Soak up Some Fun With a Weekend in Maine

Camden’s sophisticated small-town charms are second to none: storefronts housed in 19th-century brick, a historic harbor and a nest of schooner masts. Nearby Barrett’s Cove is a sandy entryway to Megunticook Lake, surrounded by hills and cliffs. (A paddleboard is the ultimate vessel to explore the island-studded expanse of water.) At the lake’s center, Fernald’s Neck Preserve provides a leafy sanctuary. Snatch a glimpse of the precarious glacial erratic known as Balance Rock. Save some juice for a sunset hike up Mt. Battie, where a stone war memorial tower offers a panoramic view.

Maine road trips proceed along tree-lined roads and rocky coves, emerging into lively waterfront towns. Explore midcoast villages Damariscotta and Newcastle. at a confluence of icy waters and dramatic tides that make Damariscotta a world-class region for oyster farming. At Glidden Point Oyster Farm, a tour offers insight into the techniques and rhythms that give each oyster its distinct merroir, followed by shucking instruction. Don’t forget to pack your towel—sweet, briny oysters pair perfectly with a private, hour-long sauna session.

Freshwater adventure opportunities abound, but the ocean is the big prize. Scenic Route One winds southward to Freeport, where a visit to the LL Bean flagship store is an essential stop en route to Portland. The city’s food scene overflows with discoveries. Pack the Boat-and-Tote to capacity with picnic goods and swimming gear, sling it into a bike basket and pedal downtown. For an authentic taste of island life, ride Casco Baylines’ daily mailboat service to Long Island. Quiet roads make for a scenic bike ride among salt-soaked clapboard homes and nature preserves. Sandy South Beach is a gentle place soak up Maine magic.

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