigate. The Harbor area is mostly one way traffic. The shops are plentiful. You have to experience it once. Harborside 1901 https://harborside1901.com/ is a restaurant with a diverse menu. Lovely view. My mother in law enjoyed watching the view and enjoying her dessert while we walked the footbridge nearby. Take the time to drive out of the heart of the downtown and into some of the back bays.

We ventured up to Lincolnville/Camden/Belfast a few days. Sat on the beach, drove up Camden Hill and watched the ferries pickup/deliver vacationers. This is an area I am very familiar with and will share in a separate post on midcoast Maine. Including Camden Hills State Park. Which is often overlooked due to its proximity to Bar Harbor. The locals love that it can be forgotten. It is a sleepy harbor town with so much to offer.

If you find yourself wanting to view the fall foliage. Watch the foliage charts that are posted annually. Most years it will start in the west and work to the eastern side of Maine. Depending on your travel dates, look at what has happened historically to gain optimal viewing.

As always, I hope this helps!

Where the locals go for Maine lobster, steamers, Maine shrimp, lobster rolls, Peekytoe crab cakes, and New England clam chowder, Casco Bay lobster stew, Portland Fisherman

My apologies for this taking for this not posting earlier.  I am going to give three different posts for trips in order ...
02/26/2024

My apologies for this taking for this not posting earlier. I am going to give three different posts for trips in order to get caught up. I had some difficulties in posting links. The next three posts will, I hope, make up for the delays.

My goal is to help visitors set agendas and to maximize their trips to our area. Above all else..to fall in love with the state of Maine!

Feel free to ask questions, share your thoughts, as well as share your personal experiences in the comments!

Here's a question I answer often.  Having lived in various areas of Maine for over 18 years, I am asked often to create ...
01/26/2024

Here's a question I answer often. Having lived in various areas of Maine for over 18 years, I am asked often to create an itinerary for people who have never been.

For the next few weeks I will be sharing itineraries based on personal experiences and interests. Here are a few things you need to know about the state before you start trip planning.

I consider Maine to have 7 regions. Others might say there is more. I am good with that. I like to keep things simple. Let's start in Southern Maine and work our way north.

1. Southern Maine includes the beaches up to Casco Bay. Locals will debate if you have actually "been to Maine" if you have not made it North of Portland. Southern Maine has long stretches of beaches, many small islands in Casco Bay, and of course...Portland.

2. Midcoast is considered the coastal towns from about Bath/Brunswick to Penobscot Bay in Searsport. A lot of small coastal towns with many working waterfronts.

3. Western Maine Lake Region stretches across several lakes north of Portland through Sebago along the New Hampshire border. This includes the Appalachian Trail that ends in Mount Katahdin. More about that area later!

4. Central Maine generally extends from Bath Brunswick over to the Oxford Hills North to Skowhegan and east into the Augusta area. This area is where you will find the Capital area.

5. Mount Katahdin & Baxter State Park is a largely untouched area including Maine's highest peak Mount Katahdin. And where the Appalachian Trail ends. Moosehead Lake, Maine's largest lake, is a nature lover's paradise.

6. Downeast & Acadia regions are the most visited. It is known as where the mountains meet the sea. There are rocky coastlines and harbor towns that dot the shore.

7. Aroostook County is often referred to by locals as "the county". It stretches north to the Canadian Border. This area is quite rural and appreciated mostly by the outdoor recreation enthusiast!

When visiting this area, you first need to understand that each region is quite different. Choose your itinerary based on your interests. Just know what each area provides.

My mother in law "saw Maine" as part of a tour over 40 years ago. When I asked what she remembered of the area her response was "lobster". She thinks they may have ventured as far north as Portland. She asked me to set up a tour "like a local". In my next post, I will outline our agenda, where we stayed, and how many days we spent at each location.

I would like you to consider this. Spend 2-3 days in a region. Find a base of operations. Spend your time venturing out visiting things within an hour drive. Then move on to a different region. It is truly the only way to see all of Maine.

One last thing to note when traveling in the summertime:

Limit your travel North on Route 1. Drive south whenever you can. Think about this, most visitors are driving up from Boston or Portland. They take in the view as they "drive up the coast". The view is the same from both directions. Save yourself the summer traffic jam headache. Take 95 north of the area you want to visit. Or access a backroad. Then travel south on Route 1! Except for on Sundays. That is when most visitors are headed home. Going South. On route 1. You're welcome.

I look forward to sharing more details of each area. I hope this helps you build a trip of lifetime!

https://www.mainetourism.com/sp/MIY2024/

Steamboats were regular visitors in Searsport. Our maritime history will astonish you!
01/15/2024

Steamboats were regular visitors in Searsport. Our maritime history will astonish you!

The Steamboat Wharf in Searsport, Maine during the 1910s.

Don’t forget to book next year’s vacation soon!
11/25/2023

Don’t forget to book next year’s vacation soon!

Foliage season is here!
10/09/2023

Foliage season is here!

Look at those colors! Nothing like morning light in the Valley.
Carrabassett Region NEMBA
Town of Carrabassett Valley
Visit Maine
Today Show
NEWS CENTER Maine
Maine Tourism Association

If you want to get outdoors but not quite confident enough to do it on your own.  Try a local guide service.  My husband...
08/21/2023

If you want to get outdoors but not quite confident enough to do it on your own. Try a local guide service. My husband and I joined LLbean on an overnight kayak trip to a local island. We loved it! Even with the rain and hail! There are so many guide services available in our area. Whether you want to be on the water in Midcoast Maine or the mountains of Acadia, there are countless outfitters to choose from. We would love to host you at our AirBNB when you return from your outdoor adventures!

A favorite pastime at our beaches (during low tide) is to scour the beaches for treasures.  My guests sent me pictures o...
08/21/2023

A favorite pastime at our beaches (during low tide) is to scour the beaches for treasures. My guests sent me pictures of their haul from a recent low tide and bet me it was the best all season. What do you think? I will not tell you which one was mine!

Summertime in Searsport.   Boats in the bay.  Searching for seaglass.  Playing in tidal pools. The smell of saltwater.  ...
08/01/2023

Summertime in Searsport. Boats in the bay. Searching for seaglass. Playing in tidal pools. The smell of saltwater. The sound of waves. Oh…and eagles too! You could have been here.

I love summer in Maine.  Our season continues into August.  Then fall is breathtaking!  Some of our feedback this year c...
07/26/2023

I love summer in Maine. Our season continues into August. Then fall is breathtaking! Some of our feedback this year centered around all of the activities at Belfast Harbor. It is true there is always something going on. I hope to see a few people in Belfast at the races!

https://www.facebook.com/100064525220878/posts/654595123367989/?mibextid=cr9u03

The 21st Annual Come Boating! Regatta is fast approaching! We look forward to welcoming rowers and paddlers of boats of all kinds here in beautiful Belfast, ME on August 19th. To register, go to comeboating.org/events. Advance registration is required no later than August 15th.

When people ask me what there is to do in Searsport.  I always recommend the hike on Sears Island.  Watching the seals f...
06/30/2023

When people ask me what there is to do in Searsport. I always recommend the hike on Sears Island. Watching the seals feed are always fun! The sea glass and sea urchins are not bad here either!

https://www.facebook.com/100064482110756/posts/678661764293221/?mibextid=SDPelY

Seals visiting the shore of Sears Island- Derek Dunbar took this photo and saw 14 of them popping out of the water and talking to each other today!

We are booked for this years Lobster Festival weekend in both units.  When you think of where you want to go for your ne...
06/21/2023

We are booked for this years Lobster Festival weekend in both units. When you think of where you want to go for your next weekend adventure…consider staying at the Portwalk of Searsport. There are festivals year round!

Did you know admission to the 76th Maine Lobster Festival is FREE? Join us Aug. 2-6, 2023 at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine for fun and feasting! Enjoy fresh Maine lobster, live music, fine art & craft vendors, the Big Parade, a 5k & 10k road race, the International Great Crate Race, a seafood cooking contest, beer & wine tasting, and so much more! Check out our schedule to plan your visit. https://bit.ly/3N8dCoz

05/23/2023

We think the best way to view the Maine coast is via boat and what could be more exhilarating than setting sail out of a Maine harbor aboard a tall masted

I had a group that cancelled for the first weekend in June.  That means free fishing weekend is now open!  You can fish ...
05/23/2023

I had a group that cancelled for the first weekend in June. That means free fishing weekend is now open! You can fish right off the docks at the town wharf. The shops are open. Grab a group of friends and come visit Maine for a quick getaway!

New to fishing? It’s okay, we’ve got you.

Free Fishing Weekend is coming up! On June 3-4, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may cast a line without a license. It’s the best time for beginners to try out a great Maine tradition without any commitment.

Want to learn more before you go? Visit mefishwildlife.com/fishing to find species ID help, laws and regs, water access sites, and tips for making a memorable catch. You’ll be looking like a pro by the time you hit the water’s edge.

*All other laws and regulations apply on these days.

Have you started planning your trip to Maine yet?
05/09/2023

Have you started planning your trip to Maine yet?

Have you ordered your free copy of the Official Maine State Travel Planner, Maine Invites You? Get your free copy today and start planning your adventures! Mainetourism.com/plan/travel-planner-guide/

04/20/2023

Our guests think we are the best. The truth is..they are! Another note from a group of ladies that loved their weekend here and even found our pair of eagles! Thank you to every single guest. We appreciate YOU!

Stunned.  Shocked. Taken Aback.When we purchased the Portwalk of Searsport Maine, two units existed on the property.  We...
03/28/2023

Stunned. Shocked. Taken Aback.

When we purchased the Portwalk of Searsport Maine, two units existed on the property. We knew we loved the location. When we met the neighbors and started visiting..we fell in love with the community. Our intention as a short term rental was to share our "Quiet oasis. To relax. To rejuvenate.".

It was not our intention to rent two units when we started. We thought the second (lower) unit with a private entrance, separate bath, kitchen, living room, and laundry would be an add-on to a large family stay. Offering some privacy for a large family get together.

We have been blown away at the reception of this space! The guests who have stayed here share reviews we just did not expect. Guests are staying in this space independent from the upper unit. And love it. I just received this handwritten note along with art from a guest that stayed last summer. In part, her note reads "My sincere gratitude to you for providing such a beautiful haven during our visit to Maine last July. Maine surrounded us with light, peace, and beauty."

My heart melted when I pulled it out of the mailbox and realized what it was. Guests understand our intention with the space. We accomplished what we set out to do.

The unofficial start to Spring in Maine!  MaineMaple Days!  It is fascinating to see the process.
03/21/2023

The unofficial start to Spring in Maine! MaineMaple Days! It is fascinating to see the process.

Our celebration of MAPLE starts this weekend. It is the beginning of FOUR event days with so much fun planned! Here's just a quick peek..

March 18 (9-4)
🍁Elf-Paca Meadows
🍁Maine Antique Power Association
🍁Wicked Good Ice Carvings
🍁Millside Creations (breakfast plates to purchase)

March 25 (9-4)
🍁Elf-Paca Meadows
🍁Axe Women
🍁Millside Creations
🍁Mainely Burgers (food truck)

March 26 (9-6) Maine Maple Sunday
🍁Wicked Good Ice Carvings
🍁Rilee Schoff - ACL Teen Phenom
🍁Pliable Athletes - Maddie Niles, Jazmin Johnson
🍁Millside Creations
🍁Mainely Burgers

April 1 (9-4)
🍁Axe Women
🍁Millside Creations
🍁Mainely Burgers

On ALL event days, you can tour the sugarhouse and Maple Store, play games, see tractors, visit the farm animals, try a sample or two, enter contest... There is NO cost for admission.


203 years!
03/15/2023

203 years!

Happy Birthday, Maine! 🎉

When people ask us “How close are the lighthouses to your house?” I just send them this map. We are five minutes by car ...
03/10/2023

When people ask us “How close are the lighthouses to your house?” I just send them this map. We are five minutes by car from the Stockton Springs Four Point Light. We have a convenient place to stay while you check some of them off your list!

How many Maine lighthouses have you visited? The 2023 edition of Maine's Official Travel Planner, Maine Invites You, includes a map of all 65 lighthouses! Order your free travel planner today to start planning your lighthouse route:
mainetourism.com/plan/travel-planner-guide/

That moment all of your preparation pays off!  Checking on the people staying during the storm.  “Yes! We are enjoying t...
03/04/2023

That moment all of your preparation pays off! Checking on the people staying during the storm. “Yes! We are enjoying the snow outside. Watching the eagles in the trees, snuggled on the couch with hot cocoa, reading books and working on the puzzle we found! Nice pictures of Maine on the puzzles.”

Four inches of snow!?  Pffft!  Don’t cancel your plans for that!  Today was still a beach day for us!  December we were ...
03/03/2023

Four inches of snow!? Pffft! Don’t cancel your plans for that! Today was still a beach day for us! December we were collecting sea urchin shells. Today it was sand dollars! Can you find them in the pictures?

Thank you, Searsport Recreation and Searsport Fire Department!  For, once again, bringing experiences to Mosman Park tha...
03/02/2023

Thank you, Searsport Recreation and Searsport Fire Department! For, once again, bringing experiences to Mosman Park that everyone can enjoy! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=530397675888939&id=100067561325618&mibextid=kdkkhi.

Mosman Ice rink looking great and open for the public after a fresh fill and some cold weather. Big shout out to the Searsport Fire Department for helping keep it filled this season!! Also we wanted to thank our community members who have been helping with the shoveling 👍🏼👏

Address

Searsport, ME
04974

Website

https://airbnb.com/h/portwalk-of-searsport

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