Monday, September 24, 2018

Moon Coastal Maine: Including Acadia National Park (Moon Handbooks) Paperback – June 14, 2016 by Hilary Nangle (Moon Travel / Avalon Travel)



Moon's classic black-and-white series wins again for those us who are independent, detail-oriented travelers who like to plan our own journey. I have previously used the black/white Mexico City, South Korea, Yellowstone, and Panama guides. Just like those, this guide is the step-by-step journey planner, even if you are just doing part of the Maine coast. The guide starts in the Portland area and has separate sections for each region that ends in the Canadian border area. This was helpful because it made it easy for me to plan drives out from Bar Harbor down to the mid-Maine coastal towns, taking into account exactly what the points of interest are along the way and giving fairly honest feedback on each. This was helpful to pinpoint areas people don't typically notice, like Blue Hill or Castine. So essentially, the whole thing reads like one giant, beautiful road trip. The only critique I had was for the restaurant selections - I guess most of use Tripadvisor, Yelp or word of mouth these days anyhow, but most non-Mainers heading up there are probably looking for local seafood. The guide ended up suggesting places like pizzerias and sushi restaurants, when what we really wanted to find were the best lobster shacks! This guide is great if you plan to do a bit of driving around for your Maine trip - if you are just hopping into Acadia, a map will suffice and you probably don't need this guide
Explore the best of Maine's spruce-studded islands, classic shoreline villages, and rugged character with Moon Coastal Maine. 

Inside you'll find:
Strategic itineraries for any budget and timeline, from five days in Acadia to a two-week road trip
Curated advice for history buffs, foodies, beach-goers, outdoor adventurers, and more
Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Hike or bike through lush timberland forests, or take a lighthouse cruise down the Kennebec River. Sample wild blueberries, farmstead cheeses, and preserves from roadside farmers markets, find the best beachfront lobster shack, or mingle with locals over a "chowdah suppah." Discover maritime history in a traditional fishing village, or explore quaint, pedestrian-only island towns packed with hiking trails. Watch the boats sway in a quiet harbor, unwind on a sandy pocket beach, or immerse yourself in the secluded wilderness of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park
Honest insight from Maine native Hilary Nangle on when to go, where to eat, and where to stay, from historic inns to budget campgrounds
Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
Recommendations for getting there and getting around by plane, car, train, or bus
Thorough background on the culture, environment, wildlife, and history
With Moon's local perspective, diverse activities, and expert tips on experiencing the best of Maine, you can plan your trip your way!

Eager to see the rest of the Pine Tree State? Try Moon Maine. Hitting the road? Try Moon New England Road Trip. 

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