Visiting the MidCoast Without a Car

Are you interested in visiting Maine’s MidCoast without a car? You are not alone. Every year, we hear more and more about how visitors enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Maine and how much it means to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

Visitors have begun to ask: Is it possible for me to get around to see and do everything I want to do without sitting in traffic? Yes, it is. Getting around Maine’s MidCoast without a car is enjoyable and doable IF you plan ahead.

 

How to get to and from the MidCoast

Flights to Portland and Bangor are more readily accessible than ever. Both PWM and BGR are straightforward to navigate, and once in the State, you can access bus, shuttle, and private car services that can bring you straight to the coast.

 

Concord Trailways offers service from Portland, Maine, to the MidCoast 1 time per day. The Portland Station is an easy 10-minute taxi ride from the PWM airport or the Old Port. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, as routes can fill up with summer travelers to-and-from the Boston area. The ride is approximately 3.5 hours, and each bus has free WiFi, an onboard restroom, and A/C.

Suppose you prefer a van shuttle or a luxury chauffeured car. In that case, Sterling Elite can take you roundtrip directly from the Portland and Bangor airports to Camden (and any location between Belfast and Portland) in a shared van service or private vehicle. Advanced reservations are required for all of their highly-rated services.

 

Get around once you are in town

It can come as a surprise to many visitors that Maine does NOT have widespread online rideshare services. Locals have heard too many stories from frustrated tourists who ended up stranded after thinking that they would quickly and readily be able to call up a rideshare car. Yes, there are some drivers, BUT a word of caution to travelers without vehicles: Long distances, small rideshare driver pools, and high demand make getting a rideshare lift extremely difficult in the best of times.

Luckily, Maine is home to incredible alternatives you can easily book.

Craft Delivery specializes in both taxi and concierge delivery services. Owner Susan Craft states, “I make sure that everyone gets where they need to go and back again.” Advanced reservations are recommended. Craft’s team works with local gourmet shops to help set visitors up with groceries and sundries for their stay.

Schooner Bay Taxi can get you wherever you need to go around the MidCoast. Want to take a day trip to the Farnsworth Art Museum or Owls Head Light while staying in Camden? Give them a call. They take credit cards, and all vehicles are equipped with Square readers.

A hop-on-hop-off shuttle service is coming online in Summer 2023 that will take you from the Lincolnville Ferry with stops in Camden, the Rockland Ferry, and Rockland Chamber – down to the Knox County Regional Airport. The new service, The Sterling Voyager, is from the family-owned and operated team at Sterling Elite and will run from Fridays to Sundays. It is ADA-accessible and will offer day and single-stop passes along with live tracking on the Sterling Elite website. Stay tuned to their website for launch dates and the full schedule.

 

Rent an E-bike, mountain, or hybrid bike from Maine Sport. With locations in downtown Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, Maine Sport can set you up, whatever your comfort level. The MidCoast is generally hilly terrain, so an E-Bike is highly recommended to help power you up during sightseeing. Meet their team at one of the local shops and learn how to use and charge your E-bike. Daily rentals include helmets and locks to keep your body and bike secure.

While there, review the roads and consider grabbing a paper road map. (Yes, it is a bit old school, but it is also a lifesaver when internet access can get spotty outside of public spaces and hotels.) Their team is also accommodating in helping you to plan a sightseeing route based on your abilities. Tap into their expertise and recommendations for lesser-known (but much-beloved) locations on the MidCoast.

 

What to see and do while you are in the MidCoast

Downtown Rockport is all the things – charming, picturesque, and easily accessible by bike. Make your way to Marine Park and walk down to the docks to catch a day trip on the Schooner Heron or walk around the Old Lime Kilns and see the famous Andre the Seal statue.

 

 

Grab a coffee at Seafolk (shown above) and sit on the back deck while you snack on a fig and ricotta toast or a housemade Seafolk Sammy egg sandwich. Hit up the shop for wine-tasting and delectable small plates later in the day.

The Beauchamp Point trail is a hidden gem in Rockport. A long-time local secret, this trail winds its way around the Beauchamp Sanctuary. Take Russell Avenue north and turn right onto Mechanic Street. Head south to Beauchamp Point Road. The pavement will turn to packed dirt and gravel. Proceed cautiously and be a good guest to other cyclists, walkers, and families on the trail – and make sure to stay on the public lands. While on the trail, visit the Vesper Hill Children’s Chapel – an outdoor sanctuary with beautiful grounds and ocean views.

As you head north, you can stop at Aldermere Farm and see the famous Belted Galloway cows. The farm is part of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and offers year-round programming, including farm tours, poetry walks, and agricultural workshops.

 

From downtown Camden, ride your bike to Camden Hills State Park. Pay the toll and cycle or hike up to the top of Mount Battie to take in spectacular sweeping views of Camden Harbor and the entire MidCoast region. The Park Rangers can help you with a trail map and advise on which trails best suit your skill level. The Auto road is popular with cars, bikes, and hikers alike. A dedicated, friendly locals-group walks the auto road daily. You may catch them if you are at the park when it opens. Once at the top, climb the stone tower and take out your camera or bag lunch. It is a beautiful place to stop and sit for a while.

A short 3-mile bike ride from downtown Camden is Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake. There you will find a public sandy beach, home to the Megunticook Rowing Club and some of the region’s best lake swimming. It is free and open to the public.

 

Camden Harbor Cruises launch daily from the Town Landing. Take a spectacular Lighthouse cruise, Lobster Cruise, or Eco-Tour to see some of the best views of the mid-coast directly from the water. Learn about Maine’s iconic wildlife and hear about the region’s history from the guides. Tours are tailored to different age groups. You can also book a private charter for you or your group and design a trip based on your interests.

 

Camden is FULL of shops and artisan boutiques. Out on the Wharf, try Motifs for housewares, breezy dresses, linen goods, and locally made candles. While you are there, stop in at the Whistling Whale coffee bar for a nitro cold brew and a Whaler Biscuit. Back downtown, shop at Swan’s Island for Maine’s signature blankets and yarns or at the Owl & Turtle Bookshop for a light read. This 50+-year-old shop is a MidCoast mainstay, full of regional treasures and national bestsellers.

 

 

Central places to stay in the MidCoast

The Norumbega (shown above) on High Street in Camden is the crown jewel of the MidCoast. Meticulously and lovingly renovated by owners William Tims and Brett Haynie, this boutique hotel features exquisitely restored rooms that pay homage to the property’s history, adding in all the comforts of a modern luxury getaway. Grab a craft cocktail from the charming full bar, sit on the back porch, and take in the lush gardens and Penobscot Bay. The location is perfect for walking to town to shop and dine during your stay. Book a room on one of the special dinner service nights in partnership with E. Wales Hospitality. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres on the porch and a multi-course meal in the beautiful dining room.

 

 

The Lyman Morse Crew Quarters (shown above) are one of the region’s newest hotels. Designed as a place to rest for sea-faring guests who stop in Camden Harbor, The Crew Quarters sit perched atop a newly built wharf full of boutiques, a coffee shop, a fine dining restaurant, and the offices of the Lyman Morse Camden-based operations. (Everyone is welcome to book at the Crew Quarters!) The rooms are modern, splendid, and comfortable. The floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor decks allow guests to take in the full view of the working waterfront and offer a front seat to the comings and goings of some of Maine’s most beautiful Windjammers and the marina. Guests have ample private space and access to a luxury community kitchen and living room with a fireplace. The hotel features a launch that will take you easily back and forth to Camden’s town landing.

Tip: Stay in places within walking distance of shops and restaurants where you want to visit, rent an E-bike, and book rides from reputable, hard-working local taxi providers.

 

 

Where to dine

Nina June in Rockport is a blessing to anyone who loves food and community. Chef Sara Jenkins and her team execute a menu that honors local producers and invites surprise for its guests. Try the Johns River Oysters with a mignonette and micro basil or the Caldwell Farms burger with seaweed french fries. Don’t forget to sample some house-made tagliatelle with fresh seasonal herbs or desserts like the olive oil cake with lilac ice cream and strawberry rhubarb compote. Tip: Book one of the seasonal-themed dinners and a roundtrip ride. You will want to partake in the craft cocktails and extensive wine list, full of bottles from small, unique producers.

Walk or Bike from Camden’s downtown area to The Salt Wharf. The rooftop seating and expansive views are worth the trip, let alone the savory menu. Snack on small plates like the deviled eggs or housemade chips – both with caviar or the local oysters and tuna crudo. Move on to the fresh halibut with snap peas and parsnip puree or the grilled ribeye with confit potatoes and baby carrots.

Wolfpeach has changed its offerings and now does homemade woodfired pizza and house made ice cream. Order a Parmesan Cowboy with smoked pork, broccolini, provolone, mozzarella, onion, and chili, or try the classic Margherita. Finish it all off with a scoop of ginger and coffee ice cream.

 

Moody’s Diner is an excellent stop on your way in or out of town. Private car services can make a pit stop for a half-and-half Turkey Dinner (white and dark meat) smothered in homemade gravy or a classic Club Sandwich. Top your midday dinner (as the locals call it) with a piece of Moody’s famous pie and homemade whipped cream. It’s a Maine classic that everyone should enjoy at least once.

 

 

We recognize that these suggestions are a starting point for planning your MidCoast trip without a car. It is not exhaustive, and we know there are many ways to enjoy our region.

We encourage you to share your tips and suggestions on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

More MidCoast adventures without a car:

• Learn more about taking a multi-day cruise on a Windjammer at the Maine Windjammer Association.
• Want to go all-out and cycle from town to town on the MidCoast? Find out how at Backroads Tours.
• Charter a bus with your group and build a custom MidCoast tour at Northeast Tours.

 

 

Written by Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons, a writer and artist who lives on the coast of Maine. She is also a lecturer at the University of Southern Maine, teaching in the Tourism + Hospitality Department. She is passionate about Maine’s MidCoast and its unique geography and cultural history.

Photos by Capshore Photography, a southern Maine duo whose passion is creating authentic images and video to tell stories using both traditional and aerial drone photography.

These site visits were conducted on the unceded ancestral lands of the Wabanaki Nation. Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons and Amy Welch-Olsen of Capshore Photography would like to thank the Wabanaki People for their historic stewardship of this land.