Posted in Maine
May 14, 2021
The Fairytale Road Trip That’ll Lead You To Some Of Maine’s Most Magical Places
It’s easy to head to a specific destination that we’ve recommended for you, but hopping in the car to go explore without a destination is the best way to find the hidden corners of Maine. In fact, driving through the state is one of the best ways to get to know it better. This road trip features some of the most magical spots we’ve found, but you might be surprised at just what we consider “magical.” Plan a weekend to check it out for a unique excursion. You can click here to get the full driving directions through Google maps.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Every good road trip needs fuel and the best kind is food! If you choose to make this trip on a weekend day, you'll want to enjoy the brunch at Boone's Fish House. Choose from their fantastic menu and enjoy the view of the working waterfront while you talk about all that's in store for you on your road adventure.
Your first magical stop after fueling up is Mackworth Island. It's not an actual island so you can drive down the small road connecting the mainland to this piece of land. Park, then take the walking path around the island until you come to this very special village where fairies have made their homes! You can learn more about it and find out just how to find it by clicking here.
Next, it's time to enjoy the water at Sebago Lake State Park. This is a beautiful place to enjoy some time when it's warm out, but we also love it when the leaves are changing in the fall. Plan on spending at least an hour exploring here. You can learn more about Sebago and some of our other favorite Maine lakes here.
If you haven't already done too much walking around Sebago Lake, head to Auburn to enjoy the beautiful 1.6-mile walk through the old mill district of the twin cities of Auburn and Lewiston. This is a great way to see some of Maine's most historic mill towns while getting some fresh air. You can check out more here.
With all that walking and outdoor exploring, you'll probably be hungry again. It's time for another stop on the water in Damariscotta, one of Maine's most picturesque river towns. Enjoy great seafood with a magical breeze. But remember that this spot is seasonal so you'll need to leave it off your list if you choose to do this trip between October and April. See more of our favorite outdoor dining spots in this article.
Next you'll be driving north. This castle-like inn sits overlooking the water and makes for a great overnight spot to break up the trip. If you'd like to continue on, simply grab a snack and enjoy the view before heading back on your way. You can learn more about the history and what you'll enjoy with a stay by clicking here.
If you chose to spend the night in Camden, your first stop in the morning will be this beauty. If you chose to continue to see it all in one day you'll still love what comes next. Deer Isle is a beautiful little town on the water with some of the most quintessential Maine views you can find.
Next it onto the first of a few different gardens. Each one is magical, but this one feels extra-special. Created in 1956 by Northeast Harbor resident, Charles K. Savage, the entire place is modeled after a Japanese garden. It's calming, relaxing and beautiful. Learn more about it and how to visit here.
The next garden on our trip is just as beautiful as the last. In fact, if you're pressed for time they're so close to one another that you can choose just one to see. The private garden was built by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand for Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and John D. Rockefeller, Jr, And it's been around since the 1920s. One important thing to keep in mind is that this is a private garden and it's only open to the public on a few days each year. Be sure to check before heading over. You can learn more about it and find links to open dates here.
Last up on our tour of magical spots in Maine is this butterfly garden. Curated and planted specifically to attract these special creatures, it's fun to walk around and see if anything lands on you. They also host special events throughout the season and if you can time your trip to coincide with those you'll be happy you did. Learn more about the history and what's in store for you here.
We love doing the trip from south to north, but remember that you can alter it to fit within your own geography. If you live in the midcoast or downeast area, feel free to do this backwards. Or, change things up completely and see a few spots over the course of a few months.
We love doing the trip from south to north, but remember that you can alter it to fit within your own geography. If you live in the midcoast or downeast area, feel free to do this backwards. Or, change things up completely and see a few spots over the course of a few months.
Have you been to any of these spots? If you have any tips to share we’d love to read them in the comments. And, of course, let us know what we’ve left off.
If you prefer to find magic in just one place where you can spend some time, we’ve got a great option for you. Poplar Hut is a magical waterfall camping experience in Maine!
Address: 86 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Address: Mackworth Island, Falmouth, ME 04105, USA
Address: Sebago Lake, Maine, USA
Address: Auburn Riverwalk, Auburn, ME 04210, USA
Address: 40 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543, USA
Address: The Norumbega Inn, 63 High St, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Address: Deer Isle, ME, USA
Address: Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USA
Address: Seal Harbor, ME 04675, USA
Address: 191 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
