Our journey up the Maine coast was a masterclass in quintessential New England charm. We kicked things off just south of Portland at the iconic Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. Situated within the sprawling Fort Williams Park, this is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and arguably its most breathtaking. We spent the evening walking the cliffside trails and exploring the old artillery batteries of the fort—all while the Atlantic crashed against the jagged rocks below.
Of course, you can't visit Portland without indulging in the local food scene. We headed into the city for dinner at The Highroller Lobster Co. This spot is a must for any lobster lover; their brioche rolls are toasted to perfection, and the variety of sauces (like that lime-jalapeño mayo) takes the classic lobster roll to a whole new level. It was the perfect fuel for the drive further north.
The following day, we made our way to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Standing where the mountains meet the sea, we took in the dramatic views from the Park Loop Road, stopping at spots like Jordan Pond and the granite cliffs of Otter Point. The air was crisp, the views of the "Bubbles" were postcard-perfect, and the rugged landscape reminded us exactly why Acadia is called the "Crown Jewel" of the North Atlantic coast.