When my children and I moved to Maine ten years ago, I imagined us spending many weekends exploring every nook and cranny of the state. But then a funny thing happened: we settled into life with all its routines.
That’s not to say we haven’t explored. But when we find places we like, we tend to return.
Over the years, Wonderland And Ship port The trails of Acadia National Park have become favorite spots that we return to again and again, breathing in the salt air and sometimes bringing friends. In the summer, we usually swim in Pushaw Lake (we've tried other lakes and ponds, but this one remains our favorite). Rainy afternoon at The Great Henhouse at Ellsworth are always fun, and back-to-school shopping in Freeport has become another favorite. And it goes without saying that we have favorite restaurants and eateries throughout the state: The Palace Diner in Biddeford, Bob's Clam Hut in York, Geddy's in Bar Harbor, The Family Dog in Orono, Becky's Diner in Portland and more. others.
In my imagination, I didn't think we would be so motivated by habit. Despite all the places we've been, there are so many corners of the state we haven't visited.
That’s what made a few recent day trips to the Blue Hill Peninsula so special. Located about an hour from Bangor, the area is nestled between the Midcoast and the Down East and is home to dozens of restaurants and miles of coastline.
That's where Tinder Hearth is, for example. Years ago, Tinder Hearth's wood-fired bread was stocked at Giacomo's in Bangor and it quickly became a favorite. At Brooksville's current bakery, Tinder Hearth (1452 Coastal Road/www.tinderhearth.com) serves more than just loaves of bread – although I encourage you to take one home.
We went there in the spring, when there was still a fuller brunch on Saturday. But as summer approaches, Tinder Hearth is shifting gears and offering a simpler brunch on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. as well as a bakery on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pizza Night, which has received national attention in recent years with articles in Food and wine and the New York Timesextends to four evenings per week, Tuesday to Friday, starting June 11. Reservations are required but can only be booked from Monday of the week you wish to dine.
On another visit, we ventured to Stonington, located on the southern tip of Deer Isle. It was a quick trip to see the town and enjoy some ice cream from the Stonington Ice Cream Company while watching the lobster boats in the harbor. It got me thinking about how Maine and especially its coast have inspired so many writers over the years. I can see why. And it also made me want to go back to try some of the restaurants that dot the city, including two new ones.
The newly opened Crybabies (36 Main St./babieseat.com) is right across the water. The extensive menu includes a variety of seafood dishes like the Stonington Lobster Reuben ($27.95), Bronzed Haddock Soft Tacos ($18.95) and Double-Rolled Fried Oysters ($27.95). ), as well as many meat and vegetarian options.
Likewise, 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille (27 Main St.), which had to close for renovations after suffering extensive damage during a January storm, was scheduled to reopen this weekend. Located on the water, the seafood menu includes dishes like Lobster Cobb Salad ($18), Haddock Reuben ($14) and Lobster Mac and Cheese ($28), as well as a variety of meat options. The menu also offers a few vegetarian options.
And, of course, there are other places to try, like Stonecutters Kitchen (5 Atlantic Ave.), Fin and Fern (25 Seabreeze Ave.) and 44 North Coffee (70 Main St.) and fine dining restaurant Aragosta at Goose. Cove at Deer Isle isn't far either.
We have been to the Blue Hill Peninsula several times. We could spend weekend after weekend exploring and never see everything. But there is also so much to see in Maine. This summer, I want to head further east, to the Bold Coast. I want to cross the border into Canada to have fun.
Wherever we go along the coast, now is the time to do it. The weather is hot but still mild. The tourists have not yet arrived en masse. And everything, everywhere wakes up from winter rest. The only question remains: where will we go next?
