5/25/2026

We wanted to spend as much time as possible along Maine’s unique coastline on this trip…because, honestly, we may never get another chance to visit this remote corner of our country.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to remind us who was in charge, and one very rainy day definitely limited our ability to fully appreciate the incredible scenery around us.

While Maine’s coastline measures only about 230 miles “as the crow flies,” its endless bays, coves, inlets, and offshore islands stretch the actual tidal shoreline to an astonishing 3,500 miles…longer than the entire coast of California! Unlike the sandy beaches common in many East Coast states, Maine’s coast is all rugged granite cliffs, rocky shores, crashing waves, and weathered fishing villages that seem delightfully resistant to modern change.

Maine has more than 4,600 islands, apparently each with its own personality. Some, like Mount Desert Island (which we visited previously while exploring Acadia National Park), bustle with tourists and activity, while others seem to operate on their own slower timetable and can only be reached by boat. Many have inspired artists, writers, and adventurers seeking solitude, beauty, and probably a temporary escape from cell service. Our first stop…

Camden

Camden is often called the “Jewel of the Maine Coast,” and even through the rain, we could see why. From the balcony of our stay at the Lord Camden Inn, we overlooked a classic New England harbor filled with lobster boats, schooners, sailboats, and tiny islands scattered across the water like a postcard.

The town felt both picturesque and authentic, but we were disappointed that we could not properly explore its charming streets and well-preserved Federal and Victorian architecture. The combination of cold wind, steady rain, our questionable enthusiasm for being soaked to the bone, and the urge to rest in our cozy room…well, the inn finally won the battle.

I later learned that Camden has long attracted artists and writers, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a fashionable resort town. Many of the elegant inns and historic homes still reflect that era. Camden is also home to the U.S. National Toboggan Championships each winter at the Camden Snow Bowl. Apparently, the people of Maine looked at an icy hill and collectively thought, “Yes…let’s race down that.” Unfortunately, most of what we knew about Camden came from reading rather than wandering, which felt a bit like studying the menu without getting the meal. 🥲🥲🥲

45th Parallel Marker

In Perry, we stopped at the historic 45th Parallel marker — one of the earliest (1895) geographic monuments in the United States. It marks a spot near 45° north latitude, the imaginary line halfway between the Equator and the North Pole.

Back in the late 1880s, surveyors from the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey were mapping Maine’s rugged coastline when they realized this location sat almost exactly on the 45th parallel. They placed a brass pin there, and local residents later decided that it deserved something a little more impressive than “small metal object in the dirt.” So in 1896, a block of Maine red granite was carved and inscribed to commemorate the location as “halfway from the equator to the pole.” It was officially dedicated on July 4, 1899.

Modern GPS technology later revealed that the actual 45th parallel is about 140 feet north of the monument…which means even granite monuments can apparently be “close enough.” Still, it remains a fun landmark for locals and travelers like us.

Eastport

Eastport is a small coastal city in far Downeast Maine, located on Moose Island just across the water from New Brunswick, Canada. It is the easternmost city in the continental United States, known for its dramatic Bay of Fundy tides, working waterfront, and deep maritime roots. It has rugged coastal beauty, excellent seafood, and the peaceful atmosphere of a place where lobster boats clearly outnumber traffic lights.

Unfortunately, our visit happened not only on a rainy day but also on Memorial Day — meaning many places were closed. We did manage to find The Hungry Crab open, and we were thrilled because it was supposed to be our first and final chance to have fresh Maine lobster before leaving the state the next day.

But then came the heartbreaking news: the lobster boats were not working because of the holiday…meaning no fresh lobster. Honestly, this may rank among the trip’s greatest emotional disappointments. Clearly, I made a serious tactical error by postponing important lobster-related decisions until the final day in Maine. Lesson learned.

We recovered emotionally by ordering pizza and halibut chowder instead.

Calais