Chez Jones Goes to… Maine
Acadia National Park.
Since we’re fully in the depths of summer, we’ve decided to create a little guide to coastal Maine - one of Chez Jones’ favorite places to visit in New England. (We’ll take a lobster roll on a rocky beach over a scene-y bar in the Hamptons any day!)
Below, we’ve listed places listed in order of direction, beginning south in Kennebunkport and moving northeast towards Arcardia as one might on a road trip. For those who haven’t traveled through before, know that Maine is a sneaky big state and as such, it can often take hours to get from one point to another. Because of this, we highly recommend breaking it up and staying overnight, especially if you decide to visit Arcardia, and especially if you decide to indulge in the many restaurants, bars, and breweries Maine has to offer.
Happy travels!
Kennebunkport/Kennebunk:
The most well-known part about the Kennebunks is likely the fact that the Bush family still has a sprawling compound here. (There are even Secret Service men parked outside when they’re in residence … go see for yourself!). The area and surrounding homes are, however, quite pretty as one would expect, with a historic district that’s worth a little stroll through if you’re here for the day.
Cape Pier Chowderhouse: It’s not a tourist trap like many of the other spots in Kennebunkport, and the lobster literally comes straight off of Cape Porpoise.
Arundel Wharf: Because sometimes you just want your happy hour to consist of steamers and dark and stormies.
White Barn Inn: If you insist on being fancy for dinner instead and want spend the night.
Portland:
Eventide: Great seafood as the name suggests, but done in a more modern, East-Asian influenced kind of way. Get their brown butter lobster roll (made with a steamed bun akin to bao) with a side of nori dusted potato chips, and wash it all down with a Dirty Dirty Martini (which includes olive brine, oyster brine and hot sauce).
Duckfat: We’re normally not panini people BUT, this is what Duckfat is known for, and every single one that we’ve had has been great. Also duck fat french fries, which should be a mandatory part of your order, and a milkshake, if you have the room.
East Ender: This casual gastro-pub is next to Duckfat and to be honest, probably gets a lot of run-off business from them as they're next door. The food and cocktails are good though!
Oxbow Beer: An easy spot to grab some nice beers and french fries if you're waiting for a table at a restaurant closeby. (They have a partnership with Duckfat for their food.)
To visit: Portland Headlight, Portland Museum of Art
To Stay: Blind Tiger
Freeport:
Go have a flight at Maine Beer Company (which makes great beers in very charming-looking bottles) and then check out the L.L. Bean (which is an obvious New England institution).
Somewhere In-Between …
Generally speaking, we’ve yet to find a nice spot to stay closer to Rockland that doesn’t resemble a fusty, haunted Victorian mansion, or a time capsule for 1998 interior decor … that also isn’t an arm and a leg. Fortunately, we did stumble upon the Squire Tarbox Inn, which is a chic bed and breakfast (with goats!) nestled into Westport Island, close to Wiscasset. Wiscasset itself is a good jumping off point driving north; be sure to grab coffee and the best frittata you’ve ever eaten from Treats.
Rockland, Rockport and Camden:
All small, beautiful old towns you can hit on your way up north. These enclaves have always been "summering" spots for wealthy New Englanders (and some New Yorkers) – with idyllic homes and estates along the water to prove it.
Nina June (Rockport): From the woman behind the now-shuttered (but very popular) Porchetta and Porsena in NY, this Italian restaurant serves Mediterranean with a Maine twist.
Long Grain (Camden): if you're tired of all the American food - this is great "farm-to-table" Thai. It’s only open for takeaway at the moment, however, you can make like we did and picnic at one of the parks up the hill.
To visit: Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse , Farnsworth Art Museum, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Camden Hills State Park
Absolutely worth the long drive north for the hiking and overall beauty. There's also a little beach there, which is lovely and great for humans and dogs alike.