Hiking, Wine, Boating Itinerary
Itinerary
Please be sure to look at when these places are open and if there are any COVID restrictions. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to call any that you plan to visit just to be on the safe side.
Central DownEast Maine is a great place to find hidden gems! In this itinerary, you will hike a lovely trail to the ocean, stop at a local restaurant for delicious local food, meander down Rt 1 to a fun, local winery with a haunted history, and perhaps go on an ocean expedition!
If you are traveling down from the Bangor area, we find that a stop into the local Dunkin Donuts- 266 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, on the right side as you are just entering Ellsworth is quick, easy and they have a clean bathroom and delicious donuts!
From there, it is a short ride to the Taft Point Preserve: Gouldsboro: https://frenchmanbay.org/preserve/taft-point/
- This lovely walk has 2 loop trails as well as walking on the beach. Take a look at this blog to give you an idea of the trails. https://umaine.edu/undiscoveredmaine/2021/05/17/taft-point-preserve-gouldsboro/
- Directions: From the North or the South on US coastal Rte 1, turn on to Maine Route 186 to Gouldsboro at the (brown) Acadia National Park / Schoodic Section entrance sign. Turn right onto Taft Point Road at 1.1 miles. Go .4 mile and turn right when the road splits.
Lunch at either:
Wharf Gallery & Grill,13 Gibbs Lane, Corea, ME 04624, 207-963-9077,M-Sa 11am-3pm. On reviewer said, ” Sat out on their pier overlooking picturesque Corea Harbor. Lobster rolls, potato chips, whoopie pies. Brought our own wine. Great experience!” (Check their website to make sure they are open for the season.)
OR if they are not open for the season yet, try:
- The Pickled Wrinkle 9 E. Schoodic Dr, Birch Harbor, ME 04613 | (207) 963-7916
- “Open year round, PW offers friendly and attentive service, great food and a laid back vibe.”
Afternoon: Catherine Hill Winery
661 Blackswoods Road Cherryfield, 207.546.3426
This beautiful winery is run by Deb and Walt, perhaps the nicest vintners we ever met! They use a mix of the freshest grapes from away, grapes grown onsite, and local Maine berries for their berry wines. This is a fun, unique experience where you can taste these delicious wines, paired with incredible chocolate – yum!
Hours (check website): “We are open for the season! Visit us Wednesday through Saturday noon to six, Sunday noon to five. Give us a call and we will serve you some wine.” 207.546.3426 And be sure to ask for the Catherine Hill ghost story! There is even an old cemetery in the back woods.
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If you still have some time and energy, you can consider a fun sea tour:
- Robertson Sea Tours 183 Dorman Rd, Harrington, ME 04643 | (207) 483-6110
- Seaside tours and more; this company will take you offshore to enjoy the water! They have a lighthouse and wildlife cruise, a puffin and seabird cruise, and a lobster fishing tour! Be sure to give them a call beforehand to check on their schedule and availability.
If you are hungry, here are a few nice local restaurants:
- North Street Cafe 109 North St, Cherryfield, ME 04622 | (207) 546-7780
- Small restaurant that offers both dine-in and takeout. Outdoor seating is available. Open Thursday 4AM–7PM, Friday 4AM–8PM, Saturday 11AM–8PM, Sunday 11AM–7PM
- Deano’s 13 Bozos Way, Milbridge, ME 04658 | (207) 546-3326
- The perfect place for a classic take out meal from pizza to subs! This restaurant is seasonal, so call before you go.
- The Milbridge House Restaurant 20 Main St, Milbridge, ME 06458 | (207) 546-4454
- A family owned business, it’s the perfect place when you need a home cooked meal to satisfy those comfort food cravings! Open Thurs-Sun, 6 am – 2 pm.
- Vasquez Mexican Takeout 38 Main St, Milbridge, ME 04658 | (207) 546-2219
- Perfect taco destination for those craving Mexican along the way! Open Mon-Fri, 11 am – 6 pm.
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Packing List
Aroostook/DownEast/Western:
The weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Therefore, here are some ideas to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, Maine is very casual, so you probably will not find any restaurants that require formal attire.
Spring/Summer/Fall: clothes, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking, sun hat, sunscreen, sweater or jacket, insect repellent, toiletries, and phone/camera
Winter: clothes (layers), ski pants highly recommended, winter boots, jacket, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, toiletries, and phone/camera. Please pack a helmet if you are participating in snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding.!
