I can see the water a bit and we have lots of water in HI. Don’t have many trees with changing leaves around here.
My priorities are
- Fall foliage,
- Food (sadly allergic to crab & lobster),
- Would love to meet any CC folks in Maine;
- Water (just because we have lovely ocean views here—different, but still water)
OK, thanks to everyone who has been so helpful! Have booked the flights and seats. Will spend 4 nights in Bar Harbor/Acadia and then 5 nights in Portland. I will be at a B&B in Bar Harbor (with excellent reviews) and then a regular chain hotel in Portland. Would be happy to meet anyone who is interested & available at either location–will arrive in Maine in a week. I can’t wait!
@HImom - sounds like you have a good plan. We are in Portland next Sunday night. We are in a different hotel each night based on the scenic drives we have planned. Normally we would do as you are doing and pick a home base then venture out from there each day. This time we are going somewhere new each night. Crossing my fingers get some good color for H to photograph.
We have tried a different hotel each night but that tends to just make us tired and cranky. We figure that’s not the mood we are aiming for. ;). We rather see less and have a more relaxed vacation.
I’m very excited and think it should be fun and amazing. We rarely stay and B&Bs, so that is also something I’m looking forward to—home cooked breakfast every day of the trip!
Btw, just to reassure. We eat a lot more than crab and lobster here. In 20+ years of going north in New England, I think last year’s stop to have a lobster roll was my first doing this in Maine.
Himom, in your other posts that mention trips, you always seem to find a good experience. I’m sure this will be just as good. And maybe we’ll later welcome you to the “Love Maine” club.
Yes, no problems finding good food that is not seafood, especially in Portland.
I’ll put in a plug for two restaurants in Portland and one in Brunswick–the chef/owner (Cara Stadler) is from my town in Massachusetts; my family rented her family’s home when we were building our house and they were iving in China. Cara has won a number of awards for her restaurants–she was also a James Beard Semi-finalist. The two restaurants in Portland are BaoBao (Asian dumplings) and Lio (recently opened–wine bar/small plates) and Tao Yuan in Brunskwick. I’ve been to BaoBao–excellent food!
Thanks—I’m sure we will find many yummy places—thanks for these great tips!
If anyone follows Pete Souza on twitter (former WH photographer) he had beautiful photos of fall leaves from Madison, WI today. Must be pretty out there!
^^^ Saw those. His feed is worth a follow for sure. 
Update: Maine mountains were very near peak this weekend. Expect to be past peak by the end of the week.
@HImom, we were just in Portland and Bar Harbor in early September. One of our favorite things was driving around the Schoodic Peninsula of Acadia National Park. It’s on the quiet side of the park.
Also, the location of Thurston Lobster Pound was very special. It’s a drive from Bar Harbor, but during sunset it was quite nice.
Probably been mentioned but you MUST find an apple orchard or pumpkin farm where you can go and walk around, get some cider and donuts. It’s a MUST DO fall activity. Those in the area can suggest ones (go during the week if you can, much less busy) to visit.
I was in Plymouth NH over the weekend.
I’m not sure of the official rating, but the leaves were breathtakingly gorgeous in my book!
Changed my avatar to a view from the front porch of our cabin. Not the best shot of foliage I have, but I like the picture.
I think @MaineLonghorn is trying to one up me on her avatar 
The hard thing to express to people who haven’t seen the fall foliage is that photos really don’t do it justice. One small snapshot can’t capture the enormity of the colors - they just go on and on and on. It’s almost overwhelming.
Even in the beginning, when it’s loner trees, it’s inspiring. It’s a gentle side of nature and its cycles.
I’m getting excited for our trip. Just have to get through this work week then we fly out on Saturday!