Rt 1 in southern Maine has nothing to recommend it if you are on a time crunch. It took family of ours 45 minutes to go 3 miles last week. (they had to pick up a part in Wells, or they wouldn’t have been there) I agree that staying in the Portland area may be a better use of your time than trying to make it down to Ogunquit/York/Wells. Ditto LlL Bean – you are using up time you could be eating! 
And Mt Agementicus is hard to find!
I’ve had the lobster roll at Libby’s in Brunswick - it was the best lobster roll I’ve ever had. As mentioned, it’s a convenience store - there are a couple of tables inside, and some picnic tables outside.
For the world’s best lobster roll, I recommend Reds. We visited between Bowdoin and Colby. Fantastic blueberry cake, lobsta, and whoopie pies, the state’s official dessert. Don’t get put off by the line, it moves quickly, and you can park right on the main street. There’s also another good lobster roll (but not as good as Reds) around the corner from Bowdoin.
If you have never had Maine lobster…I’m going to say…lobster fool with Maine lobster IN Maine is going to be awesome almost everywhere they sell it. It’s just the best. Period.
Enjoy your quick trip. You may find that some of what you plan to do…and where you plan to go will be determined by where you can actually get last minute lodging.
Yes…Camden is a schlep. But the towns you drive through to get there north of Portland are just wonderful towns…Wiscasset, for example.
We too decided to go to new Hampshire/Maine in mid August. (Mr. Ellebud’s family). So…thanks in advance for the info CCrs.
“Don’t get put off by the line, it moves quickly, and you can park right on the main street.”
Actually, it often doesn’t. If it is past the area where they scoop ice cream, expect at least 3o minutes wait as a gauge. Try to visit Red’s at off hours or in crappy whether. Their lobster rolls are good but not that much better than others that it is worth waiting for if the line is long. There are times we go and times we skip it depending on the line when driving through, which we’ve been doing for a few decades. (I’m feeling old)
^^again we disagree. We have gone many times on our trips North from Boston, and have always gotten in quickly. I do think their lobster rolls are bigger than any I’ve seen.
We get our lobsters at the Hannaford’s grocery store in Yarmouth, ha. While you shop, they will steam the lobsters for you at no extra charge. Quite a good deal. No point in paying tourist prices for it.
@MaineLonghorn when we vacation in York Harbor we always get our lobsters steamed at Hanovers. Best price anywhere. Sometimes we’d get 2 a person, lol!
Another vote here for a trip to Monhegan Island!
This has been a great thread. Thank you all for participating in it, helping me and getting me so excited to see Maine.
The good news is, I know this isn’t going to be a one-time trip to Maine. Bar Harbor and Acadia are HUGE on my bucket list. It’s just a matter of time. My next Maine trip will be flying into Portland, a couple of nights there to explore and then a good four nights at Acadia/Bar Harbor. Portland will definitely have its due!
I figure this trip will give my DS18 a couple of different looks at Maine- the nature and gorgeousness and hiking, and then some campy old school beach/boardwalky type stuff. I think he will eat it all up!
I believe there is an airport in Bangor…when you do your further north trip…consider that one. Sometimes flights are actually less costly flying there.
Did I miss the dates? We will be there Sept 17-23.
I am the poster from the other thread.
Please let us know how your trip goes and what you loved!
Yes, we flew into Bangor when we went to Bar Harbor and Acadia area, on to New Brunswick . Very manageable airport from what I remember. Sounds like a great trip with your son! My sister and I are going to Iceland with one of my sons soon. We are really happy to have that time with him. Have a great trip!
Someone HAS to be in Portland for First Friday!
@Ellebud @bevhills , let me know when you are going to be here. I would LOVE to get together with you for a meal
All my grandparents were longtime natives, and I was in high school before I discovered everyone didn’t get lobsters right off their friends’ boats for retail. We had those iconic everyone at one long table passing plates kind of lobster bakes , and my aunt & I eating mac and cheese because we both hate lobster.
@Consolation @Ellebud @bevhills same here!
@oregon101 - We are headed out soon! 7/24-28. Spontaneous trip!
I now live about 12 miles from Camden. I am new to the area, but the places we love are Mount Battie (easy climb and beautiful views), Beech Hill (another easy climb, with an historic cottage at the top), and Megunticook Lake for swimming and kayaking. If you can’t find a place to stay on the coast, the David Robbins Homestead in Union is lovely.
Thanks Massmomm!